You know, one of the practical, rough and tumble trucks of the early 1990s that really stood for something wasn't a Land Rover and it sure as hell wasn't the Geo Tracker.
It was a Nissan. To be more specific, it was the Nissan Pathfinder.
Armed with a manual gearbox and able to take a beating, the Pathfinder was a rugged traveler that got the job done. However, as we've seen the times change, it's badass nature seems to have been diluted a bit.
At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Nissan touted out the Pathfinder Concept, which Nissan readily admits is a reinvention of the Pathfinder nameplate. Said to incorporate innovative technology and fuel efficiency, ruggedness seems to be off the list of key characteristic traits. Now the vehicle has turned towards seven-passenger seating and an all-new CVT transmission.
Given consumer's demands, is this the RIGHT path for an upcoming Pathfinder OR should Nissan take this particular product back to its roots, as seen in the commercial below:
Nissan's press release follows:
Nissan is reinventing its popular Pathfinder SUV to appeal to customers looking for SUV capabilities with more passenger comfort, innovative technology and fuel-efficient performance. The Pathfinder Concept, on display at the North American International Auto Show, previews the all-new look, style and attitude Nissan will bring to the segment when the next-gen Pathfinder goes on sale in fall 2012 at Nissan dealers nationwide. Pathfinder, Nissan’s best-known nameplate in the United States, is one of 20 new or redesigned products Nissan plans to introduce in this market within the next two years.
“Nissan is in a great position today. Sales are up, market share is increasing and our dealers have a great selection of 2012 Nissan cars, trucks and SUVs in inventory,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “This new Pathfinder Concept is just the beginning of a far-reaching wave of new products on the horizon for Nissan. By the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of our sales volume will be all-new or redesigned.”
Pathfinder Concept: Modern Design, 7-Passenger SUV Capabilities
At first glance, it is clear the Pathfinder Concept is a game-changer for the Nissan brand. The stylish fourth-generation Pathfinder design brings a new look and packaging that’s ideal for adventurous owners who need versatility and SUV capability without compromise. The sweeping character lines of the Pathfinder Concept give a hint of a design language that will carry through future Nissan models. The Pathfinder Concept also features innovative 3-row interior flexibility and room for seven passengers.
The new Pathfinder’s aerodynamic body is combined with a refined V6 engine and next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to make it one of the most fuel-efficient 7-passenger vehicles on the market. It is projected to deliver an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped design). In addition to offering an intuitive four-wheel-drive system, the new Pathfinder will also have towing capacity competitive with the leaders in the segment.
While the Pathfinder Concept making its world debut in Detroit provides a full glimpse of the exterior design direction the production vehicle will take, details on the interior and technology inside will have to wait. It is safe to say, however, that the next-gen Pathfinder’s roomy cabin will deliver innovation and class-above craftsmanship – with excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. Additional information will be available soon.
Stay tuned to AutoSpies as more of the BEST photos emerge from Detroit...
Lexus is the exclusive sponsor of the 2012 Detroit Auto Show Photo Galleries.
2012 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
