Nissan Releases the All-New Elgrand

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic launch of the fully redesigned Elgrand.

Elgrand X (2WD)

Since its premiere in 1997, the Elgrand has consistently held the top share of the high-end luxury minivan market, thanks to its spacious, comfortable interior, compelling styling and exceptional driving performance.

The newly released second-generation Elgrand has been developed around the product concept of a "first-class minivan fulfilling the dreams, and inspirations of consumers for a relaxing experience." Additionally the Elgrand features a refinement of the roomy interior, distinctive styling, driving dynamics and other attributes highly praised by customers of the first-generation model. The Elgrand also adopts a variety of cutting-edge technological features for enhanced user convenience and enjoyment, such as the CARWINGS telematics service and Intelligent Key system.

The Elgrand interior features a spacious interior, creating a relaxing, living-room-like environment. Especially notable is the second-row multifunction center seat that facilitates versatile seating arrangements and allows convenient walk-through between the second- and third-row seats even while accommodating eight occupants. The striking exterior styling makes a compelling statement that viewers will instantly recognize as being the Elgrand.

The VQ35DE engine delivers impressive driving performance that ranks among the best in this class. At the same time, all Elgrand models have been certified as three-star ultra-low emission vehicles (U-LEV) by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under its low-emission vehicle certification system.

The Elgrand also complies with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards to qualify for tax reductions under the Green Tax program, with the exception of some models.

The major unique features of the new Elgrand include:

• A "first-class" interior providing spaciousness and relaxing comforCompelling exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as being the Elgrand
• The highest level of driving performance in the minivan class, providing an elegant and exhilarating driving experience
• Cutting-edge IT features that all occupants can readily enjoy using

Sales target:
3,300 units/month

Dealers selling the Elgrand:
The Nissan Blue Stage and the Nissan Red Stage (including Nissan Red & Blue Stage dealers that handle all models)

Sales launching event:
May 25, 26, 2002.

Overview of Elgrand
1. A "first-class" interior providing spaciousness and relaxing comfort
Interior design

Befitting the Elgrand's unique qualities, the interior design embodies the principal themes of "luxury," represented by a feeling of relaxing hospitality, and "practicality," expressed by easy-to-use, premium-quality functionality. Distinguishing features include:

•  The feeling of openness above the instrument panel, thin meter cluster with its simple yet advanced design and movable dashboard monitor.
• Seat frames styled after the image of modern furniture.
• An interior color scheme based on Ecru and adorned with bright wood-grain panel inserts featuring a bird's-eye maple pattern to create a gorgeous ambience. The Highway Star interior has Warm Gray as the base color and is embellished with a smooth, deep-looking titanium color to project a modern image.

Packaging
Compared with the previous model, the new Elgrand has a lower, flat floor along with a wider roof. In addition, the practical cabin length from the accelerator pedal to the back door, cabin width, cabin height and the distance between the seats have all been increased to create a more spacious, relaxing interior.

• The cabin length in practical terms from the accelerator pedal to the back door has been increased by 40 mm to 3,475 mm.
• Even though the overall vehicle height is 20 mm lower, the cabin height has been increased by 35 mm to 1,325 mm (2WD models) as a result of lowering the floor by 40 mm.
• Along with having greater longitudinal travel, the second-row seats incorporate a multistage sliding mechanism to afford spacious, comfortable accommodation. Moreover, the third-row seats now have an additional flip-and-fold position more toward the rear, allowing the second-row seats to be slid rearward and reclined for greater comfort when the third-row seats are folded up.
• A theater-style layout has been adopted with the sitting height increasing progressively toward the rear to provide better forward visibility and a more open feeling for second- and third-row seat occupants.
• In the driver's seat, the height of the hip point from the ground is set at 875 mm (30 mm lower) to secure an optimum combination of excellent outward visibility and outstanding ease of ingress/egress.
• Entry and exit ease has been markedly enhanced by lowering the floor height, reducing the step-up height at the second-row seats by 25 mm to 390 mm and adopting sliding doors on both sides.

Versatile seating arrangements
The second-row includes a multifunction center seat that facilitates a variety of versatile seating arrangements.
In place, the multifunction center seat naturally forms a second-row bench seat; slide it forward, and it allows convenient walk-through between the second and third rows. Fold down the seatback and it can be used as a large armrest with built-in cup holders. In addition, the large storage compartment underneath the cushion can accommodate a game console, among other items. The multifunction center seat also serves as a handy table when the second-row seats are turned around to face the third row.

Utility
An ozone-safe full-auto dual air-conditioning system has been adopted for comfortable climate control. All models feature a full-auto air conditioner with independent temperature controls for the driver and front passenger as standard equipment in the front-seat area. Second- and third-row seat passengers have a full-auto air conditioner that can be operated independently even when the front unit is turned off. Personal ceiling and floor vents are also provided for enhanced comfort.

Power flip-out windows have been adopted for the third windows on the sides. Because they can also be opened and closed from the driver's seat, they make it simple to ventilate the interior.

Remote control automatic sliding side doors are provided on passenger side. They open and close automatically with one touch of a dashboard switch or a remote control switch for thoughtful convenience when one's hands are full of packages or other things.

The power curtains are designed to fit inside the window frames for a marked improvement in appearance. Because the curtains are attached to the sliding doors, they do not get in the way when entering or exiting the vehicle.

2. Compelling exterior styling that is instantly recognizable as being the Elgrand
The exterior design concretely expresses the Elgrand's unique character and embodies the key themes of overflowing "confidence" and "newness," manifested in a lucid and stylish execution. Distinctive styling cues include:

• The notably slanted front nose and split-level design of the grille and headlamps.
• The tenacious-looking front fenders and the integration of the door mirrors with the fenders.
• The simple yet expressive side view accentuated by a character line that unifies the body.
• The 7-spoke 16" aluminum wheels that impart a distinct impression of light and shadows.

The Highway Star embodies the design concept of a "road-tracing cruiser" that suppresses body roll to deliver a sporty driving experience. Powerful and refined, the exterior styling reflects the key themes of "stand out" and "smooth," with the former being expressed by an eye-catching sense of volume and the latter by the flush integrated look of the body panels and trim parts. Major styling cues include:

• The exclusive front bumper that projects an imposing presence owing to the absence of a center air intake.
• The exclusive exterior trim parts that give the lower body a look of stability while conveying an image of dynamic driving performance.
• The 6-spoke 17" aluminum wheels with a plain and simple face design that exudes a powerful look.
• The stable-looking body form as a result of lowering the suspension by 10 mm.

A selection of seven exterior colors is offered consisting of monotone and two-tone colors that express the Elgrand's unique character and stellar quality. The Highway Star offers a choice of two exclusive body colors, sporty Sword Metallic (M) that sharply accentuates the body form and Diamond Silver (M) with a pure silver appearance and a strong metallic look, in addition to being available in White Pearl (3P), a popular favorite on the previous model.

3. The highest level of driving performance in the minivan class, providing an elegant and exhilarating driving experience
Powering the Elgrand is the VQ35DE V6 gasoline engine that generates ample torque in the low to intermediate speed ranges to provide quick throttle response and smooth, powerful performance in all sorts of situations from city driving to high-speed cruising.

While providing overwhelming power performance, the new Elgrand has also earned the top three-star U-LEV rating by reducing exhaust emissions by an additional 75% from the levels required under Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations. It also complies with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards to qualify for reductions of the automobile tax and the automobile acquisition tax, with the exception of some models.

The 5M-ATx 5-speed automatic transmission ranks among the world's best in terms of superior performance, compact size and light weight. Besides shifting smoothly and crisply, it also contributes to improved fuel economy and power performance.

A dashboard-mounted shifter has been adopted that can be operated easily with just a slight movement of the driver's hand from the steering wheel. Along with concentrating the shift pattern to four positions (P, R, N and D), the manual mode has a gear range selection feature* that frees drivers from annoying shift lever operations. Moreover, the shift gate pattern lets drivers fully enjoy the sensation of manipulating the car's movements through manual shifting.

*For example, the transmission shifts automatically between the first, second and third speed ranges when the indicator shows the "3rd range."

A strut suspension is used at the front while a newly developed multi-link suspension has been adopted at the rear for enhanced ride comfort, quietness, handling and stability.

The front ventilated disc brakes have been increased in size and ventilated disc brakes have also been adopted at the rear, enabling drivers to obtain braking performance ranking among the best in this class with just a light pedal effort.

The Elgrand comes with a vehicle dynamics control (VDC) system that uses various types of sensors to detect the car's motions and automatically controls the braking force at all four wheels and engine output to improve vehicle stability.

The 4WD models are equipped with Nissan's "All-Mode 4x4" as the electronically controlled torque split 4WD system. Designed around a rear-wheel-drive layout, the All-Mode 4x4 system controls the torque split to the front and rear wheels electronically to match the road surface conditions and vehicle status. The torque distribution is optimally and seamlessly controlled from a front/rear split of 0/100 to 50/50 to provide stable driving performance under all types of conditions from on-road to off-road driving.

An Adaptive Cruise Control system has also been adopted to support the driver's acceleration and braking operations primarily on expressways and dedicated vehicle roadways.

Steady-speed noise, start-off acceleration noise, road noise and wind noise are all more effectively isolated to provide an exceedingly quiet interior worthy of the finest luxury minivan.

The Elgrand achieves zero body lift to ensure excellent stability against crosswinds in high-speed cruising (such as sudden gusts that can strike a car when emerging from a tunnel) and a stable steering feel from low- to high-speed driving.

4. Cutting-edge IT features that all occupants can readily enjoy using
A twin-monitor TV/navigation system, with 8" wide monitors for the front and rear seats, is provided that is compatible with CARWINGS and features improved ease of operation and visibility. By incorporating DVD technology in the navigation unit, search speed has been improved, a function has been added that facilitates searches for up to five routes simultaneously, and a simpler menu has been achieved for greater ease of operation. These and other improvements contribute to enhanced functionality and performance. In addition, voice-activated commands enable drivers to select some destinations and other settings through voice inputs while driving.

A color back-view monitor is available on models fitted with the navigation system. The rearward view shown on the front navigation monitor includes white guidelines indicating the vehicle width and distance, allowing easier judgment of distances to rearward objects when backing up. This thoughtful technology makes it simple to back the car into a garage or other places.

The navigation system supports Nissan's CARWINGS telematics service. With CARWINGS, users can enjoy a rich variety of information services, e-mail access, hands-free dialing and other functions by simply connecting a cellular phone to an onboard device. This service provides the enjoyment of having access to a wealth of outside information from inside the car. It also supports comfortable, convenient driving with greater peace of mind by enabling drivers to obtain assistance from a service center operator in the event of an emergency. CARWINGS is even more convenient and easier to use on the new Elgrand, thanks to its integrated operation with the navigation system and the large 8" dashboard monitor. Beginning in May, new features have been added to the CARWINGS website. These include the "Let's Drive" channel that enables drivers to access the site via a personal computer, use the drive planning function to set their destination and intended route, and then download the information later to their navigation system via a cellular phone. New content has also been added, including carefully selected information on amenities around town, parking information, restaurant information and information linked to magazine articles about places of interest.

The Elgrand also features Intelligent Key, a next-generation keyless entry system that allows users to lock/unlock the doors and to start/stop the engine simply by carrying the key fob with them. Because there is no need to insert a key or to take out a key fob from one's pocket or a bag as in the case of conventional keyless entry systems, the Intelligent Key system greatly enhances entry/exit convenience when carrying things or when it is raining.

An engine immobilizer has been adopted as a standard feature on all models as a security measure against car theft.

5. Safety and Environmental Friendliness
Safety performance
The Elgrand adopts a further improved and advanced version of Nissan's unique Zone Body construction to provide world-class crashworthiness in collisions from all directions, including full overlap and offset frontal impacts, side impacts and rear-end impacts. A full overlap frontal collision requires a crushable body construction for reducing cabin deceleration G while an offset frontal collision requires strong body structures for reducing the amount of cabin deformation. A particularly notable feature of the high-strength Zone Body construction is that it provides a high level of crashworthiness in both types of frontal collisions involving these mutually contradictory requirements.

Environmental friendliness
The Elgrand is certified as a three-star U-LEV^*1 under the low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which means it reduces exhaust emissions by an additional 75% from the levels mandated by Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations. This outstanding environmental performance has been attained by adopting catalysts with ultra-low heat mass substrates, an HC trap three-way catalyst system, a fast light-off O₂ sensor and other advanced technologies. In addition, with the exception of some models, the Elgrand also complies with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards to qualify for tax reductions under the Green Tax program^*2.

The use of parts made of polypropylene (PP), one of the easiest thermoplastic resins to recycle, has been increased to attain a recyclable rate of 90%^*3 by weight. Moreover, recycling activities have been vigorously promoted, including the use of recycled materials to make footrests and other parts. Plastic and rubber parts are also marked with material codes to facilitate easier post-use sorting for recycling.

^*1The low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was initiated in April 2000 to encourage the diffusion of low-emission vehicles through their selection by ordinary consumers. To qualify for the U-LEV rating, a vehicle must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by an additional 75% from the levels required by Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations.

^*2For vehicles complying with the requirements of the Green Tax program, the automobile acquisition tax on newly registered vehicles for private use is reduced by 15,000 yen until March 31, 2003 and the automobile tax on U-LEVs is reduced by 50% for two years beginning from the fiscal year after a vehicle is registered. However, these measures do not apply to the vehicles handled by Autech Japan, Inc.

^*3Calculated according to Nissan's own calculation standards.

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumptiontax)

☆Model in the photo

Autech Japan Releases New Elgrand Enchante Models

Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, today announced the domestic release of new Elgrand Enchante lifecare vehicles* that it has newly customized in conjunction with the full model change of the Elgrand. Launched today were the Second-row Slide-out Lift Seat Type, Removable Second-row Seat Type and Step Type models.

*Nissan Group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their daily lives.

Elgrand Enchante (Second-row Slide-out Lift Seat Type)

Overview of Elgrand Enchante

The Elgrand Enchante Second-row Slide-out Lift Seat Type is fitted with a left-hand side second-row seat that can be swiveled outside the vehicle and lowered/raised to allow easy transfer from and to a wheelchair. All seat movements are powered by an electric motor. Moreover, the seat slides 100 mm fore and aft under the power of the motor to create greater legroom for the third-row seat occupant.

The Elgrand Enchante Removable Second-row Seat Type comes with a second-row slide-out lift seat that can be removed and used outside the vehicle as a wheelchair. The Elgrand Enchante Step Type features a motor-powered sliding step at the sliding side door on the passenger's side to provide easy ingress/egress for senior citizens and young children.

5M-ATx: Full-range electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mod

Suggested Nationwide Retail Prices (excluding consumption tax) 

☆ Model in the photo

5M-ATx: Full-range electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode

*Elgrand Enchante Second-row Slide-out Lift Seat Type and Removable Second-row Seat Type models fitted with the motor-powered wheelchair lift available as a dealer's option are exempt from consumption tax.

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