Nissan’s 2008 model year is off to a strong, early start with four new or significantly revised models already launched and another, the all-new Nissan Rogue crossover SUV, scheduled for a September 2007 debut.
Nissan’s best-selling nameplate, the Altima, continues to extend its line-up with the introduction of the all-new 2008 Altima Coupe. The dramatically styled two-door Altima Coupe, builds on the momentum established by last year’s introduction of an all-new fourth-generation 2007 Altima Sedan and Altima Hybrid, Nissan’s first production vehicle powered by a hybrid drivetrain.
Along with the expanded Altima line-up, Nissan’s roster of adventure-ready trucks and SUVs receives significant upgrades for the 2008 model year, starting with major revisions to the Titan full-size truck, with new Long Bed models and new PRO-4X off-road grade. Additionally, the 2008 Armada full-size SUV features a revised exterior and a number of technological enhancements. The new 2008 Pathfinder mid-size SUV now offers the first-ever availability of a V8 in its 22-year history, along with a variety of new features. The 2008 Titan, Armada and Pathfinder are on sale now.
The rest of the 2008 Nissan line-up receives a variety of enhancements, including new packages and additional equipment.
Following is an overview of the Nissan Division products for the 2008 model year.
2008 Nissan Rogue
The all-new 2008 Rogue, which was previewed at the 2007 North American International Auto Show last January, offers aggressive, performance-oriented styling, a powerful engine, responsive handling and a driver-focused cockpit combined with thoughtful everyday utility. These attributes create a vehicle that satisfies both the functional and emotional needs of young, active drivers.
Rogue features an impressive array of standard features, including Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Available equipment includes Nissan’s all-new Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system with yaw moment control and Nissan Intelligent Key.
Rogue’s stylish, driver-centered interior environment features a high-utility cockpit-like feel that is enhanced by an available sports car-like paddle shifters for ultimate control, Bose-developed audio system, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and steering wheel-mounted control switches.
Highlights of the 2008 Nissan Rogue include:
- Aggressive, performance-oriented exterior with sleek, masculine styling, dynamically arched forms and powerful rear shoulder lines
- Roof rail system with detachable cross bars
- Available power sliding glass moonroof
- Nissan “C” platform
- 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque
- Nissan Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with adaptive logic control, high-speed CPU
- Available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
- Available all-new Intuitive All-Wheel Drive system with yaw rate control or front-wheel drive
- Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
- High-caster front independent-strut suspension with large diameter stabilizer bar and high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs
- Rear multi-link independent suspension with high-performance shock absorbers with rebound springs
- Available 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Available leather-appointed front and rear seats, steering wheel and shifter knob
- Available fold-down front passenger seat
- Available Nissan Intelligent Key
- Standard AM/FM/CD 2DIN audio system and available Bose®-developed audio system with 6CD in-dash changer, seven speakers and subwoofer with MP3 capability and XM™ Satellite Radio (required monthly subscription sold separately)
- Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
- Available easy-to-clean, detachable, one-touch foldable cargo organizer to prevent cargo from shifting while driving
- Standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front air bags and occupant classification system for the front passenger seat)
- Standard front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupants with rollover detection
- Standard front seat Active Head Restraints for head and neck protection in rear impacts
- Offered in two well-equipped models: Rogue S and Rogue SL, in all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive configurations
2008 Nissan Altima Coupe
The all-new 2008 Altima Coupe is designed to fulfill a desire among target customers for a more personal expression of style and individuality. Based on the popular 2007 Altima sedan, the new Coupe’s exterior design stands out in a crowd of sedan-based two-door models with its sophisticated, perfectly proportioned styling. The distinctive Altima Coupe features a shorter wheelbase, overall length and height than the Altima Sedan.
The smaller size and lighter overall weight also contribute to the Coupe’s sporty driving feel – another desired attribute of the typically younger, more performance-oriented coupe buyers.
Altima Coupe is available with a choice of the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-litre V6 or powerful 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engines, each offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Also offered is a long list of user-friendly technology features – including standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, available advanced touch-screen navigation system with XM™ RealTime traffic updates (required monthly subscription sold separately) and RearView Monitor.
Highlights of the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe include:
- Sporty and sophisticated exterior design – with all major exterior body panels (except hood) different from Altima Sedan
- Unique grille and front headlight design, unique rear combination lamps
- Smaller, tighter dimensions than Altima sedan:
o 4.0-inch shorter wheelbase
o 7.1-inch shorter overall length, with reduced rear overhang
o 2.5-inch shorter overall height - Unique 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tailpipe finishers (V6 models)
- 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 with 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque or refined 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder with 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft torque
- Standard dual exhaust tip finishers
- Refined six-speed manual transmission or sport-tuned Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Standard Traction Control System (TCS)(V6 models)
- Available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)(V6 models)
- All-new, rigid Nissan “D” platform
- Independent strut with coil springs front suspension design, with equal-length, equal-angle, near parallel to the ground half shafts – virtually eliminating torque steer
- Advanced multi-link independent rear suspension design
- Front and rear stabilizer bars
- Power-assisted front vented disc/solid rear disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
- Standard 16-inch steel or aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/60R16 tires or unique design 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires
- High quality interior feel with refined workmanship
- Front seat lower cushion storage pockets
- In-board passenger seat fold/release lever with memory/return feature
- Sporty interior space with innovative amenities, including Fine Vision Gauges, standard Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, convenient covered storage compartments, cup or bottle holders
- Available Bose®-developed audio system with nine speakers, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, dual-zone automatic temperature control
- Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
- Front seat Active Head Restraints
- Standard moonroof
2008 Nissan Titan King Cab and Crew Cab
For 2008, Nissan adds new Long Wheelbase models to the Titan line-up, featuring beds measuring more than a foot-and-a-half longer than standard models. Titan is offered in two cab configurations – King Cab and Crew Cab; in 4x2 and 4x4 drive; with four bed sizes – 5'6" and 7'3" (Crew Cab), and 6'6" and 8'2" (King Cab); and with Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) capability (E85 Ethanol).
The 2008 Nissan Titan is available in four models: XE, SE, LE and the all-new PRO-4X off-road grade, which features Rancho shock absorbers, a lower final gear ratio, two additional skid plates, electronic locking rear differential, special aluminum-alloy wheels and aggressive off-road tires, and unique interior trim and gauge appearance.
Titan is built on Nissan’s rugged F-Alpha pickup platform, featuring Nissan’s powerful 5.6-litre DOHC Endurance V8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque. Titan features a standard five-speed automatic transmission and a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds for King Cab and 9,300 pounds for Crew Cab (when properly equipped).
Enhancements to the 2008 Titan King Cab and Crew Cab include:
- New King Cab and Crew Cab Long Wheelbase models
- New PRO-4X off-road grade, featuring:
o Rancho shock absorbers
o Lower final gear ratio
o Two additional skid plates
o Electronic locking rear differential
o Unique interior trim
o Unique gauge appearance - 140 litre fuel tank for Long Wheelbase models
- All-new wheel designs
- Revised front fascia
- New wood trim for LE grade
- Available Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
- Available XM Satellite Radio tuner
- Available heated leather bench seat
- Revised instrument panel and centre stack
- 8-inch DVD screen (up from 7-inch)
- Increased payload capacity
- Two new exterior colours – Pebble Beach and Timberline
2008 Nissan Armada
The substantial enhancements to the 2008 Armada include revised exterior styling, an upgraded interior, additional technology features and upscale new amenities.
Armada offers a standard 317-horsepower 5.6-litre V8 with 385 lb-ft of torque, class-leading towing capacity of up to 9,000-pounds, seven-passenger seating, an advanced Bose audio system, a navigation system with real-time traffic information (required monthly subscription sold separately; not available until Fall 2007) and Nissan Intelligent Key with twist start.
Enhancements to the 2008 Armada include:
- 20-inch wheels and tires
- Redesigned front and rear fascias
- Revised roof rack
- Standard heated leather steering wheel
- Standard power folding 60/40 split 3rd row
- Illuminated steering wheel controls
- Welcome meter illumination and a lockable glove box
- New wood grain accents for LE grade
- Revised instrument meters
- Standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
- Standard Intelligent Key with twist start
- Standard XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic™ real-time traffic updates (required monthly subscription sold separately; not available until Fall 2007)
- Hard-disk based Nissan Navigation System with new 9.3-GB Music Box hard drive for onboard MP3 storage
- Liftgate speakers and subwoofer
- Larger DVD Entertainment System screen (8-inch, up from 7-inch)
- Two new exterior colours – Pebble Beach and Timberline
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2008 Pathfinder features the availability of Nissan’s powerful Endurance V8 engine – the first time a V8 has been offered in Pathfinder history. The Nissan 5.6-litre powerplant, which is also utilized in Titan and Armada, is tuned to produce 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque in the Pathfinder.
Also available is Pathfinder’s proven 266-horsepower 4.0-litre version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine. All Pathfinders continue to be built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the architecture of the full-size Nissan Armada SUV.
For 2008, Pathfinder also receives a number of interior and exterior styling upgrades, newly available technology and amenities and a number of package/option refinements.
Enhancements to the 2008 Pathfinder include:
- New available 5.6-litre DOHC V8 producing 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, featuring an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, graphite-coated pistons, six-bolt main bearing caps, single-stage timing chain
- Standard XN All-Mode 4WD System
- New front and rear styling
- New 17- and 18-inch wheels for SE-V6 and LE-V8 trims
- Bright machined finished wheels for LE-V8
- Colour display with RearView Monitor standard on SE-V6 and LE-V8 trims
- Navigation Package now features 9.3-GB Music Box hard drive for onboard MP3 storage
- Power latch and cinch rear liftgate
- New centre stack design and centre console styling on SE-V6 and LE-V8
- Manual-mode automatic transmission with grip shifter on SE-V6 and LE-V8
- SE trims now offer the 2007 model year Comfort Package contents as standard equipment
- SE-Off Road trim now offers the 2007 model year Premium Package contents as standard equipment
- Hard-Disk based Navigation (previously DVD-based)
- XM Satellite Radio now standard on SE-Off Road and LE trims
- Heated steering wheel now standard on LE trims
- Standard illuminated switches (except S trim)
- Two new exterior colours – Neve (a premium three-stage paint) and Café Mocha, and two new leather-appointed interior colours – Russet and Café Latte
2008 Nissan Altima Sedan
With a new generation of Altima introduced in 2007, Nissan’s best-selling model enters the 2008 model year with minimal changes. The Altima Sedan has been designed to be the best-performing front wheel drive sedan available globally. Built on Nissan’s “D” platform, the 2008 Altima Sedan is available with a choice of two engines: the award-winning VQ-series 3.5-litre V6 or the powerful 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder.
The 2008 Altima offers a long list of technology features, including standard Intelligent Key with Push Start Ignition, available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system.
Enhancements to the 2008 Altima Sedan include:
- Standard Diversity Antenna
- Available factory-activated XM™ Satellite Radio (required monthly subscription sold separately)
- Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
Introduced in 2007, the 2008 Altima Hybrid mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine with an advanced electric drive motor/generator. Together they give Altima Hybrid a net power rating of 198 horsepower (148 kW). With its standard electronically controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the Altima Hybrid achieves an estimated EPA fuel economy of 5.6 L/100 kms City and 5.9 L/100 kms Highway and is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).
Altima Hybrid shares the appealing standard and available equipment with the 2008 Altima Sedan, including its advanced platform and long list of amenities and safety features.
Enhancements to the 2008 Altima Hybrid include:
- Standard Diversity Antenna
- Available factory-activated XM™ Satellite Radio (required monthly subscription sold separately)
- Moonroof
2008 Nissan Versa Hatchback and Sedan
Introduced in the 2007 model year, Versa has been one of Nissan’s hottest-selling models since it hit showrooms last July. For 2008, the Versa Hatchback and Sedan models continue to offer surprising roominess and amenities, including available Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM™ Satellite Radio and a Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer.
Versa comes with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine and a choice of three transmissions, including Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides smooth shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency. Estimated fuel economy is 7.5L/100 kms City and 6.0L/100 kms Highway with the CVT transmission, 7.9L/100 kms City and 6.3L/100 kms Highway with the six-speed manual transmission, and 8.5L/100 kms City and 6.2L/100 kms highway with the four-speed automatic transmission.
Enhancements to the 2008 Versa Hatchback and Sedan include:
- Sport Package now available for Versa Sedan 1.8 SL model
- CVT Transmission replaces four-speed automatic on Versa Sedan SL
- Premium Audio system now standard on Versa Hatchback and Sedan SL
2008 Nissan Sentra and Sentra SE-R
The new, sixth generation Sentra, which debuted in 2007, offers more style, space, quality, performance and interior flexibility for active lifestyles than any previous Sentra. For 2008, Sentra adds a number of significant enhancements, including additional standard equipment and package content changes for various models.
Inside Sentra’s spacious cabin are thoughtful and useful features, including a 60/40 split double-fold rear seat, available “Divide-N-Hide” hidden trunk storage compartment and available “In-tune” integrated overhead compact disc holder. The 2008 Sentra is also available with a range of unexpected amenities – ranging from the luxury of leather-appointed seating to the convenience of Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry system.
The 2008 Sentra is again built on Nissan’s “C” platform and offers a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, standard six-speed manual transmission or available fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and responsive handling.
The new Sentra SE-R, also launched in 2007, is offered in Sentra SE-R and Sentra SE-R Spec V models – both featuring sporty styling, enhanced performance and additional standard equipment versus non-SE-R models.
The 2008 Sentra SE-R features Nissan’s refined QR25DE four-cylinder engine rated at 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque (on regular unleaded fuel), matched with an Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters for smooth, sporty performance. The six-speed manual-equipped Sentra SE-R Spec V features a high-output version of the QR25DE engine, with top end engine modifications that help it achieve 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Contributing to the Spec V’s outstanding performance is unique suspension tuning, larger diameter brakes and an optional Helical Limited Slip Differential.
Inside the cockpit of both Sentra SE-R models are a number of unique styling features, including sport bucket front seats with red seat stitching and embroidered SE-R seatback logos, aluminum foot pedal pads, leather-appointed steering wheel and an additional two-gauge meter pack featuring oil pressure and acceleration/deceleration g-force gauges.
Enhancements to the 2008 Sentra and Sentra SE-R include:
- Moonroof Package now available on 2.0 S models
- Driver-side power window with one-touch auto up/down and safety reverse feature and power heated outside (body colour) mirrors added to 2.0 VOP Package
- XM Satellite Radio standard on 2.0 SL models and SE-R Sport Package (required monthly subscription sold separately)
- Illuminated vanity mirrors added to 2.0 S Luxury Package
- 16 inch alloy wheels added to 2.0 S model
- Trunk lid trim added to 2.0 VOP Package
- Premium audio system with RDS, six-speaker, 1DIN display, outside temperature display and trip computer added to 2.0 S model
2008 Nissan Maxima
Nissan’s sixth-generation flagship model carries over after a major update for the 2007 model year. The 2008 Nissan Maxima features an aggressive exterior and a sporty yet luxurious interior with a high-quality look and feel.
The 2008 Maxima continues to be powered by an award-winning 255-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, the only engine to make the Ward’s “10-Best Engines” list every year since the award’s inception. This is the only engine to have achieved this award 13 years in a row.
Enhancements to the 2008 Maxima include:
- XM Satellite radio now part of the SE Leather package
2008 Nissan 350Z Coupe and 350Z Roadster
After a 2007 model year revision that included the use of an entirely new VQ engine, the 2008 Nissan 350Z continues to offer sports car lovers high performance excitement and a dynamic driving experience in a high value package. Again for 2008, the legendary Z® features a standard VQ35HR V6 producing 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque.
The 2008 350Z is available in Coupe and Roadster body styles and in an array of models – two for the Coupe and two for the Roadster. The Grand Touring model, features an aerodynamics package with an aggressive front chin spoiler and a rear deck spoiler. This package produces additional aerodynamic downforce for enhanced cornering and handling performance.
Additional 350Z performance features include a specially tuned independent multi-link suspension, Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers and RAYS super lightweight forged-alloy wheels and tuned exhaust.
Enhancements to the 2008 350Z Coupe and Roadster include:
- A new Nogaro Red premium exterior paint colour
- XM Satellite radio added to Coupe models
2008 Nissan Xterra
The 2008 Nissan Xterra, built on Nissan’s rugged F-Alpha platform, features a number of thoughtful storage and utility solutions, making it the ultimate off-road adventure vehicle. Continuing the traditional of the original Xterra, the 2008 model again offers drivers “everything you need, and nothing you don’t.” Xterra is powered by a standard 261-horsepower 4.0-litre DOHC V6 and features 10 cargo hooks, an Easy Clean cargo area, a tie-down channel system similar to the Utili-track system on the Titan and Frontier and a built-in first-aid kit.
Enhancements to the 2008 Xterra include:
- Step rails, first aid kit, and cargo net now included on S trim
- Bright machined finish on 16-inch Off-Road grade wheel
- Available auto-dimming rearview mirror with outside temperature gauge and compass (Off-road and SE)
- Available Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
- New exterior colour – Matador Red
- New interior colour – Sandstone
2008 Nissan Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab
The 2008 Nissan Frontier continues to offer tough, bold styling that mimics the larger Titan and an available Utility Bed system that features the Utili-track C-channel tie-down system and a factory-applied spray-in bedliner.
Frontier continues to be built on Nissan’s F-Alpha platform and is available with a choice of a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder (4x2 only) or an advanced 4.0-litre DOHC V6, which produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
The 2008 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations. Frontier also features long bed models with beds more than 13 inches longer than the standard models.
Enhancements to the 2008 Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab include:
- New finish on 16-inch NISMO Alloy Wheels
- Available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
2008 Nissan Quest
Redesigned in 2007, the Nissan Quest receives only minor changes for the 2008 model year. Among the new Quest’s features were a totally redesigned instrument panel, a new centre console available with the Technology Package, available Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, available 8-inch DVD screens, an in-dash CD6 autochanger with MP3 playback and auxiliary audio input, available RearView Monitor and Rear Sonar System, and new grille and front bumper fascia.
Quest continues as one of the roomiest front-wheel drive minivans in its segment, with wide opening doors for easy access to the standard fold-away 2nd and 3rd row seats and one of the largest storage spaces (148.7 cubic feet) in the front-wheel drive minivan segment. The 3rd row seat now features integrated auto-folding headrests and spring assist for easier operation.
The 2008 Quest provides sedan-like power and handling from its standard 240-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine, improved five-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel Anti-lock disc brakes and responsive suspension design.
Standard Quest safety features include Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags to help protect 1st, 2nd and 3rd row outboard occupants in side-impact collisions, front seat Active Head Restraints and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Supplemental front seat-mounted air bags are also available.
The 2008 Quest is offered in four well-equipped models – 3.5, 3.5S, 3.5SL and 3.5SE.
Enhancements to the 2008 Quest include:
- Power sliding door standard on SL trim
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System standard on SE trim
- RearView Monitor standard on SL trim
- Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control standard on SL trim
- Auto on/off headlights standard on SL trim
- Rear sonar available on S trim
- XM™ Satellite Radio standard on SE trim (requires monthly subscription sold separately)
- Standard front seat side-impact supplemental airbags
- New exterior colour – Lakeshore Slate
Nissan Murano
Updated information on the Nissan Murano will be available at a later date.