2009 Nissan Cube: The First Specs and Official Photo

Nissan's global Web site just released this information on the 2009 Nissan Cube, which bows tomorrow at the Los Angeles auto show.

We have more photos and some more info for TheCarConnection.com's readers--not to mention live shots and Los Angeles show news--coming tomorrow, but the latest from Nissan is that the Cube is "a refined car of universal quality and appeal." So says the release, which confirms that the new car keeps the asymmetrical styling of the boxy car that first took its bow in Japan a decade ago.

Japanese-spec Cubes are said to get "sofa-like seating, a large glass roof panel that extends over the driver's seat for an open, airy view of the outside environment, and a shoji-style roof shade that fills the cabin with gentle light." Sizewise, the new Cube is still about 157 inches long--no Scion bloat, it seems--and the concept is still pretty much identical to that of the Scion xB and Honda Element.

Inside, the cabin is patterned after that of a Jacuzzi--no joke. The skylight and comfy seat cushions contribute to a lounge-like atmosphere. Big door openings make access easy, and the rear seats are raised theater-style. Japanese Cubes get navigation systems, Intelligent Key hardware, and a rearview monitor on the features list.

The powertrain for JDM versions includes optional all-wheel drive, and a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission. Stability control is offered on front-drive versions, and anti-lock brakes and curtain airbags are standard.

There's plenty more to come on the American-spec Cube, which goes on sale in the spring of 2009. We'll have more information and photos after 9 a.m.--stay tuned.

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2009 Nissan CubeEnlarge PhotoNissan's global Web site just released this information on the 2009 Nissan Cube, which bows tomorrow at the Los Angeles auto show. We have more photos and some more info for TheCarConnection.com's readers--not to mention live shots and Los Angeles show news--coming tomorrow, but the latest from Nissan is that the Cube is "a refined car of universal quality and appeal." So says the release, which confirms that the new car keeps the asymmetrical styling of the boxy car that first took its bow in Japan a decade ago. Japanese-spec Cubes are said to get "sofa-like seating, a large glass roof panel that extends over the driver's seat for an open, airy view of the outside environment, and a shoji-style roof shade that fills the cabin with gentle light." Sizewise, the new Cube is still about 157 inches long--no Scion bloat, it seems--and the concept is still pretty much identical to that of the Scion xB and Honda Element. Inside, the cabin is patterned after that of a Jacuzzi--no joke. The skylight and comfy seat cushions contribute to a lounge-like atmosphere. Big door openings make access easy, and the rear seats are raised theater-style. Japanese Cubes get navigation systems, Intelligent Key hardware, and a rearview monitor on the features list. The powertrain for JDM versions includes optional all-wheel drive, and a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission. Stability control is offered on front-drive versions, and anti-lock brakes and curtain airbags are standard. There's plenty more to come on the American-spec Cube, which goes on sale in the spring of 2009. We'll have more information and photos after 9 a.m.--stay tuned. --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.