By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
It appears that even though Nissan has decided to move its headquarters from California to Tennessee, the Japanese automaker will maintain a west coast state of mind. Nissan’s answer to a midlife crisis is remarkably close to what California is known for: facelifts.
It appears that even though Nissan has decided to move its headquarters from California to Tennessee, the Japanese automaker will maintain a west coast state of mind. Nissan’s answer to a midlife crisis is remarkably close to what California is known for: facelifts.
Nissan’s biggest vehicles, the Pathfinder, Armada and Titan, are now entering their mid-cycle crisis (too soon to be redesigned but in need of an update) to which Nissan will remedy by giving them subtle, yet much-improved looks thanks to updated headlights, fascias and grilles. The big Nissan trio will be officially unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.
The most improved is the 2008 Pathfinder due in large part to the addition of an optional V8 in the engine bay. When Nissan completely redesigned the Pathfinder for 2005, critics were quick to point out the lacking V8. Competing with the likes of the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner may seem like a daunting task, but the Pathfinder is up to the challenge with a 5.6-liter V8 that will pump out at least 300 horsepower.
To go with the new engine, the front end received a new fascia and grille. The revised front will give the 2008 Pathfinder a more rounded look, while the wider grille and bumper opening should allow more air flow to cool off the V8. The most attractive visual update is by far the new 12-spoke wheels. Inside, the biggest difference is in the center stack, which houses the radio and HVAC control unit. The new center stack is more ergonomically arranged highlighted by a large GPS display screen. The new HVAC controls are more integrated with the rest of the instruments and now use push buttons instead of dials.
Since dropping the Pathfinder moniker from its name a year after being released, the Armada has not received any updates. Three years into its cycle, the 2008 Armada will get a slight facelift (new fascia and grille) to help differentiate it from the similarly designed Titan pickup. While both vehicles add stylish flares to the wheel arches, the Armada’s new fascia eliminates the large chrome insert in the middle of the bumper and reduces the gap between the bumper and the fenders – both create an improved, clean look.
The Armada’s truck-like interior also receives a new look that aims to be more accommodating and user friendly. The instrument panel is all new and features a new, larger center stack and a new instrument cluster among, but the best interior improvement is the door panels. Previously, the window switches were up high along the window line and out of the way for a driver’s use. The new door panels have the switches at an even level with the arm rest for quick and easy access.
Unfortunately for both the Pathfinder and Armada, Nissan continues the use of the C-pillar door handle on the rear passenger doors. This unique placement of the door handle started on the first generation Pathfinder in 1986, but especially on the larger Armada, the lack of traditional door handles makes the rear portion of both vehicles look awkward from some angles.
The biggest change for the 2008 Titan is the addition of a long wheelbase version on the Crew Cab model. Previously, the long bed was available only on the King Cab model, but a longer wheelbase will allow for a Crew Cab with a larger cargo bed - allowing the Titan to compete more successfully in the lucrative full-size pickup segment. While not quite a true long bed, the new model should be a perfect blend of cargo capability and parking lot manageability.
It’s unknown whether or not the Titan will get the same interior updates as the Armada, but one major update is the addition of an optional power sliding rear window. Towing capacity is up slightly meaning that the Titan is still in the middle of the pack behind the all-new Silverado and Tundra but ahead of the Dodge Ram.