Nissan will finally plug a major gap in its lineup with the 2008 Rogue. Designed to attract Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 shoppers, Rogue will be Nissan's first compact SUV available in the American market. A small SUV called the Xtrail is currently offered in Canada and Mexico, but not the U.S.

Nissan's familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be Rogue's only engine. The 170-horsepower mill will be mated to a version of Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions will be available.

Rogue will be offered in S and SL trim levels. Nissan says standard safety features will include antilock brakes, an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

Rogue shares its platform with Nissan's Sentra compact sedan, and was developed as part of a joint venture with France's Renault. Versions of the truck will be sold under either the Nissan or Renault banner throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

As planned, Rogue should arrive in Nissan dealerships before the end of 2007. Full pricing was not announced, but officials said Rogue should start at about $20,000.

2008 Nissan Rogue

Breaking with a long-standing auto-show tradition of presenting youth-oriented concepts, Nissan reaches for the male empty nester with Bevel. According to Nissan, Bevel was designed for men 45-60 years old who have transitioned from moving the kids around to attending to personal projects and hobbies.

"Bevel works for older men who keep lots of tools in their vehicle, constantly transport things, do projects outside the house, and rarely carry passengers," said Carlos Tavares, Nissan executive president of global product planning and design. "The owner would be driving alone 90 percent of the time."

To that end, Bevel eschews passenger seating for an expansive, flat storage floor that is accessed by a pair of large, center opening side doors. Bevel also features wireless Internet access, a built-in carrying compartment for the family dog, a rear-mounted pullout workbench, and a 110-volt electrical socket just inside the rear hatch for power tools.

Tavares says Nissan has no plans to produce Bevel, though the company will continue to explore vehicles that address the needs of an aging but active population of Baby Boomers. 

Nissan Bevel Concept