Infiniti is a luxury car brand that was founded in 1989 by the Japanese automaker Nissan. The brand was created to compete with other luxury brands such as Lexus and Acura, which were gaining popularity in the United States at the time. Infiniti’s goal was to offer Japanese-style luxury cars that would appeal to American buyers.
Early Years
Infiniti launched its first two models, the Q45 and the M30, in 1989. The Q45 was Infiniti’s flagship sedan and was designed to compete with luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The M30 was a two-door coupe that was based on the Nissan Leopard and was designed to compete with the Lexus SC and the Acura Legend coupe.
Infiniti’s early years were marked by a focus on performance and technology. The Q45 featured a powerful V8 engine and advanced features such as active suspension and four-wheel steering. The M30, meanwhile, was one of the first cars to offer a built-in CD player.
1990s and 2000s
In the 1990s and 2000s, Infiniti expanded its lineup to include a range of sedans, coupes, and SUVs. The brand’s best-selling model during this time was the G35, a compact luxury sedan that was introduced in 2003. The G35 was praised for its performance and handling, and was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 2003.
Infiniti also introduced several concept cars during this time, including the Essence and the Emerg-E. These concepts showcased the brand’s design direction and commitment to innovation.
Recent Years
In recent years, Infiniti has focused on expanding its global presence and developing new technologies. In 2018, the brand announced that it would electrify its entire lineup starting in 2021, with the goal of offering both pure electric and e-POWER hybrid models.
Infiniti has also made a commitment to developing autonomous driving technologies. The brand’s ProPILOT system, which debuted in 2017, offers advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
Conclusion
Over the past three decades, Infiniti has established itself as a major player in the luxury car market. The brand’s focus on performance, technology, and design has won it numerous awards and a loyal following. As Infiniti looks toward the future, it remains committed to innovation and sustainability, with plans to electrify its lineup and develop new autonomous driving technologies.