EXCLUSIVE! Pathfinder Chat with Nissan - Nov. 15th

[NissanEvanFulton]

1, Why would I trade in my minivan for one of these?

2, How does it transfer drive to the rear wheels?

3, What type of rear diff does it have?

4, Is the CVT the weak link when it comes to towing?

Our vehicle is in a totally different segment than your minivan but the family-hauling ability is similar. We have comfortable seating for seven that is also versatile due to the EZ-Flex seating system. Unlike other vehicles in the segment, Pathfinder does not force the buyer to give up a middle seat in exchange for third row accessibility. With Latch and Glide technology, the second row seat slides and tilts forward, even with a child seat installed, for easy access to the third row. Additionally, Pathfinder has a wealth of convenience technology such as Around View Monitor and EZ Fill Tire Alert, not to mention both towing and off road capability you won’t find in a minivan.

The Pathfinder sends torque to the rear wheels when the customer has selected Auto mode and the vehicle detects slip. You can also engage 4WD LOCK, which splits torque 50/50 front and rear.

The CVT in the all new Pathfinder was specifically engineered for towing capability, and also features a special tow mode. Our vehicle has the best standard towing capability in the segment, and the CVT is a big part of that, rather than being a weak link.

[Eikon]

This may be an obscure question, but I'm curious about curb weight differences between the 2WD and 4WD models.

I notice on Nissan's website that the S model has a 105 lb difference between 2WD and 4WD.
The SV model has a 141 lb difference.
The Platinum Premium model has a 241 lb difference.

What drivetrain upgrades does the Premium model have that would cause the extra 100 lbs of curb weight?
The SV over the S.. what would be the reason for the extra 36lbs?

[Eikon]

Any plans to bring the V9X diesel motor to the USA for the Pathfinder in future models?

[NissanEvanFulton]

Thanks so much for spending time with us Evan!

With the hwy mpg's at 26, this is certainly an impressive on-road SUV. I expect you'll steal a lot of sales from the Acadia, Pilot, and some of the other SUVans. I'm curious about how you guys managed 26 mpgs? Do you attribute the gains in large part to the CVT trans? Or does engine tuning and efficiency play a larger role? I know the 300+ lbs of weight savings helps too..

Hi Eikon! The fuel economy gains, which did not come at the expense of capability, are something we’re really proud of with the 2013 Pathfinder. The improvement comes from many sources, but three of the top factors are: weight reduction (up to 500 pounds on some trim levels), a new aerodynamic design with reduced drag coefficient and the use of the next-generation Xtronic CVT.

[NissanEvanFulton]

Since infiniti vehicles have recently been inspired by Japanese brush strokes, the Juke by a motorcycle, what was the inspiration behind this new pathfinder?

Great question on the design of the 2013 Pathfinder Stricken! The styling reflects the vehicles balance of Pathfinder capability, with class leading levels of comfort and convenience. The front grille, for example, is the power strut design you are familiar with from the third generation Pathfinder, while the thinner A pillars are reflective of the team’s desire to make the vehicle more roomy and comfortable for all seven passengers.

[WDRacing]

That's exactly the information I was looking for Evan. As far as being in a different segment goes, I'll have to disagree a bit. By providing seats for 7, you're aim might not be to compete with the minivan market, but you're definitely an option people should consider. Especially for guys like myself that have 3 kids but are looking to get away from the minivan. Having a vehicle that can carry all my kids to hockey games in the worst weather is a big bonus.

Thanks for the reply.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Were aftermarket/accessory companies involved with the launch of the new Pathfinder, similar so how they were integrated with the launch of the NV?

I have some questions from facebook users already asking about customization... I'm not sure how serious they are but one is asking about a gun rack?
Will there ever be a "Pro 4-X" style model with improved offroad capability?

[NissanEvanFulton]

If you need someone to do an extended test drive, just let me know.

Also, the 2013 Maxima and the 2013 Pathfinder both have the same motor, the VQ35DE. On your website, it reads that the Maxima has 290 hp @ 6400 rpm and 261 ft lbs @ 4400. MPG: 19/26. It also reads that the Pathfinder gets 260 hp @ 6400 rpm and 240 ft lbs @ 4400. MPG: 20/26. Both vehicles have the same motor, same transmission, and same curb weight (4,185 lbs according to your website for the base models of both). Why the discrepancy in horsepower and fuel economy?

We'll keep you in mind next time we're looking for test drivers!

That’s correct, both Pathfinder and Maxima feature the award winning VQ series engine. Regarding the power delivery differences between the two vehicles, it comes down to the target customers and their driving needs. The Maxima is Nissan’s 4 Door Sports Car. Sporting drivers are typically looking for peak power and torque higher in the rev range than an SUV buyer, who is more interested in towing and low end power for off road capability. The engine was tuned separately to the specific needs of each vehicle, which is why the HP and TQ curves vary. The peak power numbers don’t tell the whole story of what’s happening beneath the hood -- you have to look at the curve as well.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Another facebook question- which car platform is the Pathfinder based on? Maxima?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Great question! The Pathfinder and Murano appeal to completely different customers, and we are not at all concerned about the former cannibalizing sales from the latter.

How does Nissan come to that conclusion, and what are the target customers for these 2 vehicles? I could see the previous Pathfinder appealing to a "completely different" customer, but for this model the line has definitely been blurred.

[AZhitman]

I think the overall question on everyone's mind is this:

Great vehicle, excellent execution, and hits all the marks for the target demographic... Might it not have made sense, as nissangirl74 mentioned in her article, to develop a completely new identity for this vehicle, rather than the long-revered and well-known Pathfinder badge?

[WDRacing]

Here's an off the wall question. I'm a forced induction guy. The CVT scares people like me because at some point during my ownership of the vehicle, I may want to modify it. Do you guys run tests on the CVT trans to see how much power then can take before they pop? Has Nissan figured out how to make the CVT handle gobs of power yet?

[Eikon]

I think the overall question on everyone's mind is this:

Great vehicle, excellent execution, and hits all the marks for the target demographic... Might it not have made sense, as nissangirl74 mentioned in her article, to develop a completely new identity for this vehicle, rather than the long-revered and well-known Pathfinder badge?

To play "devil's advocate"...
What would they do with the Pathfinder name then? Let it die? Mothball it for a while? It costs huge amounts of money to gain brand recognition through marketing and years of time on the market to develop a name. Why start from scratch with a new name when they have a strong marquee available?
Sure, this will annoy the 1% of us who are hardcore enthusiasts and associate "Pathfinder" with high offroad IQ. But for the other 99% of consumers, the Pathfinder name is a long established "mid-size SUV". Most of the target demographic won't be offended at the loss of some ground clearance and a ladder chassis. Instead, they will be thrilled with the gas milage, family friendly seating and good looks.. and very competitive price!

Let's face it.. Most SUV's in the past few years have been purchased by people who want Minivan functionality, but don't want to drive a minivan. They want size, space, height, comfort, ride, and versatility.. and they want to pretend they can take it offroad if they ever want to.. but they never do. They just want it to look like they can. So the Pathfinder name is perfect for this SUV. It gives that subtle idea of the offroad ability that says, "I'm NOT driving a minivan".

[NissanEvanFulton]

I think the overall question on everyone's mind is this:

Great vehicle, excellent execution, and hits all the marks for the target demographic... Might it not have made sense, as nissangirl74 mentioned in her article, to develop a completely new identity for this vehicle, rather than the long-revered and well-known Pathfinder badge?

Good question, Greg. With over 25 years of sales, the Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s best known nameplates. However, the preferences of customers in the large SUV segment has evolved dramatically over the past few years. In its segment, the Pathfinder was the last body-on-frame SUV, and the market has since moved on. Today’s SUV buyer is looking for great fuel economy and comfortable ride without sacrificing capability in all-weather conditions. The 2013 Pathfinder still has the class-leading towing ability and off-road performance (including class-exclusive ALL MODE 4x4-i 4WD system, which lets you choose where you want the torque) that customers have always associated with the nameplate. These qualities are now joined by great technology features, best-in-class fuel economy and outstanding ride quality. That said, we feel the Pathfinder nameplate captures all these elements perfectly.

[AZhitman]

We've gone 30 minutes over and have run out of time for today, but what an awesome chat... thanks a ton to Evan Fulton and the team at Nissan Product Planning for spending some time with us today...

We're looking forward to future Q & A sessions for upcoming revisions to the Nissan lineup, so stay tuned!

[NissanEvanFulton]

We've gone 30 minutes over and have run out of time for today, but what an awesome chat... thanks a ton to Evan Fulton and the team at Nissan Product Planning for spending some time with us today...

We're looking forward to future Q & A sessions for upcoming revisions to the Nissan lineup, so stay tuned!

Thanks everyone! It was great to hear your thoughts on the all new Pathfinder! We're excited to see what customers think of the vehicle now that they have a chance to drive it. Great questions and on behalf of Nissan, we're thrilled to have enthusiasts like you in our corner!

[Alfredo24.pr]

Will they develop a RWD model that can work on regular gas?

since my question wasn't answered Im assuming thats a no.

[WDRacing]

I think the overall question on everyone's mind is this:

Great vehicle, excellent execution, and hits all the marks for the target demographic... Might it not have made sense, as nissangirl74 mentioned in her article, to develop a completely new identity for this vehicle, rather than the long-revered and well-known Pathfinder badge?

Good question, Greg. With over 25 years of sales, the Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s best known nameplates. However, the preferences of customers in the large SUV segment has evolved dramatically over the past few years. In its segment, the Pathfinder was the last body-on-frame SUV, and the market has since moved on. Today’s SUV buyer is looking for great fuel economy and comfortable ride without sacrificing capability in all-weather conditions. The 2013 Pathfinder still has the class-leading towing ability and off-road performance (including class-exclusive ALL MODE 4x4-i 4WD system, which lets you choose where you want the torque) that customers have always associated with the nameplate. These qualities are now joined by great technology features, best-in-class fuel economy and outstanding ride quality. That said, we feel the Pathfinder nameplate captures all these elements perfectly.

This was the best answer on the entire session imho. When you look at the recent pathfinder models, none of them have screamed off-road. At least not like the 90's version did. Times are changing and for once I think Nissan is doing a good job of changing with them. His description of what current SUV buyers are looking for was spot on imho and the Pathfinder nails it.

Great job Evan and thanks for taking the time.

[AZhitman]

Will they develop a RWD model that can work on regular gas?

since my question wasn't answered Im assuming thats a no.

What do you mean by "regular gas"? The VQ-powered Pathfinder runs on unleaded fuel.

[WDRacing]

Will they develop a RWD model that can work on regular gas?

since my question wasn't answered Im assuming thats a no.

Developing a rwd model wouldn't make any sense. You're talking about an entire redesign of the drive train. Why would you do that when you have a fully functional fwd/4wd model? There would be no benefit and the costs would be immense.

[Eikon]

Will they develop a RWD model that can work on regular gas?

since my question wasn't answered Im assuming thats a no.

I can't speak for Nissan, but I think we're fairly positive that the Pathfinder will be FWD/4WD in the near future with no plans for RWD.

It's a great question though! Thanks for joining us today!

[Alfredo24.pr]

What do you mean by "regular gas"? The VQ-powered Pathfinder runs on unleaded fuel.

regular gas like 87 octane, since I was looking at the specs and it mentioned that recommended fuel is premium unleaded.

Developing a rwd model wouldn't make any sense. You're talking about an entire redesign of the drive train. Why would you do that when you have a fully functional fwd/4wd model? There would be no benefit and the costs would be immense.

Im not a big fan of FWD SUVs or cars.
Yeah I know FWD is cheaper to make but FWD just doesn't say Pathfinder.

Also, Im having a hard time telling the difference between the Murano and the Pathfinder, but maybe the difference would be on a test drive because on paper they are nearly identical.

[Towncivilian]

The VQ35DE has recommended 91 octane or higher since its inception in Pathfinders with the 2001 model year. I'm fairly sure all VQ motors recommend premium fuel as well.

The Infiniti JX35 (luxury clone of the new Pathfinder) is FWD, a first for any Infiniti vehicle if I'm not mistaken. That alone says that there will be no RWD version.

[ImStricken06]

what baffles me is the reduce ground clearance. why such a drastic change?
2012 pathfinder = over 8 inches.
2013 pathfinder = 6.5 inches.
Versa = 6.8
Juke = 7.0″ "

this topic alone, brings the murano and 2013 pathfinder on the same level. if they kept the new pathfinder more ruggedish - at least in appearance, the criticism wouldnt be as high

[Alfredo24.pr]

The VQ35DE has recommended 91 octane or higher since its inception in Pathfinders with the 2001 model year. I'm fairly sure all VQ motors recommend premium fuel as well.

The Infiniti JX35 (luxury clone of the new Pathfinder) is FWD, a first for any Infiniti vehicle if I'm not mistaken. That alone says that there will be no RWD version.

For the Murano regular gas is recommended so thats kinda weird.
FWD and CVT transmission just take out the fun of the driving experience. I guess MPG's are taking over now...

[Alfredo24.pr]

what baffles me is the reduce ground clearance. why such a drastic change?
2012 pathfinder = over 8 inches.
2013 pathfinder = 6.5 inches.
Versa = 6.8
Juke = 7.0″ "

this topic alone, brings the murano and 2013 pathfinder on the same level. if they kept the new pathfinder more ruggedish - at least in appearance, the criticism wouldnt be as high

I would love to see the 2013 pathfinder offroading. I drive my girlfriends juke all the time and 7.0" makes me nervous to scrape, I cant imagine 6.5" on an "offroad" vehicle.

[AZhitman]

if they kept the new pathfinder more ruggedish - at least in appearance, the criticism wouldnt be as high

I think you NAILED it.

I was perusing this on my way back to the office this afternoon... a Murano and a late 2000's Pathy were near me at a light, and I started thinking... aside from the "boxy", rugged styling, what UNDERNEATH makes one more "truck-like"? If the new Pathy had squared-off, chunky fenders, a flat roofline, slab sides and higher-profile tires, would the perception change?

Absolutely. Look at the GMC Terrain. Better yet, look at the Jeep Compass (LOL). Front-wheel drive, unibody, small 4-cylinder... It's less "off-road" than a damn Honda CR-V. Yet people buy 'em.

Perception is a big deal.

I read somewhere that less than 5% of SUV / CUV buyers EVER took their vehicles off-road (defined as anywhere more rugged than a dirt road). There's no real reason to maintain an archaic design (while trying to pursue the Government's ridiculous CAFE numbers) when 95% of buyers don't need the capability to romp through the woods, ford a stream, or rampage across sand dunes.

I think the Pathy is going to be a great alternative for active families... Mom needs a minivan to take the 3 kids to soccer / ballet / band, but Dad also has a couple quads or dirt bikes on a trailer to take the kids out romping through the woods on the weekend. This car fits their needs perfectly.

Wanna go rock-climbing? Get an Xterra. They're available used, they're WAY capable, and besides - Who's stupid enough to drop $40K on a vehicle that's gonna get bashed around in the wilderness? I think the bank might take issue with that, considering 90% of people will be financing their purchase.

[WDRacing]

Wanna go rock-climbing? Get an Xterra. They're available used, they're WAY capable, and besides - Who's stupid enough to drop $40K on a vehicle that's gonna get bashed around in the wilderness? I think the bank might take issue with that, considering 90% of people will be financing their purchase.

My opinion exactly. I have only owned a few brand new cars and they have all been for my wife. When I was out in Tucson we had a brand new Frontier, I enjoyed taking it off the road, but that was just dirt roads in the desert. Nothing where I could scratch the hell out of it. If I wanted to get into the mud or just drive through the desert with no hands on the wheel I had a K5 Blazer that was more then willing to take the abuse.

The Pathfinder has the ability to be a reliable all-weather vehicle, which is what it was designed for...clearly.

I think you might have accurately described it in another thread when you called it a Rogue XL.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to NICO Mr. Evan!

Were glad to have you!

[Chuck Tribolet]

I don't off road at all, but I do need 4x4 on the boat launch ramp. Last weekend the folks ahead of us
pulling out were just spinning the left rear tire on their 2WD, open differential, pick up truck. Even with
two of us sitting on the tailgate, it would just spin.

My personal concern is the CVT and towing. I tow a lot (70 days a year), though the tow mileage is
down from 100 mi/day to 20 mi/day. I've always had a stick shift (other than a 68 Firebird 400
ragtop that I inherited and sold as quick as I could after probate closed). Evan made me a bit more
comfortable about this.

The remaining question is do the middle and rear rows of seat come out? All three of my Pathfinders
have had the rear seat cushions removed the day they came home so they could haul dogs and SCUBA
gear.

Chuck