Nissan Stagea

The WC34 Series 1 was produced from 1996 to late 1998. This model bears many visual similarities to the R34 Nissan Skyline, giving the impression of lineage to the R34 Nissan Skyline, though mechanically it is most similar to the R33 Nissan Skyline.

The WC34 Stagea was available with a 2.0L single-cam inline-six engine, a 2.5L twin-cam naturally-aspirated inline-six, a 2.5L twin-cam turbocharged inline-six, or a 2.6L twin-cam twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. All engines were from the Nissan RB engine family, with the 2.6L (260RS model) being the same as that equipped in the R33 Skyline GTR. Engine power ranged from 96 kW (129 hp) in the 2.0L to 172 kW (231 hp) in the 2.5L turbo and 206 kW (276 hp) in the 2.6L twin turbo.

The Stagea was available in rear wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants, with the RWD variants using RWD Laurel front suspension of the strut type and AWD versions using RWD R34 Skyline front suspension of the multi-link type. Both RWD and AWD shared its chassis platform with the C35 Laurel, which had the same wheelbase of 2720mm, and was also available in RWD and AWD.

There were some differences in the chassis between 2WD and AWD model Stageas. The main difference being that the driver's side chassis rail on the AWD version was positioned closer to the lower sill. This was done to make room for the transfer case located on the end of the AWD transmission.

The AWD system, ATTESA E-TS, is identical in operation to the Nissan Skyline GTS-FOUR and GT-R AWD system. The AWD Stageas fitted with an automatic transmission also featured a transfer case lock; this locked the transfer case in full 4WD and bypassed the ABS, g-force sensor inputs and ATTESA E-TS engine control unit which were all normally required for the AWD system to work.

Unlike the Skyline and Laurel which had 5 speed automatic transmissions on some automatic 2.5L non turbo versions, all automatic Stageas were 4 speed. All manual models were 5 speed although only 2 models were available manual, the turbo RS4S and the 260RS, which both were exclusively manual.

The Stagea 260RS Autech Version, or just 260RS, is a tuned version of the Stagea made by Japanese tuning company Autech. The 260RS uses the 2.6L RB26DETT coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and features ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive from the R33 GTR and a limited-slip rear differential.[1] Other modifications include Brembo brakes, 17" BBS forged alloy wheels, body strengthening, an undercarriage protector, upgraded suspension, a front strut brace, a special rear stabilizer, Autech badging and an Autech bodykit that includes unique sideskirts, front bumper and tailgate spoiler.[2] Interior modifications include an R33 GTR steering wheel, GTR style gauges, a leather shift knob and parking brake handle and special seat trim. Like other Japanese sports cars of the time, the 260RS officially produced 276 hp (206 kW) but most sources believe the actual horsepower to be higher.[3] 1,734 260RS (series 1 and series 2) models were produced from 1996-2001.[4]

• Frame: E-WGC34 (2WD); E-WGNC34 (4WD)
• Exterior dimensions (LxWxH): 4,800 mm (189.0 in) x 1,755 mm (69.1 in) x 1,495 mm (58.9 in)
• Interior dimensions (LxWxH): 1,900 mm (74.8 in) x 1,425 mm (56.1 in) x 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
• Wheel base: 2,720 mm (107.1 in)
• Treads (F/R): 1,460 mm (57.5 in) / 1,515 mm (59.6 in)
• Ground clearance: 145 mm (5.7 in)
• Kerb vehicle weight: 1,620 kg (3,571 lb)

Series 1 paint options:

• Sonic Silver (M, Code: KR4) (super fine hard coat)
• Dark blue matte (super fine hard coat)
• Emerald green pearl (M) (super fine hard coat)
• Fire clear red II (super fine hard coat)
• Silky Snow (Code: WK1)

WC34 Nissan Stagea

WC34 Nissan Stagea rear

The WC34 series 2 (1998 to 2001) was a minor revision of the WC34 Series 1. The headlights were changed in shape and made from high impact plastic (previous model had glass headlights) and the high beam lights moved into the grill. The indicators were changed to a clear unit, and changed shape slightly. Front aero was slightly revised and body mouldings colour matched. Interior trim choices were also changed. It has the same engine choices, but they are the uprated NEO version of the RB series and higher spec models included a tiptronic auto transmission. The power ranges from 114 kW (153 hp) in the updated NEO 2L to 206 kW (276 hp) for the 2.5L turbo and 2.6L twin turbo. 2WD and 4WD versions available. A choice of transmissions is also available: 4-speed auto, 4-speed tip-tronic auto and 5-speed manual for the turbo RS FOUR S and 260RS.

From October 2001 to August 2004 the following range of models were available:

• 250RS/RS V/RX: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), rear-wheel drive
• 250RS FOUR/RX FOUR: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), four-wheel drive
• 250tRS FOUR V/RX FOUR: VQ25DET engine (V6 2.5L single turbo, 205.94 kW), four-wheel drive
• 300RX: VQ30DD engine (V6 3.0L NA, direct injection, 191.23 kW), rear-wheel drive.
• 350S: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA, 206 kW) Autech Axis Model, rear-wheel drive

The Autech Axis 350S was the only M35 chassis Stagea to ever be offered with a manual transmission and was produced from July 2003 to June 2004

There were a couple of sub-variants:

• 250tRS FOUR V HICAS: A 250tRS FOUR V with the addition of the Nissan HICAS four-wheel steering system
• AR-X FOUR: A 250t FOUR (i.e. 2,5L turbo/4wd) model with increased ride height and SUV-like body ornaments. 206 kW (276 hp)
• There were 4 'aero selection' models added in 2002 to the 250RS/250tRS FOUR/250tRS FOUR V/250tRS FOUR V HICAS ranges, this added a bodykit to the standard car.

2004-2007 M35 Nissan Stagea 250RX FOUR rear

In August 2004 the range was modified:

• 250RX: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), rear-wheel drive
• 250RX FOUR: VQ25DD engine (V6 2.5L NA, direct injection, 158.3 kW), four-wheel drive
• 350RX: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA 200 kW), rear-wheel drive
• 350RX FOUR: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA, 200 kW), four-wheel drive
• AR-X FOUR: VQ35DE engine (V6 3.5L NA, 200 kW), four-wheel drive