Nissan debuted its 2013 Pathfinder Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show but didn’t disclose what would be powering the crossover – apart from the fact it would be a V6 engine. Motor Trend is now reporting that the 2013 Pathfinder will be powered by a 3.5L V6, perhaps identical to what the new JX35 will have.

The JX35 features a 3.5L V6 with 265-hp, 248 lb-ft of torque and we could expect the Pathfinder to have similar if not identical specifications under the hood. Fuel economy for the new Pathfinder will be a big improvement, with Nissan claiming that thanks to significant weight reduction, as well as the use of a new CVT transmission, we should expect gains of up to 25 percent.

What is more interesting though is that Nissan also told Motor Trend that it plans to unveil a second, completely new vehicle at the upcoming New York International Auto Show in April. Nissan stated that no outsider has ever seen this vehicle.

GALLERY: Nissan Pathfinder Concept

[Source: MotorTrend]

See AutoGuide’s First Look video of the 2013 Pathfinder Concept below:

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Nissan‘s all-new Pathfinder Concept is set to debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show on January 9th and the Japanese automaker has just teased us with two real short video clips highlighting the new SUV’s front and back.

The videos are complete teasers, but it clearly showcases the Pathfinder’s traditional SUV hallmarks that have been renovated for the new platform, complete with a dramatic new aerodynamic design.

Nissan continued to brag about the upcoming Pathfinder Concept’s features, which include “thoughtful” technology, seating for seven, and plenty of cargo room. The four-wheel-drive Pathfinder Concept previews the upcoming next-generation production Pathfinder that is set to go on sale next fall.

Check out the two short videos after the break.

GALLERY: Nissan Pathfinder Concept Teasers

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Nissan is set to debut their all-new Pathfinder Concept at the upcoming 2012 Detroit Auto Show, ushering in what they’re calling the next-generation SUV.

The 2013 Pathfinder will take all of its predecessors’ traditional SUV hallmarks and merge them into a new platform and “dramatic new aerodynamic body” according to Nissan. It will offer seating for seven, plenty of cargo room and thoughtful technology throughout the vehicle. The all-new Pathfinder is scheduled to go on sale in Fall of 2012, and the four-wheel-drive Pathfinder Concept is a preview to what the next-generation production Pathfinder will be like.

For now, all we have is a teaser to stare at which clearly shows quite a bit of curves and sleek lines on the Pathfinder Concept – let’s just hope Nissan didn’t take too much from the Juke’s styling manual with the new Pathfinder.

Along with plans to showcase its electric vehicle technology, including a new EV van, Nissan has announced it will reveal a new Pathfinder concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

In a release, the company says the concept vehicle will preview “the all-new look, style and attitude that Nissan will bring to the SUV segment.” Considering Nissan’s adventurous recent history with its designs, we expect something quite dramatic.

We’re most interested to see if Nissan will continue on with the Pathfinder as a true SUV, or if it will follow the likes of the Ford Explorer and transform into a crossover.

Expect the concept to be a close-to-production vehicle, with the 2013 Pathfinder expected to hit dealers in the Fall of 2012.

See AutoGuide’s complete 2012 North American International Auto Show preview here

Back in January, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA) reported that, during an investigation of rust issues on 1996-04 Nissan Pathfinder and 1997-03 Infiniti QX4 SUVs, it discovered that serious rusting could cause steering problems resulting in accidents.

In fact, no fewer than 35 cases of severe rusting were reported and of those, 18 vehicles were suffering from steering problems as a result. At the time, the agency was merely conducting an investigation, but now, it’s evolved into a full-blown recall.

Nissan recently announced that it will be recalling a total of 195,991 Pathfinders and QX4s originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin, plus the District of Columbia.

Notice a pattern here? All the states mentioned  suffer periodically from heavy snow fall, with salt and brine often used to clear the roads.

The actual problem concerns a location hole in the front upper strut housing, which can cause salt and slush to seep in, causing moisture to sit at the mating surface of the strut housing and inner hood ledge. Since salt and water like nothing more than a warm, damp environment to feast, over time, the strut housing will literally rot away causing it to collapse in extreme cases and the steering column to break.

Nissan has said that owners of those vehicles in those states affected will be receiving notification and are advised to take their Pathfinders and QX4s to authorized dealers who will inspect the housings and perform any necessary repairs.

For more information owners are advised to contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261. Alternatively, click on the link below.

Nissan is preparing to recall 48,700 trucks and SUVs for issues relating to the suspension on the U.S.-built vehicles. Some of, but not all 2010 Nissan Armada, Frontier, Titan, Pathfinder, Xterra and Infiniti QX56 models are expected to be involved in the recall. No official recall has been issued yet, however, as Nissan awaits information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue with the trucks and SUVs involves a lower suspension control link that may not have been welded properly and as a result cause the bushing collar to crack, creating a rough and noisy ride. The potential recall isn’t so much a safety issue as a driveability issue and no accidents have been reported.

In the wake of the Toyota recall crisis, NHTSA has also been under increased scrutiny, issuing an alarmingly high number of recalls.

[Source: Associated Press]