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“Practicality, Functionality and Mobility of the First-Generation XTRAIL [Nostalgic Car Catalog] July 23, 2022 (Sat) 17:00

Nissan XTRAIL (first generation)
The first generation XTRAIL was born on October 19, 2000. The concept was “”a comfortable and fun 4WD vehicle for 4 people at a price of 2 million yen.

The name “”X”” stands for “”X-treme SPORT,”” “”X”” for “”challenging the unknown,”” and “”X”” for “”4×4. The name is a combination of “”X”” for X-treme SPORT, “”X”” for challenging the unknown, and “”TRAIL”” for footprints, off-road, and rough roads.

When you open the catalog for the first generation, you will see a photo spread showing the muddy exterior and a perspective photo showing the interior loaded with a mountain bike. The cutaway shows how the vehicle should be used at a glance, including the “”washable luggage board,”” which is resistant to stains and scratches and can be washed in water, and the luggage space that is more than the width of a tatami mat (the maximum depth is 1874 mm if the rear seat cushions are removed). The luggage space is described in detail.

On the next page, the latest ALL MODE 4×4 with AUTO, ROCK, and 2WD switchability, 200mm minimum ground clearance, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and rear independent suspension with rear parallel link struts are also explained. The QR20DE 2-liter engine (the 2-liter turbo SR20VET engine was also available), which was newly developed at the time, is also mentioned here.

The catalog then continues on to the packaging and equipment pages. Unique equipment included a drink box with heat and cold insulation that could hold up to 500 cc PET bottles, and a multi-center armrest. The instrument panel had a clean and simple design with a center meter, and in 2003, a pop-up steering wheel with a spring-up steering column was adopted, which was useful when staying overnight in the car.

The CD-ROM catalog was also prepared for the EXTRAIL. Nissan had the first generation Terrano, an urban 4WD, but the first generation XTRAIL was more casual than the Terrano and was popular for its practicality, functionality, and maneuverability.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

“NISSAN XTRAIL New Model] “”The Best of FF and RWD”” Electric Four-Wheel Drive “”e-4ORCE””, What makes it different from Aria and RAV4?

The all-new NISSAN XTRAIL made its Japan debut on July 20, 2022. All models are powered by the VC turbo engine + e-POWER, and the 4WD system is the e-4ORCE, which is also used in the Aria.

The “”e-4ORCE”” is Nissan’s most advanced product, which allows the driver to freely control the four-wheel drive system to improve off-road traction, on-road handling, and ride comfort. What are the benefits of e-4ORCE? How is it different from other companies’ 4WD control systems? We interviewed the engineers involved in its development.

Nissan XTRAIL, which is “”80% 4WD””, is the only vehicle that needs this technology.

We interviewed Ryozo Hirakou, Expert Leader of the Powertrain EV Technology Development Division and General Manager of the Technology Planning Department, Planning and Advanced Technology Development Division, and Hiroyuki Togashi, Manager of the Steering and Ride Comfort Performance Planning Group, Vehicle Planning and Performance Planning Department, Vehicle Element Technology Development Division. Both are expert engineers who are responsible for the driving performance of a wide variety of Nissan vehicles.

In the past, the main purpose of 4WD was to secure traction on slippery surfaces such as snow or rain. While this is still a benefit of 4WD today, all manufacturers have recently made advances in 4WD drive control, and 4WD is now also used to “”improve vehicle responsiveness”” on dry on-road surfaces. Nissan’s e-4ORCE also aims to improve all-round drivability, from on-road to off-road, by ideally distributing driving force to all four wheels.

The Aria, the first model to adopt e-4ORCE, was more of an on-road oriented urban SUV, so there are many users who say that 2WD is fine, but the previous generation XTRAIL, which accounted for 80% of 4WD sales, is a vehicle that requires that “”all-round driving performance””. The e-4ORCE technology is exactly what the XTRAIL needs.

Control of drive torque to control yaw moment and also improve ride comfort

According to Hirakoh, “”e-4ORCE”” is simply a control technology that changes the force driven by the four tires to change (or not) the direction of the car as intended by the driver and suppresses body pitching to improve ride comfort. They control the yaw moment when turning by precisely controlling the drive torque of each wheel using the front and rear motors and the left and right brakes.

It is also possible to control the braking force on the front and rear wheels to maintain a flat attitude when the gas pedal is off. This suppresses pitching during braking, and the driver feels a more comfortable ride.

However, this type of drive control is not new, as it is also used by other manufacturers. Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD (gasoline 4WD) and E-FOUR (hybrid 4WD) in Toyota’s RAV4 and real-time AWD in Honda’s CR-V also improve traction and cornering performance on rough roads by distributing drive torque to the rear wheels. In fact, such electric 4WD vehicles boast outstanding stability on slippery surfaces. However, the e-4ORCE is slightly different from these vehicles.

Combination of FWD and RWD”” is possible.

According to Togashi, the e-4ORCE is characterized by the large absolute output of the rear motor. In the case of the Extrail e-4ORCE, the front motor delivers 150kW/330Nm and the rear motor 100kW/195Nm. 1.2 times higher output for the front and 1.9 times higher output for the rear than the “”Note””. Frankly speaking, such a high rear output is unnecessary if all that is needed is to stabilize the vehicle’s behavior on slippery surfaces. For example, the RAV4 Hybrid’s E-FOUR rear motor has an output of 40kW/121Nm, which is enough for half the output of the new Extrale e-4ORCE.

(Reference)
Extrail e-4ORCE: RWD motor (150kW/330Nm), RR motor (100kW/195Nm)
Outlander PHEV: RWD motor (85kW/255Nm), RR motor (100kW/195Nm)
RAV4 Hybrid: Driving force: FR motor (88kW/202Nm), RR motor (40kW/121Nm)
Aria B9 e-4ORCE: Maximum output 290kW, maximum torque 600Nm *Front/rear distribution not disclosed

According to Togashi, the e-4ORCE’s strength is its ability to combine the best of FWD and RWD. e-4ORCE’s goal is to be able to accelerate and turn in any situation, especially reliable in snow and wet conditions.

The e-4ORCE has variable torque distribution from 0:100 to 100:0. While this is possible with other models, the larger rear motor output, for example, allows for quicker acceleration when the load is on the rear in an uphill corner, as the rear 100kW (135ps) is the main drive. Also, on a downhill corner, the front side specializes in changing the direction of the car and the rear side mainly provides traction, so the line does not bulge outward and the car can trace the line as desired. This is truly an advantage of cornering a RWD vehicle.

Of course, when accelerating/decelerating on level ground or driving at high speeds, a high degree of straight-line stability can be expected by driving mainly on the front side. In fact, FF and RWD are not switched like a switch, but are controlled seamlessly, giving the driver a “”better driving”” feeling.

Is the Aria’s most powerful model, the B9 e-4ORCE, Nissan’s “”real deal””?
Incidentally, for those who want a sense of security, it is said that the driver can set the car to snow mode even in town, a mode in which e-4ORCE intervenes 100%, giving the driver absolute security on any surface, including rough, snowy, asphalt, and gravel roads, and it also controls the vehicle’s attitude during braking and driving constantly, making the ride feel very comfortable. It is said to be very comfortable.

Speaking of e-4ORCE, the Aria’s most powerful model, the B9 e-4ORCE, which has yet to be unveiled to the public, is also noteworthy. The system output is in the 290kW/600Nm (front/rear balance not yet disclosed) class, which should be more rear-wheel side output than the Extrale. Nissan’s serious e-4ORCE will be seen in the B9 e-4ORCE scheduled for delivery this summer.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)”

“Nissan xtrail New Model] How to Combine Toughness and Quality20 July 21, 2022 (Thu) 20:00
NISSAN XTRAIL

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has fully remodeled its XTRAIL SUV. The design theme of the new model is “”toughness”” and “”quality””.

◆High quality with attention to detail
Shinichiro Irie, Program Design Director of Nissan’s Design Division, began his explanation of quality with the appealing “”Shell Blonde”” body color. He says, “”The elegant hue further enhances the premium quality of the new XTRAIL.

In terms of exterior design, he states, “”The intelligent and intrepid front mask is attractive. The refined pinstriped V-motion grille and the two-tiered headlamps, which are divided into upper and lower sections, give the design a modern, advanced, and premium quality feel,”” he explains. Furthermore, at night, “”the entire headlamps transform into one large motion, glowing signature. The headlamps are also equipped with emotional sequential turn lamps. The grille pattern was inspired by the traditional Japanese craft of kumiki, and is a high-quality design that blends in with the Japanese landscape,”” he said.

In the side view, he comments, “”The elegantly applied chrome plating shines as a high-quality accent to the underside of the vehicle.

The rear combination lamps are particularly distinctive. The solid inner lens, which can be seen through the clean outer lens, is gradated with a fine faceted pattern. When the lights are turned on, they create a three-dimensional, jewel-like sparkle with a sense of depth,”” he explains.

◆Interior design that makes you feel like you are in a luxury lounge
Quality is also expressed in the interior design. Mr. Irie said, “”Even though it is an SUV, we tried to create a premium quality space with a premium feel, as if you were in a luxury lounge.

The most distinctive feature is the bridge-type center console. Irie said, “”You can feel the atmosphere of electrification through the elaborate double stitching and the electric signal shift lever, which is standard on all grades.

The shift lever and drive mode switch are unified with piano black and matte chrome pinstriping. In addition, the Nappa leather seat upholstery “”has a quilted pattern that gives it a premium feel.

Toughness is the symbol of the EXTRAIL
Another concept, toughness, is said to be “”a symbol of the Extrail. First, the 19-inch alloy wheels have “”machined spokes with a very bold metallic look that matches the larger tire size and resonates with the e-4ORCE’s powerful, earth-stomping performance,”” according to the company.

The exterior color lineup includes five two-tone colors and a monotone color, for a total of 12 different colors. It is a “”tough”” and “”passionate”” color reminiscent of the first-generation EXTRAIL. The other color, the solid-like Stealth Gray, “”emphasizes the tough massiveness of the EXTRAIL as an SUV and has a stylish hue for sophisticated adults to own.

In terms of design, the front and rear sections “”have a strong, sculpted, three-dimensional design that gives the Extrail a dignified, fearless appearance and a sense of security, as if it is protected by a tough, strong man,”” he says.

Another distinctive feature is the overwhelmingly good stance,”” said Irie. This is especially apparent from the rear view. The wide bumper and the volume of the rear fenders, which protrude to the maximum, give the vehicle a dynamic silhouette, and the overhanging tires give it a tough and powerful appearance,”” he said.

The silhouette of the side view is “”the very impression of a tough SUV,”” and “”everyone who sees it will be fascinated by its charm, and will feel the imposing driving style of a champion.

The toughness of the interior design can be felt in the instrument panel, which has a horizontal, thick framework,”” said Irie. The openness of that instrument panel extending outward and the sense of security provided by the soft-padded synthetic leather wrapping with stitching create a space where you can enjoy a relaxing driving experience.

The waterproof seats, which can be used without worrying about stains, “”also feature traditional Japanese textile patterns for a sense of style.

Finally, Mr. Irie expressed his confidence, saying, “”We have created a uniquely cool design that combines ‘toughness’ and ‘quality.”

“NISSAN XTRAIL New Model] Premium “”AUTECH”” Refined “”Quality”” [Detailed Photos] 17:00, July 21, 2022 (Thu)

The new XTRAIL has evolved further by combining the “”tough gear”” keyword, which is part of the XTRAIL’s DNA, with “”quality””. In this issue, we will introduce the new Nissan XTRAIL AUTECH with 40 photos, which has further improved its “”quality.

AUTECH is a brand developed by NMC (Nissan Motorsports & Customization), which has been involved in various custom cars. Currently, the brand offers a lineup of high-quality models based on the concept of “”premium sporty.

Vivid blue is the “”sea”” and “”sky”” of the brand’s birthplace
The front of the car is fitted with a dot-pattern front grille, a common expression of Autechre vehicles. On the grille is the blue OTEC logo. The vivid blue color is the symbolic color of AUTEC, inspired by the images of the “”sea”” and the “”sky”” of Chigasaki, Shonan, the birthplace of the brand.

Metal-like parts are used in various parts of the vehicle to give the impression of a wide stance. Exclusive 20-inch aluminum wheels, the only ones in the Extrail lineup, are mounted. The wheels are twisted toward the center, creating a design that changes its expression depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

A total of seven body color patterns are available. Three of these two-tone body colors are exclusive to Autechre. The model in the photo is two-tone Caspian Blue/Diamond Black. This color scheme matches the Autechre’s iconic blue color scheme.

Dignified interior finish

The interior is coordinated with a dignified black base color. The black leather seats are finished with elaborate curved lines and special quilting. Blue stitching is applied to the seats, creating an interior space unique to the AUTECH brand.

The base model of the XTRAIL AUTECH is the X, but an “”Advanced Package”” is available based on the G model with advanced features such as ProPilot and enhanced safety equipment such as adaptive LED headlights.

The new XTRAIL AUTECH has refined the “”high quality”” of the new EXTRAIL to give it a special feel. This model, which is the embodiment of the premium sporty brand, will go on sale on July 25, 2012. Prices range from 4,205,300 yen to 5,046,800 yen.

“

“247,000 Subaru Levorg and Other Models Recalled…Electric Parking Brake May Not OperateJul 21, 2022, 16:45

Subaru Levorg (2017) Models Subject to Improvement Areas
On July 21, Subaru notified the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of a recall (recall and free repair) of 247,383 units of five models, including the Levorg, because the electric parking brake may not be activated.

The affected 247,383 units of five models, including the Levorg, Impreza, XV, WRX, and Legacy, were manufactured between May 13, 2014 and August 20, 2018.

In the affected models, due to improper selection of resin material for the harness connector for the electric parking brake, the connector may crack due to the effects of snow-melting agents and other factors. As a result, the harness connector may come loose due to vehicle vibration, etc., causing the warning light to illuminate and the electric parking brake to become inoperative or inoperable.

As a remedial measure, all vehicles will have their harness connectors inspected, and if applicable, a retaining clip will be installed.

The defect has been reported in 188 cases and no accidents have occurred. The recall was reported based on information from the market.

“

“Nissan EXTRAIL: The Latest Nissan Connect and the First Nissan Passenger Car to be Equipped with a 100 VAC/1500 Watt Power Supply!

The all-new Nissan EXTRAIL in “”Cardinal Red,”” the first body color to be adopted in Japan
The interior of the all-new Extrail is decorated in “”Cardinal Red,”” a body color adopted for the first time in Japan. The electronic mirror is the core of the telematics system and provides rearward visibility that is unaffected by the conditions inside the vehicle.
The Nissan Extrail, now in its fourth generation, has undergone a full model change. It has been reborn as an SUV that combines the tough gear feel that has made it so popular in the past with high-grade quality. The telematics and other features of the new Extrail have also evolved significantly.

◆OTA updates of map data and SOS call are available
The first thing that jumps out at you when you get into the new Extrail is the 12.3-inch horizontal display located in the center of the console. It is multimedia-compatible, and when the home button is pressed, the status of connected devices and the in-car navigation system can be displayed at the same time. This is the core of the “”Nissan Connect”” system.

Nissan Connect is an optional service available for the new Xtrai for an annual fee of 7,920 yen (tax included). This is basically the same as the plan available for the Note and other models, including the content provided.

The first thing that this subscription enables is “”SOS Call””. This is a function that allows the user to contact an operator in the event of an emergency, and the service can also be used to call the police or fire department. In the event of an airbag activation, the system automatically connects the driver to an operator, and if the driver does not respond, the system arranges for assistance based on the location information reported.

The most typical available content includes “”Door to Door,”” which allows route guidance to be transferred between the smartphone and the in-vehicle navigation system, “”Voice Assistant,”” which allows destination setting and music playback to be controlled by voice, and “”Automatic OTA Map Update,”” which automatically updates the map data of the in-vehicle navigation system via communication. The Voice Assistant is a feature that allows the driver to wake up the car and start driving. The voice assistant can be used to wake the driver up by saying “”Hallo (or Ok) Nissan,”” and then the driver can enter commands in a free conversational style based on natural language understanding.

◆In addition to the voice assistant, Amazon Alexa is also supported.
Following the Aria, the new Extrale is also compatible with Amazon Alexa. It enables news, weather forecasts, and online shopping through voice operation, as well as subscribe music playback through Amazon music. However, the communication for using this service is separate from Nissan Connect, and its use requires either a subscription to “”docomo in car connect”” (paid option), which enables in-car Wi-Fi, or a tethered connection with a smartphone.

Pro Pilot, which assists with accelerating, braking, and steering on highways, is linked to the onboard navigation system and uses map information to identify curves and junctions in advance to control vehicle speed. The system also assists the driver in maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and keeping the vehicle in the center of the lane, and is compatible with Pro Pilot parking, which requires only three steps to complete parking.

Other grade-specific features include an “”intelligent room mirror”” that can be switched to an electronic mirror and an “”intelligent around-view monitor”” that displays the surroundings as if the driver is looking down from the sky when parking.

◆Built-in large-capacity 1500W power supply for outdoor use and emergencies
The Extrail, which is designed for outdoor use, is the first model to be equipped with this exciting feature. This is the first 100V AC power outlet (1500W) installed in a Nissan passenger car, and it can be installed built-in in the cargo compartment (standard on the G grade, optional on other grades).

In fact, Mitsubishi Motors, a group company, has already installed this feature in its PHEVs, and Toyota has also made it available as an optional feature in all of its hybrid vehicles (it is standard equipment in the Aqua). Toyota has also installed this feature as an option in all of its hybrid vehicles (Aqua is a standard feature). Although Nissan claims to offer “”Vehicle to Home (V2H),”” it was necessary to purchase an inverter kit costing around 170,000 yen to make this a reality.

With the new EXTRAIL, this has finally been realized: a USB power socket (Type-C) + 100VAC power supply (1500W) combination can be installed for 52,800 yen. Furthermore, unlike the inverter kit, it is equipped as a power outlet in the luggage compartment, making it extremely easy to use. Finally, the day has come when this functionality can be realized in Nissan vehicles.

As to why this power outlet had not been installed until now, the person in charge of development said, “”There had been opinions within the company for some time that it should be equipped. However, other models were not ready in time, so we decided to install it at this time when the new EXTRAIL was introduced. I believe that adoption will be expanded in the future. Although it is still too early to say for sure, the current e-POWER models and EVs may also be equipped with the system after minor changes.

“

“Nissan xtrail: “”The same concept can’t be applied to the next hit model.
The concept of the new Nissan X-TRAIL is “”a tough SUV wearing high quality.

A design that “”unconsciously gives you a sense of goodness

Aiming for a display like a familiar smartphone

The next idea is already in the works.

Thursday, July 21, 2022 08:00 AM

The new Nissan XTRAIL finally made its Japan debut on July 20, 2022. The new XTRAIL is a return to the “”tough gear”” of the first generation, with a high quality exterior design, advanced interior, and a powertrain that incorporates all of Nissan’s technologies.

Among the many attractions of the new Extrail, we will focus on its design. We will discuss the appeal of the new Extrail’s design based on interviews with Nissan designers who were involved in the development of the new Extrail.

The concept of the new XTRAIL is “”a tough SUV wearing high quality

We interviewed Mr. Shinichiro Irie, Program Design Director, 2nd Product Design Department, Global Design Division, who is in charge of the design of recent Nissan vehicles in general, including the new Extrail, and Mr. Masahiko Kato, who was in charge of the interior of the new Extrail, Note, and Note Aura, as well as the interior. Yohei Noshiro, Design Manager of the 2nd Product Design Department, Global Design Division.

Nissan’s EXTRAIL was based on the keyword “”Tough Gear”” when the first-generation EXTRAIL debuted, a concept that was carried over to the second-generation model. The previous generation, the third generation, was steered towards an urban crossover SUV that added advanced technology to the tough gear, and although it was initially derided by fans of the first and second generations as being too classy, the third generation ended up being a great success, winning the number one registered vehicle sales in the 4WD SUV category in 2018 The third-generation model, however, was a resounding success, becoming the number one selling 4WD SUV in 2018.

The previous generation Extrail was a hit, but the concept for the new model has undergone a major change.
Today, there are a wide variety of SUVs in every segment. Irie said that in order for the EXTRAIL to make its presence felt, he thought it was important to carry on the iconic “”Tough Gear”” of the first generation, and while carrying on the “”advanced”” and “”high quality”” feel of the third generation, he wanted to go back to the roots of “”Tough Gear”” and create an easy-to-understand SUV-like shape once again. The same concept should not be used for the next hit product,”” said Mr. Irie. Just as in the case of movies, it is particularly difficult to create the next model after a successful one, and the development of the new Extrail was extremely difficult.

A design that “”gives an unconscious sense of goodness

The preliminary design study for the new Extrail began around 2018. In the era of electrification of powertrains, they felt that a major shift was needed in design. To address this, Mr. Irie and the rest of the Nissan Design Department launched “”Timeless Japanese Futurism,”” a common language of design for all Nissan vehicles.

Timeless Japanese Futurism”” is a design concept that is semi-permanent, never boring, and has a Japanese sense of beauty, while at the same time being progressive. The “”A to Z”” model lineup of 15 new models announced in the May 2020 financial results announcement is the “”Timeless Japanese Futurism”” concept, which is a combination of a semi-permanent Japanese sense of beauty with a touch of innovation. The “”A to Z”” design concept of 15 new models announced in the May 2020 financial results announcement was part of a move to align all design directions at once in line with the “”Timeless Japanese Futurism”” concept.

As mentioned above, the overall silhouette of the new Nissan Extrail is said to have been expressed to give it a sturdy and tough appearance. Specifically, they wanted to minimize character lines on the sides of the body and eliminate any unnecessary elements, so that only the last remaining elements would be appealing. The front area was designed with the angular lines of the first and second generation cars, but instead of using chrome to express a sense of quality, the designers chose to express it through the quality of the workmanship. He says, “”We tried to create an unconscious feeling of ‘completed quality,’ as if the car somehow looked luxurious.””

According to Mr. Irie, the best way to express the brand on the body side is in the C-pillar design. The new Extrail has a shape that captures the characteristics of previous generations, so much so that “”even without the badge, you can tell the model of the car,”” he said. Indeed, the rear end of the rear quarter glass, which is designed in the shape of a “”K””, looks the same as on previous Extrail models.

Aiming for a familiar smartphone-like display

The interior is another of the new Extrail’s selling points. The interior concept is “”Premium Comfort,”” featuring 12.3-inch LCD meters, a 12.3-inch navigation monitor, a bridge console also used in the Note/Note Aura and KIX, an electric shifter and its lower storage, and a butterfly center console that can be easily accessed from the rear seats. The butterfly center console, which can be easily accessed from the rear seats, as well as the ambient lights and wood-grain paneling, give the impression of two new generations compared to the previous generation.　

The concept of “”premium comfort”” is a “”common”” concept that could be applied by any manufacturer, but the new Extrale gives the impression of having been carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, giving it a “”genuine premium comfort”” finish. The design of the display is a particular focus.

According to Mr. Noshiro, in charge of interior design, the 12.3-inch LCD meter and navigation monitor of the new EXTRAIL were made to look digital and easy to use, so they wanted to increase their size anyway. The image, he says, is of a familiar digital device, like a smartphone or tablet.

The new Extrail does not use the display that connects two LCD monitors (Nissan calls it a monolith), which is used in the latest generation of vehicles such as the Aria, Note/Note Aura, and Sakura. The new T33 model will eventually be integrated into the monolithic display. We hope that the monolith will eventually be integrated into the new model.

We already have an idea for the next one.

The new Nissan Extrail has finally gone on sale, but the next idea is already in his mind. Mr. Irie often looks at the modern architecture of architect Kengo Kuma, from which he sometimes thinks about the structure of the interior. In particular, he is looking at the details of the construction, such as the structure without using nails and the processing to eliminate the boundary between parts so that the joints are not visible, while thinking about what he can incorporate into the car. He believes that the “”high quality”” of the new EXTRAIL is also the result of his attention to detail, which is not noticeable at a glance.

Understanding the spirit of the designers will change the way you look at new models. We will continue to pay attention to the design of Nissan vehicles.”