Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the domestic launch of the all-new Teana, which has been developed around the concept of “a luxury sedan for sophisticated drivers.”
The most salient feature of the new Teana is its elegant interior reminiscent of a modern living room. Provided with features such as wood panel trim for a subdued, fresh look and seats resembling a luxury sofa, the interior offers a completely new feeling of luxury. The cabin envelops its passengers in a relaxing, comfortable environment.
Volume-selling grades are fitted with a new 2.3-liter V6 engine that has been specifically developed to deliver a broad torque band in the practical speed range of everyday driving. In addition, models equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine feature the belt-drive XTRONIC CVT continuously variable transmission, the world’s first CVT designed for use on front-wheel-drive cars powered by a large displacement engine. This hardware combination provides exceptionally smooth driving performance with seamless shifting.
The Teana will also be marketed in China and other Asian markets. It is positioned as a strategic model that will contribute to increasing Nissan’s global sales by one million additional units by the end of fiscal year 2004, which is one of the commitments of NISSAN 180, a medium-term business plan aimed at achieving further growth.
The unique features distinguishing the Teana include:
’ An elegant interior reminiscent of a modern living room
’ Stylish and attractive body proportions
’ Amply powerful and comfortable driving performance for sophisticated drivers
Origin of the Teana model name:
The name Teana comes from a Native American word meaning “dawn.” This model name was selected because it is suitable to the dawn of an all-new luxury sedan and because it has an elegant ring befitting the car’s appearance.
Sales target:
Globally 100,000 units/year (including 25,000 units/year in Japan)
Dealers selling the Teana:
Nissan and Motor channel dealers of the Nissan Blue Stage (including Nissan Red & Blue Stage dealers that handle all models) — Nissan's upcoming Tokyo Motor Show presentation.
Sales launch events:
Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9, and Saturday and Sunday, February 15-16, 2003
Teana Overview
1. An elegant interior reminiscent of a modern living room
Expressing a new sense of luxury, the interior design embodies the themes of relaxation, hospitality and ingenuity, representing the values that most typify Japanese lifestyles today.
Highlighted by the bold use of wood-grain trim, the instrument panel resembles a furnished piece of high-class furniture. The center console, connecting the front- and rear-seat areas in a gentle arch, is like a side table that facilitates lively conversation among those around it. The seats call to mind the image of a luxury sofa.
Pearl suede covers the upper surface of the instrument panel, seats, door armrests and center armrest. This technique of inserting a third colored material into the basic two-tone color coordination scheme gives a fresh expression to the interior.
The interior abounds in premium-quality materials that project a sense of calm composure, such as the straight-grained wood trim inserts of the instrument panel, center console and other locations and the satin-like metal adopted for the center instrument cluster and shift knob.
The impression of perceived quality that customers get by actually looking at, touching and using the interior appointments has been enhanced to create an elegant cabin befitting a luxury sedan.
The Teana comes with a full roster of hospitality features for the front-seat passenger, including a power front-passenger seat incorporating a power ottoman and a fully automatic air conditioner with dual-zone temperature controls, among other comfort amenities.
With the adoption of the FF-L (Front engine, Front-wheel drive, Large) platform, the Teana provides spacious comfort in both the front and rear seats, including best-in-class knee room. — new Serena model.
2. Stylish and attractive body proportions
The beautifully balanced exterior creates a distinct sense of dynamism while hinting at the exceptional roominess and comfort found inside.
The stylish side view is well balanced with the generous interior spaciousness.
The exterior styling pursues a superior level of perceived quality, with the entire body giving the impression of being a solid mass.
3. Amply powerful and comfortable driving performance for sophisticated drivers
The new VQ23DE engine adopted for the Teana has been developed with meticulous care paid to its torque output in the practical speed range of everyday driving. This powerful engine delivers solid driving performance in all situations, from in-town driving to high-speed cruising.
The VQ35DE engine is paired with the XTRONIC CVT, the world’s first CVT developed for use on front-wheel-drive cars fitted with a large displacement engine. This hardware combination results in smooth, powerful performance in the practical speed range combined with low fuel consumption.
The QR25DE engine used on the 4WD models incorporates Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTC) for a substantial improvement in low-end torque. — Toyota's new Belta launch.
Incorporating a 6-speed manual shift mode, the XTRONIC CVT-M6 is a large-capacity, belt-drive CVT that has been newly developed for application to front-wheel-drive cars fitted with a large displacement engine. As a result of expanding the gear ratio range and the lockup operating region, this CVT provides smooth acceleration, improved fuel economy and sporty driving performance.
A newly developed multi-link rear suspension has been adopted to achieve comfortable driving performance with superb handling and stability.
The Teana is remarkably easy to drive, thanks to its minimum turning radius of 5.3 m and a hood design that readily enables the driver to see the outer edges of the car.
4. Practicality
An optional feature on all models is a card-type Intelligent Key system that enables users to lock/unlock the doors, open the trunk lid at the touch of a button and start/stop the engine, simply by carrying the key fob with them. The card incorporates an emergency key and includes an engine immobilizer function.
The center control switch adopts an eight-way independent push-switch controller for simple and easy-to-understand operation.
Nissan’s CARWINGS telematics service is optional on all models to give users both “enjoyable connectivity” and “peace-of-mind connectivity.”
5. Safety and environmental performance
Standard safety equipment on all models includes SRS side airbag systems for the driver and front passenger and front-seat Active Head Restraints.
