NISSAN FUGA
Equally as stylish
The dual-badging policy continues to satisfy different markets around the world, but don't expect this luxurious executive saloon to come to Thailand on an official basis - what ever the nameplate
- Published: 16/10/2009 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Motoring
Styling & Packaging
These are the first pictures of Nissan's second-generation Fuga executive car, essentially a rebadged version of the Infiniti M.
Interior is as luxurious and spacious as in a BMW 5-series.
Like in its upscale cousin, the Fuga draws its inspiration from the Infiniti Essence concept car notably with the wavy waistline.
By sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,900mm, the Fuga (and M) is deemed a proper rival to the BMW 5-series, Lexus GS and Mercedes-Benz E-class, promising matching interior space and comfort.
Like in its predecessors - including the Cedric that preceded the first-generation Fuga - a rear-wheel-drive platform has been employed in the hope of yielding driving dynamics to level its intended competition.
Compared to the front-wheel-drive Teana, the Fuga has a wheelbase that's longer by a good 125mm and overall length longer by 95mm.
The stylish interior of the Fuga is basically the same as in the Infiniti with lots of gadgets and streamlined functions to pamper the driver and its passengers.
The decision to pair the executive car with Nissan and Infiniti badges is apparently due to cost and marketing reasons, like the Infiniti G junior executive car and EX compact SUV are called Skyline and Skyline Crossover with Nissan badging.
Infiniti is still sold in only selected markets around the globe and has yet to expand into its home market, which is why the Japanese get the M as the Nissan Fuga.
In contrast, Toyota has stopped badging the GS as Aristo because Lexus is now a global brand that's also on sale in Japan.
Engine & Transmission
Hybrid drivetrain backed by lithium-ion batteries.
The only technical details Nissan has announced for the Fuga ahead of its world debut at the Tokyo motor show next week are 3.7-litre and 2.5-litre V6 petrol engines.
In the Infiniti M, this 3.7 unit is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission and develops around 300hp. It's a detuned version of the one used in the Fairlady (370Z) sports car, which pumps out a higher 333hp.
Lower down the range is the entry-level 2.5, understood to be the same basic VQ25 block as in the Teana but tweaked closer to 200hp.
Infiniti hasn't got this motor yet and could prove a useful weapon in expanding its customer base to woo buyers who may be attracted to the BMW 525i and Mercedes E250. Lexus has yet to offer anything smaller than the GS300's 3.0-litre engine.
Since Infiniti is sold in the Middle East and the US where big-bore engines are still popular, there's the M56 armed with a 5.6-litre V8 which is not slated to be extended to the Fuga. The same goes for the pending 3.0-litre V6 diesel planned for European sales.
However, Nissan and Infiniti have both announced petrol/electric hybrid option for the M and Fuga to be offered late next year.
The basic motor is an older 3.5-litre V6 with CVT transmission coming from the Nissan Murano SUV hooked up to electric motors.
Unlike Lexus which still uses nickel-metal hydride batteries in the GS450h, Nissan and Infiniti utilise the more advanced lithium-ion type.
Market & Pricing
Like in all high-end Japanese cars, the Fuga will be thoroughly equipped with comfort and safety features.
Highlights include electronics to keep the car within a lane and proper distance from the car ahead and the so-called Eco-Pedal that counters excessive throttle input when activated.
Pricing hasn't been disclosed yet, although expect the Fuga to to match the locally assembled 5-series and E-class in completely built-up form at some B4m.
Since Infiniti is not yet sold in Thailand and Nissan is currently building the Teana at prices low down in the B1.2-1.7m bracket, neither the M nor Fuga is expected to reach Thai shores officially.
However, there may be some attempts by independent importers to bring the Fuga from Japan to serve punters wanting a rare-looking executive saloon.
A similar treatment has been accorded to the Skyline Crossover which is equipped with the 3.7-litre V6, also used in the Fuga. The Fuga, however it must be noted, is in a better position due to the availability of the smaller 2.5-litre engine.
Relate Search: NISSAN FUGA, BMW 5-series, Lexus GS, Mercedes-Benz E-class
