Nisan Resurrects Cima Nameplate in Japan with a New Sedan Based on Stretched Infiniti M35h

Nearly two years after Nissan discarded its flagship model series in Japan, the Cima nameplate returns for another round in the premium sedan segment.

The Cima was introduced in Japan in the late 1980s to rival the Toyota Crown Majesta. From the mid-1990s, the Cima was based on the equivalent versions of the Infiniti Q45 series.

For its re-introduction in the Japanese market, Nissan chose to base the Cima on the long-wheelbase version of the Infiniti M35h, a China market-only model that made its world premiere at this week's Beijing Motor Show.

Like its Chinese counterpart, the Cima features a 5.9-inch (150mm) longer wheelbase than the standard Infiniti M and a rear passenger area highlighted by the additional legroom and many comfort amenities like the entertainment system and the power-reclining, heated and cooled seats.

In line with the times, the new Cima is offered with the same gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain as the Infiniti M35h that utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor delivering a total system output of 359-horses.