ago) would have same hp as my TT...silly, but true...here's the article.

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Nissan Holds Its Horses on Power Claims
Source: Detroit Free Press

8/15/01 3:32:00 AM


Aug. 15--Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and its Infiniti luxury division, stung by criticism that they overstated the speed of the Infiniti Q45 sedan, have quietly pulled back on horsepower claims for a pair of new engines.

At auto shows and media previews this year, Nissan said the 4-cylinder engine in the upcoming 2002 Altima midsize sedan would produce 180 horsepower. Now, with the Altima weeks away from dealerships, Nissan has lowered that figure to a still-impressive 175 horsepower.

Nissan has also backpedaled on its widely publicized claim that its new 3.5-liter V6, destined for the 2002 Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I35, would deliver 260 horsepower.

Nissan, which touted the claim at the New York International Auto Show in April, now says the engine generates 255 horsepower.

Reducing claims for the two engines by 5 horsepower might not seem like a big deal. But automakers are highly sensitive to claims made by competitors, which they often loudly proclaim to gain an edge in the marketplace.

Nissan will roll out four new models in September and October with the engines. In addition to the Altima, the 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V will also use the 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine.

Recently, Infiniti has fended off criticism over its claim that its flagship Q45 sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 5.9 seconds. Automotive media and industry consultants who have tested the 340-horsepower Q45 have consistently failed to break the 6-second barrier.

Nissan officials have staunchly defended their acceleration figures for the Q45. The more-modest power claims for the new engines aren't related to the Q45 controversy, said Kurt Von Zumwalt, director of Nissan product public relations.

Von Zumwalt said the engine power ratings were preliminary figures, engineering targets that the company couldn't quite match in production.

We had every expectation of meeting the target, but the fact is we're a few horsepower shy, Von Zumwalt said. Better to err on the side of caution.

Fudging horsepower ratings might be tempting for automakers. But the practice can also damage reputations and cost automakers a bundle.

Last year, Ford Motor Co. was forced to cancel a full year of production of its SVT Mustang Cobra after luring buyers with promises that the 1999 model produced 320 horsepower.

Savvy Mustang owners tested their cars and found suspiciously less power than advertised. An embarrassed Ford blamed the power shortage on manufacturing flaws in intake and exhaust systems.

The automaker canceled the 2000 model while it tracked down and fixed about 95 percent of 8,100 1999 Cobra coupes and convertibles.

Mazda Motor Corp. advertised the 2001 Miata's jump to 155 horsepower. But slow acceleration times in auto magazines focused attention on the claim. Mazda acknowledged the engine, when retuned to meet U.S. emissions standards, produced only 142 horses. The automaker offered to buy back underperforming cars or give owners free maintenance during the warranty period and a $500 debit card.

Even at 175 horsepower, the Altima will still boast the strongest non-turbocharged 4-cylinder among midsize sedans. But the reduced V6 rating means the automaker won't be able to tout class-leading power for its Infiniti I35 entry-luxury sedan.

The Acura 3.2 TL Type S, with 260 horsepower, will top the Infiniti's revised rating by 5 horsepower. Infiniti, which considers Acura's Type S model a nonstandard version of the 3.2 TL, now says the I35 has the highest standard horsepower in its class.

 

I guess I can tell people that my car has 480hp and has Twin Turbos(TT)and I guess they would believe me.