Infiniti I

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Infiniti I

Also called:	Nissan Cefiro Nissan Maxima Nissan QX
Manufacturer:	Infiniti
Parent company:	Nissan
Production:	1996—2004
Assembly:	Oppama, Japan
Predecessor:	Infiniti J30
Successor:	Infiniti G35
Class:	Mid-size luxury car
Body style:	4-door sedan
Layout:	FF layout
Similar:	Acura TL Lexus ES Saab 9-5

First generation

Production:	1996—1999
Engine:	190 hp (1996—1999)
Transmission:	4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive
Wheelbase:	2700 mm (106.3 in.)
Length:	4815 mm (189.6 in.)
Width:	1770 mm (69.7 in.)
Height:	1415 mm (55.7 in.)

Second generation

Production:	2000—2004
Engine:	VQ35DE V6, 255 hp (2000—2004)
Transmission:	4-Speed Automatic Overdrive
Wheelbase:	2750 mm (108.3 in.)
Length:	4920 mm (193.7 in.)
Width:	1785 mm (70.2 in.)
Height:	1450 mm (57.0 in.)

The Infiniti I30 and I35 is a mid-size luxury cars sold under Nissan's Infiniti marque in North American markets. The I is a rebadged Nissan Maxima.

[edit] First generation

The 1996 I30 used a 3.0 L VQ30DE V6 engine shared with the Maxima. It produced 190 hp. The inexpensive "near-luxury" I30 was Infiniti's top seller. All I30/I35s were built in Oppama, Japan (the former home of the Maxima). The very first I30 was built on June 27, 1995. The I30 was Infiniti's entry-level car for 1997-1998, and the return of the Infiniti G20 in 1999 returned to take over from the I30 as Infiniti's entry-level car.

Infiniti released the original I30 in 1996 as a replacement for their aging J30 sedan, which was a rear-wheel drive car. The I30 was noteablly sportier than the J had been, and sported a more aggressive look than the J, although it was never considered a true sports-sedan. Although the overseas Nissan Primera based G20 was technically Inifiniti's least expensive model, the I30 was often considered to be the company's entry-level luxury car (at least briefly), whereas the G20 really did not have any direct competitors. Inifiniti often claimed that the car was aimed at buyers who would otherwise be considering the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Saab 9-5.

Infiniti made several revisions to the I30 throughout the mid and late 1990s, including a fairly significant styling update for 1998, which included improvements to the Bose audio system and the addition of side impact airbags.

[edit] Second generation

The I30 was redesigned for 2000 along with the Maxima. Engine power was up to 227 hp but the manual transmission was no longer offered.

In late 2001 the model got its most significant host of upgrades, including minor revisions to the interior, new optional equipment, larger brakes, a re-tuned suspension system, and standard stability control. The car was renamed I35 to reflect an engine-displacement increase from 3.0 to 3.5 L. Nissan's VQ35DE V6 produced 255 hp. Styling was also updated.

Infiniti wanted to convince buyers that the new suspension tuning, enlarged brakes, stability control and 255 horsepower engine had transformed the I into more of a sports sedan and less of sedate entry-level model, but was largely unsuccessful. The model was only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive, meaning that the ES300 and Acura's pre-existing second generation 3.2TL remained its closest competitors, with models like the BMW 5-Series remaining out of its league.

In September 2004, Nissan announced that I35 production would cease and that model year 2004 would be the last for this vehicle. Infiniti discontinued the I after a short run of 2004 models. The I was succeeded by the new Infiniti G35 (introduced for 2003).

Infiniti I30T

2003 Infiniti I35

1996 Infiniti I30

Infiniti — a marque of Nissan Motors — road car timeline, 1990s-present - [edit]
Type	1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Compact		G20								G20				G35				G35
Mid-size							I30				I30 / I35						M35
	M30			J30										M45			M45
Full-size	Q45							Q45					Q45
Crossover														FX35 / FX45
SUV								QX4							QX56