Canadian debuts include a LEAF
Automaker displaying the vast potential of its zero-emission technology
Continuous improvement and evolution appear to be the watchwords for Nissan in 2019.
Aside from the midsize Altima sedan, which is completely new for 2019, the rest of the Japanese marque’s lineup carries forward with some mid-cycle freshening, new models and more features.
Highlighted here are three vehicles that are making their Canadian debuts at the AutoShow. Two are slated for dealer showrooms, while the other is just plain cool. LEAF NISMO RC
Developed by NISMO, Nissan’s in-house racing arm, the LEAF NISMO RC is making its auto show debut in Toronto following its world premiere at the NISMO Festival in Japan last December.
Designed to highlight the potential of Nissan’s zero-emission technology, the LEAF NISMO RC is powered by two electric motors (one front, one rear) that produce a combined 322 horsepower (161 each) and 472 lb-ft of torque. This output more than doubles that of the previous RC that debuted in 2011. The LEAF NISMO RC’s drivetrain technology comes from the current LEAF road car, including the high-capacity lithium-ion battery and inverters. An all-wheel drive provides extra grip and improves the RC’s handling through corners.
From a styling standpoint, the LEAF NISMO RC bears a strong resemblance to its roadcar sibling from the front with a prominent V-motion grille and LED headlights. A large rear wing for extra downforce highlights the rear of the car, along with a large black diffuser.
Finished in a black and silver with red accents, the RC’s livery bears a resemblance to that of Nissan’s Formula E race car. 2019 Maxima Nissan’s flagship Maxima sedan receives a styling update, more available safety tech and an expanded colour palette.
In terms of exterior design changes, the 2019 Maxima receives a new fascia that features a deeper, wider V-motion grille and new jewel-like LED headlights. It’s a similar story at the rear, which sports new tail lights and a redesigned fascia with integrated quad-tip exhaust finishers. The SR trim also includes a spoiler.
New wheel designs have been added for all trims, including a 19-inch Hyper Silver set included with the optional Platinum Reserve Package. Finally, Sunset Drift, a new orange tint has been added to the Maxima’s available exterior finishes. Changes to the Maxima’s ‘Gliding Wing’ interior centre primarily on new trim finishers and materials. The updates vary depending on trim level, but many touch points have been enhanced for a more premium look and feel. These include door inserts, instrument panel, stitching, seat materials and headliner.
The Platinum Reserve Package adds satin bronze interior finishers, diamond quilted Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather seating areas, Rakuda Tan steering wheel insert and heated rear seats.
On the safety front, Safety Shield 360, Nissan’s suite of advanced safety tech is being offered on the ’19 Maxima. The package includes intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high-beam assist and rear intelligent emergency braking.
Other 2019 Nissans available with Safety Shield 360 include Altima, Rogue, Qashqai and Murano.
The Maxima powertrain, a 3.5-litre V6 (300 hp/261 lb-ft) mated to a CVT, carries over unchanged and is standard across three trims: SL, SR and Platinum.
The 2019 Maxima is on sale with a starting price of $40,790. 2019 Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition
As the name would suggest, the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition is aimed at, “family outdoor adventure-minded target customers,” according to an official Nissan Canada statement.
Available in two variants, the 2019 Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition offers unique cosmetic details to highlight the Pathfinder’s heritage as a ruggedly capable SUV.
Rock Creek Edition models come equipped with dark 18inch wheels wrapped in 255/ 60R18 tires, along with a lot of blacked out trim (mesh grille, roof rails and crossbars, door handles, rearview mirrors and more), and unique badging.
On the inside, Rock Creek Edition models receive twotone seats, badging, and highcontrast stitching on the seats, door, console lid and steering wheel. Four exterior colours are available including Midnight Pine, a model-exclusive finish. Rock Creek Editions also come with a trailer hitch and harness. Towing is rated at 6,000 pounds.
A single powertrain drives all 2019 Pathfinders: 3.5-litre V6 (284 hp/259 lb-ft) married to an Xtronic CVT in both twowheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
The Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition carries a starting price of $41,598 for the SV, and $47,198 for the SL.
The Japanese marque’s lineup carries forward with some mid-cycle freshening, new models and more features