Larger, More Powerful 1999 Nissan Quest Minivan Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
5 February 1998
Larger, More Powerful 1999 Nissan Quest Minivan Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO, Feb. 5 -- Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A. today
provided an early look at its all-new 1999 Nissan Quest minivan at a press
Conference at the Chicago Auto Show.
With increased passenger roominess and cargo volume, numerous engine and
performance improvements, and fresh new styling, the American-built Quest
continues to offer an exceptional combination of car-like ride and agility
with outstanding minivan utility -- a hallmark of the original design.
"When Nissan Introduced the Quest in 1992, it broke new ground with its
sophisticated appearance, comfortable ride and responsive handling," said Tom
Eastwood, vice president, Nissan Division. "The new Quest continues the
tradition of innovation, clever design and exceptional versatility, while
adding roominess, power and convenience."
The new 1999 Quest gains 10.7 cubic feet of overall cargo volume for a
total of 135.7 cubic feet. Outer body dimensions have been stretched 4.9
inches in length and 1.2 inches in width. Height and wheelbase remain the
same, helping maintain Quest's maneuverability and ease of parking and
garaging.
The Quest was styled at Nissan Design International, Inc. (NDI) in La
Jolla California, creators of the original Quest, Infiniti J30, Nissan Altima,
and other award-winning vehicles. The body is an all-new design with no
carryover panels. Building on Quest's fun-to-drive heritage, the designers
added sophistication and a "tailored," polished look inside and out. The new
front end features a round chromed grille reminiscent of the J30 and new
multiparabola headlights with crystalline lenses add a luxury appearance.
Nissan Design International also created the stylish new Quest interior,
designed to offer car-like amenities and increased usable space. One of the
many innovations found in the Quest interior is an innovative, adjustable rear
cargo shelf that can be quickly set in or out to create separate compartments
for strollers, golf bags and other items. The cargo shelf was inspired by
consumers participating in NDI's unique "Design Context Lab," a research
process that observes owners interacting with their vehicles -- rather than
just talking about them.
The new Quest continues to feature the popular QUEST TRAC(R) flexible
seating system, which allows second row seating to be easily removed and the
third row slid forward or back as needed on integrated railings. For 1999,
the QUEST TRAC has been modified to allow third row limousine seating with the
second row removed.
The Quest instrument panel organizes functions on a natural arch,
following the instinctive reach of the driver's hands from the steering wheel
to the controls and switches. Controls for the Quest's advanced audio unit
were moved above the heating and air conditioning unit because of their more
frequent use.
The designers also sought to take advantage of the enhanced interior space
through use of "human touches," including revised cupholder placements,
compartments designed to accommodate different size objects, and the use of
luxury features such as available dual position memory driver's seat and
Integrated HomeLink(R) Transmitter universal garage door opener system.
The 1999 Quest's increased power rating of 170 horsepower and 200
ft-lbs of torque comes from its new 3.3-liter SOHC V6, which replaces the
previous 3.0-liter V6. The new engine is similar in design to that used on
the popular Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle. The engine is mated to a
standard 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive fourth gear.
Braking is provided by a standard power-assisted three-channel/four-sensor
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with improved performance, especially on split
traction surfaces. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is also standard
on all 1999 Quest models.
The Quest's class-leading handling should continue in 1999, thanks to
refinements to the independent MacPherson strut with coil springs front/rear
leaf suspension. The rear leaf springs have been changed to a new one-piece
design for reduced weight and friction.
The biggest performance difference will likely be felt in the area of
overall ride comfort. With the refined suspension, greatly enhanced body
rigidity and special attention to a reduction of noise, vibration and
harshness, the new Quest is quieter, smoother and more comfortable.
"Minivans are designed as social vehicles, they occupy a special place in
their owners lives by providing a new meeting point of family exchange," said
Eastwood. "We've designed the new Quest to provide an enjoyable ride not only
for the driver, but for all passengers."
Along with being designed by NDI, the new Quest was engineered in North
America through the facilities of Nissan Research and Development in
Farmington Hills, Michigan, Torrance, California and Phoenix, Arizona. Major
body components are produced at Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation in
Smyrna, Tennessee, with final assembly provided by Ford Motor Company at their
Avon Lake, Ohio plant.
For 1999, the new Quest will be offered in three fully-equipped models,
the GXE, SE and GLE. The new sporty SE model features 16-inch wheels and
tires, handling suspension, and a black-on-white instrumentation.
"Our extensive research shows that as much as minivans are known for their
unmatched utility, there's a strong emotional role to owning a Quest. It
simplified everyday jobs and duties -- much like a Swiss army knife or a
cellular phone," said Eastwood. "At the same time, a minivan like the Quest
encourages family interaction that used to be found only during family meals.
The 1999 Nissan Quest excels at serving both sides of the equation."
In North America, Nissan's operations include styling, engineering,
manufacturing, sales, consumer and corporate finance, and industrial and
textile equipment. Nissan in North America employs more than 20,000 people in
the United States, Canada and Mexico, and generates nearly 75,000 jobs through
more than 1,500 Nissan and Infiniti dealerships across the continent.
SOURCE Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A.
