Nissan Fuga

This article incorporates information from the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

Nissan Fuga

Manufacturer	Nissan Motors
Also called	Infiniti M (model years 2006-present)
Production	2004–present
Predecessor	Nissan Cedric Nissan Gloria Nissan Cima Nissan President
Body style	4-door Sedan
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Cedric Nissan Gloria Nissan Leopard

The Fuga (Japanese: 日産・フーガ) is a full-size sedan, rear wheel drive with optional all wheel drive, produced by Nissan of Japan since October 2004 and now in its second generation. It is built on a wider, stretched wheelbase version of the Nissan FM platform.^[1] After the Nissan Cima and Nissan President were discontinued in August 2010, the Fuga became Nissan's flagship vehicle. In North America and Europe, the Fuga is sold as the second and third-generation Infiniti M, where it has been the flagship of the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan since 2006.

First shown as the Fuga Concept at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, the Fuga is a replacement for the long running Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria series of cars. The name of the vehicle was inspired by the fugue, a composition musical form. The name Fuga was chosen to suggest that the long, storied histories of the Cedric, Gloria, Cima, and President are being combined into a new vehicle that continues to provide the prestige and heritage of those vehicles. The last model code for the Cedric and Gloria was Y34, and the last model code for the Cima was F50, with the President as PGF50. Two versions of the smaller Y34 (Cedric & Gloria) and the larger F50 (Cima & President) platforms were offered due to Nissan's dual sales channels in Japan, called (Japanese: Nissan Blue Stage) and (Japanese: Nissan Red Stage) , where Blue Stage sold traditional Nissan products and Red Stage sold former Prince products like the Nissan Skyline, the Gloria, the Nissan Laurel and the Nissan Auster.

First Generation (Y50, 2004-2009)

Nissan Fuga Y50

Also called	Infiniti M35/45
Production	2004 - 2009
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout/AWD
Platform	FR-L "enhanced FM"
Engine	2.5 L V6 VQ25DE 2.5 L V6 VQ25HR 3.5 L V6 VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 VQ35HR 4.5 L V8 VK45DE
Transmission	5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length	4,900 mm (192.9 in)
Width	1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Height	1,510 mm (59.4 in)
Curb weight	1,780 kg (3,900 lb)

When the Prince (Nissan) Gloria was first introduced in 1959, it was based on a stretched version of the original Prince (Nissan) Skyline, which was first introduced in 1957. Nissan used this approach again for the Fuga, using the Skyline platform again.

Nissan wanted to create a fresh approach started by the Cedric/Gloria and focus its efforts to compete with European executive mid-sized sports sedans, such as the BMW 5 series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Jaguar S-Type. The Fuga's primary competitor from Toyota is the Toyota Crown Athlete Series, but also competes with the Lexus GS.

The Fuga trim levels began with "XV" and ended with "GT" as the top trim package, equivalent to the previous "Brougham" and "Gran Turismo" versions of the Cedric and Gloria.

In markets outside Japan it is sold as the second-generation Infiniti M (M35/45). The Infiniti M became the flagship of the Infiniti luxury division after the 2006 model year, as the Infiniti Q (the Cima's counterpart in certain markets) was discontinued. However the Cima would remain in production for the Japanese domestic market and it is 2" longer than the Fuga which slots below it in the lineup.

The Fuga is also used as an uplevel taxi in Japan.

Equipment

Aluminum is used in the body, hood, trunk lid and is also used in the doors internally to reduce weight. The front suspension uses a double wishbone setup, also to reduce unsprung weight, and to improve vehicle handling. This type of suspension was previously used on the Cedric/Gloria until 1983, when that platform began to use MacPherson struts for the front suspension, but still uses the multilink rear suspension which was introduced on the Cedric/Gloria in 1979. The Fuga uses aluminum alloy extensively in both the front and rear suspension components.

The GT sports package includes Nissan's 4WS version of HICAS to improve stability and handling, taking advantage of the 53:47 weight distribution.

A driver aid system used in Japan, called Distance Control Assistance, pushes the gas pedal against the foot when the DVD navigation with GPS determines that an unsafe speed is being maintained. If the cruise control is being used, the Distance Control Assistance will reduce speed automatically, and will warn the driver that an adjustment is being made with an audible bell sound.

Body styles

Chassis code	(CBA-)Y50	(CBA-P)Y50	(CBA-PN)Y50	(CBA-G)Y50
Engine	VQ25DE(NEO)	VQ35DE(NEO)	VQ35DE(NEO)	VK45DE(NEO)
Drive	RWD	RWD	ATTESA E-TS 4WD	RWD

Chassis code	(DBA-)Y50	(DBA-P)Y50	(DBA-PN)Y50	(CBA-G)Y50
Engine	VQ25HR	VQ35HR	VQ35HR	VK45DE(NEO)
Drive	RWD	RWD	ATTESA E-TS 4WD	RWD

Engines

Engine code	Years	Layout	Compression (:1)	Power, torque@rpm
VQ25DE(NEO)	2004–2007	2,495 cubic centimetres (152.3 cu in) (85.0x73.3) V6	10.3	210 metric horsepower (154 kW) @6000, 265 newton metres (195 ft·lbf) @4400
VQ25HR	2007–2009	2,495 cubic centimetres (152.3 cu in) (85.0x73.3) V6	10.3	223 metric horsepower (164 kW) @6800, 263 newton metres (194 ft·lbf) @4800
VQ35DE(NEO)	2004–2007	3,498 cubic centimetres (213.5 cu in) (85.0x73.3) V6	10.3	280 metric horsepower (206 kW) @6200, 363 newton metres (268 ft·lbf)@4800
VQ35HR	2007–2009	3,498 cubic centimetres (213.5 cu in) (95.5x81.4) V6	10.6	313 metric horsepower (230 kW) @6800, 358 newton metres (264 ft·lbf)@4800
VK45DE(NEO)	2004–2009	4,494 cubic centimetres (274.2 cu in) (93x82.7) V8	10.5	333 metric horsepower (245 kW), 455 newton metres (336 ft·lbf)@4000@6400,

Specifications

Model	250GT, 250XV	350GT, 350XV	450GT
Layout	6-Cylinder-V-Motor (four stroke), Angle 60°		8-Cylinder-V-Motor (four stroke), 90°
Displacement	2,495 cubic centimetres (152.3 cu in)	3,498 cubic centimetres (213.5 cu in)	4,494 cubic centimetres (274.2 cu in)
Engine type	VQ25DE(NEO)	VQ35DE(NEO)	VK45DE(NEO)
Bore x Stroke(mm)	85x73.3	95.5x81.4	93x82.7
Maximum Power@rpm	210 metric horsepower (154 kW) @6000	280 metric horsepower (206 kW) @6200	333 metric horsepower (245 kW) @6400
Maximum Torque@rpm	265 newton metres (195 ft·lbf) @4400	363 newton metres (268 ft·lbf)@4800	455 newton metres (336 ft·lbf)@4000
Compression ratio (:1)	10.3	10.3	10.5:1
Valve gear	Chain driven DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission	5 speed automatic with manual mode
Suspension front	Double-wishbone axle, coil springs
Suspension rear	Multi-link axle, coil springs
Brakes	Power assisted disc brakes
Steering	Rack & pinion, servo assisted optional All wheel steering "Super-Hicas"
Body	Steel monocoque, mit Hilfsrahmen
Track front/rear	1540/1555mm
Wheelbase	2900 mm
Length x breadth x height	4930 x 1805 x 1510 mm
Weight empty	1670 kg	1700–1760 kg	1770–1800 kg
Top speed	not published
0–100 km/h	not published
Consumption (L./100 Kilometer, Japanese std cycle)	9,0 High octane	10,7–11,5 High octane	12,4 High octane
Domestic price	¥ 3,969–4,200 Mio. (12/07) EUR equivalent € 25.800–27.300	¥ 4,494–5,334 Mio. (12/07) EUR equivalent € 29.200–34.700	¥ 5,712–6,279 Mio. (2008) EUR equivalent € 37.100–40.800

Marketing

When the Fuga was first introduced for sale October 14, 2004 the advertising campaign used a musical work in the fugue style. The work is titled "Vortex", composed and arranged by Akihiko Matsumoto, and was specially commissioned for Nissan. The music was played in three movements by a full orchestra for 7 minutes and 42 seconds, and a recording was given to dealers in Japan as a promotional DVD-CD gift for customers called "Fuga The Movie and Premium Soundtrack", free of charge.

The DVD and CD package was not available for private sale, with the DVD providing a gallery of images, and descriptions of key technologies such as how the adaptive cruise control functions, various safety technologies like the Blind Spot camera, which is a camera installed on the passenger side side view mirror displaying a view of the curb on the in-dash monitor, and a movie with the Fuga on a mountain road, using the "Vortex" soundtrack. The DVD is recorded in Dolby 5.1 surround sound.

Second generation (Y51, 2009-)

Nissan Fuga Y51

Also called	Infiniti M37/56/35 Hybrid
Production	2009-
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout/AWD
Platform	FR-L "enhanced FM"
Engine	2.5 L V6 VQ25HR 3.7 L V6 VQ37VHR 3.5 L V6 (Hybrid) VQ35HR
Transmission	7 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length	4,945 mm (194.7 in)
Width	1,845 mm (72.6 in)
Height	1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Curb weight	1,720 kg (3,800 lb)
Related	Infiniti M Infiniti FX Infiniti G Infiniti EX Nissan 370Z Nissan Skyline

The second generation Nissan Fuga, introduced as the Infiniti M, was previewed at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.^[2] The new Fuga debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The production version went on sale across Japan starting on December 21, 2009. It is sold in overseas markets under the Infiniti nameplate as the third-generation M (M37/M56/35h/30d).

The Y51 series Infiniti M / Nissan Fuga introduced November 2009 is only 50 mm (2.0 in) shorter than the F50 series Nissan Cima, with the same width dimensions of 1,845 mm (6.1 ft) and height of 1,515 mm (5.0 ft) compared to the Cima's of 1,490 mm (4.9 ft) height. On August 2010, the Fuga became Nissan's flagship with the announcement of the cancellation of the Nissan Cima and the Nissan President. The Fuga is 115 mm (4.5 in) shorter than the Nissan President, and the Fuga has a longer wheelbase at 2,900 mm (114.2 in), compared to the wheelbase on the President and Cima at 2,870 mm (113.0 in). When the Fuga assumed the role as flagship sedan of Nissan Japan August 2010, it became the first time that Nissan didn't sell a premium luxury V8 sedan in Japan; the Fuga's North American cousin, the Infiniti M56, is offered with a V8 shared with the Infiniti QX56.

Nissan Fuga Hybrid diagram

The VK45DE V8 engine used in the previous generation is no longer offered in Japan, neither is the succeeding VK56VD V8 which is only found on the Fuga's North American counterpart, the Infiniti M56. When Fuga assumed the role as flagship sedan of Nissan Japan August 2010, with the discontinuation of the Nissan Cima, that was the first time that Nissan didn't sell a premium luxury V8 sedan in Japan.

The VQ35HR 3.5 L V6 Hybrid is now the Fuga's third engine option, utilizing the Atkinson cycle. The electric motor, installed in parallel between the engine and the transmission, produces 68 PS (50 kW; 67 bhp) from 1.3kWh lithium-ion batteries that are expected to have a service life of 10 years. The batteries are installed upright behind the rear seats. The Fuga Hybrid will introduce Nissan's first in-house developed electric hybrid technology, and Nissan claims it will double the fuel economy of its gasoline-powered version.^[3]

A driving mode selector knob has been installed as standard equipment on all models, situated below the transmission gear lever and between the heated and ventilated front seat controls, providing four selections labeled "Standard", "Sport", "Eco", and "Snow", allowing the 7-speed transmission, engine and various systems to optimize driving based on varying conditions. To minimize exhaust noise intrusion into the passenger compartment from the engine at low RPMs, "Active Noise Control" has been installed. Double-piston shock absorbers, developed by Kayaba Industry Company, have replaced the ones previously supplied by Hitachi.

Trim levels offered in Japan start with the 250GT, 250GT Type P, 250GT "A" package; 370GT, 370GT FOUR (AWD), 370GT FOUR (AWD) "A" package, 370GT Type S, with the 370VIP at the top of the range. The 370GT Type S uses 20" Potenza RE050A 245/40 tires, with other trim packages using Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT 245/50 tires on 18" with all wheels consisting of alluminum alloy.

Some of the optional interior equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, power reclining rear seats, power ottoman for the rear passenger opposite the driver, and HDD navigation.

Safety technology has also been introduced, such as Lane Departure Prevention, which uses a small camera mounted above the rearview mirror to gauge distance from the lane markers, and will lightly tap selected brakes when necessary to help ease the car back into the correct lane. It will allow for unimpeded lane changes when the turn signal is used, and will yield control to the driver at all times.

Blind Spot Intervention System uses sensors to provide a visual warning in the side view mirror. If the car senses that movement towards the obstacle is occurring, it will provide an audible warning and will apply opposite side brakes to guide the vehicle into the correct lane.

The Nissan Fuga Hybrid, together with the Nissan Leaf, will include Nissan's new Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system to alert pedestrians, the blind and others to their presence when the hybrid is operating at low speeds in all-electric mode.^[4][5]

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
370GT	2009-	3.7L V6 24-valve VVEL (VQ37VHR)	333 PS (245 kW) @ 7,000 rpm, 363 N·m (268 lb·ft) @ 5,200 rpm
250GT	2009-	2.5L V6 24-valve (VQ25HR)	225 PS (165 kW) @ 6,400 rpm, 258 N·m (190 lb·ft) @ 4,800 rpm
Hybrid	2010-	3.5L V6 24-valve (VQ35HR)	313 PS (230 kW) @ 6,800 rpm, 358 N·m (264 lb·ft) @ 4,800 rpm 68 PS (50 kW) from electric motor

Fuga Hybrid (2010-)

References

1. ^ 新車試乗記 第345回 日産 フーガ 350GT スポーツパッケージ - MOTOR DAYS (Japanese)
2. ^ Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach
3. ^ Chang-Ran Kim (2010-07-06). "Nissan's 1st hybrid aims to almost double mileage". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTOE66407E20100706. Retrieved 2010-07-09. 
4. ^ "Nissan demonstrates the affordable, 100% electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF". Nissan. 2010-06-11. http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2010/_STORY/100611-01-e.html. Retrieved 2010-07-09. 
5. ^ "Nissan Leaf will break the EV silence with a digital whistle (with video)". Autoblog. 2010-06-14. http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/nissan-leaf-will-break-the-ev-silence-with-a-digital-whistle-w/#continued. Retrieved 2010-07-09. The article has a video with the Leaf warning sounds.

• Automobil Revue, Katalognummer 2006 (Technical data)
• Nissan Fuga: Japanese sales brochure, Print Reference C2108-1201AAA, 2007 (Data 450 GT and Prices)

External links

• Nissan Japan pages: early, current
• iSCENE M - Infiniti M / Fuga Forums