Nissan Fuga - Second Generation (Y51, 2009-)

Second Generation (Y51, 2009-)

The second generation Nissan Fuga, introduced as the Infiniti M, was previewed at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The new Fuga debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The production version went on sale across Japan starting on December 21, 2009. It is sold in overseas markets under the Infiniti nameplate as the third-generation M (M37/M56/35h/30d).

The Y51 series Infiniti M / Nissan Fuga introduced November 2009 is only 50 mm (2.0 in) shorter than the F50 series Nissan Cima, with the same width dimensions of 1,845 mm (6.1 ft) and height of 1,515 mm (5.0 ft) compared to the Cima's of 1,490 mm (4.9 ft) height. On August 2010, the Fuga became Nissan's flagship with the announcement of the cancellation of the Nissan Cima and the Nissan President. The Fuga is 115 mm (4.5 in) shorter than the Nissan President, and the Fuga has a longer wheelbase at 2,900 mm (114.2 in), compared to the wheelbase on the President and Cima at 2,870 mm (113.0 in). When the Fuga assumed the role as flagship sedan of Nissan Japan August 2010, it became the first time that Nissan didn't sell a premium luxury V8 sedan in Japan; the Fuga's North American cousin, the Infiniti M56, is offered with a V8 shared with the Infiniti QX56.

The VK45DE V8 engine used in the previous generation is no longer offered in Japan, neither is the succeeding VK56VD V8 which is only found on the Fuga's North American counterpart, the Infiniti M56. The VQ35HR 3.5 L V6 Hybrid is now the Fuga's third engine option, utilizing the Atkinson cycle. The electric motor, installed in parallel between the engine and the transmission, produces 68 PS (50 kW; 67 bhp) from 1.3kWh lithium-ion batteries that are expected to have a service life of 10 years. The batteries are installed upright behind the rear seats. The Fuga Hybrid introduced Nissan's first in-house developed electric hybrid technology, and Nissan claims it will double the fuel economy of its gasoline-powered version.

A driving mode selector knob has been installed as standard equipment on all models, situated below the transmission gear lever and between the heated and ventilated front seat controls, providing four selections labeled "Standard", "Sport", "Eco", and "Snow", allowing the 7-speed transmission, engine and various systems to optimize driving based on varying conditions. To minimize exhaust noise intrusion into the passenger compartment from the engine at low RPMs, "Active Noise Control" has been installed. Double-piston shock absorbers, developed by Kayaba Industry Company, have replaced the ones previously supplied by Hitachi.

Trim levels offered in Japan start with the 250GT, 250GT Type P, 250GT "A" package; 370GT, 370GT FOUR (AWD), 370GT FOUR (AWD) "A" package, 370GT Type S, with the 370VIP at the top of the range. The 370GT Type S uses 20" Potenza RE050A 245/40 tires, with other trim packages using Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT 245/50 tires on 18" with all wheels consisting of alluminum alloy.

Some of the optional interior equipment includes heated and ventilated front seats, power reclining rear seats, power ottoman for the rear passenger opposite the driver, and HDD navigation combined with a telematics subscription service called "CarWings" in Japan.

Safety technology has also been introduced, such as Lane Departure Prevention, which uses a small camera mounted above the rearview mirror to gauge distance from the lane markers, and will lightly tap selected brakes when necessary to help ease the car back into the correct lane. It will allow for unimpeded lane changes when the turn signal is used, and will yield control to the driver at all times.

Blind Spot Intervention System uses sensors to provide a visual warning in the side view mirror. If the car senses that movement towards the obstacle is occurring, it will provide an audible warning and will apply opposite side brakes to guide the vehicle into the correct lane.

The Nissan Fuga Hybrid, together with the Nissan Leaf, will include Nissan's new Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system to alert pedestrians, the blind and others to their presence when the hybrid is operating at low speeds in all-electric mode.