WHC34 RB20E 20G, September 1996 catalogue
RB20E- Displacement
- 1,998 cc
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Power
- 130 PS @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque
- 17.5 kgf·m @ 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- 4AT, rear-wheel drive
SOHC inline-six; E-WHC34; catalogue mass 1,430 kg
Buyer's guide
9 min read
Nissan Stagea
Buyer's guide & specs
- Model span
- 1996-2007
- For sale
- 71
- active now
On this page
Quick answer
The Nissan Stagea is a Japanese-market wagon in two generations. The WC34 (1996–2001) uses RB inline-six engines, topped by Autech's RB26DETT 260RS. The M35 (2001–2007) moved to VQ V6 engines on the Skyline's platform, and its turbo VQ25DET ended in August 2004. Use the generation pages for grades, codes and import detail.
Background
Overview
Nissan's Japanese-market prestige touring wagon, the WC34 Stagea, went on sale in 1996 with Skyline-derived RB inline-six engines, rear-wheel drive or ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive, and Autech's RB26DETT 260RS at the top. The M35 followed on 16 October 2001 on the V35 Skyline's platform with VQ V6 engines. Use the generation pages for grades, chassis codes, recalls and import details.
Listing counts as of .
Quick read
Key takeaways
- Two generations: the WC34 from 1996 and the M35, on sale from 16 October 2001.
- The WC34 used RB inline-six engines, and Autech's Version 260RS added the RB26DETT.
- The M35 moved to the Skyline's front-midship platform and VQ V6 engines.
- Documented factory manuals: the WC34 25t RS FOUR S and 260RS, and the M35 Axis 350S.
- Both generations are Japanese-market cars; the sources used give no export specification.
- Judge US import age from each car's own build date, not its model year or launch date.
Constants
Common across all Stagea generations
- Japanese-market prestige touring wagon in both generations
- RB inline-six engines in the WC34
- VQ V6 engines in the M35
- Rear-wheel drive or ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive in both generations
Chassis history
Generation timeline
Dates are Nissan's sale or model-change dates and no production dates are claimed. Each generation page has its own specification tables and checklist.
WC34
First series — WC34 (on sale 1996; production end October 2001 in Nissan's chronology, September 2001 in Car Sensor's model range)
Identification
Chassis-code reference
Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Nissan Stagea guide data.
- First series — WC34 (on sale 1996; production end October 2001 in Nissan's chronology, September 2001 in Car Sensor's model range)
- Chassis codes: WHC34, WGC34, and WGNC34
- Second series — M35 (2001–2007, Japanese sale and catalogue dates)
- Chassis codes: NM35, HM35, PM35, M35, and PNM35
Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.
Market
Differences between JDM & USDM
This guide describes the Japanese-market Stagea, with PS, kW and kgf·m figures from Nissan, Autech and Japanese catalogues. Auto Express says the Stagea was never officially sold in the UK, and no export-market specification is used here.
Specs
Technical specifications
Engine options
-
-
WGNC34 RB25DET NEO After the August 1998 change; 25t RS FOUR S
RB25DET (NEO)- Displacement
- 2,498 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged
- Power
- 280 PS
- Torque
- 35.0 kgf·m (Motor-Fan); 253 lb·ft, about 343 N·m, @ 3,200 rpm (Auto Express)
- Transmission
- 5MT, four-wheel drive
Auto Express lists 276 bhp @ 6,400 rpm for the 1998 25t RS FOUR S
-
WGNC34 RB26DETT Autech Version 260RS, Nissan heritage page, 1997
RB26DETT- Displacement
- 2,568 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin turbocharged
- Power
- 280 PS (206 kW) @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 368 N·m (37.5 kgf·m) @ 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT, torque-split four-wheel drive
DOHC four-valve inline-six; 1,720 kg
-
NM35 VQ25DET Nissan launch release, October 2001
VQ25DET- Displacement
- 2,495 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbocharged
- Power
- 280 PS (206 kW) @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 407 N·m (41.5 kgf·m) @ 3,200 rpm
- Transmission
- 5AT, four-wheel drive
ReDriven quotes 208 kW for this engine and 206 kW in some literature; Nissan's 206 kW is shown. Ends at the August 2004 facelift
Lineup
Variants & trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 20G (September 1996) | RB20E, 130 PS | E-WHC34 rear-wheel drive with a four-speed automatic. MOTA lists 1,430 kg and 4,800 × 1,755 × 1,490 mm. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 25G, 25X, 25G FOUR, RS FOUR, 25X FOUR, RS FOUR V (September 1996) | 2.5-litre inline-six | Car Sensor's September 1996 to July 1997 group. FOUR grades are 4WD with ATTESA E-TS; every car had an electronically controlled four-speed automatic, dual airbags and ABS. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 25X (October 1996) | 2.5-litre inline-six | Nissan's Birthday Cars page dates the sale to October 1996 and lists a standard twin-slide glass sunroof and 1,475 litres (VDA) with the rear seats folded. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 25X and 25X FOUR White Aero Selection | 2.5-litre inline-six | Listed by Car Sensor in the September 1996 to July 1997 group, without a price or further detail. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 20X, 25RS, 25RS FOUR, 25t RS FOUR, 25t X FOUR (August 1997) | RB20DE NEO (20X); RB25DE NEO (25RS, 25RS FOUR); RB25DET (25t RS FOUR, 25t X FOUR) | Car Sensor's August 1997 to July 1998 group. Nissan's chronology moves the naturally aspirated engines to the NEO inline-six in August 1997. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | Autech Version 260RS (1997; revised 1998) | RB26DETT, 280 PS | E-WGNC34 base (1997) and GF-WGNC34 base (1998). Four-wheel drive, five-speed manual, five seats; 4,885 mm long (1997) and 4,880 mm (1998). Nissan lists 1,720 kg for the 1997 car. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | 25t RS V and 25t RS FOUR S (August 1998) | RB25DET (NEO), 280 PS | 25t RS V is rear-wheel drive. 25t RS FOUR S is four-wheel drive with a five-speed manual. Car Sensor also lists 20RS, Type B and Navi Edition versions in this group. |
| WC34 (first generation, Japan) | Prime Edition (1 September 1999) | 2.5-litre, turbo or naturally aspirated by base | Motor-Fan: built on the 25t RS FOUR V, 25t RS V, 25RS FOUR and 25RS with a higher-grade interior, including leather and Supurare combination seats and a woodgrain and leather combination steering wheel. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 300RX (16 October 2001) | VQ30DD | Rear-wheel drive with a five-speed automatic that has a manual mode. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 250RX, 250RS V, 250RS (16 October 2001) | VQ25DD | Rear-wheel drive with a four-speed automatic that has a manual mode. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 250RX FOUR, 250RS FOUR (16 October 2001) | VQ25DD | ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive with a five-speed automatic. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 250t RX FOUR, 250t RS FOUR V, 250t RS FOUR V HICAS (16 October 2001) | VQ25DET, 280 PS | Four-wheel drive with a five-speed automatic. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | AR-X FOUR (16 October 2001) | VQ25DET, 280 PS | Raised-clearance crossover: 180 mm ground clearance, 225/55R18 all-season tyres, viscous limited-slip differential and electric SUPER HICAS. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | Autech Axis (2002) | 2.5- or 3.0-litre V6 | Two- and four-wheel drive, four- or five-speed automatic, 4,815 × 1,790 × 1,510 mm; bases GH-HM35, GH-M35 and GH-NM35. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | Autech Aero Selection (2002) | 2.5-litre V6 | Two- and four-wheel drive, four- or five-speed automatic; 4,765 mm long, 1,490 mm high (2WD) and 1,505 mm (4WD). |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | Autech Axis 350S (10 June 2003) | VQ35DE, 280 PS | Based on the 250RS V. Rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual, 20 mm lower suspension, 240 km/h instrument scale and 225/45R18 tyres. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 250RX (19 August 2004) | VQ25DD | Rear-wheel drive with a four-speed automatic; the only listed facelift grade without a five-speed. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 250RX FOUR (19 August 2004) | VQ25DD | Four-wheel drive with electromagnetic ATTESA E-TS clutch actuation. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | 350RX, 350RX FOUR, AR-X FOUR (19 August 2004) | VQ35DE | Five-speed automatic with gear-select manual mode; AR-X FOUR follows the 350RX FOUR in Nissan's table. |
| M35 (second generation, Japan) | Autech Axis and Axis S (19 August 2004) | VQ-series V6 | Axis has tan leather seats. Axis S, newly added, has a black interior, dedicated seats, suspension, sports tyres and muffler. |
Gallery
In pictures
Drivetrain
Engine references
Editorial
The buyer's read
Choose the generation first, then the chassis code, then the build date. The WC34 has RB inline-six engines, a manual only on two grades and the Autech 260RS at the top. The M35 has VQ V6 engines, a turbo that ended in August 2004 and a manual only on the Axis 350S. Whichever you choose, work out the car's age from its own build date and check EPA's engine rule if you plan a US import.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- How many Stagea generations are there?
- Two. The WC34 went on sale in 1996, and Nissan's chronology lists its production ending in October 2001, while Car Sensor's production-model range ends in September 2001. The M35 went on sale on 16 October 2001, and Nissan's catalogue back numbers run to June 2007.
- Which Stagea has the RB26DETT?
- Only Autech's Version 260RS, a WC34 grade that Autech lists as a 1997 release and a revised 1998 release. Nissan's heritage page rates the engine at 206 kW (280 PS).
- Which Stageas had a factory manual?
- The documented ones are the WC34 25t RS FOUR S and Autech 260RS, both with five-speed manuals, and the M35 Autech Axis 350S with a six-speed manual.
- Did the M35 keep the RB engines?
- No. Nissan's M35 launch used VQ25DD, VQ30DD and VQ25DET V6 engines, and the VQ35DE arrived with the Axis 350S in June 2003 and the mainstream range in August 2004.
- Can I import a Stagea to the US or Canada?
- The US 25-year rule is judged on each car's own date of manufacture, so the model year and launch date do not decide it. EPA's 21-year exemption normally requires the original engine model and configuration; replacement-engine cars need equivalent or newer EPA-certified engines and emission-control systems. Check your state's rules too. Canada counts 15 years from the month and year of manufacture.
Citations
Sources & references
Sources (31)
- Nissan Heritage Collection: Stagea Autech Version 260RS — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection: Stagea rescue car — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan Fact File 2001-2002: vehicle-name origins — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan Birthday Cars: Stagea 25X, 1996 — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan model-change chronology (Nismo catalogue, third-party-hosted PDF) — Nissan Motor Co. / Nismo Verified
- Nissan historical wagon catalogue index — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan: launch of the new Stagea (15 October 2001) — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan/Autech: launch of Stagea Axis 350S (9 June 2003) — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan: Stagea minor model change (18 August 2004) — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan recall 995: Sunny and 22 other models — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Nissan improvement campaign 406: Stagea — Nissan Motor Co. Verified
- Autech: 1997 Stagea Autech Version 260RS — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Autech: 1998 Stagea Autech Version 260RS — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Autech: 1998 Stagea 260RS Japanese brochure — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Autech: 2002 Stagea Axis — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Autech: 2002 Stagea Axis Japanese brochure — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Autech: 2002 Stagea Aero Selection — Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. Verified
- Car Sensor: first-generation Stagea historical catalogue — Recruit Co. Verified
- MOTA: 1996 Stagea 2.0 20G specifications — MOTA Verified
- Motor-Fan: Stagea Prime Edition anniversary history — Motor Fan Verified
- Motor-Fan: Stagea 25t RS FOUR S — Motor Fan Verified
- Auto Express: Nissan Stagea buying guide and review (1996-2007) — Auto Express Verified
- ReDriven: used Nissan Stagea review — ReDriven Verified
- Autonoción: Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech — Autonoción Verified
- Classic Register: Stagea 260RS Series II identification guide — Classic Register Verified
- 49 CFR 591.5: declarations required for importation — Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School Verified
- EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
- CBSA Memorandum D19-12-1: importation of vehicles — Canada Border Services Agency Verified
- Transport Canada: importing older vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
- Wikimedia Commons: NISSAN Stagea.jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
- Wikimedia Commons: 2001-2004 NISSAN STAGEA.jpg — Wikimedia Commons Verified
Sources last verified: