Infiniti M30
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Infiniti M30 | |
| Manufacturer: | Nissan |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1990–1992 |
| Successor: | Infiniti J30 |
| Class: | Mid-size luxury car |
| Body style: | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe |
| Platform: | FR F31 |
| Engine: | 3.0 L VG30E V6 |
| Transmission: | 4-speed RE4R01A automatic |
| Curb weight: | 1511 kg (3331 lb) (coupe) 1622 kg (3576 lb) (coupe) |
| Related: | Nissan Leopard |
| Similar: | Acura Legend Lexus SC |
The Infiniti M30 (chassis code F31) was a 2-door coupe introduced with the Q45 as the start of the Infiniti line in 1990, as a stopgap until other models could be produced. The M30 was basically a Japanese Nissan Leopard built with left-hand drive and rebadged as an Infiniti, and had added luxury features. The other main changes were in the engine, transmission and suspension.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The M30 had no options except for two dealership-offered options, a cellular phone and a CD player/changer. The sole engine was the VG30E, a 3.0 L SOHC V6 that produced 162 hp (121 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) of torque, also used by many previous Nissan models such as the Maxima and 300ZX. Like the 300ZX, the M30 was an front-engined and rear-wheel drive vehicle. The transmission was the RE4R01A, a four-speed automatic with electronic overdrive. The differential was a Nissan R200-type open differential. It is generally regarded among M30 enthusiasts that the change of powertrain, weak suspension and the lack of options in these categories was a serious mistake on Infiniti’s part, and perhaps to blame for the lackluster sales. The M30 has a stock weight of 3400 lb (1540 kg), yet only 162 hp, creating an inadequate power to weight ratio for the intended image of a sport coupe. In addition, sports cars normally come with a manual transmission standard and have the option of an automatic. Instead, Infiniti didn't even give potential buyers the choice, as all M30s had a four-speed automatic.
The M30 was equipped with the Sonar Suspension system that was also installed on the Maxima, which featured a sensor that scanned the road surface and adjusted the suspension accordingly via actuators mounted on the strut towers. There was also a switch on the center console that allowed the driver to change between "Sport" and "Comfort" settings—essentially "firm" and "soft", respectively. Sports cars tend to have firm, stiff suspensions that trade ride quality for handling, while luxury cars have a softer suspension to smooth out the ride, since they're less likely to need sharp handling. Unfortunately Infiniti was trying to have the M30 play two roles at once, and instead of performing one role superbly it performed two roles mediocrely. The "Sport" setting isn't quite firm enough, while the "Comfort" setting was perhaps too soft.
The M30, moreover, was the sole convertible of the Infiniti line. Infiniti selected half of the models produced from 1991 to 1992 and had them made into convertibles by the ASC (American Sunroof Corporation). While the power tops on these needed extensive maintenance, they could be operated manually if necessary. All the coupes had sunroofs standard.
The M30’s production run lasted for only 3 years, ending in 1992 due to lagging sales. Nobody knows how many models were produced, but it has been said that just over 5000 were made, half coupes, half convertibles, making the M30 the rarest Infiniti ever. The M30 was replaced by the Infiniti J30, a full-size 4-door sedan. While the J30 is a completely different car and has a different chassis code (Y32), it was called the "Leopard J. Ferie" in Japan and was still referred to as the Nissan Leopard.
[edit] Today
The M30 has a small cult following, similar to that of the Nissan Leopard in Japan. The car shares many similarities with more successful and more capable Nissan sports cars, such as the 240SX, 300ZX and early-generation Skylines. As such, more powerful engines, manual transmissions, stiffer suspensions and limited slip differentials from these cars can be swapped into the M30 to create a much more capable car. In both the U.S. and Japan, the M30/Leopard has been used for drifting, as it can take parts from other Nissans and is rear-wheel drive.
[edit] Trivia
- The M30 had a small part in the 1999 movie Three Kings, where it was referred to as “The Infiniti Convertible.”
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Infiniti — a marque of Nissan Motors — road car timeline, 1990s-present - | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||||||||||||
