Fourth Generation: Y33 (1996-1999)
| Production | 1996.3-1999.12 |
|---|---|
| Successor | Nissan Fuga |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout / AWD |
| Engine | 2.0L V6 VG20E 125 hp 2.5L V6 VQ25DE 190 hp 2.5L Turbo L6 RB25DET 235 hp 4WD 3.0L V6 VG30E 160 hp 3.0L V6 VQ30DE 220 hp 3.0L V6 VQ30DD 230 hp 3.0L Turbo V6 VQ30DET 270 hp |
| Transmission | 4 speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm (110.2 in) |
| Length | 4,895 mm (192.7 in) |
| Width | 1,765 mm (69.5 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,610 kg (3,500 lb) |
| Related | Y33 Nissan Cima, Nissan Cedric, Nissan Gloria |
The fourth and last generation of the Leopard, introduced in March 1996, again was offered as a hardtop sedan only, using a frameless side window approach, but using a "B" pillar to improve side impact crash resistance and vehicle solidity. The "J Ferie" name was dropped for this version of the Leopard. It was based on the Y33 Cedric/Gloria and Cima chassis. Development of this vehicle had begun before the recession had begun in Japan, so when this vehicle appeared, economic conditions had already begun to soften, which had an effect on overall sales. Vehicles being offered from Nissan at the time overlapped with companion platform mates, and there were few distinctions between the other large Nissan sedans.
It wasn't available in North America where the Infiniti mid-range had been replaced by the Nissan Cefiro/Infiniti I30. A V8 engine was no longer offered, and AWD was offered on the RB25DET turbocharged Straight 6 engine. This vehicle also utilized Nissan's direct fuel injection engine configuration, which supplied fuel directly inside the engine cylinder, instead of inside the intake manifold just before entering the cylinders.
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A 1996 Nissan Leopard rear view
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A view of the interior
Read more about this topic: Nissan Leopard
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