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Recently, the concept of Mizen Boushi (reliability problem prevention) has been applied in automotive development as a tool to refine drawings to the greatest completion possible by the prototype stage. GD3 is a quality innovation process that supports this objective, based on the pillars of Good Design, Good Discussion, and Good Design Review. Good Design tries to nip problems in the bud, and Good Discussion and Good Design Review are used to formulate the best countermeasures to those problems. The process utilizes creative FMEA (Failure Mode & Effects Analysis), FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), and a System Design Review. These tools focus attention on the many potential problems that could occur due to a change in design or environment. The System Design Review is especially useful to examine potential failure modes, root causes, part drawings, and prototype part designs. This is followed by a Design Review Based on Failure Mode (DRBFM for short), as a tool to guide discussion.

Nissan will soon be installing a multi-link front suspension in it's new 300ZX model. This suspension allows maximum improvement in controllability and stability, due to an optimum alignment given by it's unique independent kingpin mechanism. The incorporation of attitude control also provides flat ride by greatly mitigating jacking up and nose diving motions. This paper discusses the development objectives, and experimental data obtained in tests of the new suspension installed in the new 300ZX.

Nissan is installing a newly developed multi-link rear suspension in its new 240SX model. This suspension achieves maximum improvement in handling and stability through unique toe control, enhanced dynamic geometry and optimized alignment. The incorporation of attitude control also works to provide flat ride characteristics by greatly mitigating jacking up and squatting motions. This paper discusses the development objectives, results of CAD/CAE analyses and experimental data obtained in tests of the new suspension installed in the 240SX.

This paper deals with a new type of Miller cycle engine which is installed with an intake control rotary valve, and presents the experimental investigation on the test engine which was undertaken to examine the capacity of supercharging as well as fuel economy in the application of the new system to small-sized gasoline engines. An experimental investigation on the test engine with some simple modification to a conventional engine revealed that the intake control rotary valve installation is quite effective to control the virtual compression ratio. It was ascertained by an external supercharging test that reduced compression ratio with constant expansion ratio allowed the test engine to obtain a considerably higher level of torque in the low engine speed range than had been attained in conventional supercharged engines without any increase in fuel consumption.

In developing the new suspension used on Nissan's 300ZX model, special emphasis was placed on improving high-speed driving stability and controllability, as this suspension was specifically intended for use on a sports car. To achieve these development targets, a high-speed concept car based on the 280ZX was trial-manufactured with the cooperation of the Central Engineering Laboratories prior to the development of the 300ZX. In tests on the concept car it was confirmed that the cornering power of the rear wheels had to be increased to improve high-speed driving stability and controllability. The 300 ZX suspension has been developed around the basic ideas confirmed with the highspeed concept car. Other refinements made to the suspension include upgraded turning performance, a reduction of pitching motions caused by braking and driving forces and improved noise and vibration characteristics.