Nissan Names "Bluebird Sylphy" as New Sedan's Name

July 27, 2000

Tokyo -- Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will introduce a new model in the near future that completely updates the traditional Bluebird brand and is named the "Bluebird Sylphy." Executed as a compact sedan, the new model is distinguished by its highly refined atmosphere of stellar quality. Nissan intends to continue selling the current Bluebird as well.

Nissan has also developed a number of new technologies that will make their debut on the Bluebird Sylphy. This new gasoline-fueled sedan features dramatically improved emission performance, achieving exhaust emission levels that are even 50% lower than the standards of the cleanest exhaust emission level^*1 specified under the Ministry of Transport's low-emission vehicle certification system. It provides emission control performance^*2 equivalent to that of the Sentra CA Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)^*3 that has been certified as "the world's cleanest gasoline-fueled car." This emission control technology will be used on volume-selling 1.8-L (2WD) grade models.

Another new technology is represented by the 4-cylinder, direct-injection NEO Di QR20DD gasoline engine that provides remarkable quietness and low fuel consumption. This newly developed engine will be used on upper-end 2.0-liter models to deliver the driving comfort and ample power performance of cars with an engine one class larger.

Nissan intends to expand the application of the new QR engine to other models in the future as a mainstay 4-cylinder powerplant in the 2.0–2.5-liter displacement class.

Origin of Sylphy
The name Sylphy has been coined from the English word "sylph," expressing the elemental spirit of the wind (air), which, along with earth, water, and fire, is one of the four major elemental spirits. It symbolizes the superb quality and environmental friendliness that hallmark the Bluebird Sylphy.

(1) Bluebird Sylphy Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
The 1.8-liter 2WD models which attain the cleanest exhaust emission level are fitted with the QG18DE engine, the same powerplant that is used on the Sentra CA^*3 which was released in California this spring as the world's cleanest gasoline-fueled super-ultra-low-emission vehicle (SULEV). The emission control technologies of the Sentra CA have been further improved, thereby reducing the number of catalysts while achieving the same emission control performance^*4 as that of the Sentra CA. As a result, exhaust gas is cleaner than the surrounding air in urban areas.
The exhaust emissions of this car have been further reduced by an additional 50% from the standards of the cleanest exhaust emission level specified by the Ministry of Transport under its low-emission vehicle certification system. That makes the Bluebird Sylphy the cleanest of the gasoline-fueled vehicles that have attained this stringent level. The specific exhaust emission values are given in the table below.

Exhaust emission levels under Japan's 10-15 test mode (g/km)

Principal technical features of Japan's Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

• A combustion system with high-velocity intake air and a high swirl ratio is used to reduce engine-out emissions.
• A catalyst substrate with an ultra-low heat mass is used to quicken catalyst light-off. (Improved type)
• A two-stage, high-efficiency HC trap catalyst system is used to reduce HC emissions prior to catalyst light-off. (Improved type)
• A high-accuracy air-fuel ratio control system is used to improve catalyst conversion efficiency.

Moreover, combustion efficiency has been improved through optimized governing of the electronically controlled continuously variable swirl control valve, high-response EGR valve and other components and by utilizing a high-accuracy air-fuel ratio control system. As a result of these improvements, the 1.8-liter models also comply with Japan's 2010 fuel economy standards and substantially reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

By complying with the 2000 exhaust emission regulations and the 2010 fuel economy standards, the 1.8-liter models qualify for a reduction of the automobile acquisition tax^*4 as a preferential tax measure that owners may select under either one, but not both, of the programs. In addition, they also qualify for a reduction of the automobile tax^*5 that is levied only on vehicles registered in Tokyo.

(2) New QR20DD engine
The newly developed 4-cylinder, direct-injection QR20DD gasoline engine delivers substantially improved fuel economy, thanks largely to its direct-injection system, lower idling speed and mating to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its highly rigid construction, incorporating an aluminum ladder frame, and the adoption of a compact balancer system are among the features contributing to enhanced quietness. Moreover, low-end torque has been increased by approximately 15% over that of the current SR20DE engine to provide greater comfort in ordinary driving and ample power such as for climbing hills. This results of class-leading quietness and power performance as the 4-cylinder gasoline engine.

Like the 1.8-liter models, the 2.0-liter models also comply with the 2000 exhaust emission regulations as well as the 2010 fuel economy standards, thereby qualifying for a reduction of the automobile acquisition tax^*4 as a preferential tax measure that owners may receive for compliance with either one, but not both, of these requirements.

Nissan is moving forward with various activities to enhance the customer appeal of its products under the Nissan Revival Plan announced last October. Following the release of this new model, Nissan will be continuing its ambitious plans to roll out new products and technologies attractive to a diverse range of customers.


*1Exhaust emissions are further reduced by 75% from the amounts permitted under the 2000 exhaust emission regulations to attain the most stringent level specified under the low-emission vehicle certification system inaugurated by the Ministry of Transport in April. Four vehicles have received such certification to date, including the natural gas-fueled Nissan AD Van CNGV and two versions of this van that Nissan supplies to other companies on an OEM basis.
Japan's 2000 exhaust emission regulations, set to be enforced on October 1, require that carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions be reduced by approximately two-thirds from the current regulation levels even after 80,000 km of driving (Nissan's in-house measurement mode). They also further tighten the allowable evaporative emission level and require the provision of an onboard diagnostic system for emission control components, among other requirements.

*2The tailpipe emission level is equal to that of the Sentra CA, the world's cleanest gasoline-fueled super-ultra-low-emission vehicle (SULEV).

*3Last November, the Sentra CA became the first vehicle to qualify for partial zero emission vehicle credits in California from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

*4For vehicles complying with the 2000 exhaust emission standards, the automobile acquisition tax will be reduced by 1% until September 30, 2000. From October 1, 2000 to February 28, 2001, the tax on compliant vehicles will be reduced by 0.1%. For vehicles complying with the FY 2010 fuel economy standards, the automobile acquisition tax on vehicles registered for private use will be reduced by 15,000 yen until March 31, 2001.

*5For newly registered vehicles, the automobile tax will be reduced by 30% for three years beginning with the fiscal year after registration.