| Manufacturer | Nissan |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Nissan Cedric Special |
| Class | Luxury car |
| Body style(s) | 4-door limousine |
The Nissan President is a Japanese luxury limousine introduced by Nissan in the 1960s and sold only in the Japanese market. It is a luxury sedan specifically aimed to the Japanese market and its main competitor is the full-sized Toyota Century. By the late 1980s, the car saw international introduction to some countries like Singapore and Hong Kong with very limited sales. The car is mainly used by corporate executives and government officers.
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President 150 and 250
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| Production | 1965-1973 (150 series) 1973–1989 (250 series) |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 3.0 L H30 OHV I6 4.0 L Y40 OHV V8 4.4 L Y44E OHV V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,850 mm (9.4 ft) |
| Length | 5,045 mm (16.55 ft) |
| Width | 1,795 mm (5.89 ft) |
| Height | 1,460 mm (4.8 ft) |
| Curb weight | 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) |
The first generation of the Nissan President, designated H150, was introduced in October 1965, replacing the Cedric Special as Nissan's top-of-the-range model. Available with either the 4.0 litre Y40 V8 engine, developed specially for that model, or the 3.0 litre H30 straight-6. Very lavishly appointed for its time, the President served as the official car of the Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato.
The second generation, designated H250, was introduced in 1973. The chassis was essentially the same with a new front grille. The V8 engine had its displacement increased to 4.4 litre and was now designated Y44E, while a 3.0 litre version was still available. The Sovereign trim was added in 1977.
The H250 President underwent a major redesign in 1982, with suspension improvements, a larger fuel tank, the most visible changes being the replacement of the round headlights with square versions. In 1985, the Sovereign VIP trim was added. Production of the 250 series continued until 1990.
President HG50
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| Production | 1990–2002 |
|---|---|
| Platform | G50 |
| Engine(s) | 4.5 L VH45DE DOHC V8, 270 hp |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 3,030 mm (9.9 ft) Royal: 3,530 mm (11.6 ft) |
| Length | 5,225 mm (17.14 ft) Royal: 5,725 mm (18.78 ft) |
| Width | 1,830 mm (6.0 ft) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (4.68 ft) |
| Curb weight | 1,960 kg (4,300 lb) |
| Related | Infiniti Q45 (G50) |
In October 1989 a new Nissan President, designated JHG50, debuted during the Tokyo Motor Show, with sales beginning a year later. Concurrently, a short-wheelbase version of the chassis debuted in the USA as Infiniti Q45 or Nissan Q45 in Japan, with a different front and rear end. Both shared the new 4.5 litre VH45DE V8 engine. In 1993, a short-wheelbase version similar to the Infiniti joined the lineup, badged as President JS. At the same time, Nissan's special vehicles subsidiary Autech developed a Royal Limousine model with split passenger compartment.
An interesting feature also debuted in 1993 — an airbag for the left-hand side (curbside) rear seat passenger. In 1994, along with a minor facelift, Nissan revived the Sovereign trim level (previously available for 250 Presidents) for the long-wheelbase model. Another minor facelift occurred in 1998 (designated PHG50). At the same time, the previous Infiniti Q45 was replaced by a model based on a smaller (yet still large) Nissan Cima, which was also fitted with the rear passenger airbag option in Japan. The PHG50 continued in production till 2002 with the arrival of the new F50 chassis.
President PGF50
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| Production | 2002–present |
|---|---|
| Platform | F50 |
| Engine(s) | 4.5 L VK45DE DOHC V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,870 mm (9.4 ft) |
| Length | 5,060 mm (16.6 ft) |
| Width | 1,845 mm (6.05 ft) |
| Height | 1,500 mm (4.9 ft) |
| Curb weight | 1,890 kg (4,200 lb) |
| Related | Nissan Cima Infiniti Q45 (F50) |
The third generation was introduced in 2002, based on the F50 Nissan Cima, which debuted in 2001, being also powered by the same 4.5 litre VK45DE V8 engine. Two versions are available, both badged Sovereign, with either 5-passenger or 4-passenger seating configuration.
The 4-passenger version is considerably more expensive and features lavish equipment, including a Bose sound system and a host of other electronic devices controlled from a panel in the rear central armrest, as well as a "relaxing seat"[1] — a feature allowing the left front passenger seat to be slid far forward, allowing the passenger in the rear to stretch his or her legs.
A shortened version is sold as the Infiniti Q45 in markets outside Japan.
 President interior |
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nissan President |
- (Japanese) Nissan President official site retrieved 3/11/08
- History of the Nissan President 1963-1982 retrieved 3/11/08
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