Few companies have the kind of clout in the compact/mid-size pickup world that Nissan wields, especially overseas and in developing countries. So after teasing the world a bit with an Instagram photo and an artsy video, Nissan has officially released information and images of its 12th generation global NP300 Navara compact truck, which goes on sale later this year in many overseas markets.
In the States, we know the NP300 Navara as the Frontier. But, as our buddies at Nissan point out, this is not our new Frontier. At least it won't be for a while. But it could be, and in all likelihood will be, but in reality can't be for a couple three years or so. Because Nissan has more pressing truck concerns, which we'll get to later.
By the looks of things, Nissan designers pulled out the stops to make the 2014 Navara a truly great-looking truck, with a nicely evolved expression of the previous model's face, now highlighted by (likely optional) LED running lamps. The thick grille struts are more vertically oriented than in Nissan's most recent passenger cars, imparting a sense of strength appropriate for a truck. The outboard edges of the hood rise around the low center section, creating a "horizon" that is likely visible from the driver's seat. Nissan has also managed to infuse the body with Nissan's characteristic swoopiness without making it look the least bit effeminate. In both King Cab and Double Cab varieties—the only cab styles the Navara offers—its window shapes are virtually identical to the similarly macho-looking Chevy Colorado. The roof, meanwhile, is lower, while ground clearance is higher. And out back, the enlarged cargo area is enclosed by tailgate capped by a spoiler, and with Nissan's "V Motion" bevels molded in.
Nissan promises that ingress and egress have improved with the 2014 Navara, and that once inside, occupants will be able to see out better while ensconced in upgraded materials and double-stitched fabrics. The dashboard features large primary dials flanking a small info screen, as well as a decidedly car-like center stack/console design that includes—at least on high-feature models like the ones in the photos—high-res TFT displays for the infotainment systems. The three-spoke steering wheel will look familiar to Altima drivers out there.
Perhaps the best news at this point is the promise that the Navara is lighter than its predecessor (though Nissan didn't say how much lighter), and we hope that translates into a lighter Frontier, whenever it arrives here. Other than to say that the Navara's "high-strength chassis and leaf-spring suspension have been engineered to take the punishment of intense daily use," Nissan did not specify the exact changes it has made to the frame or suspension. Nissan does, however, promise a reduced turning circle.
Nissan only mentioned two four-cylinder engines—a 2.5-liter gas engine and a 2.5-liter diesel, the latter available in two strengths, one producing 161 horsepower and 297 lb-ft of torque, and the other making 188 horses and 332 lb-ft. Nissan didn't provide details of the gasoline engine—nor did it mention a V-6 or the likely Cummins diesel four-cylinder that Nissan is considering for the U.S.—but it's worth noting that the base engine in today's Frontier is also a 2.5-liter gas engine that produces 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. You can expect that by the time the next-gen North American Frontier breaks cover, the standard mill will grow in output and fuel efficiency. Because, you know, progress.
- 2014 Nissan Frontier Research: News, Photos, Pricing, and More
- Long-Term Road Test: 2004 Nissan Titan SE Crew Cab 4×4
- Auto Shows: Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner Powered by Cummins Concept
The official word from Nissan North America is that the Navara "could be the basis for the next Frontier," and that we will get "a version" of the NP300 truck platform. Nissan reminded us that Frontier is the current second-best compact truck in the U.S., and that it is committed to staying in the segment. So why not bring it over sooner to face off the ancient Toyota Tacoma and defend its territory from the fresh new Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon? Because Nissan has spent kazillions of dollars on the long-awaited next-generation full-size Nissan Titan pickup, scheduled to arrive next year, and that truck needs to get a running start in the market before a slick little squirt like this shows up and steals the spotlight.
from Car and Driver Blog http://ift.tt/nSHy27
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