Nissan Primera Second Generation (P11)

Production period:	1996 to 2002
Body versions :	Sedan , station wagon
Engines:	Gasoline  : 1.6-2.0 liters (66-110 kW) Diesel  :2.0 liters (66 kW)
Length:	4430 mm
Width:	1700 mm
Height:	1410 mm
Wheelbase :	2600 mm
Curb weight :	1240-1355 kg

The P11 series of the car manufacturer Nissan was the second model of the Primera  . Until the first facelift was not a Traveler ( station wagon ) available in addition to the sedan with stepped or hatchback . To close this gap, the previous generation station wagon continued to be sold. The Primera P11 was sold in the US as the Infiniti G20 .

The official introduction of the Primera P11 was in September 1996 as notchback and hatchback. A wagon version of this model was not built until the first facelift, instead was still the W10 Traveler of the previous model available. The new edition of the Primera had grown in all dimensions and offered more space in the interior. Also, the P11 came up with greatly improved safety features. Thus, double airbags front, belt tensioner and ABS were standard in every version on board.

The chassis has also been greatly improved. Although the double wishbone front axle still came from the predecessor model Primera P10 , but the rear suspension was completely changed. The so-called compact-link rear suspension was used, in which a Scott Russell linkage is installed. This was already used in the Almera N15 and Maxima A32 , but the compact handlebar rear axle in the Primera P11 was for the first time combined with the double wishbone front axle. The on the Nürburgring Nordschleife tuned suspension earned good reviews for his handling. 

For the launch of the Primera P11 three gasoline engine with intake manifold injection and a diesel engine were available. The petrol engines came with slight modifications from the previous model P10, only a 2.0l engine with 131 hp was added to the program. Among the petrol engines, a new 2,0l- came turbodiesel with swirl chamber injection and 90 hp added. The turbo diesel was not newly developed, but it was the well-known CD20 diesel from the P10 and Sunny, it was only a permanent working turbocharger used and the engine was called CD20T. In April 1997, the engine range was expanded by a sports model, the GT, with 150 hp from a 2.0-liter engine.

As an engine only Nissan engines were offered, which were designed as a four-cylinder . The gasoline engines have 16 valves , which are driven by a timing chain via two overhead camshafts ( DOHC ). The diesel engine, however, has only 8 valves, which are operated via an overhead camshaft ( OHC ). Here the valve is controlled by a toothed belt .

Equipment variants

GX: presented the basic version, equipped with power steering, central locking, exclusively with 1.6l engine

Si: this equipment was the sportier basic variant, equipped with leather steering wheel, sport seats, rear spoilers and fog lights , only with 1.6l engine

SLX: this equipment was the standard equipment with velor seats, electric. Window regulators and mirror adjustment, but without air conditioning as standard

SRi: the standard sports equipment with leather steering wheel, sports seats, ZV, sports suspension, strut bars, rear spoiler

SE: luxury equipment with air conditioning, velor , leather steering wheel, BC , ZV with remote control , LM rims , wood decor, electr. Window regulators, chrome handles, with leather upholstery for an extra charge. Only with 2.0 l engine

GT: the Primera GT was the top model of the P11, equipped with partial leather sports seats, leather steering wheel, power windows, air conditioning, strut bars , sports suspension, side skirts, extended front and rear aprons, rear spoiler, BC, ZV with remote control. This model was available from April 1997 only with 2.0l engine (SR20DE) (150 hp) and as a saloon. It served as Homologations model for the Primera, which were used in the touring car sport.

Sportline: special edition of 50 red and 50 black vehicles. This edition is based on the GT and is additionally equipped with lowering springs, 17 "alloy wheels, sports pedals and" Sportline "lettering.

Primera P11-120 (1997-1999) 

The first facelift of the P11 was already in September 1997 and the Primera was then internally referred to as P11-120. Some technical and visual changes have been made and the equipment of the variants revised. The 1.6 and 2.0l engines got an increase in performance and the safety equipment was improved. From now on all 2.0 models received a larger brake system on the front axle with 280 mm diameter, as previously installed in the GT. In addition, an electronic brake force distribution(EBD) introduced and side airbags were standard. The revised version differs visually hardly from its predecessor and is mainly due to the change in taillights to recognize where the turn signals are now in yellow instead of white.

For the first time, a traveler based on the Primera P11 was introduced as the WP11-120 with the facelift . This replaced the previously still sold combination version of the previous generation of the Primera and was made like the sedan at Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) in Sunderland . 

Equipment variants 

The equipment variants were renamed with this model. The GX was merged into the basic equipment, Si and SRi under Motion, SLX to Competence, SE to Ambiente and GT to TopSport. In addition, there was in the equipment now a rear center armrest.

Also, from the facelift there was a special edition, which was based on the TopSport. It was called STW line and was limited to 200 vehicles. In addition, this model features Cromaflair (flip-flop) paint, 17 "alloy wheels (a special series of BBS ), leather sports seats, lowering, aluminum interior trim and stainless steel sill guards 

Primera P11-144 (1999-2002) 

The P11 was granted only in Europe with the version P11-144 a more extensive facelift. It took place in September 1999 and, in contrast to the predecessor models, is immediately recognizable by a modified front, a modified rear end and a corresponding side line (sill, trim, etc.). Inside, new seats and instruments were installed and the dashboard remained unchanged.

Despite major changes to the bodywork of the sedan remained their wheelbase and chassis unchanged, yet the outer length of the body grew by a total of 26 mm. The headlights and tail lights were kept in clear glass look and on the boot lid was additionally attached an electrical release.

The exterior of the Traveler , which is referred to in this version as WP11-144 , changed, however, not as strong as the sedan. The basic shape of the bodyshell remained virtually unchanged. At the front of the station wagon the new face was missed and the sidelines received a boost by new sills and moldings. The rear end was taken over unchanged from the previous model except for the bumper and thus the unlocking of the boot lid remained mechanical.

In addition, the engine range was revised and made some technical changes. The safety equipment was supplemented by standard head airbags and installed a modified brake system, which still had EBD, with mechanical brake assist . The trim levels have been refined with standard climate control and xenon light in the 2.0 models as well as the 1.8 Elegance.

At the end of 2000, changes were again made to the P11-144, some of which were prescribed by the Group's brother Renault saving measures. For example, seals on the bonnet, the tailgate and the headlamps as well as double seals on the doors were removed. A renewed change of the brake system by another brake booster and smaller brake discs on the rear axle as well as the omission of the sports equipment were further measures. In addition, the 1.6l engine was revised. The last version of the P11 series can be recognized by the fact that the antenna is now in the front roof area and a modified steering wheel was installed.

In June 2002, the model change to the successor Primera P12 was performed.

Equipment variants 

Base: ZV (only 1.6 and 1.8)

Comfort: ZV with FB, eFH, NSW (2,0: Xenon), leather steering wheel, radio

Sport: ZV with FB, eFH, NSW, sports suspension (only 2.0 as a sedan), sport seats, leather steering wheel, xenon, radio

Elegance: ZV with FB, eFH, NSW, xenon, wood-leather steering wheel, heated seats, radio with CD changer, automatic air conditioning

Family: ZV with FB, eFH, NSW, automatic air conditioning, radio with CD changer

Family Plus: ZV with FB, eFH, NSW, automatic climate control, radio with CD changer, xenon headlamps