Nissan Frontier Diesel Runner, 2015 Versa Note SR Debut At 2014 Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan today debuted two special vehicles that form the centerpiece for the brand's display at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show – the Frontier Desert Runner Powered by Cummins and the latest addition to the popular Nissan Versa Note lineup, the sporty new 2015 Versa Note SR.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140206/CL60107 )
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080506/NISSANBADGELOGO )

Both were revealed at a press conference by Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing, Parts & Service, U.S.A, Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and will be on display throughout the public days of the Chicago Auto Show, February 8 – 17.

"The Chicago Auto Show is America's oldest and largest show and Nissan always likes to bring something new and exciting," said Diaz. "This year we're covering two ends of our product spectrum – a one-of-a-kind powerful turbo diesel-equipped Frontier mid-size pickup and a sporty new look for our popular Versa Note, the 2015 Versa Note SR. Both are great representatives of 'Innovation that excites.'"

The Frontier Diesel Runner, which is based on a Frontier Desert Runner 4x2 model, was created to gauge the market reaction to a Nissan mid-size pickup with a diesel engine and plot a potential future direction for the Frontier. It arrives a mere six months after the announcement of a partnership with Cummins Inc. to provide a 5.0-liter turbo diesel V8 in the next-generation Titan full-size pickup, which will arrive in calendar year 2015. 

The sporty new Versa Note SR is one of two new trims being added to the Versa Note lineup for its second year of production, along with the Versa Note SL. Both new grade levels go on sale this spring at Nissan dealers nationwide, joining the Versa Note S, S Plus and SV.

About the Nissan Frontier Desert Runner Powered by Cummins
At the heart of the Frontier Diesel Runner is a 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine producing nearly 200 horsepower and more than 350 lb-ft. of torque, while increasing fuel economy 35 percent over a V6-powered 2014 Frontier 4x2. Special exterior modifications include a custom "Arrest Me Red" and Matte Silver paint treatment, aerodynamic full-bed tonneau cover and tailgate spoiler, and a transparent acrylic hood insert that provides as a window to the engine bay, where all powertrain-related elements continue the red theme.

The 16-inch wheels, borrowed from a Frontier PRO-4X, have been treated with a special two-tone paint – Arrest Me Red for the rear wheels and silver in front, each accented by satin black paint. The brake calipers have also been custom painted in contrasting colors – silver rear and red front.

The Frontier Diesel Runner's interior mirrors the silver and red exterior design, with red accents throughout and carbon-trimmed seats and panels. The front and rear seats feature carbon-print leather appointments with grey accent stitching and black-on-black "Tracks" embroidery. The carbon film-wrapped instrument panel is highlighted by red-tined gauges and a special black-faced diesel-specific three-gauge pod on top of the C-cluster.

About the 2015 Versa Note SR
Introduced in June 2013, the second-generation of the popular sub-compact 5-door Versa Note offers an exceptional combination of versatility, technology and value. It is designed to satisfy both the owners' emotional and rational needs with sleek styling and features like the first-in-class Around View^® Monitor – all at an affordable price.

The new Versa Note SR's standout styling starts with the modern, sculpted look of the second-generation Versa Note and adds a wide range of exclusive features. In front, a unique fascia and grille combine with a dark headlight treatment and standard fog lights with black and chrome accents to provide an aggressive, sporty character.

Body-color side spoilers and redesigned side mirrors with integrated turn signals complement Versa Note's distinctive "squash line" side profile. The dynamic exterior look is capped off by a unique rear spoiler, SR badging and high-contrast machine-finished 16-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels with dark paint mounted with 195/55R16 all-season tires.

Versa Note SR interior enhancements include an exclusive 370Z-inspired leather-wrapped steering wheel, suede-like fabric seats with sporty orange accents and double stitching, a redesigned piano black center instrument panel with silver accents and chrome knobs, and Euro-inspired Fine Vision triple-dial gauge cluster with floating trip computer.

Under the skin, the Versa Note SR builds on the foundation of the second-generation Versa Note, including an advanced 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with dual fuel injection and Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Timing Control) mated to a standard next-generation Nissan Xtronic transmission. The engine is rated at 109 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm. EPA fuel economy for the front-wheel drive Versa Note SR is estimated at 40 mpg highway, 31 mpg city and 35 mpg combined.

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 as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 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 Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

About Nissan
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 236,000 employees globally, Nissan sold more than 4.9 million vehicles and generated revenue of 9.6 trillion yen (USD 116.16 billion) in fiscal 2012.

Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of over 60 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. In 2010, Nissan introduced the Nissan LEAF, and continues to lead in zero-emission mobility. The LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle launched globally, is now the best-selling EV in history.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

SOURCE Nissan North America