And that on road feel will be important as the 5.6-L Nissan Endurance V8 will have no problem accelerating the Armada to beyond legal speeds in no time at all. The engine incorporates an all-new aluminum block, cast iron cylinder liners, and a forged steel crankshaft, the last of which is also microfinished like the camshaft. It also includes molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps and a Super Silent single-stage time chain. Rated at 300+hp and 375+ lb-ft of torque, it's mated to a specially designed 5-speed automatic transmission complete with sequential manual shift mode.
With nearly 90% of its torque available from below 2,500 rpm, towing should be a cakewalk. When properly equipped with the towing package, that includes a receiver hitch, heavy-duty radiator, additional 7-pin wiring harness plug, trailer brake pre-wiring, heavy-duty battery, a rear air suspension leveling system, higher axle ratio and a transmission temperature gauge, the Armada will be capable of towing up to 4,128 kg (9,100 lbs).
High-speed handling will be enhanced by the Armada's BSW Conti-Trac SUV 265/70R18 tires. Aluminum wheels are also part of the largest diameter standard wheel and tire package in the full-size SUV class, with the base SE getting a set of 5-spoke rims and the top-line LE featuring a 6-spoke pattern. A set of P285/70R17 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail All-Terrain tires mounted on 17x7.5J 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels come as part of the off-road package.
In conclusion the Pathfinder Armada is a giant step for Nissan, and a big event in the automotive world. As it seems the Japanese automaker has done their homework, resulting in a full-size SUV that should cause some commotion among the Big 2 in Detroit - Dodge doesn't have a full-size SUV - and arch-rival Toyota in Japan. More importantly it offers a distinct alternative in a market that has been a little too bland, at least in the lower end of the scale. While it probably won't be a volume seller, the Pathfinder Armada raises Nissan's brand charisma to an entirely new, full-size level.