Nissan and Infiniti bringing bold, retro AutoShow lineup
Groundbreaking new concept, compact crossover among cars in progressive 2018 display
Nissan and Infiniti are presenting a bold and progressive lineup for the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow.
Making its Canadian debut is the Nissan Xmotion (pronounced “cross motion”) concept, a groundbreaking compact SUV that builds on the company’s history of cutting-edge crossovers and SUVs.
The Xmotion is a six-passenger, threerow concept that utilizes Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship with North American-style utility and newgeneration Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology.
“The Xmotion Concept is a study in how seemingly disparate elements can gain power and strength through coexistence,” said Alfonso Albaisa, senior vicepresident of global design at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
“It draws inspiration from the Japanese esthetics and techniques that have been passed down through generation after generation,” Albaisa said. “At the same time, it achieves the modern purposefulness required for drivers in the near-future era of connected, autonomous crossover vehicles.”
With its long wheelbase — with wheels and tires pushed out to the extremes of the corners — the Xmotion Concept allows for the creation of a fresh, “4+2” passenger layout.
Featuring three rows of side-by-side individual seats, it’s designed to provide a perfect space for a young couple, another couple and two children or pets in the third row.
The brand-new Nissan Kicks becomes the newest entry in the fast-growing, affordable compact crossover market when it hits Nissan Canada dealerships in June 2018. Kicks also becomes the sixth member of the Nissan crossover and SUV lineup.
As the gateway to Nissan’s sport utility lineup — joining Qashqai, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and Armada — Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for unique styling, roominess, personal technology, smart functionality and advanced safety features at an affordable price.
“This emerging CUV class is exploding with new entries for a very good reason — the combination of flexible utility and high value is ideal for active, urban new-vehicle buyers,” said Steve Rhind, director of marketing for Nissan Canada Inc.
“Where the new Nissan Kicks stands out is with its bold style, personal technology, value and anticipated excellent fuel economy.”
The world’s first mass-market EV, the Nissan LEAF, enters the 2018 model year as “all-new” with more range, more power, and a host of new technology, including e-Pedal and ProPILOT Assist.
ProPILOT Assist is a single-lane driving assistance technology that can automatically control the distance to the vehicle in front, using a speed preset by the driver (between about 29 km/h and 100 km/h).
In addition to ProPILOT Assist and ePedal, the new LEAF is equipped with a set of advanced safety technologies including Intelligent Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Around View Monitor including moving object detection.
At the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Infiniti unveiled an openwheel, electric retro roadster prototype called Prototype 9. It represents a reimagining of a 1930s race car with time-honoured production techniques employed to realize its retro design. This stunning roadster prototype is making its Canadian debut at the 2018 AutoShow.
“Prototype 9 celebrates the tradition of ingenuity, craftsmanship and passion of our forebears at Nissan Motor Corporation, on whose shoulders we stand today,” Albaisa said.
“It started as a discussion: What if Infiniti had created a race car in the 1930s? If one were to imagine an open-wheeled Infiniti racer on the famous circuits of the era, what would that look like?”
The Infiniti QX50, a luxury mid-size SUV, has been redesigned for 2019 with world-first technologies on an all-new platform. Featuring the world’s first production VC-Turbo engine, the all-new QX50 adjusts its compression ratio by combining the power of a 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel engine.
“The QX50, powered by our VC-Turbo, is the first production vehicle ever to give drivers an engine that transforms on demand, setting a new benchmark for powertrain capability and refinement,” said Randy Parker, vice-president, Infiniti Americas.
Other unique features of the 2019 QX50 include the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa hightensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform; and ProPILOT Assist technologies to help the driver control acceleration, braking and steering during single-lane highway driving.
“Our intention is to empower the driver and enhance feelings of pleasure behind the wheel, not to remove the driver from the equation,” said François Bancon, vice-president of product and programs. “The brand new QX50 will set a new benchmark in the biggest premium segment.”