Kouki (late model)
On August 23rd, 1988 only minor changes occurred. Although there were only minor changes with the exterior, interior, and engine, it almost took on an appearance of a whole different model. The top of the line model, known as the Ultima Turbo, shared the same engine as the Nissan Cima. This engine, known as the VG30DET, was capable of putting out 255hp, which surpassed that of the Toyota Soarer (7MGTEU @ 232hp). Although this was great move on Nissan’s part, it was still unable to capture the interest of the public. The Toyota Soarer would still prove victorious in sales.
In February of 1992, the Nissan Leopard slowly faded out of the lineup. During the six years that the Leopard was in production, there were roughly 38,000 F31s produced. Surprisingly, today used F31 Leopards have become popular and go for a higher price than a used Toyota Soarer. In Japan, the F31 Leopard is a rarity that is cherished by a rather large group of cult-like Nissan Leopard owners. (Credit and Translated from Nori of f31-leopard.main.jp )
The Nissan leopard was the base for the US Infiniti M30. While the Q45 was being made, Nissan wanted to have another car for the first line up. That car was the leopard transformed to M30.
Additionally, while this later term F31 is a mid generation upgrade, it did not just have headlight, bumper and tail light changes. The Dash was changed too. Essentially, I consider the later term or Kouki F31 almost a different car.
There were also a few different colors, a few options for two tone.
As Nori mentioned, the big change was the VG30DET engine offered in the Ultima Turbo trim. Here is the engine line up:
VG30DET type 2.960L V6 DOHC turbo
VG30DE type 2.960L V6 DOHC
VG20DET type 1.998L V6 DOHC turbo
VG20E type 1.998L V6 SOHC
All came with 4 speed automatic transmission.
The VG30DET was offered in the Ultima Turbo edition.
Same trim levels as the Zenki – Ultima, XS and XJ
There are differences with the front and rear bumpers. The 3.0 Ultimas have the same bumpers that are offered in the US.
The lower trims levels that have the VG20DET have bumpers that are shorter. Also the bumper has a vent located on the left side of the bumper for intercooler induction. This bumper is called “Turbo bumper”.
Many of us in the US did not know about this and the differences until Hirohisa and Kazuho explained it.
The typical headlight and tail light changes also occurred. As you can see, the headlights are round with separate corner lamps. The tail lights were also redesigned.
While the headlights and the whole front is different, the tail lights are interchangeable between the early and late models.