2005 Nissan NISMO Frontier Press Kit

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The 2005 Nissan NISMO Frontier, the first-ever NISMO branded Nissan vehicle in North America, represents the highest level of factory off-road performance available in the new, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier. Early in the development process, Nissan and NISMO, Nissan’s official motorsports arm, discussed the opportunity to offer a specialized model purpose-built for off-road adventure. The NISMO Frontier includes an extensive list of performance-oriented parts, including off-road tuned Bilstein? performance shocks, skid plates, unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive P265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A off-road tires and electronic locking rear differential.

The NISMO Frontier model went on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in December 2004, along with the Frontier King Cab XE, SE and LE and Crew Cab SE and LE models. The NISMO Off-Road model is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body configurations and in 4WD and 2WD.

“Nissan has a long, highly successful history of racing trucks, from the famous Baja racing trucks of the ‘70s and ‘80s, to today’s Paris-Dakar and Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR) Frontier team,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “As fitting for a truck carrying the NISMO name, this special model is the ultimate off-road Frontier.”

The NISMO Off-Road model differs from the other 2005 Frontier models in a number of performance areas, including special off-road suspension tuning and a collection of unique-to-the-model electronic traction control systems. It includes 4-wheel limited slip for 4WD models and 2-wheel limited slip for 2WD models, which helps redirect engine torque to the non-slipping drive wheel on low traction surfaces. A new Hill Descent Control (HDC) helps maintain a low speed on steep downhills without the constant application of the brake pedal. HDC must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and operates when the transfer case is in 4HI or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 31 mph in 4HI and 15 mph in 4LO.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and avoid rolling back for up to two seconds while the driver shifts their foot to the accelerator pedal for a smooth, controlled start. HSA is available in 4HI and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations. An electronic locking rear differential is also standard on both 4WD and 2WD models. The NISMO Frontier’s suspension also includes off-road tuned high performance Bilstein gas shock absorbers.

All NISMO Off-Road models are equipped with the new Frontier’s powerful 4.0-liter 24-valve, DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, giving it the most horsepower of any mid-size truck. These figures represent increases of 85 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque over those of the previous generation Frontier’s normally aspirated 3.3-liter V6 engine.

The new 4.0-liter V6 is based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series used in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. The engine is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use, while at the same time offering excellent fuel efficiency, smooth operation, exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-road ability. The NISMO Frontier also offers the Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS).

“This new V6, in modified form, has already been competition-tested in this year’s Paris-Dakar Rally Nissan race truck – so its power and durability are unquestioned,” said McNabb. “When you add in the new platform shared with the rugged full-size Nissan Titan and the NISMO-spec off-road tuned suspension, the NISMO Off-Road Frontier is a true performer off-road and on.”

Along with its modern, rugged styling, it shares a number of significant features with the Titan, including its Titan-based all-steel F-Alpha platform and steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with over-slung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. The new Frontier also offers the innovative factory-applied spray-in bedliner and the Utili-track bed channel tie-down system first available on Titan.

The 2005 Frontier's wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than the previous Frontier, which helps enhance ride comfort and stability. The overall length of 205.5 inches is larger than the previous model (+2.6 inches King Cab, + 5.6 inches Crew Cab), though it remains a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Width and height measurements are also increased with the new design.

The NISMO Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – an advanced 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The 4WD models include a shift-on-the-fly system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes with an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

The Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated up to 6,500 pounds (when properly equipped). Frontier also offers standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

As with Titan, Nissan’s designers wanted to create a bolder, more expressive, more adventurous exterior. They also wanted the exterior to be clearly identified as a Nissan, utilizing signature Nissan truck themes, including a chrome, angled strut grille, chrome bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large geometric stamped steel fender flares.

All 2005 Frontier interiors combine outstanding functionality with comfort and intelligent design. Both the Frontier King Cab and Frontier Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo area. The Frontier King Cab features flip-up rear seats and both cab styles offer new solutions to cab storage and flexibility. The NISMO Frontier offers unique interior colors (Blue and Charcoal) that are not available on other Frontier models.

The NISMO Frontier, like all 2005 models, also includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, available supplemental front-seat side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers.

The 2005 Frontier, like the previous generations, is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna and Decherd, Tennessee.

NISMO celebrated its 20th year of operation in 2004 and modified its logo as part of the group’s anniversary activities. Additional information on NISMO parts and accessories can be found at www.nissanusa.com/nismo.

The roll-out of new 2005 Nissan Frontier models continues with the debut of the NISMO Off-Road Frontier, a specially equipped model designed to take Frontier’s potent off-road performance to the next level. The NISMO Frontier is offered in both Frontier King Cab and Frontier Crew Cab body configurations and in a choice of 4WD and 2WD drivelines.

Drawing on Nissan’s extensive motorsports and off-road racing history, the new model was developed in conjunction with engineers from NISMO, Nissan’s Motorsports group. This new truck offers an extensive list of performance-oriented parts, including off-road tuned Bilstein performance shocks, skid plates and unique 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A P265/75R16 off-road tires. While NISMO performance components went on sale in 2004, the 2005 Frontier is Nissan’s first NISMO model offered for sale in North America.

Every NISMO Frontier also provides an exceptional level of performance with use of off-road traction-enhancing technologies, including Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA), as well as an electronic locking rear differential and 4-wheel limited slip for 4WD models and 2-wheel limited slip for 2WD models.

Like the other 2005 Frontier models, the NISMO Frontier’s authentic truck credentials begin with the solid foundation provided by the F-Alpha platform shared with the full-size Nissan Titan pickup. The 2005 Frontier, which is larger in nearly every dimension than the previous generation, includes a fully boxed, all-steel frame and the newly designed 4.0-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, giving Frontier more horsepower than any mid-size truck. The engine is part of the acclaimed Nissan VQ engine series utilized in the Nissan 350Z.

The NISMO Frontier also shares a number of significant full-size hardware features with the Titan, such as its rugged truck styling, factory-applied spray-in bedliner and Utili-track bed channel tie-down system. The NISMO Frontier is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Highlights of the 2005 Nissan NISMO Frontier pickup include:

Body

• Available in a choice of King Cab or Crew Cab bodies
• Aggressive, rugged Titan-style exterior design with chrome, angled strut grille, chrome bumpers, short front and rear overhangs, large geometric stamped steel fender flares
• Bigger, bolder body with enhanced dimensions versus the prior model Frontier:
• King Cab /  Crew Cab
  - Wheelbase (in.) 125.9 (+9.8) / 125.9 (+9.8)
  - Length (in.) 205.5 (+2.6) / 205.5 (+5.6)
  - Width (in.) 72.8 (+1.6) / 72.8 (+1.6)
  - Height (in.) 69.7 (+3.0) / 70.1 (+3.4) w/o roof rack
• Available high-utility bed with factory-applied spray-in bedliner and Utili-track bed channel system with adjustable aluminum-alloy tie-down cleats (rated at 200 lbs each) and available accessory racks, trays, dividers and modular storage systems
• Lower radiator/oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case (4WD only) skid plates

Engine and Driveline

• 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque
• Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Continuous Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), silent two-stage timing chain
• Available 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder (King Cab 4x2 only)
• Available 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or 6-speed manual transmission
• 6,500 pounds maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• Available shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case
• 4-wheel limited slip for 4WD models and 2-wheel limited slip for 2WD models
• Electronic locking rear differential
• Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC), which allows hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal
• Hill Start Assist (HSA), which allows the driver to stop on an up slope, release the brake pedal and not move backwards

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Off-road tuned suspension with all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf rear suspension with over-slung leaf springs and long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics
• High-pressure off-road tuned Bilstein performance gas shock absorbers
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Standard 16-inch off-road design aluminum-alloy wheels
• 265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires (expected to be the largest tires in class)

Interior Features

• NISMO Frontier exclusive interior colors – Blue and Charcoal
• Breakthrough interior design with unique off-road seats
• More spacious, more comfortable interior (versus previous generation Frontier) with flexible seating and cargo utility
• King Cab features forward-facing flip-up rear seats
• Available leather-appointed power-adjustable seats, heated seats and mirrors
• First aid kit

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor) and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• Supplemental front-seat side-impact air bags and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front and outboard rear passengers
• 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab)
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system (Crew Cab)

Models and Manufacturing

• The NISMO Frontier is available in King Cab and Crew Cab 4WD and 2WD configurations
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant