The Goon visits the Cube at the LA Auto Show

11796 Views 28 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Commando, Apr 12, 2009

R50Paul

Discussion Starter · Nov 22, 2008

So here we go. I got to the show at 9am when I THOUGHT it opened, nope, it opened at 11am. However, I was first in line when the ticket office opened, then first in line to get in. Of course I went straight for the Nissan display. I was really sad as the Cube was not open to the public. It was on a turn stand, protected by a all but 110lb blonde woman who I could have gotten past, but would have been kicked out! So here is what I got.

So I couldn't sit in it. Nor could I pop the hood. Balls. As expected the reps knew nothing about it. But they knew a lot about the 370Z :

The white color is a peal white. The height of the Cube is about 5 foot 5 inches. It's a little shorter than the first generation xB too. So it kept the dimensions of the previous Cube. When I asked about the sunroof the reps simply said they "didn't know" but there was a chance it could be included in a package. Like top of the line SL trim I guess. The same was said about the e4WD, maybe in a package. So all in all, not much info outta them. One rep did say I should stand there all day and talk about the Cube, as I knew more than her.

There was a few interesting finds though. In the 2009 Nissan booklet they where handing out there was a section for the Cube. It had a few things I found interesting. This is quoted from the booklet: "Roll in style with the Cube. Add your own touch with and accessory body kit, or get even more aggressive with a limited edition model (details to come)." So yeah there will be a body kit and, I'm assuming here, a Nismo model. There is also a talk of interior mood lighting in the booklet too. And a piece of shag carpeting that goes on the dash....weird.

I'm gonna take more pictures when I go back tomorrow. Maybe the rep will let me step into the guarded area to shoot some pictures. I'll say I'm with NissanCubeLife.

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Sara

· #2 · Nov 22, 2008

Thanks for sharing these Goon, nice pics! Overall, what was your impression of the Cube when you finally saw it in person as opposed to looking at photos all this time. Even though you didn't get a chance to see it up close, is it better in person? Did there appear to be interest from the visitors? Sorry for all the questions, I wish I could go.

Haha, you SHOULD say you're from NissanCubeLife.com and that you're there to get an impression of it for your article.

R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 22, 2008

When I saw the Cube I had the same feeling I had when I saw the MINI in person for the first time. I was in love. Makes me sad that I have a new car to lust over after spending nearly 6 years loving my MINI. Even though I was sad I couldn't get really close, I was still close enough to satisfy for now. I was also so happy that it wasn't as big as I was imagining. We'll see how things are a few months from now when I can drive one.

As for other peoples reactions to it, I saw it as positive. The 370Z and GT-R overshadowed the Cube, but at the same time all the people that were there to look at Nissan's more sportier offerings were quite taken by the Cube's awesomeness.

G

· #4 · Nov 22, 2008

Goon,

Great job! Your commentary was well worth the wait and you made the little noodles in the rep's brain move. Most of them probably get paid for their good looks. Goshen should have paid to talk in front of the crowd instead.

The pics looks great. Nice camera. 8) And it would be great if you can somehow show the Cube auto show booklet.

I am glad to hear that there are other "possibilities" as explained by Mr. Goon ... Actually, here are some shots featuring an interesting body kit.
The roof spoiler reminds me from the one on the Mini Cooper S.

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derux

· #5 · Nov 22, 2008

now that bumper makes it look a lot more like the last gen cube. I also like the little block offs they put in the rear to take out the side marker.

Did they say anything about the cube being at the San jose auto show??

derux

· #6 · Nov 22, 2008

I used to own a 240sx and the front end from the jdm silvia fit on it. So I bet that if we could get our hands on a rider bumper we could make it fit onto the US cube. When I was in japan this year I got a cube brochure and they had all kinds of kits for them.

R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 22, 2008

ebm14 said:
Goon,

Great job! Your commentary was well worth the wait and you made the little noodles in the rep's brain move. Most of them probably get paid for their good looks. Goshen should have paid to talk in front of the crowd instead.

The pics looks great. Nice camera. 8) And it would be great if you can somehow show the Cube auto show booklet.

I am glad to hear that there are other "possibilities" as explained by Mr. Goon ... Actually, here are some shots featuring an interesting body kit.
The roof spoiler reminds me of a Mini Cooper S.

Yeah I bet the girls that work the auto show get briefed right before the show opens.

Ok I have never gotten a photography compliment before, so THANKS! As requested, the booklet.

This is the side bar in the "Nissan 2009" Booklet:

I tried to do it in order....

Ok these are from the actual Cube booklet. This might be kinda random so bear with me.

Hard to get a good shot of this, but it's proof that there will be a dark gray interior option...

So there you go, the booklets. ;D

And yes, that rear spoiler reminds me a lot of the MINI Cooper S spoiler.

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boxster

· #8 · Nov 22, 2008

Wow, great job Goon! 8) Thank you for filling us in on the auto show from your very own experience. The photos of the brochure in addition to the Cube photos are very cool. I agree with Woody, the media is all about regurgitating what the other wires say and not really about the user experience. You did a fine job, thanks again! ;D

revan

· #9 · Nov 22, 2008

Way to go Goon! I have one problem though, where are the models that are supposed to be posing with the Cube!? What, did Nissan only alocated them to the 370Z & GT-R?

R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 22, 2008

No problem everyone. So in todays adventure with my father at the Auto Show. I was not successful in getting any new, better interior shots. They wouldn't let me walk onto the turn table thing the Cube is on, nor would they take my camera and take any pics of the bits I wanted pictures of. I pretty much annoyed the crap outta them.

So here is what I'm hoping for. I going AGAIN next Friday. (I really love the auto show....) In the past whena "world debut" happens, there will be only one car at first, but as the show progresses, they'll bring a few more out. It happened with the Fit a few years ago, maybe We'll get lucky and have this happen again.

Come next Friday, If I don't get anything, it'll be along wait till spring.

Oh and totally off topic, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was at the show today with his kids. He has a really big head. He's also my height, (5 foot 7 inches) I thought he'd be taller!

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R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 22, 2008

revan said:
Way to go Goon! I have one problem though, where are the models that are supposed to be posing with the Cube!? What, did Nissan only alocated them to the 370Z & GT-R?

No models. They hire good looking girls as reps though. The only manufacturer at the show to have actual models is Lamborghini.

revan

· #12 · Nov 22, 2008

That'd be cool if they bring out some more Cubes for you to sit in, best of luck!

ToThe3rd

· #13 · Nov 23, 2008

#1, Awesome job on all the info.

I really hope the pic from the brochure of the colors are true to life as the website shows them much less vibrant. Also 3 pics mention "the disc" I'm guessing these are the cards that will launch the 3D thingy.

G

· #14 · Nov 23, 2008

Do the back seats look a little "beaten up" a 1/3 of the way down as seen through the rear hatch? I still think were looking at a pre-producing US model and this is perhaps the mid range model.

qbcle

· #15 · Nov 23, 2008

I'm really diggin' the pics Goon. I can't wait to see it in person. Too bad SF Autoshow doesn't have the Nissan Cube present.

I like the grill on this pic:

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The Blue Potato

· #16 · Nov 23, 2008

Goon - I am new to the forum, but have been following this forum since last year...finally feel like life is almost complete now

Like you, I had a Mini Cooper (but have sold it) - I managed a shop that worked on them and customized them...and I got to see some of the pitfalls with them (quality wise, transmissions, etc)....but the pics you took of the Cube just revitalize my interest to another level now. The Atlanta show is in March and will try to attend that to see it in person.

I was in Japan in May of this year for 2 weeks and really bonded with the Cube while there - the last gen is really cool and drives nicely....so like you, I cannot wait to see and drive the new one to compare. I came close to importing one back to the US, but met with 2 Nissan designers while there (automotive press event) and got the advice to wait until 09 for the US version. You will see below a Cube custom by Monocraft in Tokyo (part of Super Autobachs/Tokyo Bay) that I quite enjoyed the "Pick Up! Cube"

Here are some pics from my trip to Japan (hope the direct links are working from Picasa) - enjoy:

And here is one for you as we al struggle with the next BIG purchase...

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R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #17 · Nov 23, 2008

ebm14 said:
Do the back seats look a little "beaten up" a 1/3 of the way down as seen through the rear hatch? I still think were looking at a pre-producing US model and this is perhaps the mid range model.

Naw I think it's just a shadow. It could be a mid range model as it was equipped with fog lights and whatnot.

The Blue Potato said:
Goon - I am new to the forum, but have been following this forum since last year...finally feel like life is almost complete now Like you, I had a Mini Cooper (but have sold it) - I managed a shop that worked on them and customized them...and I got to see some of the pitfalls with them (quality wise, transmissions, etc)....but the pics you took of the Cube just revitalize my interest to another level now. The Atlanta show is in March and will try to attend that to see it in person.

Glad to help out! I know the Cube won't be as sporty as my MINI, but it'll still be a fun car to drive.

G

· #18 · Nov 23, 2008

For the hell of it, you should post the Goon Mini Mobile here.

R50Paul

Discussion Starter · #19 · Nov 23, 2008

Here is my Cooper:

I would kinda go with the same sorta mods for the Cube If I end up with one. Tighten up the suspension, nice wheels and some tasteful interior mods.

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G

· #20 · Nov 23, 2008

Very nice. It would still be one of my choices.

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