The Nissan Stagea is a station wagon produced by Nissan from 1996 to 2007. It was originally produced by Nissan in 1996 as direct competition for the Subaru Legacy Touring wagon in Japan, and was exclusive to Nissan Prince Store Japanese dealerships. The Stagea shares many mechanical parts with the Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel. There are 3 different versions of the Stagea: the WC34 Series 1, the WC34 Series 2, and the M35 Series.
WC34
Series 1
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-caminline-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 being the same as that equipped in the R33 Skyline GTR. Engine power ranged from in the 2.0L to in the 2.5L turbo and in the 2.6L twin turbo. The Stagea was available in rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive 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 simply 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. 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. 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 but most sources believe the actual horsepower to be higher. 1,734 260RS models were produced from 1996-2001.
The WC34 series 2 was a minor revision of the WC34 Series 1. The headlights were changed in shape and made from high impact plastic and the fog/auxiliary light 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 in the updated NEO 2L to 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.
Models
M35
The M35 series looks very different from the previous C34 models and is derived from the Skyline/G35 sedan. As per the Skyline the engine was changed from the RB series I6 to the VQ series V6.
Series 1
From October 2001 to August 2004 the following range of models were available:
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 model with increased ride height and SUV-like body ornaments.
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.
Nissan ceased production of the Stagea in early June 2007, Nissan Japan stated that it would continue to sell the remaining stock of the vehicle but that production of the vehicle had ended. The model segment served by this vehicle was replaced by the Nissan Skyline Crossover.
