Nissan Rogue, Bevel Concept Debut at 2007 NAIAS

DETROIT (Jan. 7, 2007) ? Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today unveiled two new vehicles at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit ? Nissan?s first entry into the small crossover SUV market, the 2008 Rogue, and an advanced design study, the Nissan Bevel Concept.

?We?re proud to present two vehicles that exemplify Nissan?s synergies between design and production, between being current and staying current,? said Brad Bradshaw, senior vice president, sales and marketing, NNA.  ?Our production model Rogue and our advanced Bevel Concept are built for the same active, enthused drivers, just at different stages of their lives.?

The all-new Nissan Rogue, with its balance of sleek functionality, aggressive styling and sporty performance, appeals to an untapped segment of the crossover SUV market, providing a vehicle that fulfills the functional needs of young, active drivers while still indulging in the emotional aspects of style and performance that allow these drivers to fully enjoy the driving experience.

The dramatic Bevel Concept was conceived at Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) in La Jolla, Calif. for the same driver, but at a different stage of life.  With its driver-centric interior that is more a workshop-on-wheels than a traditional SUV, the Bevel was created for ?empty-nesters? who spend their new-found free time on hobbies, recreation and community service.

Brief overviews of the 2008 Nissan Rogue and Bevel concept follow. 

2008 Nissan Rogue

The 2008 Nissan Rogue is built on Nissan?s ?C? platform and mates Nissan?s QR25DE 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder (rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque) to a standard Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with available paddle shifters for sporty, efficient performance.  An all-new all-wheel drive system with yaw rate control is also available.

Every Rogue comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), a responsive Electric Power-assisted Steering (EPS) system and 4-wheel disc brakes that feature an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Inside, Rogue offers a balance of sleek surface continuity and ultra-functionality, offering available leather-appointed seating, front heated seats and mirrors and steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and audio controls.  Standard convenience features include a fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split fold-down rear bench and oversized glove box with partition, while available features like a dual-level center console storage with hidden functionality features, a hidden one-touch pop-up cargo organizer and removable easy-clean cargo tray add to the diverse utility of the new Rogue.

Among the advanced technology available on Rogue are an Intelligent Key, a powerful Bose?-developed audio system with 7 speakers and subwoofer with MP3 capability and satellite radio, a Bluetooth? Hands-Free Phone System, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver garage door opener and Xenon headlights.

Standard safety features for the new Rogue include Zone Body Construction, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat, and front seat Active Head Restraints.  

Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags (for front and rear outboard occupant head protection) with rollover detection are also standard.

The 2008 Rogue is expected to be priced starting around $20,000 when it goes on sale in fall 2007.

Nissan Bevel Concept

The Nissan Bevel Concept is a dynamic, multi-purpose vehicle that, unlike currently available sport utility vehicles or minivans that emphasize passenger needs and comfort, places its focus strictly on the primary user ? male empty-nesters actively engaged in hobbies, recreation and community service.  Bevel offers unique, function-inspired asymmetrical styling, a high-utility three-zone interior and technology ranging from glass roof-mounted solar panels to drive-by-wire steering, throttle and braking.

Bevel?s exterior design begins with the two passenger-side doors, featuring a rear door hinged at the rear to provide an exceptionally wide door opening of nearly five-and-a-half feet.  Bevel?s tall one-piece rear hatch features a special horizontal hinge arrangement, with a height when raised of 6?2? from the ground.  With the hatch open, a special tailgate-like work platform folds down and snaps into place, creating a sturdy workbench-like area.

Bevel features a pair of power outlets ? a traditional 12V outlet and a 110V power tool recharging outlet, which is powered by Bevel?s integrated solar cells mounted beneath the large glass roof panels.  Bevel also utilizes a unique roof cargo system designed to carry loads up to 250 pound and featuring six hexagon-shaped ?pucks? with pop-up hooks.

Bevel?s interior combines comfort, utility and technology.  The driver?s area includes a comfortable, rich leather-appointed fixed seat and Bevel?s unique ?ribbon? instrument panel, which moves four inches forward and back when the driver?s door is opened or closed.  

The ?command central? information/technology zone features a series of screens that display images from the sideview mirror cameras and five information menus ? Vehicle Information, HVAC, Navigation, Entertainment and Home ? through use of the ribbon-mounted controller.

The ?Entertainment? control center allows the driver to access phone settings, weather and traffic reports, Internet and personal e-mail accounts, and music, while also allowing the driver to access a home network and monitor locks and security system, heat and air conditioning, appliance, room lighting and garage door status.  

Bevel?s utility/pet zone provides maximum cargo space through the use of fold-flat front passenger and rear bench seating that crates a smooth, continuous cargo floor/work area.  The flooring itself is constructed from laminated recycled walnut, creating an extremely hard, workbench-like surface.

 Bevel provides unique accommodations for pets, including a 360-degree pet leash swivel connection point and a large, removable ?doggie hutch? pet carrier designed to fit securely in the rear cargo area.

 Conceptually, Bevel would feature a small, efficient 2.5-liter V6 with HEV, combining driving pleasure with environmentally friendly design.