Photo: Infiniti
This year, Infiniti celebrates both its 31st anniversary and the upcoming release of its latest model, the QX55. Here’s a retrospective of where the company has been — and where it’s planning to go.
Shop for a Modern Classic: Browse Certified Pre-Owned Infiniti models
Photo: INFINITI
Infiniti got its start back in 1989, with a lineup of just two models: the M30 coupe and the Q45 sedan. The M30 was a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, powered by a V6 engine with 162 horsepower. This sporty coupe boasted an available feature called “Sonar Suspension II,” along with a Bose sound system and a power moonroof — which was all pretty fancy at the time. Critics praised the model for its smooth and quiet ride.
The M30’s popularity prompted the automaker to create a convertible version of the model for the U.S. market. The company achieved this in sort of a roundabout way — the cars left the factory as coupes, but were then modified into droptops by an aftermarket company. Those vehicles became collector’s items, beloved by 80s enthusiasts in particular.
Photo: INFINITI
In 2002, the company reached its 13-year anniversary and debuted the Infiniti G35. This coupe also sported a V6, but this dynamo delivered a maximum of 300 horsepower. Over its lifetime, the G35 racked up a number of awards, including the honor of being MotorTrend’s 2003 Car of the Year, and earning a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list.
The G35 even spawned a predecessor, the G37. This model sported performance-enhancing features like Variable Valve Event and Lift and Continuously Variable Valve Timing, and offered a folding hardtop model.
This era also brought us the Infiniti FX, which hit the streets in 2003. It was one of the earliest examples of a luxury crossover, and served as a major influence in the auto industry. The second-gen FX offered a more powerful engine along with Continuous Damping Control and Active Steering.
Recently, Infiniti revealed the newest addition to its lineup — the QX55. It’s meant to be a spiritual successor to now-retired FX model, and it’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter dynamo. Plus, it’s slated to have tons of modern connectivity and comfort features.
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The 2022 Infiniti QX55 is expected to release in the spring of 2021.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.
