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Nissan NV2500 and Forums concepts, cube, 370Z and Infiniti G convertible in Toronto

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Khatir Soltani
Nissan's stand will be crowded with new stuff this year in Toronto, especially with the presentation of the NV2500 Concept, a study of what a full-size commercial vehicle should be in North America.

The NV2500 Concept is a rolling showcase of the ideal CV. Inside, you'll find a workstation, a fold-down conference table, a closet with muddy-boot drainage and countless storage bins for hauling tools and equipment. A vertical power bar complete with compressed air outlets is located near the rear doors.

NV2500 Concept

The left-side rear panel opens upwards, awning-style, to create a workbench, while a giant transparent roof panel provides light inside the vehicle. Nissan plans to launch 5 new commercial vehicles in North America, and 3 of them will be designed exclusively with that market in mind.

The FORUM Concept was originally unveiled at last year's Detroit Auto Show and is a minivan-shaped vehicle that is basically a living room on wheels. Hosting three rows of seats, the middle bench swivels on its base, while a panoramic moonroof lightens up the interior.

The 2nd-row seat features wireless monitors for console gaming, while an integrated microwave open can accommodate a bag of popcorn. Parents up front can watch how well the kids are behaving with a monitoring system that's connected to a dashboard LCD screen, and the driver gets a wheel-mounted button that mutes all audio inside the FORUM and allows broadcasting the driver's voice through all speakers.

Also on display is the new cube, a 5-door square-shaped small vehicle that sits five and is powered by a 1.8-litre engine that develops 122 horsepower. The cube will rival the Honda Element and Scion xB, and offers impressive interior space in a small package.

The 370Z with its 332-hp, 3.7-litre V6 and sexy styling is also part of the show, and its base price has been lowered to $39,998. Slightly smaller than the outgoing 350Z, the new car features RevMatch throttle blipping for the manual transmission, an unusual feature that works well.

As well, Infiniti's new G37 convertible, complete with a power-folding hard top, will complete the new-vehicle presentation. Its 3.7-liter V6 develops 325 horsepower and is available with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic with manual mode and paddle shifters. The droptop G features a Bose sound system that adjusts itself according to vehicle speed, outside noise and top position. Available features include navigation, XM NavTraffic, adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights.

2009 Nissan G37 Convertible

photo:Nissan
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada