Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive
by Chris Paukert on Oct 22nd 2009 at 8:41AM 
2010 Nissan Fuga - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.
Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin – especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.
Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.
Check out the Infiniti M Fuga's newly voluptuous curves in our high-res gallery below and the official release after the jump.
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga
Photos copyright ©2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
New Nissan Fuga blends class-leading technology
interior comfort and performance
Redefining the traditional luxury car, Nissan's first generation Fuga luxury sedan, delivered outstanding performance, comfort and interior quality. Inheriting that flagship DNA package, the all-new Nissan Fuga arrives in Japanese showrooms this autumn.
Class-leading performance, handling and engineering
At the heart of the new Nissan Fuga are new technological advances that combine seemingly conflicting attributes such as nimble handling and comfortable ride, plus powerful acceleration and silent, eco-friendly performance. Customers may choose from either the VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 or the VQ25HR 2.5-liter V6.
Amongst the innovation, fitted to the Fuga are newly developed `Double Piston Shock Absorbers' (frequency responsive) that employ a double piston construction to improves handling and ride quality by increasing oil flow inside the shock absorber to reduce vibration from road undulations and absorb minor road imperfections.
Incorporating some significant advanced technologies such as LDP (Lane Departure Prevention system) and Intelligent Cruise Control, this sedan promotes safe, comfortable driving.
Based on sat-nav map information indicating a curve approaching, the system assists deceleration by deploying a movable accelerator pedal and activating the brakes in a system called `Intelligent Pedal (Navigation-Cooperative).' `Cornering Stability Assist' applies the VDC System to control vehicle movement for safe and smooth cornering. Both the `Intelligent Pedal' and the `Cornering Stability Assist' are world-first technologies to be featured on the new Fuga. Along with advanced active four-wheel steering, these technologies support the driver to ensure a comfortable driving.
Supporting Eco-drive and Safety-drive
The new Fuga is the world-first model to feature a driving safety support system, which utilizes the ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) in its navigation system. The system supports safe driving by providing information to alert the driver at blind intersections for example, based on information on nearby vehicles and traffic environment, which is transmitted to the Fuga from optical beacons installed all across the country.
Fitted as equipment that supports eco-driving, the Fuga employs a world-first `ECO-pedal'. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelerator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects overly zealous throttle work, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve their driving behavior.
A first for Nissan, the newly engineered "Drive Mode Selector" is fitted as standard equipment and adjusts engine response, transmission shift schedule and 4-wheel active steering, giving the Fuga a sportier, more comfortable on-road feel. In addition to normal drive mode, the 4-door sedan features a newly fitted sports mode and eco-mode. By selecting a mode using a dial located under the gear shifter, drivers can choose modes ranging from sharper, more responsive handling to economical, easy cruising settings to suit any mood or road conditions.
Dynamic design appeals to senses
The new Fuga's powerful combination of long hood, short overhangs and deeply sculpted fenders with large diameter 20-inch wheels*, give a visual appeal as only authentic rear-wheel drive sports sedan proportions can. By moving the front pillar back, lowering the car's height and adding to its width, interior comfort has been enhanced while achieving a low, powerful stance.
The Nissan Fuga's large, low-slung, grille and bold headlight design inspired by traditional Japanese Kabuki eye make-up combine to establish a strong presence, while its sculptured body takes on varied personalities depending on the angle viewed and the light reflected on its surface.
Spacious, bright and comfortable interior
The premium quality interior in the new Fuga takes the first generation's highly rated cabin design to the next level. Designers have further improved interior quality by enhancing trim and details.
For example, seats in the luxurious interior employ `premium semi-aniline leather.' A special kneading process creates a softer, more supple surface that has been finished in a strong yet soft protective coating. This process results in a luxury sofa-like leather seat that is soft to the touch yet firm in its cushion support.
In addition, soft and smooth textured trim (Sofiless) has been used to cover the armrests and other spots where the skin touches, and the dashboard has been covered with a material that has the high-quality finish and comfortable softness of a leather furniture.
Employing a traditional hand-application method, craftsmen have painstakingly applied pure silver powder to the premium interior woodgrain panels giving them an immaculate mirror finish. The silver powder woodgrain paneling and semi-aniline leather are exclusive to premium interiors.
Utilizing materials suitable to each specific location in the car, occupants sense they are cocooned in a tailor-made cabin, surrounded by surfaces that are soft to the touch and switches that are all newly designed and boast a more luxurious, tactile and high-quality feel.
Significant luxurious appointments further elevate the Nissan Fuga's status as a leading luxury sedan. These include a world-first climate control system called ` Forest AC' that manages air temperature and fan strength, as well as humidity, odor detection and suppression to create the clean interior environment. Occupants can also enjoy the relaxing effect of special aromas and natural outdoor-like breezes through air vents, while a newly developed plasma-cluster ion unit purifies cabin air. In addition, the overwhelming sound from the BoseR Surround Sound System, which drives 16 speakers with a 14-channel digital amplifier, will ensure premium sound quality.
SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Length (mm) 4,945
Overall Width (mm) 1,845
Overall Height (mm) 1,500
Wheelbase (mm) 2,900
Seating Capacity 5
Fuga Hybrid
On the Nissan stand at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a hybrid version of the new Fuga will also be displayed. Employing a 3.5-liter V6, high-power Li-ion batteries and a highly efficient one-motor-two-clutch parallel hybrid system solely developed by Nissan, this model generates the fuel consumption of a compact C-segment car. This model will be launched in the Japanese market from 2010 autumn.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jesse 9:08AM (10/22/2009)
Love the creative wood treatment.
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Jim Dubois 9:13AM (10/22/2009)
Very nice and much improved sexier (curvy) body shape than current M35/M45!
But one has to ask is the M series that much better compared to the latest Maxima? Seems to me the M series uses Maxima platform because it looks longer than G series sedan.
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In2uition 9:22AM (10/22/2009)
The M uses the same platform as the G sedan. It's just a lengthened version.
I can see where people would compare the M sedan to the Maxima though.
However, to me the first thing that stands out is RWD vs. FWD...so I would personally go for the M sedan.
Rob 11:57AM (10/22/2009)
It's still not really that exciting though. It's just sorta...there. I mean if someone pointed it out and asked my opinion of it, I'd say "yeah, that's decent looking enough" but I'd have to be pestered about it in the first place. Maybe that's what they're going for. That understated accountant look or something. I mean, it seems like a pleasant enough thing to spend some time in but I'll look elsewhere for excitement.
Za 1:01PM (10/22/2009)
The Maxima is FWD whereas the M35/45 is based on the RWD platform, lengthened a bit, that the G37 uses.
Luso 9:34AM (10/22/2009)
5 metres long!?!?! WOW
http://www.carnorama.com
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geo.stewart 9:34AM (10/22/2009)
its the japanese CrownVic.
its a little curvier now but I have mistaken an oncoming M for a Crown Vic on numerous occasions.
newer and better platform definitely but still not very exciting
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Ligor 10:24AM (10/22/2009)
mayeb you can mistake it for a crown vic but I can't see how
and phuleaseee don't put that car in the same sentence as this
the handling alone on the M shames that car further into POS teritorry
Arkz 10:35AM (10/22/2009)
To me, from certain angles, it sort of looks like a Mercedes CLS. Maybe I'm just tired.
416Hammy 12:59PM (10/22/2009)
Mr. Magoo? Is that you?
Other Man 9:36AM (10/22/2009)
How much longer are they going to hold out on releasing rated output numbers for the 3.7 and 5.6?
This marks the beginning of a new wave. Infiniti M, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Lexus GS .....
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JDM Life 10:01AM (10/22/2009)
+1 on the Lexus GS and BMW 5
That GS-F should really be something.
click_playaz 11:51AM (10/22/2009)
I want to see IS-F, GS-F,and LS-F in F lineup along with LFA.
Lee 4:35AM (10/23/2009)
330/400
JDM Life 10:00AM (10/22/2009)
The front end is weird and look like its riding wayy to high. The last pic that shows the Center console imo that wood looks fake and cheap.
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Drew S. 2:30PM (10/22/2009)
You have no taste, that is the problem.
Ligor 10:27AM (10/22/2009)
the wood looks fake?
what are you smoking
and the GS-F will not be able to match the M56 in any performance/looks/handling/ category that you can think of except it will ride like a plush boat with power
the GS-F will not be able to hang with the M56 in a straight line either
stop being a Lexus/Toyota lover
start appreciating the cars for what they are without looking at hte badge in front of them
as far as I know the M45 is the only car that has beaten the 5-series in a comparison test (with the exception of the Lincoln LS, but it was the old model 5-series)
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click_playaz 12:01PM (10/22/2009)
You mean comparison: Price, comfort, feeling, and performance?
All above u said was just performance:
"and the GS-F will not be able to match the M56 in any performance/looks/handling/ category that you can think of except it will ride like a plush boat with power
the GS-F will not be able to hang with the M56 in a straight line either"
GS-F will be better, faster, more comfortable, and more luxurious than M. Developing plan on LFA will use for future Lexus performance line up.
416Hammy 1:02PM (10/22/2009)
Argueing the M56 vs. the GS-F is like fighting over whether or not the Easter Bunny can beat up Santa Claus.
Neither even exists (yet), fellas. Simmer down on the fanboyism.
fmwso 12:16PM (10/22/2009)
The grille and overall shape really reminds me of the Maxima. However, this looks way better than the Maxima.
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