Tag Archives: Pathfinder

Motorsport

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Revealed in China with a Striking Design and Turbocharged Engine

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has made its debut in China, showcasing a unique powertrain compared to its US counterpart. The Chinese version of the Pathfinder has been redesigned specifically for the Chinese market and is now available for purchase in the country.

The new Pathfinder will be produced by the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture in China and features a distinct look compared to the US model. Photos released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal a more prominent front fascia with a large grille and sweptback headlights. The exterior design closely resembles the Pathfinder concept unveiled earlier this year, with the main difference being the absence of LED strips connecting the headlights and taillights.

Data from MIIT also shows that the Chinese Pathfinder is slightly larger than its US counterpart, measuring 202 inches in length, 78 inches in width, and 69.6 inches in height. Additionally, the Chinese model features three rows of seats. It is unclear at this point whether the Chinese Pathfinder shares the same platform as the US model, which is based on the D Platform. Reports suggest that it is unlikely that the more modern CMF-CD architecture was used.

One significant difference between the US and Chinese models lies under the hood. The Chinese Pathfinder, produced by the Dongfeng Nissan joint venture, is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 248 horsepower. This four-cylinder engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels. This engine choice is influenced by China’s tax regulations, as larger displacement engines face higher taxes.

The US market version of the Pathfinder, on the other hand, comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The starting price for the 2024 model year in the US is $37,145.

Motorsport

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Price Increases Starting at $37,145

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is receiving a slight price hike across all trim levels. Despite no major changes to the model, the starting price for the three-row SUV has increased.

The base 2024 Pathfinder S with two-wheel drive now starts at $35,810, with an additional $1,335 in mandatory destination fees. This brings the total cost to $37,145. For comparison, the 2023 model started at $36,665 with the same destination fees. Nissan also raised its destination fee from $1,295 to $1,335 at some point in 2023, affecting both the 2023 and 2024 Pathfinder models.

Not only the base trim but every Pathfinder model from the S to the Rock Creek receives a price increase.

  2023 2024
Nissan Pathfinder S

$36,655 (2WD)

$38,555 (4WD)

$37,145 (2WD)

$39,045 (4WD)
Nissan Pathfinder SV

$39,445 (2WD)

$41,375 (4WD)

$39,965 (2WD)

$41,865 (4WD)
Nissan Pathfinder SL

$43,075 (2WD)

$44,975 (4WD)

$43,565 (2WD)

$45,465 (4WD)
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek $44,475 (4WD)

$44,965 (4WD)
Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

$49,625 (2WD)

$51,525 (4WD)

$50,115 (2WD)

$52,015 (4WD)

While the price has increased, the features and options remain the same. The Pathfinder still comes standard with the Safety Shield 360 suite and offers optional features such as a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and Nissan’s Pro Pilot advanced driving assist system.

The 2024 Pathfinder retains its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek model also carries over from the previous year with the same features and powertrain, producing 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

The Pathfinder S, SV, and SL trims have a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds with the base V6 engine. The Rock Creek and Platinum models offer an improved towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. However, the SV and SL models can also tow up to 6,000 pounds with the right equipment.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is now available at dealerships.

Technology

NASA’s Project Pathfinder Proved Renewable Energy Flight Was Possible Nearly 30 Years Ago

The Pathfinder, which initially faced challenges, experienced a breakthrough when it became a part of NASA. Its purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing solar power to propel lightweight and delicate aircraft to fly at high altitudes and land safely. Numerous test flights were carried out in Hawaii. In 1995, the Pathfinder accomplished its first altitude record during a 12-hour flight, making history as the first solar-powered aircraft to successfully fly at 50,000 feet. Less than two years later, it surpassed that achievement, reaching an astounding 71,530 feet. This marked the highest recorded flight not only for a solar-powered aircraft but also for a propeller-driven one.

In 1998, the aircraft underwent modifications and was named Pathfinder-Plus after gaining a longer wingspan. This enhancement enabled it to break its own record and soar to an altitude of 80,201 feet. The Pathfinder-Plus utilized solar cells as its power source instead of liquid fuel, contributing to its remarkable altitude accomplishment. Additionally, its unique design played a significant role in its ability to set a new record.