Nissan Cedric X (Y34) photos

Introduced in 1999 and produced until 2004, the Y34 series represented the tenth and final generation of the long-running Nissan Cedric line before it was succeeded by the Nissan Fuga. Unlike earlier iterations that offered traditional pillared sedans alongside hardtops, the Y34 generation was built exclusively as a four-door pillarless hardtop with frameless side windows. Compared to the preceding Y33 series, the Y34 adopted a radically different exterior design language featuring muscular curves, a prominent high beltline, and distinctive headlamp layouts divided between the luxury-oriented Brougham trim and the sportier Gran Turismo variant. Built on an evolved rear-wheel-drive platform with optional all-wheel drive, the chassis emphasized structural rigidity, cabin quietness, and ride comfort. Under the hood, the Y34 Cedric transitioned primarily to Nissan's VQ-series V6 gasoline engines featuring direct injection technology, while all-wheel-drive variants utilized a turbocharged RB-series inline-six engine. Transmission choices included traditional electronically controlled automatic gearboxes as well as the innovative Extroid toroidal continuously variable transmission, which was a technological highlight of the era. A mid-cycle facelift in 2001 refreshed the front grille, bumpers, lighting elements, and interior electronics. While the Nissan Cedric Y34 was marketed primarily to domestic buyers in Japan, a V8-powered derivative of this platform was exported to North America where it was sold under the luxury division as the Infiniti M45.