Nissan Primera Second Generation 1995- 2002
| P11 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1995–2002 |
| Assembly | Sunderland, United Kingdom Wiri, New Zealand |
| Designer | Shinji Sasaki (1992) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,704 mm (106.5 in) |
| Length | 4,481 mm (176.4 in) (saloon, hatchback) 4,631 mm (182.3 in) (estate) |
| Width | 1,747 mm (68.8 in) (saloon, hatchback) 1,745 mm (68.7 in) (estate) |
| Height | 1,372 mm (54.0 in) (saloon, hatchback) 1,391 mm (54.8 in) (estate) |
The second-generation Nissan Primera was launched in the end 1995 in Japan, and in the autumn of 1996 in Europe. Unique in its class, new Primera featured multi-link beam rear suspension with multi-link front suspension.
Nissan Primera UK GT. The UK GT was the Sunderland built Primera hatchback exported to Japan as a captive import.
As before, in Europe the Primera was sold with 1.6 L and 2.0 L petrol engines and a 2.0 L diesel, with hatchback, saloon and estate bodystyles. While the estate was now based on the Primera's platform, it was assigned a model code of WP11.
In Japan the Primera was initially offered with the SR18DE, SR20DE and SR20VE-for Japan only engines, and initially only as a sedan. The hatchback assembled in the United Kingdom was available only with the SR20DE engine and automatic transmission and began production from November 1997, a captive import known as the Primera UK GT. Estate began production from September 1997.
Nissan Primera Camino in Japan
Alongside the original Primera, the Nissan Primera Camino was launched as a badge engineered model for different dealer networks. The Japanese models also introduced a CVT automatic transmission during the P11 series, including a six speed tiptronic version in the M6 G-V and autech edition wagons and Te-V saloon. Nissan Primera HP11 TE-V was equipped with SR20VE and CVT-M6 automatic transmission only.
Nissan continued selling the Primera in the United States as the Infiniti G20 until 2002, when it was replaced by a rebadged version of the Nissan Skyline V35 as infiniti G35. The G20 used the same grille and rear lamp alterations from the Primera Camino.
1998 P11 SMX Primera NZDM
In 1998, Nissan New Zealand released a limited edition Primera SMX with association with Steve Millen (Stillen Sports Parts). Features include cross drilled brakes, Eibach springs and a more aggressive body kit.
There were a total of twenty six (including the prototype numbered 000) made in five colour choices (the prototype was the only white one made). This was because until 1998 (due to lifting of import tariffs on cars) Nissan had an automotive assembly operation in New Zealand, and for a short time between 1997 and 1998 the P11 Primera was assembled in Wiri, Auckland.
The 1999 BTCC winning Primera
The Primera won the British Touring Car Championship manufacturers and team titles thanks to RML in 1998 and, in 1999 British Touring Car (P.O.S) backing from the factory took the Independents Cup in 1999 and 2000.
To celebrate the two victories in 1998, Nissan UK released a limited edition of 400 'GTSE' Models, with 16" AZEV alloy wheels, two tone 'flip' ChromaFlair "Mystic" green paint, following the special theme to the interior which featured full leather seating with green piping seats, steering wheel and a Momo gearknob.
To celebrate the 1999 "clean sweep", they released a limited edition 'GTLE' model with 16" multi spoke Enkei alloy wheels, full leather interior with silver piping, Momo gearknob and a colour choice of flame red, kuro black, starburst silver, and Nordic blue.
Nissan Primera Traveller in Europe
Facelift
In the autumn of 1999, Nissan gave the Primera a facelift, giving it a more modern front end with clear style headlamps featuring projector units, instead of the traditional Fresnel lens type. Nissan also introduced their "corporate identity" front, with the "flying wing" grille. The new code name for this model was "P11-144".
Along with the exterior changes, improved specification levels were present; with the entry level models such as the "S" featuring automatic climate control, driver, passenger, and side airbags. Further up the model range, other features were seen such as Xenon headlamps.
A new "lean burn" 1.8 L petrol engine, the QG18DE was added to the range. This facelift was not generally applied outside Europe and was not available in Japan when Nissan "formalized" the fronts of other Primeras and Caminos instead, bringing them into line with the look of the American Infiniti model.
Nissan Primera sedan facelift (Europe)
Nissan Primera hatchback facelift (Europe)
STCC Edition
Only 100 of them were made. It had the same engine as the Primera Sport, but it was lowered 25 mm (1.0 in) and had a bigger wing.