A MID-SIZE SUV WITH FULL-SIZE COMFORT

4x4magazine | 12/02/2012 | 0 Comments

While we do have a Pathfinder Concept, revealed of the 2013 Pathfinder Concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit last month, the interior has not yet been revealed.

A special preview at Chicago Auto Show recently showcased what is nothing less than Pathfinder will offer: an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort and thoughtful technology and innovative, flexible interior – as it gets ready to debut this fall in an all-new 4th generation Pathfinder design.
As previewed in the Pathfinder Concept, one of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform (also utilized on the second generation Pathfinder), which offers numerous benefits including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility.
Starting with a look at its premium features, the Pathfinder Concept’s quiet, comfortable interior includes rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start and multiple user memory settings, and an advanced Bose Audio System with 13 speakers.
The Pathfinder Concept’s unique versatility comes to life in the design of the 2nd and 3rd rows. In addition to what is expected to be among the roomiest 2nd rows in its class, it also features exceptional 3rd row access – thanks to large rear door openings, 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel, and forward folding seat design for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row. The 60/40-split 2nd row features an innovative “child seat mode” allowing forward movement and access to the 3rdrow with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the 40 percent split-fold side). The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split folding design, offering added cargo flexibility and there is additional under floor storage in the rear cargo area.
The instrument panel includes an advanced drive-assist display directly in front of the driver – along with a large multifunction IT display in the center of the dash, Nissan Navigation System with real-time traffic and weather information and Zagat Survey restaurant guide, Bluetooth Streaming Audio and RearView Monitor. It also features Nissan’s advanced Around View Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. Other technology includes a tri-zone climate control system, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate, iPod integration, and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row headrest-mounted DVD display screens. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and EasyFill Tire Assist that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures. A remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.
The First Person Pathfinder Experience debuted also at the Chicago Auto Show, developed by the digital agency Critical Mass, fueled by an innovative use of Microsoft’s Kinect for Windows technology. This virtual tour sought to deliver a fully immersive experience of the vehicle’s interior, giving this captive audience of auto enthusiasts the ability to virtually step inside a 2013 Pathfinder. First Person Pathfinder Experience ups the ante on controller-free, gesture-based digital experiences used in the automotive space. Rather than the hand gestures and swiping motions typically associated with Kinect, the Pathfinder experience closely tracks human gestures so full-body movements such as walking around the car, bending down to inspect the wheels, and even getting into the vehicle.