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Media Drives & Reveals

Gordinier Group Builds First-Ever Floating Off-Road Course for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Reveal

Gordinier Group was proud to take part in the design and execution of a one-of-a-kind off-road driving course for the U.S. media and consumer debut of the all-new

2026 Jeep Cherokee. Set against the stunning Manhattan skyline, this unique build took place on a barge spudded in the East River, directly off Domino Park in Brooklyn, NY.

To support Jeep’s high-impact launch, our team transformed the floating platform into a dynamic environment by shaping over 700 yards of dirt into a carefully engineered course that highlighted the Cherokee’s off-road capabilities. The course culminated in a purpose-built hill climb where the new vehicle perched centerstage during the CEO’s live presentation.

Beyond the course itself, our partners at George P. Johnson designed and installed dramatic visual elements, including oversized letters spelling out “JEEP” and “CHEROKEE”, a massive 25-foot-tall by 40-foot-wide LED screen, and extensive landscaping with over 40 live trees, all helped to elevate the impact of the reveal. 

Gordinier Group handled every aspect of the off-road course—from material planning and heavy equipment operation to on-site supervision and a precision driver for the dynamic reveal. This was all tailored to deliver a safe and visually stunning activation. The result was a high-profile experience that seamlessly blended technical precision with theatrical impact, reinforcing Jeep’s legacy of capability in one of the most iconic urban settings in the world.


We recently joined our partners at Nissan to help orchestrate an immersive media drive showcasing the all-new 2025 Armada Pro-4X. Recognizing our expertise in creating authentic off-road experiences, Nissan, once again, entrusted us to design and build a comprehensive testing ground that would demonstrate the full-size SUV’s enhanced capabilities to attending media.

The specialized course featured a strategic mix of challenging obstacles, each carefully engineered to highlight specific aspects of the Armada Pro-4X’s performance envelope. Technical sections including articulation wedges and moguls put the vehicle’s suspension and 4WD systems on display, while steep hill climbs demonstrated its impressive climbing abilities. Gordinier Group’s course design also integrated several natural terrain challenges, creating a comprehensive testing environment that balanced technical difficulty with real-world applicability.

Once the course was complete, our experienced trail guides provided spotting through technical obstacles while helping journalists maximize the Armada Pro-4X’s capabilities by ensuring the optimal vehicle features were engaged for each challenge. This thoughtful approach allowed media participants to experience the Armada Pro-4X’s capabilities in conditions that potential owners might encounter during their own off-road adventures.

Nissan’s trust in our expertise and the creative freedom they extend enables us to deliver exceptional results. Building on our proven track record, we designed a media drive that showcased the Armada Pro-4X’s off-road capabilities through an immersive, authentic testing experience.


As part of the global debut of the 2025 Nissan Murano, Nissan hosted a media event at the Southall Inn and Farm in Franklin, TN. During this event, journalists had the opportunity to test the off-road capabilities of the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek – a rugged variant of Nissan’s popular crossover SUV – on the property’s natural terrain trails.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome at the vehicle staging area, where Gordinier Group introduced the standout features of the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. Our team then played a vital role as lead drivers and spotters, guiding participants through the challenging trails and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

The journalists put the Rogue Rock Creek through its paces, traversing tricky hills, rocky paths, and steep inclines. The vehicle demonstrated impressive all-terrain performance, thanks to features like increased ground clearance, Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and specialized off-road tires. Throughout the test drives, the journalists were able to experience firsthand how Rogue Rock Creek’s capabilities elevate it beyond a traditional crossover, making it a compelling option for adventure-seeking customers.

Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many impressed by the vehicle’s off-road prowess and everyday practicality. Gordinier Group’s expert guidance and event management played a key part in delivering an exceptional experience for the media attendees.

 

Steeped in history, the Mojave Road is roughly 130 miles of remote desert two-track; most of which lies within the Mojave National Preserve. In 1983, Nissan traversed this road with a group of automotive media to showcase their new 4×4 trucks. Forty years later, Gordinier Group was tasked by Nissan USA with recreating this iconic media drive. 

 In preparation for this two-night, three-day trip, our team worked diligently on all the details. 

  • Securing all filming/photography/event permits
  • Outfitting all media, clients, and staff with camping gear
  • Sourcing backcountry-capable chefs for meals on-trail and in camp
  • Pre-running entire route to develop proper timing and logistics for the caravan
  • Staffing a trail guide, trail support team as well as an advance team for camp set-up
  • Supplying recovery gear, first aid, and communication assets (both GMRS and Satellite)
  • Vehicle logistics for the duration of the event

Once on the Mojave Road, our team led a group of 10, 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro4X trucks. The media were treated to a narrated history of the road throughout the drive and fresh trail-side lunches. Along the way, the group posed for photos to recreate images taken on the original trip in 1983.  Each night, upon arrival in camp, media guests were escorted to their pre-built tents to drop their gear and relax. Craft cocktails preceded a gourmet dinner with wine pairings provided by our friends from Overland Cookery On day 2, vigilant monitoring of weather radar by our trail team enabled them to route the group around some inclement weather and get to camp safely. The trip was a complete success, and our media guests enjoyed an incredible experience in the desert. 

 In the end, our client could not have been happier. The following is a quote from a post-event email:  

I want to thank you, Jeff, and the rest of the team for the outstanding work for the event. Your guys got things done before I even thought of them and made the trip much better for everyone. You guys weren’t very visible but made things happen in the background and it was great. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated the support.



Some great articles and videos that captured the moments of the Nissan Mojave Road adventure:

 

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