Not-so-Silly Stagea

The Japanese car industry is famous for its weird and wacky concepts.

One concept that seems to fall into this category is the Nissan Stagea RS Four – a machine using left-over Skyline R33 RB25DET six cylinder turbo engines and GT-R type 4WD crammed into a wagon body.

But, hang on, maybe it’s not such a crazy idea after all...

The Stagea RS Four helps fill the void between the rear-drive R33 Skyline coupe and contemporary GT-R. It packs 2.5 litre GTS turbo power together with the handling advantages of Nissan’s active 4WD system. And, of course, here is a go-fast Nissan that offers a useable amount of rear space – shock, horror!

The C34-series Nissan Stagea was released in Japan during late 1996. There were several models on offer, the most desirable being the RS Four – RS denoting turbocharged and Four identifying 4WD.

Under the lid, the early Stagea RS Four packs a RB25DET 2.5 litre straight-six ala R33 Skyline GTS25t. It uses a DOHC, 4-valve head, variable inlet cam timing and a ceramic turbine turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler. Peak power is listed at 173kW at 6400 rpm while there’s 275Nm at 4800 rpm.

Note that base model Stageas come fitted with naturally aspirated RB25DEs – or even a pov-pack RB20E!

Backing the Stagea RS Four’s RB25DET is a standard 4-speed electronically-controlled auto transmission. There was no option for a manual gearbox at the time of release. As far as we can determine, the 4WD system is based on that of the R33 GT-R Skyline – the E-TS identifies it having electronic controlled torque-split. A rear LSD was optional.

Weighing up to 1650kg, the Stagea RS Four can accelerate to 100 km/h in under 7.0 seconds and covers the quarter in around 15.0. Not at all shabby for a wagon!

The Stagea’s wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension incorporates many aluminium components similar to those used in the GT-R. Steering is power assisted and braking is by way of ventilated discs with ABS control. The RS Four’s guards are filled by 15 inch alloys, except for a slightly sportier RS Four V which boasts 16s with 205/55 tyres.

Note that the mechanical make-up of performance Stagea range was changed dramatically with a ‘Series 2’ update in 1998.

The R33-spec engine was upgraded to the more environmentally-friendly NEO-spec RB25DET (as used in the R34 Skyline). The NEO-spec RB25DET brings a larger turbo, bigger intercooler and various other tuning mods to increase output to 206kW. Torque is also improved to 334Nm at a more accessible 3200 rpm. The standard automatic transmissions were also updated to provide a sequential shift mechanism.

Interestingly, a 5-speed manual version was also released in the Series 2. In addition to the manual ‘box, this machine scores a standard rear LSD and the availability of 17 inch wheels. This is one of the best Stagea packages you can buy.

Curiously, the Series 2 Stagea was also released in rear-wheel-drive form. The rear-drive monster uses strut type front suspension, standard LSD, traction control and weighs almost 100kg less than the all-paw version.

Externally, the Series 2 receives Xenon headlights and standard 16 inch wheels for performance models. Note that the RS Four name was discontinued for 1998, with the new models taking up a new identification system – for example, 25t RS Four S identifies the manual turbo 4WD version and 25t RS V identifies the RWD turbo.

Visually, the Stagea RS Four (and later variants) carry plenty of add-ons to identify them as more than mere grocery-getters. The nose incorporates large cooling apertures, a sports-spec bumper with fog lights, there are side skirts, and on many examples, a rear spoiler. Series 2 versions have a slightly different nose and rear light treatments.

Inside, the Stagea RS Four scores digital climate control, power windows, leather wheel and dual airbags across all spec levels. In 1997, a new luxury-spec 4WD turbo version was added – the X-type with standard timber trim, electric driver’s seat and navigation. Other equipment found in the range include CD player, leather trim and electric sunroof(s).

The Stagea is not the most space-efficient vehicle you’ll find but it does offer some major practicality advantages over the performance Nissan coupes. The rear seat (although not great for knee room) offers useable accommodation and the rear cargo area is huge. The rear seat backrest is split to allow bulky cargo to be carted – at speed, of course!

And, as you’ve probably realised, the Stagea is a car with huge tuning potential.

The RB25DET (both R33 and R34-spec) responds well to an exhaust, intake and management upgrade. Boost pressure can also be lifted for an easy torque gain across the rev range. We expect that about 14 psi boost together with intake, exhaust and management mods will provide around 250kW – more than enough to run with a GT-R!

The Stagea seen in these photos, owned by Lee Haskings, is a 1998 model with the last of the R33-spec engines. Having stepped out of a modified Starlet turbo (see Startling Starlet) he says the RS Four has great top-end performance but is a bit sluggish at lower speeds. This, he says, might be due to the auto transmission – the stall converter rpm not allowing maximum acceleration on take-off.

"But the handling is brilliant," says Lee.

"It feels like a rear-wheel-drive in the way it drives – it can power oversteer when you want," he says. The ride is firm for a production wagon but still comfortable.

Lee has also given the car some effective Stage 1 tuning mods. The exhaust is a cat-back 3 inch job, the intake uses a BMC panel filter and boost pressure is raised from about 7 to 10 psi. These mods give the RS Four about 140kW at all four wheels (on a Dyno Dynamics chassis dyno) along with improved response and flexibility.

Note that the C34 series Stagea was superseded by an all-new V6-powered series in late 2001. C34s are currently available for purchase under Australia’s SEVS arrangement and, alternatively, a few are available for sale privately. Prices start at around 20 grand depending on age, condition and spec. Lee’s particular car is now offered for sale at AUD$22,000 – contact Lee at lee@toowoombacarforum.com if you’re genuinely interested.

One thing is for certain - the Stagea 4WD turbo is a lot more than a novelty creation by a group of bored Nissan engineers!

The Ultimate Stagea! For the 1998 model year, the Autech 260RS version of the Stagea was released – essentially a Skyline GT-R in a wagon body! The 260RS receives the famous RB26DETT twin-turbo 2.6 litre six making the Japanese regulation 206kW output (and a bit!) with 368Nm and a 5 speed gearbox connected to all four wheels. It also received Brembos, HICAS, upgraded suspension and mechanical rear LSD. This is a 13 second wagon with awesome potential for targa racing! They are, however, very rare.