Autoblog

Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, SUV, Hatchback, Nissan, Luxury, Off-Road

Nissan has revealed prices for three of its 2013 offerings: the Versa, Cube and Armada. There are no exterior revisions for any beyond paint choices, but all get new combinations in packaging and tech along with minor price increases.

The Versa goes up in price by $1,000. The base, five-speed manual Versa S rings up at $11,990 before the $790 destination and handling charge. Even at that price, the Versa remains the least expensive new car in America to buy. A 1.6 S AT with a four-speed automatic joins the lineup on top of the five-speed and the Xtronic CVT, bringing 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway to the mix. A new S Plus trim gets cruise control and two more rear speakers.

Aero enhancements like low-rolling resistance tires, an air intake guide, rear spoiler and rear wheel and underbody air deflectors mean that every CVT Versa gets 40 highway mpg, up from 38 mpg in 2012. The Versa line maxes out at $16,590 for the 1.6 SL CVT.

The 2013 Cube goes up by $180, now starting at $16,760 before $790 for destination and handling. For 2013, Nissan axes the base 1.8 model, leaving just S and SL trims. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual or CVT.

The 2013 Armada's price rises by $840 to $40,710 before the $995 destination fee. A new Platinum Reserve Package makes the priciest Armada sticker at $56,180. It includes 20-inch dark chrome wheels, dark chrome grille and outside mirrors, two-tone Chocolate/Almond leather seating, and dark satin chrome interior accents. For the back-seaters, the single eight-inch screen for the DVD system becomes two seven-inch, headrest-mounted screens.

The press releases below have more details on each of the new offerings.

Continue reading Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada

Nissan prices the 2013 Versa, Cube and Armada originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Titan and Armada get new prices and model designations for 2011

Zach Bowman — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Nissan

2011 Nissan Titan - Click above for high-res image gallery

It looks like the 2011 Nissan Murano was the harbinger of names to come for the rest of the Nissan fleet. The company just released pricing details on the 2011 Titan and Armada, and it looks like the two heavy-breathing bruisers will carry new badges when they hit dealer lots. Starting next year, the Armada will shed its SE and Titanium designations in favor of SV and SL trims, respectively. Those looking to land themselves in the big Japanese SUV can expect to pay $37,910 for a two-wheel drive in SV garb. Things top out with the $52,890 Armada 4x4 Platinum.

On the truck side of things, XE, SE and LE trims have been scrapped in favor of S, SV and SL designations. Oh what a difference a consonant makes. Pricing for the full-size pickup starts at $26,820 for the short-wheelbase version in two-wheel drive, S trim and goes up from there. The priciest of the lot is the $39,620 Titan SL Crew Cab four-wheel drive. Hit the jump to check out the full press release, complete with pricing information.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Titan

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Titan and Armada get new prices and model designations for 2011

Nissan Titan and Armada get new prices and model designations for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Infiniti, First Drives, Luxury

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ask any braniac elementary school student what happened to the dinosaurs, and they'll tell you they turned into birds. While the mechanics are a bit more complicated than a momma T-Rex hatching a brood of yellow finches, modern science would seem to agree with the concept. When we were in school, the common perception was that those massive lizards parted ways with terra firma courtesy of a jumbo-sized meteor smack. Our Earth Science books called it a mass extinction, and they accompanied the definition with helpful illustrations that depicted contemplative Brontosaurus and Triceratops herds looking off into the distance as a chunk of orange sky plummeted toward the horizon.

So you can't really blame us for thinking that the SUV would follow a similar natural path. When fuel prices shot up, many rejoiced at the thought of global body-on-frame extinction. This was the event some had been patiently waiting for since the high-riding people movers first supplanted the minivan as the family cruiser of choice. And while we've certainly seen weaker species succumb to the heat of pressure from more efficient breeds, the strong continue to soldier on, slowly adapting to a world grown hostile to anything big and thirsty. If you believe Infiniti, that's exactly what the 2011 QX56 has done - evolved.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AP: Nissan to recall 48k trucks, SUVs over potential suspension issue

Chris Shunk — Wed, 19 May 2010 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan

The Associated Press is reporting that Nissan will recall 48,700 trucks and SUVs for a suspension problem that could lead to an unforgiving ride. The recall, which could officially begin as early as this week, involves the 2010 Nissan Titan, Pathfinder, Armada and Xterra, along with the Infiniti QX56. The recall is related to a suspension control link that may not have been welded properly. If the weld is insufficient, the bushing collar could crack, leading to the kind of ride that bruises kidneys and rattles fillings.

Nissan spokesman Colin Price reported to the AP that the company is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get the recall processed as quickly as possible. Once a recall is officially announced, Nissan will provide a fix at no cost to the customer. No accidents have been reported as a result of this potential issue.

[Source: The Associated Press]

AP: Nissan to recall 48k trucks, SUVs over potential suspension issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:23:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Truck, Recalls, Safety, Nissan

Another day, another recall. This time Nissan is the automaker in question, recalling a total of 539,864 vehicles due to faulty brake pedal pins and fuel gauge components.

Nissan reports that three instances have been reported where brake pedal pins have partially disengaged, resulting in a loss of normal braking ability. Additionally, the fuel gauges in certain higher-mileage vehicles may incorrectly indicate the amount of fuel in the tank. The automaker sites that no accidents or injuries have been reported with either issue, and that all of its new vehicles currently on sale are not affected by these problems.

Vehicles affected by the brake pedal pins are the 2008-2010 Nissan Titan, Armada, Quest and Infiniti QX56. Of those recalled brake pins, 178,916 are in the United States and 25,869 in other markets. As for the fuel gauge inaccuracies, this affects 2005-2008 Nissan Titan, Armada and Infiniti QX56, as well as any Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra models produced between January and March of 2006 or between October 2007 and January 2008. This accounts for 418,865 vehicles in the U.S. and 53,253 elsewhere in the world.

Beginning this month, Nissan will be notifying all owners of the vehicles in question, and they will be able to bring the vehicles to any Nissan or Infiniti dealer to have the problems repaired at no charge. For vehicles affected by the fuel gauge issues, Nissan recommends that in the mean time owners maintain a fuel level of no less than a half-tank. Hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems

Nissan recalls 540,000 vehicles for brake pedal pin, fuel gauge problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Infiniti

Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to Car and Driver, Infiniti is readying a direct-injection system for its 3.7-liter V6 and plans to implement it on the refreshed G37 coupe and sedan before the redesigned G arrives in the next three years. A variant of the twin-turbocharged, 3.7-liter direct-injected V6 originally shown in the Essence concept will likely appear in the redesigned M - due in 2010 - and will reportedly put out between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos.

While Infiniti recognizes that it could use a successor to the Q45 (the company's slow-selling full-size sedan last roamed U.S. showrooms in 2006) to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, the project may be stifled by the floundering economy. Infiniti dealers were evidently shown a concept in Japan earlier this year, assumed to be the next Q, which was essentially a four-door version of the Essence concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. At this point, its future is uncertain.

Larry Dominique, Infiniti's veep of product planning in the U.S., wants to make sure that the automaker's resources are focused on its core products - namely the G and M series - but admitted that a QX56 replacement is in the works and will likely debut after 2010 once the redesigned Armada is released.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases more images and info on trio of 2008 trucks

John Neff — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:38:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Truck

click image above to view more high-res images

Perhaps looking to increase the buzz factor before the 2007 Chicago Auto Show next week, Nissan has released even more images and info on the trio of trucks it will be debuting, which includes the 2008 Titan, Armada and Pathfinder. To recap, the Titan gets a new long-wheelbase version with a 7-foot bed, as well as an off-road PRO-4X trim. The one and only engine is an updated 5.7-liter V8 now producing 317 horsepower and 385 ft-lbs. of torque, which is good for a top tow-rating of 9,500 lbs. that falls below that of the domestics and Toyota's new Tundra.

The Armada gets a refreshened face up front, but the bigger news is on the inside where a new dash makes this full-size SUV an easier ship to sale. Finally, the Pathfinder also gets styling tweaks inside and out, but it's big news is under the hood where a 300-horsepower 5.6L V8 is now an option.

You can check all the numerous big and little tweaks these three trucks received in the press releases located after the jump, or check at all three galleries we've assembled of available high-res images.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Armada

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Titan

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Continue reading Nissan releases more images and info on trio of 2008 trucks

Nissan releases more images and info on trio of 2008 trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Preview: 2008 Nissan Armada

Alex Nunez — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:07:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, SUV, Nissan

Nissan's gigunda Tahoe/Expedition fighter, the Armada, is also getting a visual cleanup for the Chicago Auto Show. Outside, the change is most evident in front, where a subtly reshaped grille and lower fascia opening freshen things up. "V8" badging now adorns the SUV's flanks as well. Otherwise, there are no monumental changes to speak of.

Head inside, however, and the changes are numerous and for the better. The instrument cluster receives all-new gauges which are better looking and probably more readable. The center stack has been completely redone, with cleaner integration for the nav screen, new radio and HVAC controls, and repositioned, reshaped supplemental buttons/knobs for things like the hazards. Wood (or simulated wood) trim has been added to the dashboard and from the looks of things, the door panels have been redesigned as well, with new armrests playing home to the window controls.
Other fun stuff available on the '08 Armada includes power-fold third-row seating (always nice), DVD nav, and Bluetooth integration. The interior updates (shown after the jump) really are the story though, as they're a big improvement over the '07.

[Source: Kicking Tires}

Continue reading Chicago Preview: 2008 Nissan Armada

Chicago Preview: 2008 Nissan Armada originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti debuts new Q-ute: 2008 Infiniti QX56

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Infiniti

Click the image above for a full, hi-res gallery.

We left the automotive whirlwind that is the Detroit Auto Show and totally forgot that Infiniti was going to unveil a refreshed version of their imposing SUV. Actually, we didn't know that Infiniti had any plans to show off their 2008 QX56, so snapping shots of the 'ute didn't make it onto our "to do" list.

In hindsight, we're not too disappointed we didn't see it in the metal, since the refresh mainly was comprised of redesigned front and rear fascias, a new roof rack, fog lamps and standard chrome dubs. While power output on the 320 HP, 5.6-liter V8 remains unchanged.

On the inside, the tarted-up Armada gets a power-operated, 60/40 split, 3rd row seat, some new, visually pleasing interior elements, along with a Burr-Brown audio system complete with a 9.5-gig Music Box hard drive, XM traffic monitoring and an eight-inch LCD display.

If you're looking for all the details on the QX56, follow the jump for Infiniti's press release.

UPDATE: Looks like the Infiniti crew are Autoblog readers, as we were contacted not soon after publishing this post by them. They appreciated the write up on the redesigned ute, but wanted to direct our attention to the interior, which has received a much more substantial redesign than the exterior for 2008. Indeed, we like the new dash, which is covered less in vents, features more wood and soft-touch materials, and also pushes the nav screen farther out of its hole. There's also a new door design that flows into the dash better than the current model. Click on either pic to see larger versions.

2008 Infiniti QX56 interior

2007 Infiniti QX56 interior

Continue reading Infiniti debuts new Q-ute: 2008 Infiniti QX56

Infiniti debuts new Q-ute: 2008 Infiniti QX56 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jan 2007 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial

John Neff — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

We try to only show you the commercials we think are really cool because, let's face it, we're only giving away free advertising when we post these things. We had to show you this one that debuted today from AutoTrader, however, because it reminds us a lot of the coolest video we've ever posted on Autoblog, the 1K Project II. Like that video, AutoTrader's commercial, called "Armada", uses CGI to place an unreasonabe amount of vehicles on the road at one time. Considering AutoTrader is in the business of putting people in touch with the right car, those thousands are eventually narrowed down to one red Mustang that does a 180 into the new owner's driveway (that part's not CGI). The video above is a short "Making of" type feature that is followed immediately by the commercial itself. The new spot is much better than the current "Find Your Car" ones being aired by the website.

Check out the video after the jump.

Continue reading AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial

AutoTrader debuts new "Armada" commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan's Marc Ecko Pathfinder and Armada revealed

Alex Nunez — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Nissan

Click to enlarge

Back in August, we told you about the partnership forged between urban fashion icon Marc Ecko and Nissan. Ecko will market a co-branded clothing line through his Ecko Unltd. and Marc Ecko Cut & Sew collections, the proceeds from which will support the designer's nonprofit organization, Sweat Equity Enterprises. In addition to the clothing line, Ecko designed a pair of SUVs -- a pathfinder and an Armada -- which will be used for promotional purposes. Ecko went to Unique Autosports to turn his designs into reality. Unique, for those of you who may not be familiar with it, is Will Castro's auto customization outfit that's featured on SPEED TV's Unique Whips. As you might expect, the Ecko Nissan jobs were filmed and will be featured during the program's upcoming season.

The Armada sports enormous laser-etched deep dish wheels, a new grille, two-tone cream and orange exterior, landau top (!), and a fully-overhauled interior done in Florentine leather to match the body's color scheme. it represents the themes seen in Ecko's more upscale Cut & Sew line.

The Ecko Pathfinder is reflective of the Ecko Unltd. brand, and as such sports a grey urban camouflage paint job that upon closer inspection reveals details like Ecko's signature rhinos, which "hide" in the camo. Shots of orange accent the grey exterior. Like the Armada, the Pathfinder gets a bit of a facelift in the form of a revised grille. Huge five-spoke wheels with orange rim lines fill up the wells and make the Pathfinder's brakes look ridiculously small. The orange-painted calipers are meant to accent the overall color scheme, but they also serve as beacons that draw your attention to the small discs they clamp down on. Inside, driver and passengers get to sit in black button-tufted leather seats, backed by polished molded wood. The center console and instrument cluster is trimmed in orange lacquer. And what would a ride out of Unique be without an utterly monstrous A/V system. The front headrests have embedded LCD screens, while the cargo area is stuffed with JBL amps and woofers.

Unfortunately, we only have the full set of publicity shots for the Pathfinder at this time. Once we get the suite of Armada shots, we'll update the post with them as well. In the meantime, you can check out Unique's galleries of both SUVs here.

(Photo gallery and a pair pf press releases after the jump)

{Sources: Nissan, Marc Ecko Enterprises, BusinessWire]

Continue reading Nissan's Marc Ecko Pathfinder and Armada revealed

Nissan's Marc Ecko Pathfinder and Armada revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Nissan

Another year is approaching and, on its impending arrival, Nissan released new figures for its current lineup of pickups and sport utility vehicles.

But before we douse you with the bloated figures that make up anything with optional four-wheel drive, a note about the Versa. Nissan's fuel-miser will get an additional $100 stuck onto its sticker price, due to, well, we don't know why, just because. The 1.8-liter, six-speed equipped "S" model will come in at $12,550, with an automatic tranny setting you back an additional $800. The SL model with a stick comes in at $13,350, while the automatic will have an MSRP of $14,550. Add a CVT to the mix and tack on another grand.

Now, onto the big boys.

Continue reading Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs

Nissan announces pricing on 2007 trucks and SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan teams with Marc Ecko for pair of custom SUVs

John Neff — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Nissan

Perhaps hoping to emulate the success that Ford has enjoyed from its long standing relationship with apparel producer Eddie Bauer, Nissan has announced that it's partnering with urban style maven Marc Ecko, who plans to modify a Nissan Pathfinder and Armada with his signature artistic style to commemorate the hook up. We're not totally certain the above image is actually a rendering of what Mr. Ecko has planned, but Nissan says the pair of SUVs will be unveiled soon enough in October, before heading out on a cross-country tour. Hopefully they'll be stopping in Las Vegas for the SEMA Show in November so we can inspect Mr. Ecko's handiwork first hand. If all goes well, who knows? Nissan may be offering Ecko Pathfinders and Ecko Armadas in the near future.

[Source: Automotoportal]

Nissan teams with Marc Ecko for pair of custom SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Nissan Armada

John Neff — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Nissan

It looks like Nissan will be giving its full-size Armada SUV an update for the 2008 model year. While the front end gets refreshened with a new corporate grille sporting two vertical bars that plunge down into a central dip, the real makeover will occur in the interior. A new dash can be seen in these spy shots that drops the current model's chunky design in favor of a more flush center console that borrows some switchgear from Infiniti. No word on when Nissan's going to lower the Armada's rear door handles so that kids and short people can get into the back seat without assistance.

[Source: Straightline Blog]

Spy Shots: 2008 Nissan Armada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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