Nissan unleashes trio of "Winter Warrior" concepts

Designed for full-size family adventures, the 2017 Armada offers new exterior and interior designs, along with enhanced performance from new 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission

Features class-exclusive* available safety and security features, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Backup Collision Intervention and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection

The new generation of Nissan's flagship SUV is due to arrive in summer 2016

Will be on display at Chicago's McCormick Place, Feb. 13th through 21st

CHICAGO – Nissan debuted the all-new 2017 Armada full-size SUV this evening prior to its upcoming appearance at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the largest auto show in North America. Nissan is also displaying a trio of "Winter Warriors," custom-built Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models equipped with special snow tracks in place of their wheels and tires.

The new Armada features a fresh exterior design, a comfortable full-feature cabin, enhanced performance and an extensive list of available safety and convenience features – including Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW).

"With the introduction of the all-new, second-generation Armada full-size SUV, the last piece of Nissan's transformation of its SUV and crossover lineup falls into place following the recent makeovers of our Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue models," said Phil O'Connor, Director, Chief Marketing Manager, Nissan North America, Inc. "We're particularly proud that with this new Armada we're setting a new standard in class, offering advanced safety and security features usually reserved for much higher priced luxury sedans or premium SUVs."

The 2017 Nissan Armada

The new Armada also continues the nameplate's reputation for value and choice, offering a range of three high-content grade levels – SV, SL and Platinum – in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations. In addition, the 2017 Armada offers an exceptional array of standard features, including Nissan Navigation with NavTraffic and NavWeather information (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and 8.0-inch color display, heated front seats and 13-speaker Bose® audio system.

The all-new Armada is built on the heritage of the Nissan Patrol, which has been a workhorse for the world for many decades. While it is intended primarily for family adventures here in North America, Armada remains true to its roots as a strong, durable and authentic full-size, 8-passenger SUV. As part of its adventure-ready spirit, the new Armada offers standard towing capacity of 8,500 pounds for both 4WD and 2WD models (when properly equipped).

Armada's redesigned body features an aggressive stance with bold V-motion front grille and standard LED low-beam headlights and signature LED Daytime Running Lights – maintaining the previous generation's rugged, athletic image but with added contemporary style. In the rear, bold combination lights include LED taillights.

Inside, the 2017 Armada combines style, roominess and premium interior comfort – including special emphasis on quietness and quick interior cooling and heating. "Library level" interior noise levels (at idle) are achieved through the use of acoustic glass on the windshield and the front side windows, as well as through expanded use (versus the previous generation) of sound absorption materials.

The new Endurance V8, while maintaining the same 5.6-liter displacement as its predecessor, offers an increase in horsepower to 390 from the previous 317, thanks in part to the addition of several advanced technologies – including new Direct Injection Gas (DIG™) and advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) systems. Also new is the advanced 7-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous 5-speed automatic.

Nissan Winter Warriors

Also expected to attract enthusiastic crowds to the Nissan display are the aggressive Winter Warriors. Created in celebration of the Chicago Auto Show, Nissan has given three of its popular crossovers a little competitive edge for winter driving – creating one-off versions of its popular Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue equipped with sets of heavy-duty snow tracks.

All three Nissan Winter Warriors feature custom heavy-duty track systems with custom matte-black finish frames. The snow tracks are 48 inches long, 30 inches high and 15 inches wide and replace the vehicles' wheels and tires. The suspensions and wheel wells were modified to fit the snow tracks, but otherwise all drivetrain components, including the engines and Xtronic transmissions, are factory fresh. Nissan Design America (NDA) created a design theme for the identical, custom matte red-chrome body wraps featuring a unique "track" design and Nissan "Winter Warrior" signage. A range of Genuine Nissan Accessories are also fitted to the three Winter Warriors, including cargo area protectors, all-season floor mats, roof rail crossbars and rear bumper protectors. They also each feature 9x9-foot hatch tents for true hardcore winter camping enthusiasts.

Nissan SUV and crossovers have experienced record sales in recent years. In 2015, Murano sales increased 33 percent, while Rogue set an all-time record of more than 287,000 units – an increase of 44 percent. The sales momentum has continued in 2016 with a record-setting month for Pathfinder, Rogue and Murano, to the tune of 5 percent, 26 percent and 46 percent increases, respectively.

Public days for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, which is held at McCormick Place, are February 13-21. For photography and additional information about the 2017 Nissan Armada and Nissan Winter Warriors, along with the complete lineup of 2016 Nissan vehicles, please visit NissanNews.com.

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

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Contacts

Dan Passe

Product Communications, Nissan North America

615-725-5264

dan.passe@nissan-usa.com

Phil Lienert

Nissan Truck, SUV & Crossover Communications

615-725-5236

phil.lienert@nissan-usa.com

*Comparison based on 2017 Nissan Armada vs. latest in-market Ward's Large Sport Utility segment (excluding extended length vehicles). Source: manufacturer's website.