Nissan Laurel C33 Sixth Generation 1989- 1993
| Nissan Laurel C33 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Also called | Nissan Laurel Altima |
| Production | Japan: 1989-1993 Taiwan: 1993-1997 |
| Model years | Japan: 1990-1993 Taiwan: 1993-1997 |
| Assembly | Miaoli, Taiwan Musashimurayama, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door hardtop |
| Layout | front engine/rear drive |
| Related | Nissan Skyline Nissan Cefiro Nissan Silvia S13 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L CA18i I4 2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6 2.0 L RB20DE I6 2.0 L RB20E I6 2.5 L I6 RB25DE 2.8 L I6 diesel RD28 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length | 4,690 mm (184.6 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,365 mm (53.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,330 kg (2,932.1 lb) |
In December 1988, the C33 Laurel was announced. A month later (January 1989) the C33 went on sale, originally only available as a hardtop four-door. The base engine offering again was a 1.8-litre four, the available options consisted of a 2-litre six (SOHC, DOHC or DOHC Turbo) and a 2.8-litre diesel inline-six. Early in 1991 a DOHC 2.5-litre inline-six coupled to a five-speed automatic became available.
Nissan Laurel Medalist in Japan
The Nissan Laurel used a rear-wheel drive layout, making it a popular car to modify and for drifting use, particularly Laurels of this generation. The C33 has the same floor plan as the Nissan A31 Cefiro and the four-door Nissan Skyline R32. They have many interchangeable parts which makes them ideal for modification. Suspension parts are identical to the Nissan Silvia S13 model.
The Toyota competitor was the Cresta, and there was also the new Honda Inspire in the same segment. The Laurel was repositioned slightly higher as a larger luxury sedan, as its exterior dimensions matched with the Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria which were exclusive to separate Japanese Nissan dealerships (Nissan Bluebird for the Cedric, Nissan Prince for the Gloria). The Laurel still remained the junior sedan to the Nissan flagship Nissan President which was all new in 1989, and remained exclusive to Japanese dealership Nissan Motor Store locations.
Models of Laurel include Medalist, Medalist Club S and Gran Limited. The Club S was the only C33 laurel with the RB25DE option and addition of front lip spoiler, with other models offering only the RB20, CA18 and RD28 engines.
As of March 1989, sedan versions also became available. Disappeared V6 engine, RB20E type (SOHC), RB20DE type, RB20DET type (more than two DOHC) series 6-cylinder 2.0L, CA18i series four-cylinder SOHC1.8L, RD28-series six-cylinder diesel features. Rear HICAS suspension is used, being of the improved HICAS-II configuration. Four-cylinder model (CA18i) series and six-cylinder diesel engine (RD28) in the presence and instruction car specifications.
Minor changes were made in January 1991. Facelift on, RB20E/RB20DE car engine 5-speed AT model. Also in November 1991 3-series cars RB25DE Catalogue DOHC2.5L add a grade-six-cylinder engine. 2.5L existing and additional models equipped with previous generations high mount side lamp, side door airbags. Organizing models in the senior grades.
In the North American market, this was only sold in parts of the Caribbean, primarily the Bahamas under the Nissan Laurel Altima. However, the Altima name was first used in the United States & Canada starting in the 1993 model year for its new compact car, which has since become a mid-size in 2002.
By January 1992 cumulative production achieved 2 million units.