2010 New York: Big and small Nissan UVs arrive
[svgallery name="2011_Nissan_Juke"] By John LeBlanc NEW YORK – During the first media day at this year’s New York auto show, Nissan unveiled two new utility vehicles at polar opposites of the Japanese automaker’s lineup. First seen in European-market guise at last month’s Geneva auto show, Nissan debuted the official North American version of its subcompact crossover, dubbed the Juke Sport Cross. One size smaller than Nissan’s compact Rogue, the 2011 Juke is based on the same platform as the Versa and Cube. A new 1.6-litre turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder engine makes “180+” hp and “170+” lb-ft of torque, considerably more than the 107 hp and 111 lb-ft 1.6L four found in today’s Versa sedan. Two transmissions will be available: a six-speed manual gearbox for the front-wheel-drive Juke and an optional continuously-variable automatic that will be available in both the FWD and the optional all-wheel-drive models.
In the rear, a fold-down 60/40-split bench seat and flat load floor provide passenger and cargo hauling flexibility, says Nissan. Like the forthcoming Mini Countryman small crossover, the Juke will offer plenty of “big car” options. When the Juke goes on sale later this fall, available features will include leather seats, rear view parking camera, push button ignition and a navigation system.
At the complete other end of the market, Nissan’s premium Infiniti unveiled its second-generation 2011 QX56 full-size, eight-passenger SUV. Instead of being made in the U.S. and built off the Nissan Titan full-size pickup platform, the QX56 is now based on the Patrol, a Toyota Landcruiser rival sold outside of Canada and made in Japan.
As it badging suggests, the new QX receives a 400 hp 5.6-litre V8 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Nissans says this combo delivers a 25 per cent increase in horsepower and more than a 10 per cent increase in fuel economy versus the 2010 model. As Infiniti’s top-line SUV, the new QX comes loaded. Standard equipment includes Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View Monitor, Bose two-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System, perforated semi-aniline leather seating, and standard DVD entertainment system with dual seven-inch colour monitors, which allows different sources to be played at the same time.
While for the first time ever on an Infiniti vehicle, a new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is offered that the automaker says helps reduce body lean while turning for a more comfortable ride.
The 2011 QX56 goes on sale in Canada this summer.
[svgallery name="2011_Infiniti_QX56"]
04.01.10 | 2010, 2011, Auto Shows, Infiniti, New York, Nissan | Comments Off on 2010 New York: Big and small Nissan UVs arrive