2011 Nissan Elgrand

Details with the 2011 Nissan Elgrand, which is a Quest based luxury minivan sold on the automaker’s home market, have been revealed. 
Powering options for the 2011 Nissan Elgrand are represented by a 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine with a maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW) @ 6,400 rpm and 344 Nm @ 4,400 rpm plus a 2.5-litre
QR25DE packing 170 PS (125 kW) @ 5,600 rpm and 245 Nm @ 3,900 rpm.
The 2011 Nissan Elgrande is available as a 4WD or a 2WD and both engines use an optimised Xtronic CVT-M6 transmission that helps increase fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
Some of the technologies and safety features offered on the 2011 Nissan Elgrand include the Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent brake assist systems, the safe driving support system, Xenon headlights, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Active AFS and more. 
Nissan press release :
YOKOHAMA (August 4, 2010) – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announces the launch
of the all-new Nissan Elgrand, the company’s premier luxury minivan,
which goes on sale August 18th at Nissan dealers nationwide.
First introduced in 1997 and followed by the second generation in
2002, Elgrand has been highly praised by customers for its comfort,
styling and driving performance. It has been dubbed the "King of
Minivans."
In line with its longstanding reputation for excellence, the
new-generation Elgrand imparts a strong luxury presence and welcoming
sense of hospitality and comfort for driver and passengers alike. The
interior offers a number of features designed specifically for passenger
comfort, including unique, multi-function high quality seats with leg
rest and the world’s first 11-inch electronic retractable monitor used
in a minivan. A Private Theater System powered by a Bose® 5.1 Surround Sound System is available for the rear seats.
In addition to comfort, the new Elgrand offers class-leading fuel
efficiency and dynamic performance. Every grade achieve, SU-LEV
certification, emitting 75% fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards.
This qualifies the vehicle for the tax exemption for environmentally
friendly vehicles, which covers all 4WD and part of the 2WD grade of the
3.5-liter model for the 50% reduction on acquisition and weight tax for
new vehicles. All 2.5-liter models will receive a 75% reduction.*1
Key features of the new Elgrand are:
– Distinguished styling

• Majestic and sleek design, which are trademarks of the Elgrand identity

– The best-in-class comfort

• Evokes a feeling of the highest quality achieved in a personal mobility space

– Uncompromising pursuit of excellence

• Best fuel economy and drivability in its class

1. Dynamic Exterior, Supremely Comfortable Interior
The concept behind the development of the new Elgrand, "Dynamism
and Luxury you can feel," is expressed throughout the exterior and
interior. The design incorporates both hallmarks of the original Elgrand
– such as the blending of the two-stage headlights, thick front mask
and grille into one form – with the latest technology, such as the
modern 3-dimensionally designed seats.
The low and wide body proportions emphasize the Elgrand’s
stability, with the dynamic lines flowing from the front and leading all
the way down the sides, highlighting its powerful profile. Each pillar
is blacked-out, adding to the look of strength and solidity. The
darkened windows framed from the side all the way to the rear with
chrome moldings is a world’s first. Rear combination lamps with
horizontal and vertical lines add to its original look. Chrome-coated,
polished aluminum-alloy wheels complete the luxurious and appealing
appearance.
Elgrand’s high-quality interior space focuses on enveloping driver
and passengers in supreme comfort. The highly functional instrument
panel adds a luxurious touch, wrapped from side to side with a gradient
wood-tone panel. The meter panel is illuminated with a blue ring, giving
the interior a modern look and exciting feeling, while the seats allow
all occupants to experience high levels of comfort.
2. Exhilarating Yet Fuel-Efficient Performance
The new Elgrand is equipped with a 3.5-liter VQ35DE engine tuned
specifically for this application. With a maximum output of
206kW(280PS)/6400rpm and maximum torque of 344N・m(35.1kgfm)/4400rpm), it
makes driving an exhilarating experience whether in the city or on the
highway.
The 2.5-liter Elgrand is also equipped with a vehicle-specific
tuned engine, the QR25DE, with responsive acceleration from low speeds,
and high torque giving the vehicle a quick, strong driving feel. The
engine is rated at a maximum output of 125kW(170PS)/5600rpm and maximum
torque of 245N・m(25.0kgfm)/3900rpm).
The newly refined Xtronic CVT-M6 transmission boasts significantly
improved fuel economy and powerful performance. Its wide gear range and
low-speed lockup function helps achieve excellent fuel mileage.
Furthermore, the driver’s driving and acceleration control is
automatically detected by the Adaptive Shift Control system to provide
an optimized driving condition, combining superior driving performance
and fuel efficiency.
All of the 4WD and part of the 2WD versions of 3.5-liter Elgrand
meet the requirements for Eco car tax subsidy, including a 50% reduction
on both acquisition and weight tax for new vehicles. 2.5-liter Elgrand
is also qualified for the Eco car tax subsidy and a 75% reduction on
acquisition and weight tax for new vehicles.*1
Platform, Body and Suspension
The Elgrand’s all new platform benefits from Nissan’s excellent
minivan tuning capabilities, giving it a low center of gravity,
comfortable seating for seven adults and ride comfort comparable to
traditional sedans.
The combination of high-performance steering and rigid shock
absorbers provide outstanding straight-line stability. Both the front
and rear suspension utilize aluminum links and lower load springs that
are lighter than the previous Elgrand design. The rear multi-link
suspension assists in providing both superior driving stability and ride
comfort. Elgrand’s low center of gravity packaging, along with 4-wheel
rebound spring shock absorbers, provide complete control and stability
during steering and cornering. The new Elgrand offers improved steering
feel with the smallest turning radius available at the M class minivan
level. In addition, the 73L fuel tank form is optimized to best fit the
vehicle’s body.
Quiet operation is another key element of the Elgrand platform and
body structure. Significantly improved surface rigidity, a
vibration-resistant floor and bead-shaped sound dampening flooring are
utilized. In addition, the use of an acoustic windshield, sound
insulators and strategically located dampening materials help give
Elgrand the top level in noise canceling and comfort in class.
Elgrand also utilize YOKOHAMA dB (decibel) tires to help achieve
excellent vibration and road noise reduction levels. The 18-inch sized
wheels have the equivalent low road noise of standard 16-inch wheels
(standard on 350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR and 250Highway
STAR models).
3. Advanced Seating Designs, Innovative Utility
The new Elgrand offers a range of advanced seat designs and
innovative utility systems. Besides allowing to use the 1st and 2nd row
passengers seat to use the leg rest at the same time, for the Elgrand 7
passengers model, the new Comfortable Captain Seat is adopted for the
2nd row passengers seat which incorporates three new technologies: ‘seat
cushion-integrated leg rest,’ ‘articulated seatback,’ and
‘three-layered cushion pads.’ Nissan is the only automaker adopting all
three technologies at the same time. With the seat’s all-in-one seat
cushion and leg rest design, the body is supported as a whole, helping
maintain a posture that can be relaxed and stress-free. The seat
cushion-integrated leg rest, supports the lower legs over a large area
and helps spread the body weight to avoid leg swelling.
The 60/40 split bench 2nd row seat on Elgrand 8-passenger models
also features large armrests, similar to captain seats, giving a highly
luxurious feel. Elgrand’s optimally designed foldable 3rd row seat can
be easily stored, while also providing superior passenger fit and
accommodation compared with similar vehicles.
Elgrand’s new Quick Comfort Seat Heater, which was developed with a
focus on human physiology, features a world’s first seat heating
technology. The Quick Comfort Seat Heater provides point-accurate
heating to various parts of the body, with modes adjustable to every
situation. In the beginning, the system starts heating the thigh and hip
areas where people feel the warmth more. Later, it heats the lower back
and the thigh area to maintain a comfortable warmth (standard on
350Highway STAR Premium model).
Another world’s first function utilized on the new Elgrand is the
one touch switch system that not only unlocks the doors, but also
automatically opens the One-Touch Auto Slide Door. Other utility
features include a second mirror installed above the rearview mirror for
easy communication with passengers in the 2nd and 3rd row seats.
Conveniently installed in the luggage compartment is the switch
that folds the 3rd row seat. This switch also returns the seatback to
its original position (available on the 350Highway STAR Premium model). A
remote-controlled back door is also available, which is controlled by
either the back door switch, the driver’s seat or from the remote
control key (available on the 350Highway STAR Premium model).
4. Advanced Technology and Equipment
As expected from the "King of Minivans," the new Elgrand offers the
latest advanced technology and features, ranging from a private theater
system to eco-drive assist.
The optional Around View Monitor is ideal for use in garages and
when parallel parking. The system utilizes a voice guidance system,
simulated steering direction indicators and reverse positioning
displayed on the monitor (Parking Guide System). The front/rear wide
view monitor gives priority to safety with a 180° perspective view when
negotiating visibly difficult intersections and reversing from parking
lots. By registering the visibly difficult intersections in the
navigational map, when the vehicle stops at these points, it
automatically activates the front Wide View Monitor Navigation.
Also available as an option is the Carwings Navigational System
(Integrated Digital Terrestrial Signal・HDD system). It features the most
advanced map updating system with high-speed route calculation,
built-in digital with automatic signal tuner (12 SEG/ 1 SEG) and an iPod®*2 compatible entertainment system.
For owners seeking theatre-quality entertainment on the road,
Elgrand is offered with the optional Private Theatre System. It is
equipped with a Bose® 5.1ch Surround Sound
that recreates concert hall quality sound with 13 strategically placed
high-performance acoustically tuned speakers. The system also features a
large 11-inch electronic retractable monitor (a world’s first). The
size is 1.6-times larger than the 9-inch conventional model display,
allowing greater visibility even from the 2nd and 3rd row seats.
Combining the Private Theatre System with dealer-optional floor
carpets and the sound dampening acoustic ceiling and Elgrand’s standard
finely tuned sound reflecting glass windows, the interior offers an
experience similar to that of a concert hall (350Highway STAR Premium,
350Highway STAR, 250Highway STAR optional).
Another special feature is the Eco-Drive Assist System, which
promotes fuel-efficient driving through a number of ways – including
coordinating the functions of the transmission and navigation system.
For example, the navigation system provides curb radius and tollgate
distance calculations to the management system in order to optimum
engine brake control and reduce fuel consumption. The ECO mode function
also maximizes acceleration performance, CVT response and integrated
control CVT transmission schedules to improve fuel efficiency. Adopting a
smooth assist takeoff system, Eco-Drive Assist supports the driver for
smooth acceleration and better fuel economy, while the Smart-rev Control
system maintains constant engine revolutions to avoid uneven speed
changes and unnecessary fuel consumption.
Elgrand also offers a long list of available safety and eco technologies, including:

• Intelligent Cruise Control (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR manufacturer option)
• School zone safe driving guide
• Safe driving support system
• Xenon headlamps
• Auto light system (linked front wipers, dawn sensors)
• Active AFS (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR standard)
• Halogen fog lamp equipped front bumper
• Side under mirror
• VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control (TCS functionality included)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) + Break Assist + EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution control system)
• Intelligent Brake Assist (350Highway STAR Premium, 350Highway STAR manufacturer option)
• Front seat active headrest
• Body construction for pedestrian protection / High-strength body construction (Zone Body)
• Driver and passenger seat SRS air bag system
• Driver and passenger seat SRS side air bag system
• SRS curtain air bag system
• Low-Friction Seatbelt
• Second seat ELR with 3 point seatbelt (Independent Buckle)
• Third seat ELR with 3 point seatbelt (Independent Buckle)
• Second seat ISO FIX Child seat anchor (right and left)
• Tire pressure sensor that detects decreased air
  pressure. It displays a warning on the information display. The system
  is combined with a buzzer alarm that gives guidance when the pressure
  comes to a certain level. This pressure guidance system was first
  adopted in Japan.

Unit sales: 1,900 units per month
Sales launch event: August 21 (Sat.), 22 (Sun.), 28 (Sat.), 29 (Sun.),2010

1. *1:By achieving both SU-LEV certification by emitting 75%
   fewer exhaust emissions than 2005 standards and 25% improvement in fuel
   economy over 2010 standards, automobile acquisition tax for new vehicles
   registered until March 31st 2012 will receive a 75% reduction.
   Automobile weight tax for new vehicles registered until April 30th 2012 will receive a 75% reduction.
   In addition, automobile tax for the next year of registration for the
   vehicle that will be newly registered until March 31, 2012, will be
   reduced by 50%.
2. *2: iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Inc in the United States and in other countries.