Nissan is teasing the unveiling of its Pathfinder SUV, which it will show at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Nissan is teasing a Pathfinder Concept that will break cover at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.
Like a lot of automakers, Nissan is apparently redeveloping it’s traditional body-on-frame sport utility vehicle, into a new crossoverish SUV, built on car underpinnings. In fact, Nissan says the Pathfinder has been “re-imagined.”
Interestingly, Nissan has actually skipped the Detroit show for the last 3 years, so it plans to make the most of its return to Detroit.
Reports say Nissan is planning to use its Altima car platform as the basis for the Pathfinder. It is planning to build it, as well as a new Infiniti version, at its plant in Smyrna, Tenn.
Ford’s recently revamped Explorer, a direct Pathfinder competitor, made the switch from body-on-frame to unibody this year, as did the Dodge Durango. The advantages include lighter weight, better fuel economy, better handling and more interior space, while the biggest downside is decreased towing capacity.
Like the Ford and Dodge, the Pathfinder will continue to have three rows and seating for up to seven. Not surprisingly, the Pathfinder will offer four-wheel-drive, but presumably, there will be a two-wheel drive version. The question is whether the driven wheels will be in the front or back.
Pathfinders have always had a boxy shape, but the new version is swoopier. One feature that is visible in the dark concept photo is a character line on the side of the vehicle.
A video teasing the new Pathfinder seems to show a large sunroof with a rack’s crossbar showing through the opening.
Expect the concept to be very similar to the production version, which is expected to go on sale in the fall as a 2013 model.