NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Nissan's first foray into full-size trucks
Nissan calls its alphaT concept a "radical" design exercise "clearly marking" the intent of Nissan's upcoming entry into the full-size truck market. The show truck is a follow-up to last spring's announcement that Nissan will produce a full-size, V8-powered, U.S.-assembled truck model within the next few years at a new plant under construction in Mississippi.
Carlos Ghosn, President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., said the four-wheel-drive alphaT sends the message that "Nissan is serious about entering the full-size truck market in a big way - both in size and impact." It is the latest in a series of truck-based concepts, including the Gobi concept in 1990 and the sport utility truck in 1999.
The addition of a full-size pickup will expand Nissan's light truck lineup, which currently includes the Frontier and Frontier Crew Cab models, the Pathfinder, the Xterra sport utility vehicle, and the Quest minivan. A full-size sport utility vehicle, sharing the same platform as the full-size pickup, has also been confirmed for future production.
While the trend in full-size trucks in recent years has been to become more and more car-like in look and feel, the designers of the Nissan alphaT sought a strong, industrial feel, drawing inspiration from high-end power tools and other mechanical designs. Its exterior features a massive front grille, bumper, hood scoop, and headlights. Other distinctive features include an aggressive four-door body with butterfly-open doors for easy access, a sharply sloped A-pillar, a unique glass panel roof treatment with personalized opening sections, a full moon roof with personalized opening sections, a retractable rear window and side step rails, and a deep bed with low-hinged electronic tailgate.
The alphaT is fitted with 265/60R22.5 off-road-style tires and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
Inside the pickup bed are numerous tie-down points and a power-operated slide-out bed floor (usable with the tailgate down). A toolbox compartment is integrated into the tailgate.
The interior features a well-organized arrangement of compartments and storage spaces. The instrument panel gives a feeling of space with clear information - provided by a retractable multi-function screen with navigation system. A large transmission shifter and tension-sensitive armrests add a level of functionality necessary for the full-size truck driver. The seats are covered in saddle leather. The rear compartment features a fold-down table and armrest with its own climate-control system.
The alphaT is powered by a 224-kW (300-hp), 4.5-L, DOHC, V8 engine mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
- Patrick Ponticel
