Nissan Unveils Armada in New YorkNissan introduced the second vehicle based off its all-new fullsize truck platform-the Pathfinder Armada SUV-at the New York Auto Show in April. Nissan's initial fullsize offering, the Titan pickup, debuted earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
In a sea of "crossovers" and cute/utes, the Armada is a throwback to traditional truck-based sport/utilities, with body-on-frame construction, a V-8 engine, and a two-speed transfer case with low range. There's even an off-road package available with extra skidplates under the oil pan, gas tank, and transfer case; Rancho shocks; 3.36:1 axle gears; and P285/70R17 BFG All-Terrains on 711/42-inch-wide wheels.
The Armada shares its 5.6L, DOHC, 32-valve Endurance V-8 with the Titan. In an interesting public relations move, Nissan has been fairly forthcoming about the engine's power output in the Titan: "over 300 hp and more than 375 lb-ft of torque." When it comes to discussing what is ostensibly the same engine in the Armada, the press guys get tight-lipped, saying only that the engine offers "one of the highest standard horsepower/torque ratings in the fullsize, light-duty SUV class...." Our guess is that the engineers are still tinkering with tuning to optimize fuel economy, and so they're reluctant to give out firm power numbers until closer to the truck's fall launch. The factory reps did say that, properly equipped, the Armada will be able to tow up to 9,100 pounds.
The Armada's drivetrain consists of a five-speed automatic transmission (with tow/haul mode) mated to a two-speed transfer case with auto, full-time 4WD, and 4-Lo modes. The case's automatic control system was derived from Nissan's Japan-market Skyline GT-R sports coupe and is not a truck-based system. It can distribute up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the front wheels as needed.
Under the Armada is a fully independent suspension, with double wishbones front and rear. A rear air-leveling system is available with the Armada's tow package.
The Armada will come in SE and upscale LE trim levels, and several special equipment packages will be available along with the Off-Road package mentioned earlier. Prices haven't been announced, but Nissan says it will be priced like other fullsize SUVs.
Your Guide to Roughin' ItNeed help building a multipurpose vehicle? Think you know what you should wear when you're trapped on the trail? Before you hit the dirt again, first check out Your Guide to Roughin' It, which includes stories about which modifications your truck should have to what your own body should have (that would be tents, sleeping bags, and apparel). Our guide can help you with all the details for your next adventure, including new tips and event ideas from our sister magazines, such as Guns & Ammo (really-them guys is smart!)! Check it out at 4wheeloffroad.com.
This Just In...*Count on the folks at Advance Adapters to not leave well enough alone. They're introducing an Atlas transfer case with a 5.047:1 low-range ratio. Each will come standard with a 32-spline HD front output shaft. The transfer case will retail for a tick over $2,700 and will be available mid-Summer.
*Speaking of rocks, an agreement has been reached between the Rockcrawlers Association of America and Skyjacker to sanction the 2003 Skyjacker National Rock Crawling Championship for Women. The event will be held at the Avalanche Ranch near Durango, Colorado, Aug. 21-23.
*The war with Iraq seems to have had an effect on car, truck, and SUV sales. According to the folks at Automotive News, retail sales of new vehicles fell 8 percent following the start of the hostilities, compared with the same period a year ago. The silver lining: Many economic experts predicted it would be worse, and the drop in sales wasn't anywhere near the hit taken at the start of the first Gulf War's ground offensive or the days immediately after Sept. 11, 2001.