Nissan's Customised Vehicles: SEMA 2006

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/Nov/2006

Las Vegas, America — Nissan revealed a huge range of vehicles at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. 

"Nissan products, from our 350Z to our Maxima, Altima, Titan and other models, have always provided a performance-oriented foundation for personalisation and customisation, offering tremendous canvases for creative expression by our customers," said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.  

"This year’s SEMA Show is especially exciting because we’re getting a first look at what the performance aftermarket can do with our all-new 2007 Versa – and the results are stunning.

"The Ecko Pathfinder and Armada show a level of modification previously unseen, from an unlikely source. We’re honored that SEMA participants will be able to enjoy these vehicles from Marc Ecko on with our own ‘runway show’ at the height of what would be considered the automotive industries’ fashion week."

NISMO, the premier supplier of high-performance aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan vehicles will exhibit a variety of NISMO performance components, accessories and apparel.

Following is a list of some of the Nissan vehicles at the 2006 SEMA Show:

M2 Motoring Versa Hatchback – “VIP Versa”
Utilizing a clean “less is more” approach to the Japanese “bippu” or VIP culture which originated with large luxury vehicles, M2 Motoring has expanded the tuning style to the all-new Nissan Versa.  The “VIP Versa” features a black exterior with an Extreme Dimensions body kit and heavily tinted windows.  For a more aggressive stance, this special Versa has a TEIN suspension and TSW wheels wrapped in Toyo Tires.

The VIP Versa’s interior is customized with a luxurious feel, with small details provided by Carmate’s new line of VIP executive accessories.  The in-car entertainment system is powered by Memphis car audio, with several powerful component speakers and a ten-inch subwoofer.
“Keeping with the VIP theme, the M2 Motoring Versa is outfitted with no less than the best,” said Mike Ma of M2 Motoring.  “With its extensive luxury touches, our Versa has been extensively modified with a painstaking attention to detail to bring the car to the next level.”

The *ecko unltd. Nissan Pathfinder
Bearing in mind *ecko unltd.’s street-smart swagger, the Nissan Pathfinder customised by Marc Ecko takes a vehicle that loves to get a little dirty and gives it an “old school” twist.

Outside, the Pathfinder’s wheelwells have been smoothed, a modified grille with a highlighted Nissan badge has been fitted, and the performance SUV has been painted a custom black and grey camouflage. Inside the *ecko unltd. machine features a 1960s-style redesign featuring seamless black leather driver and passenger seats with moulded wood backs and a glossy “safety orange” painted center console.

The Cut & Sew Nissan Armada
Sophisticated, yet keeping with Cut & Sew’s fashion-forward designs, the Nissan Armada customized by Marc Ecko retains the muscularity of the Armada’s original look, while adding a dose of irreverence and edginess. The Armada’s exterior receives a cream Landau roof, laser-etched rims and “safety orange” side panels.  The Armada’s interior is fitted with cream and tan calfskin with heavy contrast stitching on the steering wheel, door panels and dashboard and a briefcase-inspired glove box.

From the Nissan off-road specialists comes a Titan Crew Cab ready for the show floor and the most rugged off-road excursion. "Our company concentrates on enhancing Nissan trucks and SUVs for off-road prowess, as well as sponsoring numerous Nissan owners club events," said Jane Miller of Automotive Customizers. 

"We’ve worked on multiple Nissan projects, including a Hardbody pickup, Pathfinder, Xterra (X-Trail) and Frontier, among others, so creating a Titan project makes perfect sense. It’s a great vehicle as a starting point for modifications," added Miller.

Starting with the suspension, Automotive Customizers added their own 2.5-inch front coil lift kit, a Rancho 4-inch suspension lift kit and Bilstein 5150 rear shocks with an Air Lift rear air ride suspension. Protecting the undercarriage are Automotive Customizers' front and rear differential skid plates. Finishing off the suspension are ProComp simulated bead lock wheels and 35-inch tyres.

The Titan’s body has been enhanced with a Performance Accessories 3-inch body lift, T-Rex billet grille, an Automotive Customizers-modified ARB Front Bumper with a Mile Marker 12000-pound electric winch, Tiregate rear bumper with a Valley receiver hitch. Additional exterior touches include custom graphics, a sun visor, hood scoop and Stainless gas filler cover. An Offroad Unlimited Cargo Rack with IPF lights, a Hi-Lift jack and Off-Road axe provides the finishing touch.

The already powerful 5.6-litre V8 in the Automotive Customizers’ Titan receives mild performance improvements with a Weapon-R intake with ARB Safari Snorkel and Gibson cat-back exhaust.

Related articles:

- Nissan 350Z: Road Test
- Nissan Maxima: Road Test
- Nissan GT-R Proto (R35 Skyline)