The History Of INFINITI

At just over 30 years old, INFINITI blends classic luxury with modern charm. Whether you’re a devoted INFINITI driver or planning your first purchase, you might be curious about how this iconic brand got its start and how it has developed over its first three decades. Read on for Herrin-Gear INFINITI’s breakdown of INFINITI’s inspiring history.

Where It Began

Image by Giorgio Trovato | Licensed with Unsplash License

In the mid-1980s, leaders at Nissan saw an opportunity to enter the luxury vehicle market, distinguishing themselves from competitors like Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, and Mercedes by putting the customer first. They set out to design and market luxury cars that catered to the driver and provide first-rate customer service that continued long after the buyer drove the car off the lot. In 1985, the team began brainstorming and developing the principles and values that would guide the brand. In 1987, they chose a name that captured limitless innovation and inspiration: INFINITI.

INFINITI officially launched in 1989. With 51 dealerships across America, the first release focused on two models. The first was the INFINITI Q45, an elegant sedan with a clever amount of interior space and a set of interior accessories and features that welcomed drivers to the ’90s. The Q45 came in three trim levels, and a high-output V-8 engine supplied the car with 278 horsepower and 292 lb-ft of torque. Interior features included leather seating, keyless entry, a Bose audio system, and one-touch power windows. INFINITI went on to release three generations of the Q45 before discontinuing it in 2006.

The other model available was the M30, a stylish midsize coupe with two doors. With a lower price tag than the Q45, the M30 gave consumers an affordable option that still had the looks and performance they expect from a luxury vehicle. The original 1989 edition was only available as a standard coupe, but in 1991, INFINITI began offering the M30 as a convertible.

The M30’s standard engine was a V-6 that offered 162 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Interior features like leather seating, a Nissan-Bose audio system, and a power moonroof came on all models, and CD players and car telephones were available at many dealerships. INFINITI produced four generations of the M30, which it later renamed the INFINITI M. It stopped producing the vehicle in 2019 due to market changes and consumer needs.

New Innovations in Engineering and Technology

As INFINITI grew in popularity, the company dedicated itself to offering consumers new and exciting technologies that made driving easier, safer, and more enjoyable. INFINITI’s priority has always been creating driver-centric designs and features, so the innovations that came in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s granted drivers more control and comfort. Here are some of the key changes to INFINITI’s technology:

• 1995: INFINITI released its award-winning VQ series V-6 engine, which topped industry lists for 14 years to follow for its top-notch performance.
• 2001: New additions in driver technology, like the RearView Monitor and intelligent cruise control, came to INFINITI vehicles to make safe driving easier.
• 2004: Lane departure warnings were added to help drivers correct their course if the vehicle started drifting into another lane without an intentional use of the turn signal. This turned into the more sophisticated lane departure prevention system in 2007.
• 2010: INFINITI developed Blind Spot Intervention, which helps drivers stay safe when another vehicle or item is beside them in their blind spot where mirrors don’t reach.

Other Iconic INFINITI Models

Over the years, INFINITI has released several beloved luxury vehicles, from sedans to SUVs. Here are two models that have colored the automaker’s history:

INFINITI G Line

The INFINITI G Line was a series of compact executive cars that the brand manufactured from 1990 to 2015, and the G vehicle has had quite a few iterations. INFINITI released the first generation of the INFINITI G20 and referred to it as an entry-level luxury vehicle marketed toward buyers who were curious about luxury cars but not ready to invest in a pricier model like the Q45. In 1998, INFINITI redesigned the vehicle for its second generation, adding inches to the exterior as well as more interior cabin space.

In 2003, INFINITI replaced the G20 with the G35. This model was a sportier take on the original G20, and it brought new visibility and success to the INFINITI name. The G35 and its sibling, the G37, underwent a series of improvements and editions, along with coupe and convertible options. The G vehicles later became the Q40 before retiring in 2015.

Q60

Originally an offshoot of the G Line, the INFINITI Q60 has seen a life all its own. In 2013, INFINITI’s then-president Johan de Nysschen developed a plan to rebrand the automaker’s lineup to cement a fresh, uniform identity. The G Coupe became the first generation of the Q60, but it wasn’t until 2016 that the Q60 got its own unique restyling. The vehicle received a new design with a sleek, lower body and a set of fresh tech features.

It came in four distinct trims: Pure, Luxe, Sport, and Red Sport 400. In 2017, luxury clothing retailer Neiman Marcus even collaborated with INFINITI to design its own edition of the Q60. INFINITI just retired the Q60 in 2022 after almost a decade.

Today’s Lineup

Today, INFINITI has a lineup of sleek, functional vehicles that offer everyday luxury without sacrificing efficiency and practicality. Since late 2021, the brand has been innovating to become all-electric by the end of the decade. Here are some of the top models in INFINITI’s 2023 lineup:

• Q50: A slinky compact executive car with sporty handling.
• QX55: A crossover coupe with head-turning athletic styling.
• QX50: A crossover SUV with enough space for commutes and road trips.
• QX60: A family-friendly three-row crossover SUV.
• QX80: A full-size SUV and INFINITI’s largest vehicle available.

INFINITI’s rich history is a testament to the brand’s high standards for comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Whether you’re looking for a gently used model from years past or a fresh 2023 sedan, crossover, or SUV, Herrin-Gear INFINITI can help you find the perfect luxury vehicle in the Jackson area. Stop by our dealership today so our team of luxury vehicle experts can help you test-drive INFINITI’s lineup and find the perfect car for your next adventure.