Elgrand Undergoes Minor Model Change

August 23, 2000

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the new Elgrand following the execution of a minor model change.

As part of this minor model change, all gasoline-fueled models now feature Nissan’s new VQ35DE gasoline 3.5 litter V-6 for significantly improved power performance resulting from substantially higher engine output and torque levels. In addition, body stiffness has been increased to provide improved handling, stability and ride comfort.

The exterior design around the front-end has been completely reworked to emphasize the car’s luxury appeal. A hood ornament, chrome door-mounted mirrors, alloy wheels (chrome color coat) and other luxury features have also been adopted on the newly established X Limited grade and the X grade to accentuate further the image of superlative quality. In addition, four new attractive body colors have been adopted.

On the inside, the premium-quality ambience has been heightened by changing the seat and trim cloth, among other refinements. Additionally, the X Limited models come with comfortable captain’s chairs as the second-row seats featuring a forward-tilting upper seatback for greater comfort.

Equipment features have also been further expanded and improved. Front and rear obstacle detection sensors are standard equipment on all models excluding the Highway Star versions. The front-seat monitor of the twin-monitor TV/navigation system is now a 6.5” unit. Moreover, a DVD navigation system incorporating a DVD playback function has been adopted.

In the area of safety, ISO-FIX^* child seat anchorages in both second-row seats and xenon headlamps are available as factory-installed options on all models.

^*ISO-FIX refers to an anchorage system for securing child seats that is based on a global standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

<Sales Target>
4,000 units/month

<Dealers Selling the Elgrand>
Nissan Blue Stage: Nissan and Motor channel dealers
Nissan Red Stage: Satio, Prince and Cherry channel dealers
(including Nissan Red & Blue Stage dealers that handle all models)

<Showroom Debut Dates>
Saturday and Sunday, September 2 & 3, 2000


Overview of New Elgrand
1. Enhanced power performance, handling and stability
The Elgrand is fitted with the newly developed VQ35DE V-6 engine that delivers substantially higher levels of output and torque for a significant improvement in power performance.

<Engine Specifications>

Body stiffness has been augmented for improved ride comfort and vehicle dynamics largely by providing cross bars at the places where the suspension is attached.

2. Exterior/interior
The front-end has been redesigned to enhance the car’s luxury appeal.

Four new attractive body colors have been adopted -- White Pearl 3P, Sparkling Silver M, White Pearl 3P/Warm Silver M and Sherbet Silver TM/Purplish Silver TM. (The notation 3P means three coats of Pearl, M signifies Metallic and TM denotes Titanium Metallic.)

The premium-quality ambience of the interior has been further heightened by changing the seat and trim cloth.

The newly established top-of-the-line X Limited grade adopts a seat covering combination of genuine leather and SUPPALE(R)^* artificial leather and a steering wheel that combines a wood-grain center piece with a genuine leather-wrapped wheel. In addition, fitted as the second-row seats are comfortable captain’s chairs with an upper seatback that tilts forward for greater comfort. These and other features enhance the impression of superb quality.

^*SUPPALE(R) is a registered trademark of Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.

3. Specification and equipment improvements
The twin monitor TV/navigation system (factory-installed option on all models) now includes a 6.5” front-seat monitor. A DVD navigation system with a DVD playback function has also been adopted.

A front and rear obstacle detection sensor system is standard on all models except the Highway Star versions.

The optional Kenwood Sound Cruising System now features a CD/MD integrated AM/FM audio unit.

4. Safety
The second-row seats on both sides come with ISO-FIX child seat anchorages as a factory installed option on all models.

Xenon headlamps are available on all models as a factory-installed option.

Suggested Retail Prices in Each Region (excluding consumption tax)
(‘000 yen)

E-AT: full range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (column-mounted shifter)

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELGRAND

In conjunction with the minor model change implemented for the Elgrand, Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, has changed the specifications of the Elgrand Rider and the Elgrand Life-care Vehicle (LV) series. The newly changed models, which are based on the new Elgrand, were released throughout Japan today. 

A slide-out lift seat for the front-passenger’s seat has been added to the equipment specifications of the Elgrand Enchante for easy ingress/egress by senior citizens and disabled persons. 

Suggested Retail Prices in Each Region (excluding consumption tax)
Elgrand Rider ('000 yen)

E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (column-mounted shifter)

Elgrand LV series ('000 yen)

E-AT: full-range electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (column-mounted shifter)
The Elgrand Enchante is exempt from consumption tax when fitted with a wheelchair lift or wheelchair tie-downs, which are available as dealer options.
The Elgrand Chair Cab and the Elgrand Driving Helper are exempt from consumption tax