Draft:Project 901 Movement

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Project "901 Movement" is an ambitious internal strategic project launched by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (日産自動車株式会社, Nissan Jidōsha kabushiki gaisha)  under the new president of Yutaka Kume (久米 豊, Kume Yutaka, born 1930), to make Nissan the number one manufacturer by 1990. "901 Movement" spurred the creation of many iconic road stars, including the Nissan Primera (日産プリメーラ (Nissan Purimēra), 300zx (Z32) (日産フェアレディZ (Z32型) (Nissan Feararedi Z (Z32-gata)), and Skyline R32 GT-R  日産スカイラインGT-R (R32型) (Nissan Sukairain GT-R (R32-gata)) and introduced lightweight multi-link suspension systems, improved weight distribution, and cutting-edge high-revving engines.

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  Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Logo
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  Nissan Global Headquarters

Background

In the years of 1908s, Nissan held a leading market share in both Japan and internationally with Toyota (Japanese: トヨタ自動車株式会社, Hepburn: Toyota Jidōsha kabushikigaisha, IPA: [toꜜjota], English: /tɔɪˈjoʊtə/):  Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer. In Malaysia, Datsun: Dattosan (ダットサン, Dattosan) - a Japanese automobile manufacturer brand owned by Nissan- gained significant popularity. Even though Nissan vehicles are reliable and functional, they still lacked emotional appeal, performance and modern features that consumers were beginning to demand.

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  Datsun
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  Japan in 1980

During the mid 1908s, Japan's economic boom period, the preferences of consumers on sleek, stylish and technologically advanced automobiles were wider than before. Meanwhile, Nissan's automobiles were perceived as outdated and not innovative, and Toyota responded swiftly to these demands with modern automobile lineups. Moreover, Nissan's strategic plan on global expansion - establishing a new auto plant in Sunderland, UK, which was expected to produce 100,000 units a year by 1991 - demands a powerful and innovative automobile to secure long-term success in the international market. Realising the urgency required transformation for both Japan and outside Japan, new Nissan President Yutka Kume initiated the "Project 901 Movement" in 1985 to make Nissan the world leader in automotive technology by 1990.

Project Launch and Strategy

The  901 Movements coincided with the peak of Japan's economic bubble era (1986–1991): massive asset inflation and corporate over-investment. This speculative atmosphere, Nissan agrees to aggressively pursue "Project 901 Movement" with financial freedom to take unprecedented risks - investing heavily in Research and Development, recruiting talented engineers, and accelerating development timelines.

The "Project 901 Movement" was officially announced in 1985; the number "901" symbolised both the target year (1990) ambition to be "number one" in the industry.  Nissan introduced both radical technological innovations and holistic corporate management transformation.

To emphasise the vision, President Kume swept through the structural reforms -the dismantling of entrenched bureaucracies] with companies and introduced "conductor teams"  that brought together specialists in engine, chassis, electronics, and design. Conductor teams were tasked with working on individual models, ensuring cohesion between performance, features and technological innovations; each section working in harmony under a conductor director, mirroring the structure of a symphony orchestra.

Development and Execution

"901 Movement's aggressive research and development (R&D) and integrated rapid-iteration strategy introduced radical automobile improvements. One of the key shifts was the implementation of "Ideas Baskets", where engineers, under the guidance of chassis development lead Takaaki Uno, were required to generate up to 100 new ideas per model. Nissan also streamlined its vehicle development cycles,  making use of advanced computer-aided design (CAD) tools and improved prototyping facilities from concept to production within a short time. This encouraged Nissan to launch approximately 30 new models between 1985 and 1990.

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  advanced computer-aided design (CAD)

Nissan's radicalimprovements in Chassis dynamics, Suspension design, Engine performance, Exterior and interior design, handling, and build quality laid the engineering and technological golden era of Nissan, culminating in notable vehicles like the R32 Skyline GTR, 300zx Z32, and Primera P10. The radical development wasn't limited to production vehicles; it also included a suite of concept cars such as MID4 and MID4-II, which introduced an all-wheel-drive system.

Notable Vehicles

Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) 

After a 16-year hiatus, Nissan revived the GT-R name with the R32 in 1989. Designed to dominate Group A racing, it introduced cutting-edge tech like ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and Super HICAS four-wheel steering. It became known as "Godzilla" due to its monstrous track performance and Japanese origin.

Specifications

Body Style	2-door coupé
Layout	Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine	2.6L RB26DETT twin-turbocharged inline-6
Transmission	5-speed manual
Power	~276 hp (officially), underrated in practice
Wheelbase	2,615 mm
Length	4,545 mm
Width	1,755 mm
Height	1,340 mm
Curb Weight	~1,430 kg
Notable Tech	ATTESA E-TS AWD, Super HICAS, multi-link suspension

Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

Launched in 1989, the Z32represented a radical redesign of the Fairlady Z lineage. Its sleek aesthetics and twin-turbocharged V6 engine positioned it at the zenith of Nissan's sports car innovation and luxurious appointments.

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  Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

Specifications

Body Style	2-door coupé, 2+2, convertible
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	3.0L VG30DE (naturally aspirated V6) / VG30DETT (twin-turbocharged V6)
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Power	~222–300 hp
Wheelbase	2,570 mm
Length	4,525 mm
Width	1,800 mm
Height	1,255 mm
Curb Weight	~1,570 kg
Notable Tech	Dual-mode suspension, Super HICAS four-wheel steering, T-top roofs (optional)

Nissan Primera (P10)

The P10Primera made its debut in 1990, targeting the European market with its sporty sedan handling, a characteristic achieved through its multi-link front and rear suspension system. Its participation in BTCC racing further solidified its motorsport credentials.

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  Nissan Primera P10

Specifications

Body Style	4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, estate
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Engine Options	1.6L–2.0L petrol inline-4, 2.0L diesel inline-4
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Power	~90–150 hp
Wheelbase	2,600 mm
Length	4,400 mm
Width	1,695 mm
Height	1,380 mm
Curb Weight	~1,200–1,300 kg
Notable Tech	Fully independent multi-link suspension, BTCC racing heritage

Nissan Silvia S13

The S13 Silvia became an icon of accessible, lightweight, rear-wheel drive performance. Its well-balanced chassis and readily available turbo power made it a favourite in drifting and among performance enthusiasts.

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  Nissan Silvia

Specifications

Body Style	2-door coupé, 3-door hatchback
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine Options	1.8L CA18DET turbocharged inline-4 / 2.0L SR20DET turbocharged inline-4
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Power	~170–205 hp
Wheelbase	2,475 mm
Length	4,470 mm
Width	1,690 mm
Height	1,290 mm
Curb Weight	~1,100–1,200 kg
Notable Tech	Multi-link rear suspension, HICAS four-wheel steering (select trims), significant aftermarket support

Nissan Silvia S14

Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the S14 Silvia offered refined styling and continued its reputation as a capable rear-wheel drive sports car with a strong aftermarket following.

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  Nissan Silvia

Specifications

Body Style	2-door coupé
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	2.0L SR20DET turbocharged inline-4
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Power	Officially ~220 hp (often higher in practice)
Wheelbase	2,525 mm
Length	4,500 mm
Width	1,730 mm
Height	1,295 mm
Curb Weight	~1,220 kg
Notable Tech	Multi-link rear suspension, HICAS four-wheel steering (select trims), extensive aftermarket support

Nissan Pulsar/Sunny (N14)

While generally considered an economy car, the GTI-R variant of the N14 Pulsar surprised the automotive world with its all-wheel drive system, turbocharged engine, and its status as a Group A rally homologation model.

Specifications

Body Style	3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive (standard) / Front-engine, all-wheel drive (GTI-R)
Engine Options	1.4L–2.0L petrol inline-4, 1.7L diesel inline-4 / GTI-R: 2.0L SR20DET turbocharged inline-4
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
Power (GTI-R)	~227 hp
Wheelbase	2,430 mm
Length	4,030 mm
Width	1,690 mm
Height	1,390 mm
Curb Weight	~1,100–1,250 kg
Notable Tech	All-wheel drive (GTI-R), rally-tuned suspension (GTI-R), Group A rally homologation (GTI-R)

Infiniti Q45 (G50)

Nissan's luxury arm, Infiniti, debuted in the United States with the Q45. It defied conventional luxury car design with its minimalist styling, potent V8 engine, and available active suspension technology, directly challenging established European luxury brands.

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  Infiniti Q45

Specifications

Body Style	4-door luxury sedan
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine	4.5L VH45DE V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Power	~278 hp
Wheelbase	2,870 mm
Length	5,090 mm
Width	1,820 mm
Height	1,420 mm
Curb Weight	~1,800 kg
Notable Tech	Active suspension (early models), multi-link rear suspension, luxurious interior

Nissan Laurel (C33)

The C33 Laurelwas marketed as a sophisticated sedan that cleverly blended luxury with performance. Built on a platform that shared suspension and drivetrain components with the Nissan Skyline, it became a popular choice among tuning enthusiasts.

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  Nissan Pulsar

Specifications

Body Style	4-door hardtop sedan
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine Options	1.8L inline-4, 2.0L–2.5L inline-6 (RB-series), diesel engines
Transmission	5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic / 5-speed automatic
Dimensions	Wheelbase: 2,670 mm	Length: 4,690 mm	Width: 1,695 mm	Height: 1,365 mm
Curb Weight	~1,330 kg
Notable Tech	RB20DET turbocharged engine options, multi-link suspension, chassis popular for drifting modifications

Technological Innovations

Multi-Link Suspension System

The multi-link suspension, pioneered by Nissan for production cars in the late 1980s, was revolutionary in balancing ride comfort, cornering stability, and wheel alignment precision. Unlike conventional struts or double-wishbone setups, multi-link systems allow engineers to fine-tune camber, toe, and caster independently.

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  Multi-Link Suspension System

Highlights

• Independent control of wheel motion → better grip and handling.
• Reduces bump steer and torque steer (especially in FWD cars).
• Used both front (Primera P10) and rear (Skyline R32, 300zx Z32), depending on model.
• Front Multi-Link: Nissan Primera P10
• Rear Multi-Link: Nissan R32 GT-R, Silvia S13/S14, 300ZX Z32
• Enabled sedan models to handle like sports cars, a hallmark of Project 901.

ATTESA E-TS AWD System (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain with Electronic Torque Split)

Debuting on the R32 GT-R, ATTESA E-TS was Nissan's electronically controlled AWD system that used sensors to detect wheel slip and driver input, dynamically shifting power to the front wheels when needed.

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  Multi-Link Suspension System

Highlights

• Sensors monitor yaw rate, throttle position, G-forces, and wheel speed
• In milliseconds, the hydraulic clutch engages the front driveshaft → up to 50% torque to the front
• RWD feel with AWD grip
• Excellent cornering exit stability and wet/snow traction
• Hugely effective in motorsports (Group A, N1 racing)
• Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, R33, R34
• Later modified in ATTESA E-TS Pro (added active LSD and more sensors)

HICAS – High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering (Four-Wheel Steering)

Nissan's HICASwas a pioneering four-wheel steering system that improved high-speed stability and cornering response. It used electronic actuators (early models used hydraulics) to subtly steer the rear wheels in coordination with the front.

Highlights:

• Below ~60 km/h: rear wheels turn slightly opposite to front (enhanced maneuverability)
• Above ~60 km/h: rear wheels turn slightly with front (better lane change, stability)
• Reduces understeer during high-speed cornering
• Enhances responsiveness and steering precision
• Improves yaw control in evasive maneuvers

VG Series V6 Engines (VG30DE / VG30DETT)

The VG series was Nissan's first mass-produced V6 engine family.

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  V6 Engine

HICAS – High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering (Four-Wheel Steering)

• Displacement: 3.0l
• Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valve
• Forced Induction: Twin turbochargers (Garrett T22)
• Output: ~300 hp and 283 lb-ft (Japan-spec)
• Construction: Iron block, aluminium heads
• The short V-angle (60°) made it compact
• Twin turbos had minimal lag for their era
• Robust bottom end → strong tuning base

"Ideas Basket" – Rapid Iteration Engineering Philosophy

Project 901 wasn't just about hardware—it was about rethinking Nissan's internal process. Engineers were encouraged to collaborate across departments, test concepts rapidly, and build cars not for cost-cutting but for engineering excellence.

• Prototypes could be pushed into production if they proved performance-focused.
• Engineers from racing, production, and design worked in shared "task forces."
• Innovations like multi-link suspension and electronic aids were refined through motorsport.
• The R32 GT-R was developed using lessons from Group A racing.
• The 300zx was designed around technology first, cost second.
• Primera's platform evolved into a BTCC winner.

Concept and Prototype Models

Nissan MID4 (1985 Frankfurt Motor Show)

The original Nissan MID4, unveiled at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, was a bold demonstration of Nissan's technological aspirations under Project 901. Designed as a mid-engine, all-wheel-drive sports car, the MID4 served more as a rolling prototype than a production-bound vehicle. It combined an advanced powertrain layout and electronic systems that were revolutionary for the mid-1980s.

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  Nissan MID4

Key Features

Engine	3.0L VG30DE V6 (naturally aspirated, DOHC)
Layout	Mid-engine, all-wheel drive
Chassis	Multi-link suspension (precursor to production versions)
Steering	Early version of HICAS four-wheel steering
Performance	~245 hp (estimated)

Significance: Not intended for mass production; Served as a technology testbed for AWD, HICAS, and VG engine development; Embodied Nissan's "No.1 by 1990" vision—a technological statement to Europe and the world.

Nissan MID4-II (1987 Tokyo Motor Show)

The MID4-II, revealed two years later at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, was a significant refinement of the original concept, both aesthetically and mechanically. It featured production-intent components that would go on to power the 300zx Z32 and influence the R32 GT-R.

• Nissan MID4 II
  Nissan MID4 II

Key Features

Engine	3.0L VG30DETT V6 (twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 24-valve)
Output	~330–350 hp (estimated, unofficial)
AWD system	Prototype version of what evolved into ATTESA E-TS
Steering	Updated HICAS rear-wheel steering system

Significance: Represented Nissan's most advanced prototype to date; Though never produced, it directly influenced the drivetrain, suspension, and electronics of the 300zx (Z32) and Skyline GT-R (R32); Helped prove the feasibility of a mid-engine AWD layout for high-performance.

Market Legacy

The 901 Movement dramatically reshaped Nissan's pubic image; Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32), 300zx (Z32), and Primera (P10) were heralded for their advanced engineering. Most media often praised Nissan as surpassing them in innovation with its global competitors.

In particular, the R32 Skyline GT-R with TTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system and RB26DETT engine surprised the high-performance car world. Nicknamed "Godzilla" by the Australian press due to its dominance in touring car racing, 300ZX(Z32) received numerous awards, including a spot on Car and Driver's 10 Best list for several consecutive years.

The technologies pioneered during the 901 movement, such as multi-link suspension, four-wheel steering (HICAS), computer computer-controlled AWD systems, were soon studied or replicated by rival manufacturers. Internationally, the 901 Movement helped Nissan's global reputation; the company expanded its reach in Europe and North America.

Challenges and Financial Consequences

The 901 Movement, launched in 1985 under Nissan President Yutaka Kume, was conceived during a period of extraordinary economic optimism in Japan. However, its financial and structural demands, coupled with a rapidly changing global economy, ultimately pushed the company into one of the most turbulent periods in its history.

Speculative Growth and Economic Overconfidence

The 901 strategy was built on the macroeconomic tailwinds of the Japanese Bubble Economy (1986–1991). As land and stock prices soared, Japanese firms, including Nissan, aggressively expanded through zaitech (財テク)—financial engineering practices that emphasised asset speculation over core business fundamentals.

Between 1985 and 1990, Nissan introduced over 30 new or heavily updated models, all of which featured major upgrades in design, powertrain, suspension, and electronic systems. But this rapid model development demanded massive investment in R&D, tooling, production lines, and marketing, stretching Nissan's resources thin.

Collapse of the Bubble and Internal Crisis

The collapse of Japan's speculative asset bubble in 1991–1992 hit Nissan particularly hard. As interest rates climbed and asset values fell, consumer confidence evaporated. Sales of high-end and niche models—many of which were part of the 901 portfolio—dropped sharply. Nissan's dependency on Japan's overheated domestic market and aggressive assumptions of perpetual growth left it financially overexposed.

In 1992, Nissan reported its first annual net loss since becoming publicly traded. That same year, President Kume resigned, acknowledging the growing crisis. His successor, Yoshifumi Tsuji (Japanese: 辻 義文, Tsuji Yoshifumi)implemented sweeping austerity measures, including:

• Layoffs and voluntary retirement programs
• Closure of underperforming domestic plants
• Reduction of overseas manufacturing investment
• Halting or delaying multiple future 901-based development projects

Despite these measures, Nissan remained unprofitable in all but one year under Tsuji's leadership (1992–1996), revealing the structural weaknesses of the company's global strategy and cost base.

Strategic Failures and Market Misalignment

While 901's technological achievements were significant, many of its vehicles were launched into increasingly saturated or declining segments. Cars like the Infiniti Q45, Cefiro, and Laurel C33 offered cutting-edge performance and luxury but lacked the global branding power and dealership networks to support sustained sales.

Simultaneously, Nissan struggled with platform and brand fragmentation, producing too many overlapping models on similar chassis. The domestic lineup was particularly bloated, with similar sedans and coupes competing in the same showrooms under different sub-brands (e.g., Bluebird, Cefiro, Laurel, Gloria).

In contrast, competitors like Toyota adopted more centralised, scalable global strategies. By the early 1990s, Toyota was reaping the benefits of platform consolidation and had launched Lexus with a global focus and clarity—something Nissan's Infiniti brand failed to match in identity or cohesion.

Restructuring and the Renault Alliance

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  Nissan-Renault Alliance

By the late 1990s, Nissan's declining market share, financial losses, and debt accumulation made it unsustainable as a standalone entity. Initial merger talks with Daimler-Benz failed, and in 1999, Nissan entered a strategic alliance with Renault, which acquired a 36.8% stake in the company. Carlos Ghosn, sent from Renault, initiated a radical restructuring plan—cutting costs, eliminating underperforming models, consolidating platforms, and reducing Nissan's supplier base. His efforts would eventually stabilise the company and lead to the revival of the GT-R badge (R35) and the Nissan Leaf project in the 2000s.

Conclusion

The 901 Movement was an ambitious and visionary initiative that sought to position Nissan as the world's leading automaker by 1990. Under the leadership of President Yutaka Kume, it catalyzed a technological renaissance within the company, fostering innovations in vehicle dynamics, engine performance, and design philosophy. Models like the Skyline GT-R (R32), 300ZX (Z32), and Primera (P10) embodied the cutting-edge engineering and design principles that defined the era.

While the project succeeded in redefining Nissan's technological identity, it also revealed the limits of aggressive innovation amid an unstable economic landscape. The over-investment and operational scaling that accompanied the movement became significant liabilities following the burst of Japan's economic bubble. The financial strain that ensued exposed structural inefficiencies and set the stage for Nissan's gradual decline through the 1990s.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the 901 Movement endures. Its vehicles are now celebrated as icons of Japanese automotive engineering, widely admired for their performance, innovation, and design. These models not only elevated Nissan's brand on the global stage but also influenced industry standards and inspired future generations of engineers and enthusiasts.

In retrospect, the 901 Movement represents both a high watermark of technical achievement and a cautionary tale of strategic overreach. Its blend of bold ambition and unintended consequences helped shape the trajectory of Nissan, leading eventually to the pivotal Renault-Nissan Alliance and a redefined corporate identity in the new millennium.

See also

• Nissan Skyline GT-R
• Nissan 300ZX
• Japanese bubble economy
• Toyota Motor Corporation