Nissan Laurel

Not to be confused with Nissan Largo.

Nissan Laurel

Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Datsun Laurel (Europe)
Production	1968–2002
Successor	Nissan Cefiro Nissan Teana
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door hardtop/Sedan
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Cefiro

The Nissan Laurel was introduced by Nissan in 1968 as a new model designed to slot above the 1968 Bluebird 510, with the same sense of luxury found in the Nissan Cedric 130 but with slightly reduced dimensions.

The first Laurel was developed by the Nissan Tsurumi R&D Division and assembled at the Musashimurayama Plant of the former Prince. There were both 2-door and 4-door variants. It was released as a Nissan after Prince merged with Nissan. Laurels for years shared many components and architectures with the Skyline range. The Laurel was not sold new in Japan at dealerships that sold the Skyline and Gloria, former Prince products. Instead the Laurel was sold at Nissan Motor Shop, along with the Nissan Cedric.

Since 1968, eight generations of Laurel have been produced in Japan. Nissan intermittently listed the Laurel for sale in various Asian and European markets (it was also sold in Chile, as the Datsun Laurel, starting in the late seventies), and then discontinued the export of this model from 1989.

This article incorporates information from the revision as of 2009-05-12 of the equivalent article on the Japanese Wikipedia.

First generation (C30) (1968–1972)

Nissan Laurel C30

Production	1968 - 1972
Body style	2-door hardtop 4-door sedan 4-door convertible
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	2.0 L G-20 I4 1.8 L G-18 I4
Transmission	4 speed manual 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,620 mm (103.1 in)
Length	4,305 mm (169.5 in)
Width	1,605 mm (63.2 in)
Height	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	1,005 kg (2,215.6 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Datsun Bluebird

In April, 1968 Nissan presented its new Laurel in four-door deLuxe and Super deLuxe versions, both equipped with a 1.8 L inline-four cylinder engine and independent rear suspension. In summer 1970 a hardtop coupé joined the line-up, one year later a 2000 cc engine became available. Its competitors at introduction were the Toyota Corona Mark II sedan, and two years after the Mazda Luce in 1966.

This car was developed by the Nissan Tsurumi vehicle development team, but the C30 Laurel was fitted with the Prince four-cylinder SOHC engine, the G18. (On the other hand, the GC10 Skyline 2000GT was developed by the former Prince Ogikubo vehicle development team, but was fitted with Nissan L20 six-cylinder SOHC engine.) This was of 1815cc capacity. The suspension is the same four-wheel independent system that was fitted on the C10 Skyline.

In June 1970 HARDTOP2 was added. Nissan's first PARADE HARDTOP model was equipped with the SOHC 1,990 cc 110 or 120 PS (81 or 88 kW) G20-series four-cylinders. The four-door sedan was also available with the lesser G18. Other grades 1800,2000, SU TWINCARBURETOR 2000GX is equipped with the sporty set.

August 1970 saw the release of its 4-door sedan version, with a minor change. Changed to the same angle with the hard top and appeared before the panel meters and add a grade senior GL.

In July 1971, Sedan 2000 were added to lineup.

Second generation (C130) (1972–1977)

Nissan Laurel C130

Production	1972 - 1977
Body style	2-door hardtop 4-door sedan
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	1.8 L G18 I4 2.0 L G20 I4 2.0 L L20A I6 2.6 L L26 I6 2.8 L L28 I6
Transmission	5 speed manual 4 speed manual 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,500 mm (177.2 in)
Width	1,670 mm (65.7 in)
Height	1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb weight	1,155 kg (2,546.3 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline

In April, 1972 the second Laurel generation appeared, again in four-door saloon and two-door hardtop coupé form affectionately known as the Butaketsu Laurel ("pig's butt") because of its "big" rear quarter panels and tail section, with the taillights incorporated into the rear bumper. The saloon now was endowed with a rear beam axle and leaf springs, while the coupé clung to Independent Rear Suspension. In addition to the 1.8 and 2.0 L four cylinder engines, a 2.0 L inline-six was now available, joined, from October, 1973, by a 2.6 L six; the latter was replaced by a 2.8 L six in late 1975. The G-20 4 cylinder and L20 six cylinder engines were equipped with SU twin carburetors but were eliminated February 1976 due to emission regulations.

The styling of the coupe appears to be influenced by the 1970 Ford Torino and the Mercury Cougar. The Toyota competitor was the Mark II coupe and sedan. This was the first series that was no longer regarded as a compact sedan under Japanese vehicle classification regulations due to the engine displacement exceeding 2000  cc

Engines available at the time were the four-cylinder 1,815 cc G18 and 1,990 cc G20, and the six-cylinder 1998cc L20. Both the G20 and L20 were available with twin SU carburettors as an option. However, only the G20 equipped cars outwardly announced this with a “Twin Carburettor 2000GX” badge.

In October 1973 the first Laurel with the 2565cc L26 six-cylinder engine was added and badged as “2600SGL”.

In September 1975, in order to meet the new emissions regulations for that year, the L26 was replaced by the larger 2,753 cc L28 six-cylinder. By October the carburettors in the L20 were replaced with electronic fuel injection and the engine was now dubbed L20E. Because of the difficulty in meeting the emissions regulations, the twin-carburetted engines were all discontinued. The 1,770 cc L18 replaced the G18 in the lineup.

In February 1976 carburetted 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre engines which met the 1976 emissions regulations were introduced.

Third generation (C230) (1977–1980)

Nissan Laurel C230

Production	1977 - 1980
Body style	4-door hardtop 2-door hardtop 4-door sedan
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	2.8 L L28E I6 2.0 L L20E I6 1.8 L L18 I4 2.0 L I4 diesel LD20
Transmission	5 speed manual 4 speed manual 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,525 mm (178.1 in)
Width	1,685 mm (66.3 in)
Height	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb weight	1,235 kg (2,722.7 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline

The third generation appeared in January, 1977. For the first time, the C230 was available in either saloon and hardtop coupé form, but also as a hardtop saloon without B-posts. Buyers could choose between a 1.8 L four, a 2.0 l inline-six (carburetted or fuel-injected), a 2.8 L six or a 2.0 L diesel four. In autumn, 1978 the C230 received a mild facelift (Type C231), marked visually by square instead of round double headlights. The Toyota competitor was the Mark II coupe and sedan.

In January 1977 Nissan released the C230 facelift type. 4-door sedan body variant, HARDTOP, and 2 HARDTOP. L18 series engines are equipped with four-cylinder SOHC1.8L, straight-six cylinder SOHCL20 type, L20E type, L28-.

One year later (January 1978) Nissan released 10 which adopted a special deep red body color in limited edition anniversary of "Laurel's crimson" released. Car Badge equipped with aluminum wheels and front grille.

The November 1978 saw minor change. Four corners of the headlights lighting ceremony. Auto air conditioning with the highest grade of "medalist" series SD20-grade and four-cylinder diesel engine vehicle OHV2.0L added. -1800cc cars to newer Z18. 53 Regulatory gasoline vehicle emissions.

Later, on October 1979 2000cc4-cylinder gasoline car (Z20-) added to the AT and SGL and diesel vehicles.

In February 1980 an Electric sunroof and the optional hard top medalist was added. Laurel will be the first car sunroof.

In July 1980 Limited "gold medalist" "the quality" released.

In 2010 Guy Marsh started the only 4dr c230 Gloria on the US soil. Its going to be beast.

Fourth generation (C31) (1980-1984)

Nissan Laurel C31

Production	1980 - 1984
Body style	4-door hardtop 4-door sedan
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	2.8 L L28E I6 2.4 L L24 I6 2.0 L L20E I6 2.0 L L20ET turbo I6 2.0 L Z20S I4 1.8 L Z18S I4 2.8 L I6 diesel LD28 2.0 L I4 diesel LD20
Transmission	5 speed manual 4 speed manual 4 speed automatic 3 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,635 mm (182.5 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1,360 mm (53.5 in)
Curb weight	1,245 kg (2,744.8 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Leopard F30

The C31 model, introduced in November, 1980, was the first model that was only available in a four-door form, either as a sedan or hardtop. Engines for the C31 were 1.8 liter, 2.0 liter L20, 2.4 liter L24 gasoline, and 2.8 liter diesel. The coupe was replaced by the new Nissan Leopard F30. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta hardtop and the Mark II sedan. November 1982 saw the introduction of the Limited "GIVENCHY VERSION" with Hubert de Givenchy doing TV commercials in Japan.

In November 1980 C31-facelift model were released. Development Supervisor, Itirou Makoto Sakurai, who is in charge of development in the form of a joint appointment with the Skyline was designed to share, and four-door sedan body variant HARDTOP 4. It was redesigned in the European style and tone. 4 HARDTOP coefficient of drag (Cd value) is 0.38. Z18 is a 4-cylinder engine model type, Z20-. L20-6-cylinder models, L20E type, L20ET type, L28E type, as Laurel was the first turbo engine. LD20 even four-cylinder diesel engine and six-cylinder type with each type LD28.

In February 1981 GX trim was added. L20E sedan with independent rear suspension in the vehicle suspension formula (equation REARSETUP six independent suspension is equipped with a hard top car-cylinder turbo petrol car and sedan) equipment.

On November 1981 the car received some improvement and turbo medalist.

In September 1982 there was a minor change. Up a sense of luxury and large-scale extrusion in the chrome bumpers and LICENSETAGREAR. Change the design of tail lamps. Instead of the Z18 series engine type 4-cylinder OHC 1809cc CA18S set the vehicle type. At that time, integrated engine-CA18S other, L20ET type, L20E type, inline four-cylinder SOHC Z20S, cars and diesel-LD20 and LD28-6 models. L28E L20 (cab version) LD20 column shift AT-6 sedan car seat design is discontinued. AT 6-cylinder gasoline-powered car at the car with overdrive SUPERTOURING development. A detuned version of the L24 engine was introduced to the Middle Eastern (mainly Saudi) market.

November 1982 Limited "GIVENCHYVERSION" release.

February 1983 Car "50 Special" release. March II GIVENCHYVERSION car sale. May Special 50 Special II launch vehicle. July, fender mirrors and door mirrors and two motors employed. October, instruction car series as a personal taxi for 4-cylinder engine with OHC Z18P of LPG vehicles (grade STD, GL) added. SGL GRANDETOURING car (with a hubcap for medalist colored bumper and large) and 50 Special Release III.

January 1984 saw the abolition of the 1.8L GL models and some extra specifications. 2, III GIVENCHYVERSION car sale.

Fifth generation (C32) (1984-1989)

Nissan Laurel C32

Production	1984-1989
Successor	Nissan Cefiro A31
Body style	4-door hardtop 4-door sedan
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	2.0 L CA20S I4 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6 2.0 L RB20E I6 2.0 L VG20ET V6 2.8 L I6 diesel LD28 2.8 L I6 diesel RD28 3.0 L VG30E
Transmission	5 speed manual 4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,650 mm (183.1 in)
Width	1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb weight	1,380 kg (3,042.4 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Leopard F31 Nissan Pintara

The C32 were fitted with four gasoline engines. The CA20S (which were the only four-cylinder to be seen in the C32), The L24E the VG20ET and the VG30E. It also came with the LD28 diesel. In 1987 there were a minor facelift which basically were bigger bumpers, new grilles, and new lights in the front and back. The LD28 diesel engine were swapped out in favor for the RD28

The C32 was the last model to be sold outside Japan.

The styling began to resemble the larger Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria but on a slightly smaller platform, with reduced tax liability based on the vehicles dimensions. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta hardtop and the Mark II sedan, and in 1986 the Honda Legend.

In October 1984 the C32-facelift was released. Osamu Ito, Development Supervisor of the R31/32 Skyline, was assigned to redesgin the Laurel. He saw the car needed significant changesm and set about doing so. Some of the Laurel's new features included a 4-door sedan body, variations in the hardtop, an angular design (including a strong push), and the world's first electric retractable door mirrors.

The RB20E engine was equipped with six-cylinder series SOHC2.0L, VG20ET-SOHC2.0L V-type 6-cylinder turbo, CA18S-series four-cylinder (LPG and specifications), LD28-series 6-cylinder diesel SOHC2.8L. The car's system also integrated a C32 steering rack and adopted a formula-pinion.

In May 1985, the Grand Touring Limited edition was released.

Some improvements were made in October 1985 and January 1986.

In October 1986 MECHANICAL CHANGE significant change in the exterior. RB20DET series DOHC2.0L 24-6-cylinder is equipped with a new DOHC, diesel engine, RD28-series 6-cylinder diesel engine that has changed SOHC 2.8L.

In May 1987 Car "GRANDE TOURING HAWAII LIMITED" release. August of same year GRANDE TOURING LIMITED added to lineup.

In February 1988 there was a improved and some 20 releases Super medalist anniversary special edition. May, released HAWAII TOURING car. In September, added the Super Series Selection. December Discontinued captive model.

In January 1989 there was a vehicle's model A/T shift lock employed in the car.

The 5th generation was discontinued in July 1993.

Sixth generation (C33) (1989-1993)

Nissan Laurel C33

Production	Japan: 1989-1993 Taiwan: 1993-1997
Assembly	Miaoli, TW
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	front engine/rear drive
Engine	2.0 L CA20i I4 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6 2.0 L RB20DE I6 2.0 L RB20E I6 2.5 L I6 RB25DE 2.8 L I6 diesel RD28
Transmission	5 speed manual 4 speed automatic 5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,365 mm (53.7 in)
Curb weight	1,330 kg (2,932.1 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Cefiro Nissan Silvia S13

In January, 1989 the Laurel C33 was introduced, and it was only available as a hardtop four-door. Base engine offering again was a 1.8 L four, options consisted of a 2.0 L six (SOHC, DOHC or DOHC Turbo) and a 2.8 L diesel six. Early in 1991 a 2.5 L DOHC inline-six coupled to a 5-speed automatic became available.

The Nissan Laurel used a rear wheel drive layout, making it a popular car to modify, particularly this generation.

The C33 has the same floor plan as the Nissan A31 Cefiro and the four door Nissan Skyline R32, and they have many interchangeable parts which makes them ideal for modification.

The Toyota competitor was the Cresta and the Honda Inspire.

Models of Laurel include Medalist, Medalist ClubS and Gran Limited. ClubS was the only C33 laurel with the RB25DE option, with other models offered the RB20, CA18 and RD28 engines only.

In December 1988, C33 Laurel announced. In Japan, the car was released in 1989. Hardtop only body in the last four and HARDTOPPARADE. However, this is a domestic car-C33 was first released in March changed the name of an era. Disappeared V6 engine engine, RB20E type (SOHC), RB20DE type, RB20DET type (more than two DOHC) series 6-cylinder 2.0L, CA18i series four-cylinder SOHC1.8L, RD28-series six-cylinder diesel features. REARHICASSUSPENSION is used, the grade of HICAS-II configuration. 4-cylinder model (CA18i) series and six-cylinder diesel engine (RD28) in the presence and instruction car specifications.

Minor changes were made in January 1991. Face-lift on, RB20E/RB20DE car engine 5-speed AT model. Also in November 1991 3-series cars RB25DE Catalogue DOHC2.5L add a grade-six-cylinder engine. 2.5L existing and additional models equipped with previous generations high mount side lamp, side door airbags. Organizing models in the senior grades.

By January 1992 cumulative production achieved 2 million units.

Seventh generation (C34) (1993-1997)

Nissan Laurel C34

Production	1993-1997
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout four-wheel drive
Engine	2.0 L I6 RB20E 2.0 L I6 RB20DE 2.5 L Turbo I6 RB25DET 2.5 L I6 RB25DE 2.8 L Diesel I6 RD28
Transmission	5 speed manual(Diesel) 4 speed automatic 5 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length	4,710 mm (185.4 in)
Width	1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Height	1,390 mm (54.7 in)
Curb weight	1,490 kg (3,284.9 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Stagea Nissan Silvia S14

The Laurel C34 was no longer available in hardtop sedan configuration; the single body style offered was the regular saloon with B-posts. Gone as well was the four cylinder engine. Available engines included a 2.0 L six (SOHC or DOHC), a 2.5 L DOHC six and a 2.8 L diesel six.

Some of the later models featured more sophistication such as Nissan's proprietary 4-wheel steering (HICAS) and 4-wheel drive (ATTESA) systems, which were based on the Skyline models. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta and the Honda Inspire.

January 1993 the C34-facelift released. Catalog and全車3, body shape, with a view to ensure safety during side impact, plus a center pillar and HARDTOP 4. ASCD (auto speed control), V G medalist steering switches that are only a selection of equipment. S club has electrical SUPERHICAS, ABS has been provided by the fitted. The RB20E engine-mounted, RB20DE type, RB25DE and RD28-type. 4-cylinder 1800cc was abolished. Custom services LSD, REARMAINCHANGESUSPENSION, SUPER HICAS electric technology, diesel-RD28 for three valve head (18 valves total) were used. Mission 5-speed MT only remaining medalist diesel and gasoline vehicles abolished MT car. System medalist, 20E Super Club Russell S is the ground sheet, ground tricot premium cruise medalist J, S Club is the gray Ecsaine. Medalist V, S Club are optional leather manufacturers (gray) Choose.

In May 1993 RB20E Club to add the S-type, 2.5 facelift car club and was only a 2-liter S version HAKATTA to boost sales by adding a liter.

In July 1993 and August 1993 Nissan was founded 60 years of additional special anniversary car. It was equipped with a key 60-year Anniversary.

January 1994 saw the major changes in the medium term. System has been added Fisher medalist in the center grille, front grille of the S Club new shape sporty type, S Club and dedicated to employing the front bumper, some design changes around the front. Club-S system RB25DET series 6-cylinder vehicle DOUBLETURBOENGINE add DOHC2.5L 24. Along with this series RB20DE abolished DOHC2.0L 24-6-cylinder car engine valves.

The September 1994 saw the latter type in MAJORCHANGE, Laurel's first medalist of Turbo AWD vehicles and additional vehicles. The minor change to the late-C34 has been changed significantly from the initially unpopular exterior design of the type.

Eighth generation (C35) (1997-2002)

Nissan Laurel C35

Production	1997-2002
Assembly	Miaoli, TW
Successor	Nissan Teana Nissan Skyline
Body style	4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout four-wheel drive
Engine	2.0L I6 RB20DE 2.5L Turbo-I6 RB25DET 2.5L I6 RB25DE 2.8L Diesel I6 RD28E
Transmission	4 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length	4,765 mm (187.6 in)
Width	1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height	1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight	1,440 kg (3,174.7 lb)
Related	Nissan Skyline Nissan Stagea Nissan Silvia S15

The eighth and last generation debuted in June, 1997. The number of available models was further reduced; the models had a DOHC two-liter engine, a 2.5 L six, or a 2.8 L diesel six. In late 2002 Laurel production was ended. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta and the Honda Inspire.

June 1997 The C35-facelift. With the RB20DE engine type, RB25DE type, RB25DET type (such as adopting a variable valve timing mechanism is the same type "NEO straight 6 so-called" change the RB series engines. Spec Turbo achieve 280 horsepower. RB All-DOHC24 valve), and RD28-(SOHC18 valve, C34 from the carry-over) of the four models. AT 4-speed transmission only. Expression strut suspension is the front (AWD vehicles are multiple-link type) and a rear multi-link type.

September 1998 Add to that RINBAN RB20DE engine model. S Club series 2.5-liter car with automatic transmission with manual mode "DUALMODE M-ATx" adopted.

January 1999 RB20DE and RINBAN types.

August 1999 Minor change. Medalist of the series set to premiere with the exterior design changes. RD28 diesel engine has an electronically controlled fuel injection system to change from type-RD28E.

March 2001 Stop production at the Murayama Plant. Transferred to production facilities Tochigi plant. May, RD28-engine abolish grades.

August 2002 End of production. Ended 34-year history of the Laurel.

References

• Automobil Revue, catalogue editions 1969, 1973, 1975, 1979, 2001.
  Official site of Nissan in Japan http://www.nissan.co.jp/MUSEUM/LAUREL/
  Nissan Laurel Club in Russian http://nissan-laurel.ru

External links