Embargoed until 23 November 1999
NISSAN PUTS LIVE ENGINE DURABILITY TEST ON INTERNET
To demonstrate total commitment to quality, Nissan will conduct a 200 hour engine durability test live on the internet.
The engine will run at between 5500 and 7000 rpm – this represents the equivalent of driving over 30,000 miles at a speed of 155 miles per hour. The engine will carry a load equivalent to four passengers and their luggage, with a caravan on tow.
The test will give a global audience the chance to witness one of the many extreme endurance tests that are carried out on Nissan engines before they go into production. The engine being tested will power the New Nissan Almera which will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant from January 2000, and which goes on sale in Europe from next spring.
The test is designed to take the engine beyond its limits. It simulates the harshest possible driving conditions for every component, to ensure absolute durability and reliability under normal driving conditions.
Such is the stress exerted on the engine, the manifold glows red hot. The test takes the engine to four and a half times the temperature of normal operating conditions.
Every five hours, the engine is stopped for oil level and safety checks. Once the engineers are satisfied, the test is allowed to recontinue.
At the end of the test, the engine is stripped and every component is analysed and checked for wear and tear. In order to pass, the engine must be as good as new when it completes the test.
John Clarke, manager responsible for the engine testing said: “This is the first time that such a test has been carried out live on the internet. We wanted to demonstrate to a global audience the lengths to which Nissan engines are tested for maximum durability and reliability.
“This test of endurance is one of the many extreme tests carried out on Nissan engines before they are put into production. Other tests include running an engine in an ice chamber at - 40° C. With tests such as these, it is no surprise that Nissan cars perform consistently well in reliability surveys around the world.”
The engine test can be viewed live on Nissan’s UK website from the 23 November by accessing the innovation page at http://www.nissan.co.uk
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For further information, please contact:
Frank Shepherd, Corporate Affairs Administrator 01923 899930
Stewart McKee, Corporate Affairs Manager 01923 899930
25738/231199