Nissan's HR15DE engine combined with XTRONIC CVT available in six compact cars

TOKYO (Dec. 25, 2006)--Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., will introduce its latest generation upgraded 1.5 liter HR15DE engine and XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in six new compact cars, delivering increased fuel efficiency, reduced CO² and cleaner exhaust emissions. The six compacts are the Cube, Cube Cubic, Note, Tiida, Tiida Latio and Wingroad and are being launched on December 25, 2006.

These six compact cars qualify for the highest level of tax incentives*1 under Japan’s Green Taxation which stipulates at least 20% improvement above 2010 Fuel Economy Standards and 75% below 2005 Exhaust Emission Standards (SU-LEV).

These new improved models feature the latest fuel efficiency technologies such as “neutral idle control” achieved through the coordinated control of the engine in tandem with the XTRONIC CVT. Additionally, an alternator regenerative control mechanism increases fuel economy as much as 6%.

The six compacts introduced with the improved powertrain technology are consistent with the objectives set under the Nissan Green Program 2010. Under the plan, Nissan had outlined its plans to reduce the impact on the environment by lowering CO² emissions from tailpipes and minimizing exhaust emissions. Nissan plans to accelerate widespread application of environmentally friendly technologies across its global vehicle portfolio, including further improvements in engine fuel economy, wider application of CVTs, and greater integration of engine-CVT coordinated control technology.

1. Fuel economy by model (10-15 mode, as measured by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)

	Improved powertrain	Current
Cube	19.4km/L	18.0km/L
Cube Cubic	19.2km/L	17.8km/L
Note	19.4km/L	18.2km/L
Tiida	19.4km/L	18.2km/L
Tiida Latio	19.4km/L	18.2km/L
Wingroad	19.2km/L	18.0km/L

2. Major technologies

• Better fuel economy through improved engine combustion efficiency

• Reduction of engine friction by machining the cam shaft to a crowning mirror-like finish and application of a fluorine coating to the chain guide (world first).
• Delayed valve closure timing of the intake, achieved through the increased conversion angle of C-VTC and superior timing management, thus reducing pumping loss when idling.

• Improved fuel economy through better powertrain efficiency

• Lower idling speed contributing to reduced fuel consumption and engine load
• Neutral idling control
  When the car is stationary with the transmission in the drive (D) position, operationally, the CVT is in neutral (N) position, enabling reduced fuel consumption.
• Optimization of XTRONIC CVT shift control, which is synchronized to match varying engine speeds with the lowest fuel consumption.
• CVT lock-up is disengaged at lower vehicle speed and fuel-cut is engaged at a wider speed range, resulting in less fuel consumption during deceleration.
• Integrated control of both the engine and XTRONIC CVT which optimizes the CVT’s oil pressure requirements. Torque-transmission efficiency is significantly improved.

• Improved fuel economy through the adoption of superior powertrain ancillary efficiency

• Alternator regenerative control
  When the vehicle decelerates, the alternator converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electric energy to charge the battery, hence minimizing energy waste. This energy is then used while the car is running or idling to reduce the workload on the alternator.
• Increased fuel pump efficiency
  Improved fuel pump efficiency leads to reduced power consumption while running and reduces the workload on the alternator.

###