The Nissan Frontier gives a hint at what's to come with a redesigned truck.
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
The 2020 Nissan Frontier is part old part new. While it still has the same body design as the current generation model, it has the engine of the next gen. The Frontier remains a midsize truck and the smallest in Nissan's lineup.
The 2020 Frontier is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine achieves a best-in-class 310 horsepower, which is an increase of 49 horsepower over the V6 in the 2019 Frontier, and has improved fuel economy and emissions performance. There is no other engine offered in the 2020 Frontier.
2020 Nissan Frontier
Photo courtesy of Nissan North America
Buyers can get the 2020 Frontier in 11 different configurations:
Frontier S King Cab 4x2 - $26,790
Frontier S King Cab 4x4 - $29,680
Frontier S Crew Cab 4x2 - $27,900
Frontier S Crew Cab 4x4 - $31,290
Frontier SV King Cab 4x2 - $27,670
Frontier SV King Cab 4x4 - $30,560
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x2 SWB - $28,800
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x2 LWB - $31,410
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x4 SWB - $31,990
Frontier SV Crew Cab 4x4 LWB - $32,410
Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 - $37,490 USD
Every new model is subject to a $1,095 to a destination and handling charge.
The Frontier now comes standard with push-button start, a leather shift knob, manual tilt steering, power door locks, and power windows with driver side auto-down. The interior of the model remains mostly unchanged, otherwise.
In the 2019 model, options were offered in available packages that added money to a buyer's bill are now part of the Frontier lineup and available as no-charge add-ons. The 2020 Frontier Crew Cab SV Midnight Edition includes black exterior treatments and 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, while the Special Edition Package features trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-color rear bumper and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Frontier fans can expect to see the next-generation 2021 Frontier later this year.
Travis Pastrana will return to Ken Block's popular "Gymkhana" stunt series.
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America Inc.
Gymkhana GRiD is back. Ken Block's popular video series will be making a return in 2020 with Travis Pastrana behind the wheel of a specially configured Subaru.
The news comes just two days after Pastrana, a full-time member of the 2020 Subaru rally team, and Block (and Subaru) agreed that they would be willing try to make it happen. Here's how it went down.
Pastrana and Block have been staying at home with their families during the COVID-19 crisis but they haven't been idle. The longtime friends and former teammates have been competing to produce at-home stunt videos for their fans. Block's "Gymkhana GRiD: Stay at Home Edition" called out the Pastrana family, challenging Pastrana to film a better version at his home in Maryland. Pastrana's rebuttal featured big dirt jumps, driving on two wheels and donuts around his personal WRX STI. Both drivers encouraged their fans to vote on who made the better video.
Then, on Tuesday's "Hoonigan Tangents Live" show, the talk turned from friendly jabs between the two into Block offering Pastrana the chance to film his own Gymkhana installment in 2020 with Subaru and the Hoonigan Media team. Pastrana and Subaru immediately agreed to the challenge, marking the first time in 11 years that Subaru will be a part of the series.
"What Ken has done with 'Gymkhana' over the years has really been amazing," said Pastrana. "But I think he made a big mistake giving me a shot at doing one of my own! I've got some ideas that I think can blow Ken's videos out of the water, and Subaru is on board to provide a car to do it. One thing's for sure, it's going to be unlike any 'Gymkhana' you've ever seen before."
This won't be Pastrana's first trip around the "Ghymkana" block. The five-time U.S. rally champion, freestyle motocross pioneer, action sports icon and stunt expert has made cameo appearances in the fifth and tenth installments of the series.
More details of the location and release timing of the special video will be announced at a later date.
Nissan is introducing a long list of new models in the coming year.
Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors
As part of its plan to grow business, on Thursday Nissan (the global overlord that has Nissan, Infiniti, and Datsun as its brands) released information regarding its business objectives. While there is plenty notable in the release, one particular item stands out: 12 new products will be released in the coming 18 months.
Though lips are sealed at the Japan-based automaker, there are a few clues as to what is coming for the U.S. market, including a video released today by the company. Scroll down to see AutomotiveMap's thoughts on each teased model and be sure to check out the insight into the Infiniti models shown in the video at the end of the article.
We know that a redesigned Nissan Rogue was supposed to debut at the New York International Auto Show (originally slated for April, then pushed to August, then cancelled). Now, it's set to likely have a virtual reveal this summer.
Leaked photos of the SUV reveal a model that is thoroughly updated from top to bottom but still recognizable for Rogue enthusiasts. Reporting by CarsDirect tells that the Rogue will get a power bump for 2021 achieving 180 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque (current numbers are 170 and 175, respectively). Fuel economy numbers also go up. That brings the SUV more in line with its competition.
Additional photos show that the SUV has wireless charging, a new shifter, all-digital instrument cluster, and a variety of available drive modes (all-wheel drive is a likely option). Expect a library-level quiet cabin filled with near-premium materials as those traits have become Nissan hallmarks as of late.
2021 Nissan Frontier
Nissan has not played coy about the 2021 Frontier making its debut later this year. The automaker officially spilled the beans when they told the world that the 2020 Frontier was going to have a new V6 engine, which will power the new Frontier next year.
What can you expect? The new Frontier is likely to be a bigger, more commanding version of the current model that takes much of its design cues from Titan. It has undergone a top to bottom redesign for the first time in over a decade so it will likely have all the latest technology and design language that can be found in Nissan vehicles. Some of the tech that's currently exclusive to Titan, like accelerometer technology, which replaces the truck's gyroscope for what the company says are more accurate degree of pitch and roll angles.
There's also been a series of leaked photos featuring what insiders are calling the Frontier NISMO for the last year. The real question isn't what it will look like - think 2021 Frontier with more accentuated features, but instead what it will be capable of. Will the Frontier NISMO be a Ford Ranger Raptor fighter or just be faster with a stronger face? Many are hoping that Nissan goes the route of the former.
2021 Nissan Ariya
The teaser video showed what is likely a version of what publicly started as the Nissan Ariya Concept. The model, an all-electric crossover designed to have over 300 miles of range, shows off fresh design language and powertrain possibilities. Since its debut, Nissan has made no secret of the fact that plans for an electrified SUV are in the making and we may finally see those go into production.
2021 Nissan Navara
Like the Frontier, the Nissan Navara is also set for a redesign. However, it looks like they won't be the same truck, nor will they be produced on the same platform. it will have familiar characteristics including roof rails and a beefy exterior. The midsize truck, which has nearly the same dimensions as the Frontier is sold in Asia, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
2022 Nissan 400Z
Passionate brand followers likely file this one under, "It's about damn time." A redesigned Nissan Z is on its way, and confirmed in a new video released by the company that shows its retro-inspired styling. The car is slated to have a twin-turbo V6 under its hood (that's what powers the Infiniti Q50 and Q6 400 Red Sport today. In those cars it gets 400 horsepower and that's a figure that likely plays into the car's fresh name. Look for a NISMO-tuned edition of the model to push 500 horsepower.
2021 Nissan Pathfinder
From the looks of the teaser video, the Nissan Pathfinder is getting a nose that looks like the one on the Ariya Concept and will retain its three-row seating configuration. While the Pathfinder sells well in the U.S. as a lifestyle-focused SUV, many enthusiasts were hoping to see it return to its roots with a more rugged body style as part of a redesign. That does not look like it will be so.
However, Nissan could be building in more off-roading capability with the new Pathfinder. It will likely have a variety of drive modes (if the Rogue redesign is a clue) and could prove to be at least as capable as the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent when equipped with all-wheel drive.
Look for the Pathfinder to debut later this year.
2021 Nissan Kicks
Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors
A refreshed Kicks has already debuted in Thailand and its fresh face is likely to make its way to the U.S. soon. Does its product run seem quick? Remember, the model went on sale globally years before it ever came to North America.
The 2021 model sports a new grille design, slimmed headlights, more exaggerated rooflines, and fresh front and rear bumpers. Nissan has also given the car a new available powertrain variant that utilizes the company's e-Power technology to combine a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, a 1.57 kilowatt-hour battery, and an electric motor. However, experts believe that this version of the SUV isn't expected to make it stateside.
2022 Nissan Armada
Will it be a Patrol? Armada? The jury may still be deciding. Either way, Nissan is well down the path of a redesign of the three-row SUV. The model could get the twin-turbo V6 that is poised to go in the 400Z, which could make it more fuel efficient and lighter, while also being just as capable. Expect a new Armada/Patrol to be off-road ready, just as it currently is.
2021 Nissan Micra
The Micra isn't sold in the U.S. but those living abroad in need of a small car should get ready to check out the forthcoming version of the small hatchback. The model is due for a sold refresh rather than a complete makeover, with its last version arriving for the 2017 model year.
2021 Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai is sold in the U.S. as the Rogue Sport. Like with the Kicks, the U.S. was late to the ballgame so the Qashqai is already up for a redesign. The Qasqai is built on the same platform as the Nissan Rogue so it makes sense that it would be getting a redo around the same time as the Rogue. Look for the two models to share similar interior and exterior features though the Qashqai is likely to have a less powerful engine.
2021 Nissan Terra
North America doesn't have the Terra and it's likely that it won't in the refreshed version of the SUV either. It is designed and marketed for Asia as an off-road capable near-premium SUV. Think of it as a hardier version of the Murano that is based on the Navara.
2022 Nissan Note
This model is the wildcard in Nissan's promo video. Some speculation by experts says that the automaker is bringing back the Note name not as a Versa hatchback but as its own Honda Fit competitor.
If you closely watch the video at the top of this article, you'll see the 2020 Infiniti QX55 and the 2021 Infiniti QX60 break cover. We've already seen both (one up close) despite the fact they haven't officially been revealed. Learn more about the QX55 here and the QX60 here.
