Nissan confirms that it will launch a hybrid system for its body-on-frame SUV offerings, signaling a potential shift away from diesel to electrified offerings soon.
Previewed at the company’s “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life” long-term vision announcement, the Japanese carmaker has confirmed that it will bring back the Xterra SUV in North America. Keeping its purpose-driven design and rugged body-on-frame construction, the 2027 Xterra will debut a new hybrid system.
Naturally, Nissan is keeping mum on the technical details, but it’s confirmed to feature a V6 layout which makes the current e-Power layout unlikely. If it does feature a series-parallel or parallel hybrid system, it would be the first for Nissan.
The development of a new hybrid system specifically for body-on-frame applications could have huge implications for Nissan globally. It could very well mean the development of a gasoline hybrid version of the Terra. And if the system is extremely flexible, it could also find its way into the Mitsubishi Triton-based Navara.
This new development is part of the Nissan Product Family strategy. This will move the company’s focus from model‑by‑model optimization to architecture‑led development built on shared vehicle platforms, powertrains, and software platforms.
Nissan will concentrate development around three product families that will account for more than 80 percent of global volume, increase volume per model by more than 30 percent while accelerating development speed and technology rollout.
The carmaker has also confirmed a change in its global business strategy with three lead markets: Japan, United States, and China.
In relation to these developments, it has been confirmed that ASEAN markets will stand to get both the Nissan Frontier Pro and the Nissan N7 turning Nissan’s China manufacturing base into a global hub for markets such as the Philippines.
Nissan/Dongfeng is also undergoing testing of a next generation Nissan Terra (called Paladin there) possibly with the Dongfeng Z9/Nissan Frontier Pro's PHEV system. There are already spyshots of mule prototypes where the old Nissan Terra body is fitted with the Dongfeng Z9 fascia and chassis. Since Nissan Thailand is expected to shut down Terra production (they only continue to produce Terra for export to PH market only), we are more likely to get this version of Nissan's body-on-frame SUV as a replacement to the aging Terra.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Dongfeng Paladin/Terra might replace the Terra made in Thailand for PH market. While the Xterra for US market may be a possible replacement, it is likely a 5-seater SUV only and more off-road focused than the more family-oriented Dongfeng version.
DeleteI wonder if facelifted D23 Navara is still coming... probably the only one that was teased at "The Arc" but not yet released. Maybe Nissan cancelled it and decided that the Dongfeng-based Frontier Pro with diesel and PHEV is a good enough replacement since the Triton-based Navara is exclusive to Oceania only.
ReplyDeleteNissan should bring in the new Navara based on the platform of the Mitsubishi Triton.
DeleteWhy is Nissan becoming more and more Chinese? People want real Japanese product not rebadged nor made in China products.
ReplyDelete