Nissan Elgrand Breaks Cover

Another Nissan goodie is getting ready to storm the Japanese dealerships on August 18: the 2011 Elgrand or, as Nissan calls it, the "King of Minivans." The third generation of the model will bring with it changes to the exterior, interior and performances as well.

Engine wise, the vehicle will come equipped with a choice of two engines. The first is the 3.5l VQ35DE unit which develops 280 PS at 6,400 rpm and maximum torque of 344 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The second is the 2.5l QR25DE powerplant which develops a maximum output of 170 PS at 5,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 245 Nm at 3,900 rpm. The engines are paired to a tweaked Xtronic CVT-M6 transmission with wide gear range and low-speed lockup function.

The minivan will be offered in both two- and four-wheel drive versions. Regardless of the engine or traction configurations, all Elgrand models achieve SU-LEV certification, emitting 75 percent fewer exhaust emissions than the 2005 standards.

On the interior, the Elgrand comes with multi-function high quality seats with leg rest and what Nissan calls the world's first 11-inch electronic retractable monitor used in a minivan. A Private Theater System with a Bose 5.1 Surround Sound System is also available for the back seats.

From the safety standpoint,The Elgrand is equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, ABS, VDC, airbags (including SRS) and tire pressure sensor.

As said, Nissan will offer the Minivan in Japan starting later this month, but it didn't announce the prices yet. The target Nissan set for the model is 1,900 units every month. Several launch ceremonies to be held in Japan starting next weekend.