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Nissan Cefiro

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Nissan Cefiro: The JDM sedan behind the Maxima and Infiniti I30. RB and VQ power, a tuner and drift base.
Photo: TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The JDM sedan behind the Maxima and Infiniti I30. RB and VQ power, a tuner and drift base.

The Nissan Cefiro is a Japanese-market sedan that shared platforms with the Maxima and Infiniti I30 across its generations. The first A31 Cefiro (1988-1994), with rear-wheel drive and RB-series inline sixes, became a popular and affordable drift and tuner platform, sharing much with the Skyline and Laurel. Later Cefiros moved to front-wheel-drive VQ V6 platforms shared with the Maxima. The A31 in particular is prized by drifters for its RB engine and rear-drive layout, an affordable alternative to the Skyline. On WhipJury, Cefiro submissions favor the A31 drift builds.

Cefiro highlights

A31 (1988-1994). Rear-drive, RB-series inline sixes, a popular drift platform.

Later generations. Front-drive VQ V6 sedans shared with the Maxima and I30.

Cefiro on WhipJury

The A31 is the enthusiast pick, an affordable RB-powered drift base.

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Cefiro

Why is the A31 Cefiro a drift favorite?
The first-generation A31 is rear-wheel drive with RB-series inline sixes shared with the Skyline and Laurel, making it an affordable, tunable drift platform.
Is the Cefiro related to the Maxima?
Later front-drive Cefiros shared platforms with the Maxima and Infiniti I30. The original A31 was a different rear-drive car.
What engine does the A31 Cefiro use?
RB-series inline sixes, including turbocharged variants, which is a big part of its drift and tuner appeal.
Can you import a Cefiro to the US?
Yes, the A31 (1988-1994) is now eligible under the 25-year import rule as a JDM enthusiast car.
Is the Cefiro rear-wheel drive?
The A31 is rear-wheel drive; later generations moved to front-wheel drive shared with the Maxima.

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