Nissan Releases New Clean Diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan
04 September 2008
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| Nissan X-TRAIL 20GT. |
Nissan Motor Co. launched the new diesel X-TRAIL 20GT in Japan, first shown as a prototype earlier this year. (Earlier post.) The vehicle, which goes on sale 18 September, meets Japan’s stringent Post New Long-term Regulations.
Compared to the current Japan emissions regulations which went into effect in 2005, the Post New Long-Term Regulation reduces NOx by 47% to 0.08 g/km and PM by 64% to 0.005 g/km. CO and HC levels remain the same. The new regulations come into effect for new model vehicles in October 2009.
| NOx and PM Standards, g/km | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan 2009 | US T2B5 | Euro 5 | ||||
| NOx | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.18* | |||
| PM | 0.005 | 0.006 | 0.005 | |||
| * For diesel passenger vehicles | ||||||
By comparison, existing US Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations call for NOx emissions of 0.04 g/km (0.07 g/mi) and PM emissions of 0.006 g/km (0.01 g/mi) over the full lifetime of the vehicle. Euro 5 regulations, which also go into effect in 2009, call for diesel car NOx emissions of 0.18 g/km and PM emissions of 0.005 g/km.
The new version of the 2.0-liter M9R diesel engine delivers power equivalent to a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, generating maximum power of 127 kW (170 hp) at 3,750 rpm and maximum torque of 360 Nm (266 lb-ft) at 2,000 rpm. The engine provides high torque at low rpm and delivers ample performance in any driving situation, according to Nissan.
The X-TRAIL 20GT has a fuel-efficiency rating of 15.2 km/L (6.58 L/100km, 35.8 mpg US) under Japan’s 10-15 test mode operation, representing an increase of approximately 30% in fuel economy over a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with the same power output.
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| Swirl flows are accelerated by placing the exhaust and intake ports in opposed positions. Click to enlarge. |
Nissan co-developed the M9R engine with Alliance partner Renault (the Renault version is the 2.0 dCi), and first introduced it in Europe in 2007. The basic M9R engine employs a 1,600 bar common rail system and high-precision piezoelectric injectors that respond up to four times faster than conventional devices; variable geometry turbocharger; double swirl ports; EGR cooler; and a periodic-regeneration diesel particulate filter.
By positioning the inlet and exhaust ports in opposition, a double swirl effect is created, which improves distribution of the air/fuel mixture for enhanced combustion efficiency. The EGR cooler reduces engine-out NOx by reducing the combustion temperature. A Lean NOx trap (LNT) catalyst system further reduces the NOx levels.
Quote from UK road test of existing model:
"The Nissan X-TRAIL 2.2 dCi SVE is equipped with a 2.2 litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine which is available in all the four trim specifications, SE to T-Spec. Currently the diesel engine is not available with an automatic gearbox, only with a six speed manual gearbox.
The diesel engine was modified at the end of 2003 and the 16 valve twin overhead camshaft, 2,184cc engine's power output rose from 114PS to 136PS, and torque increased from 270Nm to a hefty 314Nm. Since torque was also stronger at lower revs, driveability was also improved and while the top speed went up from 107 to 112mph, and the 0-62 mph time down from 12.7 to 11.5 seconds (two-wheel drive 11.2), the economy figures remained unchanged, returning 39.2 mpg (two-wheel drive 39.8mpg) on a combined cycle. "
Say about 7 litres/100 km or 14.3 km/litre for the existing current model for existing Euro regulations.
"The X-TRAIL 20GT has a fuel-efficiency rating of 15.2 km/L (6.58 L/100km, 35.8 mpg US) under Japan’s 10-15 test mode operation, representing an increase of approximately 30% in fuel economy over a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with the same power output."
Sounds like the Renault Nissan alliance has developed the next generation of engine to be both cleaner and even more economical.
There is no mention of a time line for a version which meets California smog regulations, but the USA is a major market for Nissan (unlike partner Renault), so we can expect them to be working on a USA version.
The level of torque from these new small diesels is adequate for most families even for towing a small boat.
With this level of efficiency, even families who desire a multi purpose vehicle can make modest demands on fuel supplies.
Manufacturers are starting to deliver vehicles which meet the supply side of the energy security problem.
The demand side of the problem has not yet been dealt with. The issue now is how to you persuade prosperous new car buyers to downsize from a V6?
Any suggestions?
Posted by: Polly | 04 September 2008 at 08:55 AM
OMG, even Japan are getting these high efficiency diesels.
Posted by: | 04 September 2008 at 09:20 AM
I have driven the Australian version of this vehicle, with the same engine spec, and I can tell you that it is the sweetest Diesel engined car I have ever driven (I own VWs, and have driven quite a few other brands in Europe).
While not "Silent", the biggest noise in the cabin is transmission noise. The gearbox is slick and almost sporty, the only problem I had with it is the gate spacing is quite narrow, and it was easy to go from 6th to 3rd...ooops.
The engine is very free revving.
I would have brought it except that the vehicles suspension was too soft for my tastes, and the kids didn't think the seats were comfortable!?!
It is interesting to note that this same engine will be available in Australia, installed in a Renault Megane GT.
Posted by: brendon | 04 September 2008 at 12:34 PM
What I don't understand is why they don't sell vehicles like this in rural parts of the USA.
I can see why you might not want them in LA and NY, but in Nebraska and N/S Dakota ? Why not - they would be ideal for long distances that you would encounter in these regions.
On a side note, practically all 4x4 and minivans sold in Ireland are diesel - the costs of running a petrol one would be prohibitive and the resale values are lousy.
Also, it sounds like the engine in my Renault Espace, which is very smooth - you barely hear the engine - my wife and I can get 36 MPG (UK) in mixed driving for the record.
The next car will have to crack 40 MPG - probably a Ford Galaxy diesel @43 based on current models.
Posted by: mahonj | 04 September 2008 at 01:33 PM
It is exciting to see new technologies developed and accepted by the big OEMs around the world.
Lower emission diesel options will bring the diesel engine back to the Umited States. Options that also raise fuel economy and performance are even better.
Green diesel is the buzzword in automotive powertrains today!
Posted by: AADI | 04 September 2008 at 10:11 PM
Bla, Bla, Bla.
More diesels everywhere but the US.
Posted by: Paul | 09 September 2008 at 02:57 AM