NEW YORK, NY - When Nissan debuted the original Xterra, the philosophy was to provide a basic SUV priced low enough that active Gen-Xers could afford it and styled ruggedly enough to convey strength and capability. Launched with an advertising tagline that proclaimed the Nissan Xterra to be "everything you need and nothing you don't," the SUV was a hit. But in truth, the Xterra did deliver a few things that buyers didn't need, or want: a rough truck-like ride, a cramped interior, and an anemic base engine.

For the redesigned 2005 Nissan Xterra, the lessons this resurgent Japanese automaker has learned - there's nothing ailing a car company today that great product cannot cure - add up to significant refinements without distilling the rough-and-tumble character of the original.

"The changes in the new Xterra are evolutionary," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in the areas customers want most: power, drivability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."

Under the 2005 Nissan Xterra's hood is a 4.0-liter V6 engine, mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear or all four wheels. Rated by Nissan to generate 250-plus horsepower and 270-plus lb.-ft. of torque, the new engine is an increased displacement version of Nissan's 3.5-liter VQ engine found in the 350Z, Maxima and Altima. The redesigned 2005 Nissan Frontier and 2005 Nissan Pathfinder also use this 4.0-liter V6.