Renault-Nissan Alliance Clean Diesel Engine Presented

3-Liter V6 dCi Concept Unveiled in Frankfurt is Basis for 2010 Maxima Engine

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Nissan North America, Inc. today confirmed that a concept clean diesel engine unveiled in Frankfurt by its Alliance partner Renault will be the basis for the clean diesel engine planned for the Nissan Maxima in 2010 for the U.S. market.

The 3.0-liter V6 dCi Concept engine was designed within the Renault-Nissan Alliance with Renault having much of the engineering responsibility and Nissan providing performance target settings and package optimization. The companies will market the engine separately in keeping with the Alliance commitment to maintain each company's distinct brand identity.

Specifications for the engine to be used in the Maxima have not been fully determined. During the V6 dCi Concept engine's development, particular attention was paid to power output, torque, noise control and respect for the environment, including achieving the rigid Tier2 BIN5 emissions standards in the United States.

The V6 dCi Concept engine features, among other things, specially designed air intake ducts which increase combustion speed through a swirl effect, a particulate filter and a nitrogen oxide processing system, which combine to produce high performance and respect for the environment, which are in line with the Nissan Green Program 2010. That program, announced late last year, is focused on three core areas related to the environment: 1) reducing CO2 emissions, 2) reducing exhaust emissions and 3) accelerating recycling efforts.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.infiniti.com.

Source: Nissan North America, Inc.

The 3.0-liter V6 dCi Concept. The V6 dCi Concept is a preview of a coming new generation of 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines. The new 2,993cc block is derived from the 2.0 dCi engine, with which it shares 25% of its components. The engine develops 195 kW (261 hp) of power and maximum torque of 550 Nm (406 lb ft) at 1,750 rpm with targeted CO₂ emissions of less than 200g/km.

The common rail fuel injection system uses two rails pressurized at 1,800 bar which supply 7-hole piezo-electric injectors. This configuration supports up to five injections per cycle. "Ultra-fast" ceramic technology glow plugs enable almost instantaneous preheating and cold starting.

The V6 dCi Concept also includes a variable geometry turbocharger, which generates a high level of torque even at very low revs.

The engine's air intake ducts have been specially designed to increase combustion speed inside the cylinders by swirling the air in the cylinders-the swirl effect. Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), which uses a Renault-patented air/water intercooler, contributes to overall environmental performance of the engine.

The architecture of the exhaust manifolds has been designed to limit load losses and ensure that the maximum amount of energy is delivered to the turbine.

The V6 dCi Concept introduces a new NO_x trap. Alongside the catalytic converter, this device is located on the exhaust line between the turbocharger and the particulate filter. The engine is also fitted with a maintenance-free, periodic regeneration particulate filter, which operates using a seventh fuel injector located upstream of the filter. Regeneration occurs automatically, with no need for intervention from the user.

Renault says that the various production versions of the V6 dCi will also be compatible with the use of B30 biodiesel.