Nissan Navara & Pathfinder to get more power
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Nissan Navara ST-X 550
Nissan Pathfinder Ti 550
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Nissan
17th October, 2010
- Class-leading new generation 3.0-litre, 170 kW engine; 7-speed auto
- New Models: Navara ST-X 550 and Pathfinder Ti 550
- 3,500 kg towing capacity for Pathfinder, 3,000 kg for Navara
Stumps across Australia will quiver at the news of the impending arrival of Nissan’s new generation V6
turbo-diesel engine, to be fitted to new exclusive top-of-the-range Navara ST-X 550 and Pathfinder Ti 550
models.
Available early in 2011, the new high technology direct injection 3.0-litre engine produces a
class-leading 170 kW power and a hefty 550 Nm torque from a low 1,750 rpm.
The Alliance developed V6 is also very frugal and clean, returning 9.5-litres per 100 km on the
combined cycle and meeting the stringent Euro 5 emissions classification.
The new Nissan V6 turbo-diesel has a major performance advantage over its four cylinder turbo-diesel
rivals, with no appreciable fuel consumption penalty.
The new top-specification Pathfinder and Navara models will boast unique additional features, marking
them out as something special in their respective market segments, far exceeding their rivals in terms of
performance and equipment.
In addition to the new engine and 7-speed automatic gearbox, the new Pathfinder Ti 550 adds privacy
glass, auto headlights, sunroof wind deflector, rain-sensing wipers, smoked bonnet protector, side
moulding and V6 badges, rear fog lamps and body coloured heated door mirrors on the outside, while inside,
an upgraded DVD player features additional functionality, a nine-speaker Bose audio system and an
anti-theft alarm.
For the Nissan Navara ST-X 550, the additional equipment list comprises a tub liner, satin black
sportsbar with LED high level brake light, a hard tonneau cover complete with remote central locking,
smoked bonnet protector, front fog lights, headlamp washers, privacy glass, roof rails and V6 badges.
The new V6 engine will reinforce the Nissan Navara and Nissan Pathfinder as the best performers in
their categories by a significant margin, raising the benchmark for refinement and technology, economy
and emissions.
No pursuers can come close to the Navara in V6 turbo-diesel guise with a mighty 200 Nm torque advantage
over its closest rival’s best effort, while the Pathfinder is a 'muscular' 109 Nm stronger than its
nearest (and larger) competitor.
This new engine, code-named V9X, gives Nissan the muscle to out-manoeuvre Medium SUV category
competitors, as well as appeal to buyers of larger Japanese 4x4 wagons. It will also have the torque and
image to attract buyers of domestic V8- powered utes, whose growing family or lifestyle demands now
require additional seats and doors.
The Nissan Navara ST-X 550 will sell for $60,990* and the Pathfinder Ti 550 will sell for $75,990*
when they both go on sale in January.
The V9X engine was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, after a four year development
programme by the engineers of the Renault Nissan Alliance.
The engine features an untypical 65-degree vee angle, which offers an excellent compromise between
crankshaft balancing, crankshaft and cylinder block reliability and engine packaging. It also allows
enough space for the single turbocharger to be neatly mounted within the vee.
Also unusual is the material from which the engine block is constructed. Unlike rivals who may use
traditional cast iron or perhaps aluminium, the development engineers opted for a third choice.
They believed that to deliver the desired levels of refinement, an aluminium block would need extra
material added to increase its stiffness and reduce noise levels. And while some rivals added
complexity in the form of balancer shafts to boost refinement, these additions negated the aluminium
block’s weight advantage.
Conventional cast iron answers the refinement needs but would have placed too much weight over the
front wheels and adversely affect handling characteristics.
So the Alliance engineers determined that Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that offers all
the benefits of cast iron, including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption, but without the
weight penalty, was the solution.
Although CGI is heavier than a pure alloy block, there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra
sound deadening material; so the weight gain is comparatively modest.
Experience gained during the development of the acclaimed Alliance 2.0-litre dCi engine - and
carrying over some technology - accelerated development of the new V6, but a number of significant
changes have been made to the hardware for the V9X.
The combustion chamber design, for example, has been optimised to improve the balance between
emission levels and fuel efficiency.
The compression ratio has been lowered to 16:1 to benefit not just economy and emissions but also
noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while internal engine friction is reduced by the use of ultra
smooth components such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft.
Class leading levels of torque and power outputs are delivered thanks to the adoption of a
comparatively large single turbocharger, an intercooler and the use of the latest generation of Bosch
common-rail fuel injection. This system incorporates piezo injectors and operates at 1,800 bar.
Peak torque of 550 Nm is achieved from as low as 1,700 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500
rpm, while a hefty 500 Nm is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650
rpm, with none of the vibrations and noise usually associated with a diesel.
The result is strong low-end performance with comfortably refined delivery and exemplary throttle
response. In addition, the engine helps provide strong towing performance, the Pathfinder capable of
towing a 3,500 kg braked trailer with Navara having a 3,000 kg limit.
To achieve Euro 5 compliance, the engineers opted for an overcooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
system, which reduces NOx emissions. The system incorporates an integrated exhaust gas by-pass in the
EGR cooler that quickly helps to achieve the optimum temperature after start up so that the full
cooling capacity can be used. This features a low temperature water circuit for the EGR cooler to
reduce still further the temperature of the exhaust gas and lower carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon
emissions.
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Equally significant is the treatment of the tailpipe emissions. The system comprises a metallic
oxidation catalytic converter offering lower pressure loss compared to a ceramic system and an exothermic
catalyst and a catalytic diesel particulate filter (DPF) in the same container. The latter arrangement
works in conjunction with a seventh fuel injector that is positioned in the exhaust.
This is activated while the particulate filter is being regenerated - a process of which the driver is
completely unaware - but significantly means the opportunity for unburnt fuel to pollute the engine oil
is removed. It also allows the filter to be regenerated in low-load conditions, such as idling, and
therefore achieves a high efficiency level under all driving conditions. It also helps stretch oil change
intervals to as much as 20,000 km for most customers.
The new engine will be available with Nissan’s advanced seven-speed automatic transmission as
standard.
“This exceptional engine - and in particular its wall of torque - sets new standards for the class,
producing an iconic flagship model for both Navara and Pathfinder with unbeatable performance and
refinement,” said Dan Thompson, CEO of Nissan Motor Co., Australia.
“With the Navara we have a pinnacle dual cab ute that is untouchable in terms of power and outright
torque, while the Pathfinder now has a premium, refined engine that is the envy of the class. Both set
significantly enhanced performance benchmarks that rivals will struggle to approach.”
“The Navara is one of the cornerstones of the Nissan range in Australia and a major force in the
dual cab 4x4 market. It is one of Nissan Australia’s cornerstone products aimed at giving us No.1
importer status in the medium term,” Thompson said.
“The new engine is the ultimate expression of technological advancement, offering exceptional
smoothness, impressive economy and low emissions and more than ample grunt for any work or recreational
environment. It is a perfect fit with the successful Pathfinder Ti model, which already combines
accomplished on and offroad dynamic qualities with a well-appointed high quality cabin.”
“The new engine, gearbox and additional equipment mean these two exclusive models represent the
jewel in the crown for both the Nissan Pathfinder and Navara ranges. The high levels of performance and
luxury features will also appeal to customers of prestige and luxury vehicles, while retaining
traditional Nissan levels of affordability.
“And with so much capacity for effortless towing, both Navara ST-X 550 and Pathfinder Ti 550
models will become the default choice for customers who think big when it comes to outdoor
activities,” he said.
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