I stole this from some dude over at Freshalloy. Hope I'm not late here. This *could* be the future pathy.

Check it:





Nissan at Frankfurt means new models, new concepts and new ideas.
Dunehawk concept lays the foundations of Nissan's SUV future

Nissan will underline its leading role in Europe's growing 4x4 market at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Among the star attractions will be a bold concept car, called Dunehawk, which hints at a future SUV direction for Nissan.

Dunehawk is a vision of how a Nissan 4x4 of tomorrow could look. With a bold and intelligent design, advanced technology and innovative combination of SUV and MPV, the Dunehawk is a mid-sized 4x4 aimed at meeting the emerging needs of the active family of tomorrow. Equipped with a second generation of Nissan's ALL MODE 4x4 system – first seen on the X-TRAIL, the Dunehawk combines genuine off-roading ability with no compromise in on-road performance.

The Nissan press conference at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show will take place on the Nissan stand (A 01, located in hall 3.1) at 13.00 hrs, 9 September 2003.

Courtesy Nissan GB

Cool drawings. I just hope it's not independent suspension all around, else it'll be worthless off road.


1998 Frontier 4x4 with ALL the goodies!
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock
Grow the Nissan Community and stand up for ORV user rights!

Whoah, check out the dual sun roofs... I agree, hope fully not all IFS... then again, what do I care, I already got my pathy that'll make it more comfortable on the street.

ditto that.

I hope they make it body on frame again, and hopefully keep a live rear axle....wishful thinking.

http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/2005/Xterra/Description.htm

Speculation had it that the 2005 Xterra would be essentially the same as the 2004, but with a multi-link rear suspension.

What has been announced is an entirely new vehicle from the 2004. It has dual-wishbone front suspension, instead of torsion bars. And it has leaf rear springs.

Steering is improved with rack&pinion, instead of recirculating ball. Transmissions offered are 5-spd auto or 6-spd manual. Brakes are discs all around. 4.0 V6.

It's pretty obvious the 2005 Xterra is a variation of the 2005 Pathfinder. The seams and panels around the base of the A-pillar are the same, which is the cosmetic giveaway when two vehicles use the same mechanicals.

Same engine. Same automatic, but the Pathfinder doesn't offer a manual. Same front end, but the Pathfinder has independent rear suspension. Same drivetrain operating modes and options such as "proper" traction control. Same frame, except lengthened in the Pathfinder for the third-row seating.

So it sounds like a fine choice for those who found the present Xterra, based on a 20-year old design, to be a bit crude, but who found the new Pathfinder to be a bit much. My guess is that it will easily outsell the Pathfinder. Too bad there likely won't be a mileage improvement. Some will want to opt for the X-trail for that reason.