Tags: Nissan tuning SUV autoshow 2006 SEMA Show
Nissan and Marc Ecko have revealed what happens when two of the most design-forward companies in the automotive and fashion industries unite. At a VIP event held at New York’s Splashlight Studios, Nissan and Marc Ecko showcased the results of their recently announced partnership – the Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan Armada customised by Marc Ecko, and the Nissan-inspired line of apparel and accessories from the *ecko unltd. and Marc Ecko Cut & Sew collections.
“Nissan and Marc Ecko are two brands known for bold, forward-thinking design,” said Jan Thompson, vice president of marketing for Nissan North America. “The new customised vehicles and clothing line emerging from this collaboration are the perfect extension of the quality and affinity for street culture inherent to both brands.”
The Nissan Pathfinder customised by Marc Ecko is inspired by *ecko unltd.’s street-smart swagger. It takes a vehicle that loves to get a little dirty and gives it an ‘old school’ twist with smoothed wheel wells, a modified grille and a custom black and grey camouflage paint job. The interior includes seamless black leather, moulded wood backs and a glossy, safety orange centre console.
The Nissan Armada customised by Marc Ecko follows Cut & Sew’s sophisticated designs, retaining the muscularity of the vehicle’s original look while adding an edge. The exterior features a cream Landau roof, laser etched rims and safety orange side panels. The interior offers sophisticated touches like the use of premium cream and tan calfskin leathers with heavy-contrast stitching.
“My goal with this project is to not only introduce my original sense of style to Nissan, but to do so in a way that highlights the individuality of the Pathfinder and Armada brands,” said Mr Ecko.
Mr Ecko also designed limited edition, co-branded pullover anoraks, t-shirts, leather key chains and other items that will be given away at events and sold online through www.ecko.com. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Sweat Equity Enterprises (SEE), Mr Ecko’s nonprofit organisation, which empowers at-risk teens to learn professional design and technology skills while working behind the scenes in leading design companies.
About Marc Ecko EnterprisesThe youngest member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s board of directors, Marc Ecko is founder of *ecko unltd., the world famous rhino brand. Since its creation in 1993, the group of companies that comprise Marc Ecko Enterprises has grown to include: *ecko unltd.® men's and Eckored® women's apparel, as well as outerwear, footwear, watches, eyewear, underwear, belts, bags, hats, small leather goods, formalwear and more. Marc Ecko Enterprises also includes Marc Ecko “Cut & Sew” (a contemporary menswear line launched Fall 2004); G-Unit® clothing and accessories (a joint venture with multi-platinum musician, 50 Cent); Zoo York® (a line of action sports-inspired clothing and accessories); and Avirex® Sportswear Collection (a mid-tier brand launched spring 2005). The Company also publishes Complex® magazine, a men’s consumer magazine with a rate base of 330,000, and developed Marc Ecko’s Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure™, the first truly authentic video game based on urban culture and graffiti art launched February 2006. *ecko unltd. products are available in over 5,000 stores domestically and in over 45 countries internationally, as well as through 37 of its own retail stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.marceckoenterprises.com.
Nissan today (6th September) presented for the first time its new Compact Crossover for Europe, the Qashqai, at an event hosted in Paris by Carlos Ghosn, Nissan’s President and CEO.
Inspired by the concept car of the same name that was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show, the Qashqai is a new vehicle for Nissan in Europe, with sales starting in February 2007.
It will cater for those car-buyers who want a more dynamic design than offered by a traditional C-segment car, but are not attracted to the large, aggressive nature of a compact SUV.
The design of the car was led by Nissan Design Europe (NDE) and it represents the first new production vehicle to be designed at NDE since its move to London in 2003. The development programme was led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe based in Cranfield, England, with significant input from Nissan’s engineering base in Japan. Qashqai will be produced at Nissan’s factory in Sunderland, England.
As well as European sales, Qashqai will also be exported from the Sunderland factory to Japan – where it will be named Dualis – the Middle East and additional overseas markets.
The Qashqai is described as a crossover as it inhabits the area where passenger car attributes meet those of a 4x4. In terms of design, the top half of Qashqai is reminiscent of a dynamic passenger car, with a sleek, dynamic form that features a distinctive shoulder line which rises at the rear – a design cue similar to that of the Murano.
The lower portion of the car suggests SUV attributes of strength and solidity thanks to large, pronounced wheel arches, slightly elevated ground clearance and a purposeful stance.
The interior has been designed to give the driver a focused cockpit feeling, with a clear separation between them and their passenger. The deeply recessed instruments give a sporty feeling to the driving environment – a feeling reinforced by the raised central console. However, the front and passenger environments have been designed to feel airy, spacious and relaxing.
In terms of size, QASHQAI sits between C-segment hatchbacks and SUVs. It has a wheelbase of 2630mm, it is 1610mm tall, 1780mm wide and 4310mm long. It is about 100mm longer than a typical hatchback but 150mm shorter than a typical SUV. Similarly, it is taller than rival hatchbacks by between 100 -150mm yet up to 130mm lower than an SUV.
Four engine options will be available, two diesel and two petrol offerings. The 1.6-litre petrol offers 115PS of power and 160Nm or torque, while the 2.0-litre produces 140PS and 200Nm. The diesel engine options – 1.5- and 2.0-litre - provide 106 and 150PS, respectively and 240 and 320Nm of torque.
Several gearbox options are available, according to engine choice. These include a five- and six-speed manual, a new six-speed automatic and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) option with manual mode.
Both 2.0-litre engine options can be specified with Nissan’s advanced ALL-MODE 4x4 system which gives added security and stability in marginal conditions.
Speaking at the launch event in Paris, Mr Ghosn said: “European customers want it all: dynamic design, driving performance and attractive premium interior. Qashqai delivers it all which is why it will lead our sales growth in Europe and the growth in recognition of Nissan as a truly bold, thoughtful and innovative Japanese brand.”
“We expect Qashqai will sell more than 100,000 units a year on average across Europe – with 80% of those customers buying a Nissan for the first time. Before Qashqai, they drove a premium C-segment car, a compact 4x4 or a D-segment car,” added Mr Ghosn.
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