|  The new 2008 Nissan Rogue, which makes its world debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is designed to add a new dimension to the small crossover utility segment – satisfying both the functional needs of the buyer and their emotional needs.
Rogue’s aggressive, performance-oriented styling, powerful engine, responsive handling and driver-focused cockpit combine with its thoughtful everyday utility to create a vehicle that shifts the way buyers, especially younger buyers, think about small crossovers. The 2008 Nissan Rogue is scheduled to go on sale in September 2007.
Rogue’s attractive crossover styling is strongly reminiscent of the larger Murano, sharing its distinctive back-sloping grille, vertical indicator strips, and trapezoidal side window shapes. Nissan spokespeople don’t want you to think of this as a downsized Murano, but a more compact version of that impressive vehicle is exactly what it looks like.
The car will be equipped with a four-cylinder 2.5-liter motor developing 170 horsepower and a continuously variable automatic transmission. Buyers will be able to choose between more efficient front-wheel drive and go-anywhere 4-wheel drive. Equipment includes traction and stability control systems, ABS and brake force distribution. The extensive options list includes an upscale Bose audio system, leather interior, xenon headlights and much more.
In contrast to the real-world Rogue, the Bevel concept is the latest in a line of outlandish Nissan crossover concepts. It’s similar in size to Rogue but with a completely different market in mind—the empty-nester who has the time and money to indulge his—probably not her—passions.
Bevel is boxy, with a squared-off hood and rear, and flat minimally styled body panels. The driver’s side has a single, large door, while the passenger gets two doors—the front one opens conventionally, while the aft door is rear hinged. Similarly asymmetrical is the glass roof panel that lets light flood into the interior. The windowless cargo area is half-van, half-wagon, while the tailgate features a fold-down work platform and along with a 110-volt power outlet supplied by a solar panel. The interior features highly flexible seating allowing for varying loads and there’s even an integrated “doggie hutch” to meet your pet transportation needs.
The driver sits in a “command center” behind a 50s-style yoke where he enjoys the benefit of five variable function display panels arranged in a “ribbon” like display module. Bevel's drive-by-wire technology uses a computer system to manage the steering, braking and the hybrid powerplant’s throttle in response to the driver’s control inputs. Front and rear exterior lights are eccentrically scattered hidden LCDs, while bulky door mirrors are replaced by tiny TV cameras.
Available technology features include Intelligent Key, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, satellite radio and a powerful Bose–developed audio system with AUX input and MP3 playback. Rogue also offers a long list of standard safety features, including front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupants.
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