Carz Arena

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the sales in Japan of the all-new Honda Odyssey starting October 17th, 2008. The fully remodeled Odyssey features a low-floor and low center-of-gravity package that enables a low profile roofline and performance beyond ordinary minivans together with a spacious cabin. The new Honda Odyssey is also equipped with advanced safety technologies, including the new Multi-view Camera.

Designed around the concept of emotive quality that will move all who experience it, the new fourth generation Honda Odyssey provides an advanced fusion of the human/machine interface, a liberated feeling for all occupants, and a distinctive presence. So, the all-new Odyssey was developed with the goal of generating strong feelings in every circumstance: riding in it, driving it, and looking at it.

To fulfill customer expectations for excellent fuel economy related to growing awareness of environmental issues, the all-new Honda Odyssey is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC engine and torque converter-equipped CVT, a combination that enables the vehicle to achieve both superior performance and class leading fuel economy of 13.2km/L. Moreover, the all-new Odyssey features DBW (drive-by-wire) control and an ECON mode which improves fuel economy by applying collaborative control of the CVT and air conditioner to reduce engine load.

Exterior design

* The exterior is designed around a concept of sensual dynamism, with richly contoured surfaces to express both dynamism and solidity for conveying elegance and power.

* The front view features sharp graphics, with headlights flowing out from the chromed bumper center portion and a sculpted V-line extending up over the hood from the front grill to impart a sense of speed and power. The narrow headlights add an intrepid feel.

* The side view features a fluid silhouette with a one-motion line from front nose to roof end. This combines with the strongly contoured surface in an expression of sleekness and power.

* For the rear view, the cabin has been strongly tapered and the rear window rounded to impart a compact feel for the cabin. Horizontally oriented rear combination lights add a feeling of breadth.

* The voluptuous body contours are further highlighted with a super platinum coating.

* Six color variations are available, including two new colors.

Interior design

* The interior is designed to achieve an advanced feel in a refined and comfortable space.

* The double-layered, gently sculpted instrument panel imparts a feeling of comfort and spaciousness.

* The 3D self-illuminating gauges and indicator lamps are laid out around the centrally positioned speedometer in a 3D arrangement and grouped into functional zones for instantaneous recognition.
* The audio, climate control, and navigation controls are positioned for easy operation in a highly intuitive center panel.

* The front seat cushions employ low-resistance urethane for low fatigue and an outstanding hold.

* A telescopic & tilt steering mechanism helps maintain the optimum driving position.

* Power train

* The 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine combines outstanding fuel economy with powerful performance, featuring class-topping 13.2km/L and strong, torquey response at all speed ranges.

* The torque converter-equipped CVT combines outstanding fuel economy with smooth and seamless acceleration, for a more comfortable driving feel in a wide range of situations.

* Efficiency improvements and weight reduction in the engine and transmission have helped boost fuel economy, while ECON mode supports even more economical operation.

* Utility

* The second-row seats feature a three-way split back that allows the left, right, and center seatbacks to be independently folded down, allowing a variety of seating arrangements with a single action.

* The third-row seats employ an under-floor storage mechanism to create a flat, easy to use luggage space.

* The tailgate has been made thinner and shaped to secure more luggage space than the previous model. The luggage space is even easier to use, with a flat floor and a flexible luggage board that extends all the way to the backs of the second-row seats when the third-row seats are stowed.

Body

* Improved joint efficiency at the upper and lower front pillar ends and other innovations result in a frame construction with outstanding rigidity. Optimized front/rear rigidity balance and stronger joints throughout also contribute greater dynamic rigidity.

* Strong, lightweight, high-tensile steel has been effectively deployed along with a larger cross-sectional area to allow the use of thinner materials while ensuring efficient strengthening.

* Road and wind noise have been kept to an absolute minimum by reducing sources of noise and vibration while making the body and chassis more rigid throughout to effectively prevent the vibrations caused by engine and road noise from reaching the cabin. Damping and absorption materials are also strategically located to block out unwanted noise.

Chassis

* The low center-of-gravity chassis combines nimble handling with a comfortable ride for all occupants.

* In the front, a double-wishbone suspension delivers outstanding straight-line stability and ride comfort.

* In the rear, the reactive-link, double-wishbone suspension achieves a compact design that significantly contributes to the low-floor platform.

* A more compact powertrain and innovative body design secure ample tire turning angle to achieve an outstanding, class-leading minimum turning radius of 5.4m.

Driver support functions

* Active Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) help alleviate the burden on the driver during highway driving. Availability varies depending on the type.

* All types come equipped standard with Motion Adaptive EPS, which works in concert with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) to provide steering assistance for more stable vehicle control.

* Camera images are displayed on the navigation screen to reduce blind spots around the vehicle and facilitate smoother parallel and garage parking, as well as enhancing feelings of safety and security when driving along narrow roads or approaching 3-way intersections where visibility is poor. The Multi-view Camera System is available as a factory option on all types.

Safety

* The vehicle's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body provides a higher level of protection to vehicle occupants while also helping to mitigate impact on the other vehicle in a collision.

* The vehicle is also designed to mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision, particularly to the head and legs, thanks to the use of impact-absorbing structures.

* The Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS) with E-Pretensioners (driver and front passenger seats) helps anticipate collisions and mitigate injuries and vehicle damage should an accident occur. Availability varies depending on the type.

* A side-curtain airbag system helps mitigate head injuries due to a side collision in all three rows. Availability varies depending on the type.

* ISO FIX-compatible child seat anchoring bars and tether anchors (left and right second-row seats) are standard on all types.

Environmental performance

* All models are certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as having emissions levels 75% lower than what is required by 2005 standards.

* The M, L, and Li FWD types exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%; the M, L, and Li 4WD types by 10%; and the Absolute by 5%.

Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure.

The Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is available in a choice of two new signature colour schemes: the standard version is black with grey trim, while a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. The new car also sports a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th Constructor's World title. The exclusivity of the interior is underscored by the silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. Other exclusive features include a roll-bar with carbon-fibre outer shell and a specific new generation audio system that can be combined with the removable customised Ferrari iPod Touch 16 GB with central dock just in front of the dashboard.

From a technical point of view, this car has a dry weight of 1340 Kg (80 kg lighter than the Ferrari F430 Spider). This, combined with the 510 hp provided by its V8 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6 kg/hp, means that it delivers blistering 0-100 kph acceleration in just 3.7 seconds and a superb top speed of 315 kph.

Technical Specifications

* Engine
o Naturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8, 4308 cc
o Maximum power: 375.4 kW (510 hp) @ 8500 rpm
o Maximum torque: 470 Nm (47.7 Kgm) @ 5250 rpm
o Max engine speed: 8640 rpm (at limiter)
o Compression ratio: 11.9:1
o Bore and Stroke: 92 mm X 81 mm
o Specific power output: 118.4 hp/litre
* Transmission
o Six-speed plus Reverse F1 gearbox
o Dry dual clutch
o Electronic differential E-diff + F1-Trac
o Oil gearbox lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger
* Performance
o 0-100 km/h: 3.7 s
o Top speed: 315 kph
o Drive weight/power: 2.6 kg/hp
* Fuel consumption
o Combined: 15.7 l/100 km (ECE)
* Emissions
o CO2 emissions: 360 g/km (combined ECE)
* Chassis and bodywork
o Dimensions
+ Length: 4512 mm
+ Width: 1923 mm
+ Height: 1216 mm
+ Wheelbase: 2600 mm
+ Front track: 1669 mm
+ Rear track: 1616 mm
o Dry weight: 1340 kg
o Kerb weight: 1440 kg
o Weight distribution: 43% front, 57% rear
o Fuel tank capacity: 95 litres
o Independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbone suspensions, titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shocks
o Brakes + Front: 398 mm x 36 mm carbon-ceramic material disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
+ Back: 350 mm x 34 mm carbon-ceramic material disc brakes with aluminium 6-pot callipers
o 19" five-spoke split rims front and rear
o Tyres: 235/35 front and 285/35 rear; Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa only
* Electronic control systems
o CST Stability and Traction Control System
o Steering wheel-mounted manettino with five settings to integrate the F1 gearbox, CST and F1-Trac (Stability and Traction Control System), suspension control

2009 Chevrolet HHR SS Turbo
IN FLEET: Oct. 8-15
AS-TESTED PRICE: $26,970
DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; FWD, five-speed manual
OUTPUT: 260 hp @5,300 rpm, 260 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3,280 LB
FUEL ECONOMY: (EPA/AW) 24/22.7 mpg

SENIOR EDITOR (NEWS) BOB GRITZINGER: Call this the Chevy conundrum. The HHR SS looks old and retro, like a shrunken Suburban from 60 years ago, but at the same time, the body mods, the powertrain and the interior make it feel like a current-day sports car. There’s plenty of turbo power on tap, ample braking and the handling you’d

expect from a highly strung small car. It’s quick and crazy, with insane torque steer on roads with any kind of crown. Because of that, I wouldn’t want this car if my regular drives involved gravel back roads or highly crowned two-lane blacktop. Like other turbo fours in the General Motors portfolio, this one can be mechanical and tractorish in the sounds emanating from under the hood. The power is there, but the noises aren’t so pleasant.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: The overall design is good and easy to navigate, but I do wish for a larger tach on the gauge cluster. The seats are very flat, with little bolster; my back got achy after just 150 miles. Pull from the forced-induction engine is strong, and, as Bob mentioned, torque steer is the order when you lay into it. It takes corners well for a tall wagon, probably helped nicely by the limited-slip included in the optional performance package. Body roll is minimal and will make running around expressway on- and off-ramps entertaining. However, the stiffer shocks and springs specific to the SS are still comfortable to ride around on for normal jogs. Steering feels good, with quick response and nice feedback, and brake performance from the four-pot Brembos in front is much appreciated.

A French banker named Edward de Cazalet special-ordered this Maserati Ghibli SS, and in the early 1970s, the Ghibli was just the sort of car sporting bankers aspired to own. Sexy but solid in a vaultlike way, it made a stylish statement outside banking hours.

With the Ghibli, Giorgetto Giugiaro sharpened the lines he drew for the Iso Grifo in 1963, foreshadowing wedgelike GTs from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Monteverdi. The car debuted at the 1966 Turin show. Its steel Ghia-built body rested on a tubular chassis adapted from Maserati's 3500 GT and Mexico. Enclosing a rich leather interior, the sleek Giugiaro design so impressed showgoers that Maserati put it into production the next year.

The Ghibli--named for a North African wind--was envisioned as a replacement for the Mistral. Key to its mission as Maserati's new grand-touring car was outperforming its predecessor. The company ensured this by fitting the Ghibli with a quad-cam V8 based on the unit that powered its late-1950s Tipo 450S sports racer. Equipped with a dry sump and four large Weber carbs, the 4,710-cc engine produced 330 hp. That gave the 3,500-plus-pound Ghibli a six-second 0-to-60-mph time and a top speed of 168 mph.

The dry sump lowered the engine's center of gravity in a body and chassis that were already right down on the pavement (the roofline was 46 inches high). A double-wishbone, coil-spring front suspension combined with a live-axle, leaf-spring rear and Girling discs at each corner. The result was competent handling, with the "longer, lower, wider" profile that gripped '60s designers. In 1970, Maserati refreshed the line (which included a spyder version) with the introduction of the Ghibli SS. Stroked to 4.9 liters, the SS gained 5 hp. A new dash and wheels, wider tires and a few minor exterior changes were among the improvements.



A picture of a car
ERIC TEGLER

When de Cazalet joined the World Bank in Washington, D.C., the Ghibli and his Bizzarrini came along. But a return to France (and a divorce) sundered the two. The Euro-spec Maserati remained in the D.C. area, which is where Hershey, Pa., collector Joe Corbaccio found it.

The Ghibli's interior is '60s chic, with tan pigskin buckets and a black cheesecloth dash. The usual cues are there, such as a row of Veglia Borletti gauges arrayed at the center of the dash above a row of rocker switches. A substantial Maserati-logo horn button dominates the wood-rim steering wheel through which the tach indicates 2,600 rpm at 80 mph.

The Ghibli SS drives with a certain heft, right down to the way the ZF five-speed shifts. The lack of optional power steering on this example reinforces the feeling. Still, you can hustle it.

"The Daytona was Ferrari's answer to it," Corbaccio opines. The Ferrari "was more of an animal, but this thing's no slouch."


DOLLARS & SENSE
ORIGINAL LIST PRICE: $19,275

CURRENT MARKET VALUE: $60,000-$105,000*

We're waiting for the man from General Motors before we can unload, but truck driver Jerry Fulton has opened one of the side doors on his rig. In the shadows inside, we catch a glimpse of yesterday's future.

The future had fins back then, and the object inside looks more like a fighter jet than any sort of automobile.

GM restoration specialist Mike Erdodi arrives in a new GMC Envoy, and the future can emerge. All three of GM's experimental, turbine-powered Firebird show cars have touched down at the Antique Auto Museum at Hershey, Pa., for a brief exhibition timed to coincide with the Antique Automobile Club of America's Hershey Region Fall Meet in the second week of October.

In the early 1950s, GM's Allison Aircraft Engine Division in Indianapolis was one of the world's largest producers of gas turbines, and GM vice president for research Charles McCuen had been investigating turbine power for ground transportation since 1949. Harley Earl suggested a rolling showcase for the Research Lab's efforts, and in January 1954, at the Motorama at New York's Waldorf-Astoria, the public caught its first glimpse of the XP-21 Firebird--a 370-hp, fiberglass-bodied, mid-engine single-seater looking very much like a jet with abbreviated wings.

The Firebird II of 1956 brought the turbine concept closer to family-car reality, its front-engine, four-seat configuration made possible by a dimensionally smaller, higher-speed, 200-hp turbine with a regenerative heat exchanger for fuel efficiency. Other innovations included a titanium-skinned unibody, oleo-pneumatic suspension and internally vented disc brakes.

But the twin-canopy Firebird III of 1959 returned to a fiberglass body and mid-mounted turbine; its star technical innovation was the "Unicontrol" joystick, which provided drive-by-wire operation of accelerator, brakes and steering. GM claimed further progress on the slot-car-like automatic guidance system first attributed to the Firebird II. Corporate engineers continued development on the Firebird III into the 1960s and used it as a test bed for automatic climate control, ultrasonic keyless entry, antilock brakes and automatic headlamps.

By purpose or by chance, the Firebirds have been loaded into the truck in chronological order, so first out is the Firebird III. A small crowd has gathered, eager to hear the turbine whine. But when Erdodi presses the starter, what results instead is a most un-turbine-like racket. The 7,000-pound prototype's electrohydraulic controls are powered by a 10-hp, two-pot piston engine under the front hood. The turbines, we're told, are simply too expensive to start, and all three cars are pushed and towed into the museum.

Yesterday was not as ready for tomorrow as it appeared.

The Nissan Xterra, created as tough, essential gear designed to inspire and facilitate outdoor enthusiasts' activities wherever they go, receives a number of enhancements for the 2009 model year - including a redesigned front end appearance, new Roof-Mounted Off-Road Lights (Off-Road only), new wheel designs, new seat materials and colors (with leather-appointed seats standard on SE models), new trim level content and standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

The changes to the second generation Xterra enhance the differentiation between the four available Xterra models - X, S, Off-Road and SE - making it easier for buyers to determine the exact Xterra model for their particular needs and lifestyles. Optional equipment packages have also been simplified with two packages, Technology Package and X Gear Package, offered for 2009.

For a limited time, beginning at the 2009 Nissan Xterra's sales launch in July 2008, the content of the Technology Package - including an advanced Rockford Fosgate® audio system, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately, automatic transmission models only), Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls and auxiliary input jack - will be provided at no charge with every 2009 Nissan Xterra S, Off-Road or SE.

"Xterra, one of the best thought-out and designed vehicles in the segment, just got even better - especially with the Technology Package offered on every 2009 Nissan Xterra at no additional cost," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

"Since inception, Xterra has represented an authentic expression of adventure-focused design, both in aesthetic appeal and real-world functionality. With the enhancements for 2009, Xterra is even more in tune with the needs and desires of its active sports enthusiast owners."

Once again in 2009, the U.S.-built Xterra offers outstanding quality and reliability, along with strong on-road and off-road performance credentials. All 2009 Nissan Xterra models feature an advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, along with a rugged "F-Alpha" truck platform for adventure-ready performance. The "F-Alpha" platform is shared with the full-size Nissan Titan pickup and Armada SUV. Xterra is available with a choice of 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions and in a choice of part-time 4-wheel drive or 2-wheel drive.

Revised Exterior, Enhanced Interior for 2009

While staying true to the original Xterra design concept of offering drivers "everything you need, and nothing you don't," the 2009 Nissan Xterra offers a number of exterior and interior refinements that helps keep the design fresh and exciting.

Xterra's signature exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. It also offers a large, powerful looking hood and headlights and Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille. For 2009, the shape of the grille and front bumper fascia have been modified and there are two new grille treatments - a Sandblast Aluminum finish for X, S and Off-Road models and Satin Chrome finish for Xterra SE models. SE models also receive a newly designed body colored side molding treatment. X and S models receive a newly designed black headlight inner housing surround.

Other exterior enhancements include new Roof-Mounted Off-Road Lights built into the roof rack air dam as a standard feature for Off-Road models, along with new side-step and roof rail colors and a new 4x4 badge on Xterra 4-wheel drive models. New wheel designs are also featured on all models, including a new 16-inch bright machine-finished wheel for the Xterra Off-Road. There are also two new exterior colors, Navy Blue and Red Brick.

As in previous years, Xterra features a long wheelbase for a smooth ride and ample interior room, yet overall length is highly manageable due to the short front overhang - helping to enhance maneuverability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations.

Xterra's flexible interior is spacious enough for up to five adults and their gear, with ample leg room, headroom and cargo room. A standard 60/40 split folding stadium-style rear seat with removable seat bottom cushions and an available fold-down front passenger seat (SE and Off-Road models) create added utility for hauling long recreational gear.

For 2009, the interior features a new center instrument panel cluster with a new fascia and new HVAC switches, new standard leather-appointed seating on SE models, new seat cloth an X and S models and new, unique seat cloth on Off-Road models.

Standard interior features include sporty reclining front bucket seats, footrest, dual front and rear 20-ounce cupholders, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, Remote Keyless Entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls.

Xterra's versatile cargo area is highlighted by an available Easy Clean cargo surface and a total of 10 cargo area utility hooks - six on the floor/sides and four on the ceiling (floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds). There's also an available built-in first-aid kit and space to securely carry jugs up to a one-gallon size. Securing bike racks and other accessories or gear is made easier with an available adjustable channel system in the cargo floor, similar in design to the Utili-track™ system offered on the Nissan Titan and Frontier pickups.

While maintaining its off-road adventure authenticity, the 2009 Nissan Xterra also offers a few necessary amenities, including an available premium 300-watt Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, MP3/WMA capability plus aux-in jack, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

A Rugged, Truck-Based Platform

Underneath its unique exterior design, every 2009 Nissan Xterra features a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and a rugged suspension featuring a steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension, with stabilizer bars front and rear. Xterra Off-Road models feature Bilstein high-performance gas shocks, a rear tire deflector and skids plates covering the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case (4WD only).

Powering Xterra is a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft torque. The engine is an increased displacement version of Nissan's VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima and Altima. It features a longer stroke (than the 3.5-liter version) and has been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications.

Like others in the VQ family, the 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads, Continuous Valve Timing Control (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain and microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces. Other engine features include Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, 105,000-mile spark plugs and high capacity muffler. The engines' Electronic Throttle Control system includes secondary mapping in 4LO (4WD models).

Two advanced transmissions are offered with the 2009 Nissan Xterra. An available electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, based on the transmission used in the both the Titan and Armada (with an emphasis on acceleration, fuel economy and shift quality), or a 6-speed manual transmission based on the 350Z design but tuned for driving performance and fuel economy.

Xterra is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Xterra 4x4 models feature a part-time 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. Xterra Off-Road models include two advanced off-road technologies - Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist - as well as an electronic locking rear differential.

Other driveline components include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Wheel and tire packages include 16-inch steel wheels with P265/70R16 tires for Xterra X models and new-design 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires on Xterra S models. Xterra Off-Road models feature new 6-spoke 16-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires. New 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P265/65R17 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires are standard on Xterra SE.

Advanced Safety Systems

Xterra's list of safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, driver and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and 3-point front/rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors. For 2009, all Xterras also come with standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Other standard equipment includes the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Available Models and Packages

The 2009 Nissan Xterra is offered in four models - X, S, Off-Road and SE. The Off-Road model is available in 4-wheel drive only, while the X, S and SE are offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Xterra SE comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission only, with X, S, and Off Road offering a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic.

The entry-level Xterra X grade offers a long list of standard features, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power windows, locks and mirrors, Remote Keyless Entry, cruise control, engine speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering, 60/40 split fold-flat 2nd row seat and Nissan Advanced Airbag System (AABS).

Standard features for Xterra S include 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with BFGoodrich Long Trail tires, driver's seat lumbar support, Sandblast Aluminum step rails, Easy Clean Cargo surface and C-Channel cargo floor with four moveable hooks and front tow hook (4x4).

2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road models feature Roof-Mounted Off-Road Lights in air dam, silver headlight inner color, black bodyside molding, fold-flat front passenger seat with backboard, unique cloth seat fabric (including red/graphite and charcoal/graphic combinations), sunglasses holder (overhead console), Off-Road badge on lower front doors, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Unique Xterra Off-Road model performance equipment includes 265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A off-road tires, rugged 16-inch wheels, Hill Descent Control and Hill Assist, electronic locking rear differential, high performance Bilstein gas-filled shocks and oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates.

The top-line Xterra SE features standard 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/65R17 BF Goodrich Long Trail tires, leather-appointed seating, silver headlight inner color, trip computer, sunglasses holder, step rails, body-colored outside mirrors, door handles and bodyside molding, XM® Satellite Radio with antenna (XM® subscription required, sold separately), fold-flat passenger seat with backboard, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Two optional packages are available for 2009 - a Technology Package (Xterra S, Off-Road and SE models only) with Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with an in-dash 6 CD changer, 8 speakers and subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls, XM® Satellite Radio pre-wiring (manual transmission models) or XM® Satellite Radio receiver and black antenna (automatic transmission models) (XM® subscription required, sold separately), auxiliary input, and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; and an X Gear Package (S and SE models only) with roof rack crossbars, fog lights, first aid kit, cargo net and gear basket.