Eighth generation (C35; 1997)
Most of the information in this article was translated from the Nissan Laurel article on Japanese Wikipedia at ja:日産・ローレル.

Nissan Laurel

Nissan Laurel 2.5 Medalist
Overview
Model code C35
Production 1997–2002
Assembly
Musashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan
Kaminokawa, Tochigi, Japan
Designer Kozo Watanabe (1996)
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door hardtop
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related Nissan Skyline R34
Nissan Stagea Series II WC34
Powertrain
Engine
2.0 L RB20DE NEO I6
2.5 L RB25DE NEO I6
2.5 L RB25DET NEO turbo I6
2.5 L RB25DET turbo I6
2.8 L RD28E diesel SOHC I6
Transmission 4-speed automatic RE4R01B
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length 4,765 mm (187.6 in)
Width 1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Curb weight 1,440 kg (3,174.7 lb)
Chronology
Successor Nissan Teana

Nissan Laurel 2.5 Medalist
The eighth and last generation debuted in June 1997. Holding to traditional product refreshes, the C35 Laurel remained consistent with its established role as the slightly longer Skyline. It has a softer appearance and a luxury approach to equipment, performance, handling, and market value in an ever-increasing competitive market. Competition grew from within, with the Cedric and Gloria Gran Turismo, the Cima Grand Touring, and the growing international popularity of the Skyline. Economic conditions were having a substantial effect on sales as the “bubble economy” began to collapse. Starting in 1999, the Nissan Japanese dealership network was reorganized, and the Laurel was now available at Nissan Blue Stage locations. The Laurel was now in a more crowded list of available performance luxury sedans.

The available engines were the RB25DET NEO turbo, the RB25DET turbo, the RB25DE NEO engine, the RB20DE NEO, and all were updated with Nissan variable valve timing technology called NEO. The RD28E diesel SOHC I6 remained. The only transmission available was the four-speed automatic, while the Dualmatic M-ATx automatic transmission with manual mode was optional for all RWD vehicles. The model number is HC35 for the 2000cc model, GC35 for the 2WD model (GCC35 for SUPER HICAS specification)/GNC35 for the 4WD model, and SC35 for the diesel engine model.

The suspension package remained the same as the previous generation, whether it was RWD or AWD, and the last separation generation continued; the Medalist was RWD, and the Club was RWD or optional AWD. If it was rear-drive, it was MacPherson struts for the front wheels but now offered multi-links for the rear suspension from the Skyline. If it was AWD, it used the multi-link for all wheels to accommodate ATTESA E-TS and was identified as “2.5 Club S-Four”. In October 1997, a special trim package was offered called the 25 Club S 30th Anniversary released to commemorate Laurel’s 30th anniversary, and was only painted in Red Pearl with 15″ aluminum alloy wheels.

The all-new telematics in-car navigation system called Compass Link was installed as an extra-cost option in all trim packages beginning with this generation. Vehicles equipped were the Medalist NAVI Edition and subsequent special editions with the NAVI badge.