Nissan Terrano R50

Nissan's company history lists the Terrano as Model R50 in September 1995 and the Mistral as Model R20 in June 1994. Nissan Motor Ibérica began shipping the Mistral (also called Terrano II) to Japan in April 1994, and Nissan named a Europe-only 4WD Terrano II in February 1993. The Terrano Regulus (JR50) was introduced in August 1996. Nissan's February 1999 catalogue gives both Terrano and Regulus five seats and a 2,700 mm wheelbase, so the Regulus is not a stretched seven-seater. Nissan's market table pairs the JR50 Regulus with the Infiniti QX4.

Nissan's February 1999 catalogue calls the body a Monoframe body. MotorFan describes the frame as built into a monocoque body, with two rows and five seats. Front suspension is strut and the rear is five-link coil, steering is rack and pinion, and the front brakes are ventilated discs with rear drums. The catalogue lists lengths of 4,640 mm for the Terrano and 4,670 mm for the Regulus, widths of 1,770 mm (standard) and 1,820 mm (wide) for the Terrano and 1,840 mm for the Regulus, and 210 mm of ground clearance. An optional rear spare-wheel carrier adds 205 mm to the Terrano and 155 mm to the Regulus.

MotorFan lists two engines for the 1995 launch: a 130 PS intercooled turbo diesel and a 170 PS 3.3-litre V6. A MotorFan catalogue entry for the August 1996 wide All-Mode R3m-R Limited names the diesel as the TD27ETi at 130 PS and 28.4 kgm. Nissan's August 1996 release adds models with the new QD32ETi engine, and Autech's September 1997 Field Base catalogue lists it at 3,153 cc and 150 PS. Nissan's February 1999 catalogue lists the ZD30DDTi diesel and the VG33E V6 at 170 PS each, and says all its output figures are net. Rally-car outputs are not road-car ratings.

MotorFan says All-Mode 4x4 is based on the electronically controlled torque-split system of the Skyline GT-R. Nissan's February 1999 catalogue lists a two-speed transfer with a 1.000 high and 2.596 low ratio, and a rear-wheel-drive VG33E with no transfer case. Autech's 1995 Astroad catalogue lists All-Mode and part-time 4WD variants and offers a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. In February 1999 every listed variant uses a full-range electronically controlled four-speed automatic. A Japanese VG33E manual was not found in the sources used.

Terrano grades are R3m-R (wide, 4WD), R3m-X (wide, 4WD, or 2WD with the VG33E), R3m-V (standard width, 4WD) and the Aero Limited Package. The Regulus grades are RS-R Limited and RS-R SV, both wide and 4WD. Dual front airbags, ABS and brake assist are standard across the range, side airbags are optional, and a rear limited-slip differential is optional on some grades. The catalogue lists woodgrain-effect panels and leather trim on some grades. A multi-AV navigation screen was a factory option, and cold-region cars carry two diesel batteries, heated mirrors and a stronger diesel heater.

Autech's 1995 catalogue covers the Astroad, with TD27ETi and VG33E variants and the KD-PR50 type for the diesel. Its September 1997 Field Base is a camper conversion registered in Japan's 8-number category, with five seats and two sleeping places, a length of 4,530 mm and QD32ETi (KD-RR50) and VG33E (E-LR50) base vehicles. The Starfire is an Autech edition of the Terrano Regulus, listed in Autech's 1999 catalogue with its own special equipment.

Nissan's Heritage Collection describes a replica of the Nissan Private Japon R50 that ran the 1996 Granada-Dakar Rally: the Ishihara and Saito team finished 60th and the Takeda and Sugimoto team 62nd. The display car is built to North American specification. A second Heritage car, based on the R50, won the 2000 Rally Raid Mongolia overall and the unmodified production petrol class, Nissan's second consecutive overall win. Nissan's Heritage page lists 175 PS for that rally car, which is not a road-car rating.

Nissan USA says the 1996 to 2004 Pathfinder switched to unibody construction. MotorWeek's 1997 road test of the US Pathfinder lists a 3.3-litre V6 with 168 horsepower and 196 lb-ft, and a strut front and five-link rear. Nissan's Japanese catalogue lists the VG33E at 170 PS, a different unit and market. Nissan's 2011 recall for certain 1996 to 2004 US Pathfinders in salt states concerns left front strut housing corrosion; the sources used do not show it covers Japanese cars.

The US 25-year rule counts from each car's manufacture date (49 CFR 591.5(i)). EPA's separate exemption for vehicles at least 21 years old normally requires the original engine configuration; equivalent or newer EPA-certified replacement engines and emission-control systems may qualify. Check engine eligibility with EPA before importing. State registration rules vary. Canada counts 15 years from the month and year of manufacture, and Transport Canada notes that some provinces will not license right-hand-drive vehicles.