In October 1984 the C32 Laurel was released. Osamu Ito, Development Supervisor of the R31/32 Skyline, was assigned to redesign the Laurel. He saw the car needed significant changes, and set about doing so. Some of the Laurel’s new features included a 4-door sedan body, variations in the hardtop, an angular design (including a strong push), and the world’s first electric retractable door mirrors. The C32 was the last model to be sold in Europe, where the Laurel was replaced by the Nissan Maxima which was not available as a diesel and had a sportier, more luxurious air. The Laurel was often used as a taxi in Germany.

The C32 were fitted with a variety of gasoline engines, inline-fours and V6 engines ranging from 1.8 to 3.0 liters. Some engines, like the L24 and the electronically carburetted VG30S were reserved for export. The C32 Laurel also came with the LD28 diesel. In 1987 there were a minor facelift which basically were bigger bumpers, new grilles, and new lights in the front and back. The LD28 diesel engine were swapped out in favor of the similarly dimensioned RD28. This generation was the first Laurel to be equipped with a V6 engine.

The styling of the Nissan Laurel began to resemble the larger Nissan Cedric and Nissan Gloria but on a slightly smaller platform, with reduced tax liability based on the vehicles dimensions. The Toyota competitor was the Cresta hardtop and the Chaser sedan, and in 1986 the Honda Vigor.

The RB20E engine was equipped with six-cylinder series SOHC2.0L, VG20ET-SOHC2.0L V6 turbo, CA18S-series four-cylinder (LPG and specifications), LD28-series 6-cylinder diesel SOHC2.8L. The car’s system also integrated a C32 steering rack and adopted a rack-and-pinion type.

In May 1985, the Grand Extra Limited edition was released. Detail improvements were made in October 1985 and January 1986.

In October 1986 there were mechanical changes along with significant modifications to the exterior. There was a new turbocharged DOHC engine, the 2.0-liter RB20DET 24-valve six-cylinder, while the LD28 diesel engine was replaced by the new RD28-series six-cylinder diesel engine.

In May 1987 the “Grande Extra White Special” edition was released. In August of the same year, the Grande Touring Limited was added to lineup.

In February 1988 there was an improved and some 20 releases Super medalist anniversary special edition. In May 1988, the “White Limited” model was released. In September of the same year, the Super Series Selection was added to the lineup. In December private car and driving school versions were discontinued, leaving only taxis and other commercial models. In January 1989 Laurels with an automatic gearbox received a shift lock.

Also called Datsun Laurel
Chassis code: C32, PJC32
Assembly Musashimurayama, Japan
Designer Naganori Ito
Body style 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan
Layout front engine/rear drive
Engine
1.8 L CA18S I4
2.0 L CA20S I4
2.0 L RB20E I6
2.0 L RB20DET turbo I6
2.0 L VG20ET turbo V6
2.4 L L24E I6
3.0 L VG30S/VG30E V6
2.8 L LD28 diesel I6
2.8 L RD28 diesel I6
Transmission 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,670 mm (105.1 in)
Length 4,650 mm (183.1 in)
Width 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Curb weight 1,380 kg (3,042.4 lb)