As part of an increasing use of social media to drive production, Nissan have released the first images of the new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover on Facebook this week.
We reported a little while ago that Nissan was turning to social media to widen the focus group input into new designs. As an introduction to that, Nissan have turned to one of those networks to provide the first glimpse of the new model. See it here
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Crossover is remarkably similar to the concept we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. It met with mixed reviews, with some liking the new look, while others began mourning the previous model. It will be interesting to see what consumers make of the change.
It switches to a unibody frame that now features a slightly more streamlined look than before. Gone is the slightly agricultural appearance and in are a more family-friendly exterior. Part of that change is to increase fuel economy and part to attract the family market.
Specifics are scarce right now, but during Detroit, Nissan said the car will have a refined V6 connected to a CVT transmission, a panoramic sunroof and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive will be an option but reduces projected fuel economy.
There were whispers that it will feature the new Nissan 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 265 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque, as found in the Infiniti JX. Until Nissan release more details, that is speculation only.
The shift to unibody (again) shows a continuation of our evolution from the SUV to family car. The Pathfinder in its body on frame guise still sold well, but doesn’t fit with the direction vehicles are going.
With the drive for better fuel economy, more practical cars that cost less, there really isn’t much room for SUVs on our driveways.
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