Nissan Revs Up New Versa Hatchback at 2006 SEMA Show

Nissan (Nasdaq:NSANY) today revealed a stunning lineup of vehicles at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Nissan will showcase seven custom Versa 5-door hatchbacks, a custom Titan truck, designer-inspired Pathfinder and Armada, and Championship-winning Nissan Motorsports Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) race trucks from Tuesday Nov. 1 through Friday Nov. 4 at the Nissan booth (Booth #33945). "Nissan products, from our 350Z to our Maxima, Altima, Titan and other models, have always provided a performance-oriented foundation for personalization and customization, offering tremendous canvases for creative expression by our customers,” said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "This year’s SEMA Show is especially exciting because we’re getting a first look at what the performance aftermarket can do with our all-new 2007 Versa – and the results are stunning.” New for the 2007 model year, the Nissan Versa represents a dynamic alternative to current entry-level hatchbacks and sedans. Built on Nissan’s proven B-platform, the stylish new Versa offers a spacious cabin with exceptional rear leg room, a high quality interior and comfortable, stress-free environment. With a starting MSRP of $12,550, the Versa hatchback features a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of three transmissions, including Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT™ (Continuously Variable Transmission) that provides smooth shifting and enhanced fuel efficiency. Versa includes with a long list of standard and available equipment, including available Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and Rockford Fosgate-powered subwoofer. Also on display are a Nissan Pathfinder and Armada customized by famed fashion designer Mark Ecko. Ecko gave both vehicles a hip, new design inspired by his *ecko unltd. and Cut & Sew clothing lines. In addition to the two custom vehicles, Mr. Ecko has created limited edition, co-branded hooded jackets, woven button-downs, t-shirts, leather key chains and other items that are given away at events and sold online through www.nissan.eckounltd.com. Proceeds from these sales will benefit Sweat Equity Enterprises (SEE), a nonprofit organization that empowers at-risk teens to learn professional design and technology skills while working behind the scenes in leading design companies. "The Ecko Pathfinder and Armada show a level of modification previously unseen, from an unlikely source,” said Bosley. "We’re honored that SEMA participants will be able to enjoy these vehicles from Marc Ecko on with our own ‘runway show’ at the height of what would be considered the automotive industries’ fashion week.” NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles will exhibit a variety of NISMO performance components, accessories and apparel. Following is a list of some of the Nissan vehicles at the 2006 SEMA Show. M2 Motoring Versa Hatchback – "VIP Versa” Utilizing a clean "less is more” approach to the Japanese "bippu” or VIP culture which originated with large luxury vehicles, M2 Motoring has expanded the tuning style to the all-new Nissan Versa. The "VIP Versa” features a black exterior with an Extreme Dimensions body kit and heavily tinted windows. For a more aggressive stance, this special Versa has a TEIN suspension and TSW wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires. The VIP Versa’s interior is customized with a luxurious feel, with small details provided by Carmate’s new line of VIP executive accessories. The in-car entertainment system is powered by Memphis car audio, with several powerful component speakers and a ten-inch subwoofer. "Keeping with the VIP theme, the M2 Motoring Versa is outfitted with no less than the best,” said Mike Ma of M2 Motoring. "With its extensive luxury touches, our Versa has been extensively modified with a painstaking attention to detail to bring the car to the next level.” Fox Marketing Versa Hatchback Built in a mere two weeks time and pushing an estimated 270 horsepower to the wheels, Fox Marketing’s Versa hatchback represents the tuning potential of the basic Versa package. The 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine has been enhanced with a ZPIracing Turbo Kit with a Garrett GT28RS turbocharger, Fujita cold air intake system, ZPIracing 22x9x3 intercooler, Nitrous Express N-Tercooler sprayer, Tial blow off valve, ZPI Velocity Stack intake, ZPIracing 440cc fuel injectors, ZPIracing stainless downpipe and two-inch stainless up-pipe, ZPIracing high-flow oil pump and Tanabe Medallion Touring Exhaust. Outside, the Fox Marketing Versa has an Impul front bumper, front lip spoiler and rear kit, all covered with BASF R-M Sapphire Blue paint. The attitude of the machine is set with 1.5-inch lower Tanabe NF210 Springs and 18x7.5 XSA-02S Work Wheels wrapped in 225/40/18 Toyo Proxes tires. Inside, the interior is outfitted with MOMO accessories, including red Street Racer GT front seats with custom seat brackets, custom red rear seat, shift knob and boot, steering wheel and hub. Sounds are provided by a Rockford Fosgate entertainment system. Why did Fox Marketing choose a Versa hatchback? "First of all, I’ve had a lot of experience working on Nissans and have always been impressed with the quality and performance of their products, and the Versa has a lot of built-in potential,” said Brian D. Fox, president and creative director, Fox Marketing. "I’ve been working on ‘image’ vehicles for major manufacturers for years and I know that being different is a key to success. If you want to stand out in this segment, you need Versa, not some ‘played-out’ car from other manufacturers.” "Also, I'm 6'8" and I can't fit in just any car, but in the Versa I cannot only drive the car but also carry my buddies and everyone is comfortable,” he continued. "Basically my message with the Fox Marketing Versa is that if you’re tall and into tuning cars, you will love this Versa just as much as I do!” Muscle Road/Classic Soft Trim Versa Hatchback Giving this Versa attitude is an Extreme fascia, ground effects with side air inlets, hood scoop, custom grille, fog lamps and a racy rear wing. Furthering the aggressive look and stance are 19-inch Zenetti wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. For an open-air experience, a large sunroof has been grafted into the Versa. Inside, racing seats and a major-league in-car entertainment system keep the Muscle Road/Classic Soft Trim Versa passengers comfortable and entertained. 2K Motorsports Marketing "Green With Envy” Versa Hatchback The most striking part of this Versa is a unique paint scheme that will truly make competitors "green with envy.” A flat black exterior highlighted by lime green and rainbow flake stripes laid down by Kaotic Kustoms makes this Versa truly one of a kind. To add to the look, a Precision grilles flat black piece replaces the stock grille. Handling of the "Green With Envy” machine is enhanced with an Eibach Sport suspension and the car sits on flat black 18-inch Tenzo Racing wheels shod with Falken tires. A Magnaflow performance exhaust gives the Versa an aggressive sound to match its exterior. The theme carries over into the interior, which is stitched in black and green and features Fuze gauges, green APC LED interior lighting, APC Racing pedals, APC Black Chrome fire extinguisher and a custom-painted Nitrous Express bottle. An aggressive sound system was developed to ensure envy with a Homeless Entertainment-built 2000-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system complete with custom fiberglass subwoofer enclosure. "We definitely believe there is growth in the B-Segment as we continue to see more people searching from more cost efficient transportation, and many of those people are ‘gear heads,’” said Kevin Kuenzie of 2K Motorsports Marketing. "We’ve not worked on a Nissan before, but we can see that Nissan is committed to the Versa platform, and with the team effort Nissan has assembled it should be very successful from sales of the Versa to aftermarket parts produced and marketed for it.” turn3 Creative/Siphon Magazine Versa Hatchback turn3 Creative’s "Versa Cup” project highlights the performance potential of Nissan’s Versa, creating a truly unique vehicle that captures the essence of Nissan’s motorsports history and adds a modern tuner twist. Working with Siphon magazine, a new Primedia publication focusing exclusively on the B-segment movement, turn3 has built a dual purpose street/track Versa. "Our customers have a true passion for cars and are enthusiasts in every sense of the word,” said Glenn Oyoung, President of turn3 Creative. "As the B-segment takes off we thought it was critical to show that the performance heritage of Nissan extends to all of its cars, including the Versa.” To prepare the Versa for competition duties, turn3 removed roughly 200 lbs. of weight. For increased engine performance, the turn3/Siphon Versa features an AEM cold air intake and a DC Sports competition exhaust header with a custom exhaust. The suspension has been upgraded with a custom TEIN Super Street coil-over kit, and bringing this purpose-built machine to a halt are Hawk Performance racing brake pads and shoes. Adding style and handling prowess for the street are 17x7.5 Volk Racing CE28 forged wheels with Kumho tires, and for track duties RAYS Engineering 15-inch lightweight wheels and Kumho’s Ecsta V710 R-compound tires are used. The turn3/Siphon Versa has the appearance of a track star, with an APR Performance carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler, custom front grille and lighting treatments by Five Axis, and NISMO-inspired race graphics by KTC Media Group and Spin Imaging. The Siphon Versa’s cabin features Sparco racing seats, harnesses, steering wheel, pedals and shift knob. In addition to gauges by Defi, the Versa has a full complement of vehicle dynamics equipment by Pioneer Electronics including forward and rear-facing cameras. Rounding out the interior is a stout roll bar engineered by M1 Fabrication. Stillen Motorsports Versa Hatchback Stillen has built many custom Nissan vehicles and parts over the years and is a staple in the Nissan modification arena. "When we were approached by Nissan to build a Versa we had immediate interest, not just because of our relationship but because of the demographic opportunities this new segment signifies,” said John Zinn, Marketing Director, Steve Millen Sportparts. "Stillen’s product line typically caters to an affluent crowd, but we are investing heavily in the growth potential of this segment. Nissan’s efforts to escalate its cachet in the marketplace over the last five to ten years has done much to improve consumer confidence in the brand and therefore our association with the same has a similar effect on our customer base.” The Stillen Versa features a full exterior treatment with custom paint and graphics, a Stillen urethane body kit and rear spoiler and a Street Scene Speed Grille. Pumping up horsepower is a Stillen cold air intake and exhaust kits and for even more performance the Versa received a lowered suspension, brake upgrades and 18-inch wheels with performance tires. The interior has been upgraded with more Stillen components and a powerful integrated audio system. Roadhouse Marketing Versa Hatchback Roadhouse Marketing has worked on Nissans for years, but the Versa is the first car in this segment they’ve taken on. "We chose the Versa because it's a brand new platform, it's surprisingly roomy, and it holds its own on the freeway even before its modified,” said Jason R. Sakurai, Managing Director, Roadhouse Marketing. "But what really works for us with Nissans is that their products are usually underrated, and they give you a big grin when you nail the throttle.” Constructed and coordinated by International AllStars in California, the Roadhouse Versa’s suspension is enhanced with Vögtland springs with MOMO Wheels and Cooper Tires. Adding more visual appeal is an APEWorks Graphics package. Inside, the Versa’s interior has been stylized with MOMO seats, floor mats and pedals. The entertainment system is comprised by an Eclipse/Fujitsu Ten DVD/CD Player with Polk Audio Amplifiers and Speakers. "We’re not done making modifications to our Versa,” added Sakuri. "It’s still taking shape. We don’t know where it’s going to go next, but that’s the fun of the SEMA show, isn’t it?” The *ecko unltd. Nissan Pathfinder Bearing in mind *ecko unltd.’s street-smart swagger, the Nissan Pathfinder customized by Marc Ecko takes a vehicle that loves to get a little dirty and gives it an "old school” twist. Outside, the Pathfinder’s wheelwells have been smoothed, a modified grille with a highlighted Nissan badge has been fitted, and the performance SUV has been painted a custom black and grey camouflage. Inside the *ecko unltd. machine features a 1960s-style redesign featuring seamless black leather driver and passenger seats with molded wood backs and a glossy "safety orange”-painted center console. The Cut & Sew Nissan Armada Sophisticated, yet keeping with Cut & Sew’s fashion-forward designs, the Nissan Armada customized by Marc Ecko retains the muscularity of the Armada’s original look, while adding a dose of irreverence and edginess. The Armada’s exterior receives a cream Landau roof, laser-etched rims and "safety orange” side panels. The Armada’s interior is fitted with cream and tan calfskin with heavy contrast stitching on the steering wheel, door panels and dashboard and a briefcase-inspired glove box. Automotive Customizers/www.4x4parts.com Titan Crew Cab From the Nissan off-road specialists comes a Titan Crew Cab ready for the show floor and the most rugged off-road excursion. "Our company concentrates on enhancing Nissan trucks and SUVs for off-road prowess, as well as sponsoring numerous Nissan owners club events,” said Jane Miller of Automotive Customizers. "We’ve worked on multiple Nissan projects, including a Hardbody pickup, Pathfinder, Xterra and Frontier, among others, so creating a Titan project makes perfect sense. It’s a great vehicle as a starting point for modifications.” Starting with the suspension, Automotive Customizers added their own 2.5-inch front coil lift kit, a Rancho 4-inch suspension lift kit and Bilstein 5150 rear shocks with an Air Lift rear air ride suspension. Protecting the undercarriage are Automotive Customizers' front and rear differential skid plates. Finishing off the suspension are ProComp simulated bead lock wheels and 35-inch tires. The Titan’s body has been enhanced with a Performance Accessories 3-inch body lift, T-Rex billet grille, an Automotive Customizers-modified ARB Front Bumper with a Mile Marker 12000-pound electric winch, Tiregate rear bumper with a Valley receiver hitch. Additional exterior touches include custom graphics, a sun visor, hood scoop and Stainless gas filler cover. An Offroad Unlimited Cargo Rack with IPF lights, a Hi-Lift jack and Off-Road axe provides the finishing touch. The already powerful 5.6-liter V8 in the Automotive Customizers’ Titan receives mild performance improvements with a Weapon-R intake with ARB Safari Snorkel and Gibson cat-back exhaust. About Nissan In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissannews.com or by contacting the corporate media line at 615-725-5631.