Nissan to Reveal New Models and Concepts in Tokyo
New GT-R Coming to North America
While some automakers come to market with a unified global offensive, Nissan compartmentalizes its brand strategy by offering unique models within different continents. Therefore, many of the models being introduced in Tokyo this month wont be available at your local Nissan or Infiniti dealer anytime soon, but its still fun to see whats going on, on the other side of the Pacific.
Starting with the smallest vehicle to take to Tokyos stage, a new concept based on the subcompact Note mini-minivan, introduced in January of this year, denotes what may become a true crossover. Or possible the term cross-trainer is more appropriate, not necessarily because it looks like a jogging shoe, but more due to the company that inspired it, Adidas. According to Nissan, its design team took into consideration the powerful brand images enjoyed by sportswear companies when creating the Note. Fair enough, what that has to do with the ability potential owners will have to swap surface treatments on both front and rear fascias is not immediately apparent, but maybe it will become so when the car officially debuts. If this version of the Note actually made it across the Pacific it might make a great competitor to Hondas Element, or south of the border, Scions xB.
Just where the Foria would fit into the North American model lineup is difficult to surmise, looking more like a mid-60s Lancia than a future model from Japan. Its unique, however, and with a front engine, rear-drive layout its potential seems more suited to Infiniti than Nissan. Sporting a Saab 9-5-like headlight treatment, Jaguar XJ8 Portfolio aluminum engine vents on the front fenders, what appear to be skinny FX 35/45 inspired taillights, and a chunky albeit retrospectively attractive profile, the Foria might be the headed our way after all. Its short front overhang, extended hood and small cabin give it sporting dimensions, while theres no B-pillar to hamper ingress and egress to and from the rear seating area.
Goodness knows, Nissan could use an update to its slow selling Quest minivan, despite it only coming to market a couple of years ago. Could Amenio be it? Not likely, because Nissans not even willing to call this model a minivan, but rather the three-row, six-seat concept is a "multi-people carrier." Sized similarly to Mazdas 5, the Amenio seats six comfortable in three rows, the first two of which slide back and forth plus recline via power controls. Whats more, all but the drivers seat offers stow-away leg rests for Maybach-like business class comfort. The concepts seats are covered in red leather, and are designed to remind occupants of the furniture in their dens and living rooms. Likewise, Nissans designers have covered the instrument panel in rosewood, which is traditionallyused by Japanese furniture makers, while its roof has been engineered to infuse exterior light inside.
The only model, of the four featured here, that is most definitely coming to North America is Nissans new GT-R. Of course, the automaker hasnt announced which nameplate, its namesake brand or Infiniti, will sell it once available in 2007 as a 2008 model. The GT-R designation is legendary in Japan, and other markets in which its sold, so much so that enthusiasts in North America are overjoyed that the next-generation model is on its way. But these "purists" want it to be badged a Nissan, being that it has always been a Nissan. Nissan, however, is concerned that the all-wheel drive performance car will be too expensive to wear an entry-level nameplate, and feels its premium Infiniti brand is more suitable. Soon well all now what choice Nissan makes.