1997 INFINITI I30 Press Kit

An INFINITI Division sales leader since its introduction, the INFINITI I30 will undoubtedly continue to exceed all expectations in 1997. From the time I30 was launched in May 1995, the car has been responsible for more than half of INFINITI sales and has surpassed all goals.

Boasting features and styling attributes akin to the flagship Q45, the mid-priced I30 gives the INFINITI lineup an important element that meets the luxury, safety and performance demands of today's luxury car buyer -- for under $30,000.
"A platform for the newest expression of INFINITI, the I30 is a high performance vehicle that meets the needs of the luxury-oriented consumer," said Thomas H. Eastwood, vice president, INFINITI Division.

Design
Anchored by a strong front grille, elegant flowing lines and wide, horizontal taillight treatment, the I30 body has a coefficient of drag of just 0.32 -- helping provide a luxurious, quiet cabin and stable ride.

With a long wheelbase and a wide cabin, the I30 offers exceptional interior roominess and generous trunk capacity. Special attention was paid in the design process to the creation of best-in-class rear seat spaciousness. Through utilization of a compact rear suspension and high rear roof line and deck, rear passengers are treated to excellent head and leg room -- even for three rear seat occupants.

In the trunk, more than 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity is further enhanced by the I30's wide trunk opening, low liftover height and standard rear seat armrest pass-through (for carrying skis and other long items).

The luxurious I30 interior was designed to blend sophistication and comfort with state-of-the-art ergonomics. A large instrument panel with soft, tactile surfaces houses easy-to-read analog gauges. Simulated wood trim and an available leather appointed model add an extra touch of elegance.

The 8-way power driver's and four-way front passenger's seat features an integrated "extended pelvic lumbar support." This advanced design provides compound support of the pelvis and lumbar, helping prevent fatigue over long drives while offering exceptional passenger comfort.

Drivetrain/Suspension
Two areas where many mid-luxury segment sedans fall far short of their larger traditional luxury counterparts are in performance and technology. Through the innovative application of all-new engine and suspension designs, the INFINITI I30 offers the quick acceleration, agile handling and comfortable ride of the flagship Q45.

The 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine represents the next generation of powerplant design. Created through advanced computer modeling, the engine produces smooth, V8-like response and performance -- while delivering fuel economy equal to that of some four cylinder models.

Starting with a lightweight, compact aluminum engine block, the engineers re-thought every system and function. Friction was reduced throughout -- enhancing fuel economy, smoothness and responsiveness -- through the application of such advanced racing technologies as micro-finishing of the camshaft and crankshaft, molybdenum coating of piston skirts, and use of small piston skirt areas and thin piston rings.

The I30 engine also utilizes a new two-stage cross-flow cooling system design to help prevent engine knock, reduce emissions, minimize cold-start characteristics and improve the vehicle's heating system. Use of platinum spark plugs, a chain camshaft drive (rather than belt) and digital knock control system enhance durability, and the engine meets OBD- II standards for easier diagnosis of potential problems.

With 190-horsepower and 205 ft-lbs of torque, this advanced powerplant helps propel the I30 from zero to sixty miles per hour in 7.0 seconds (in independent testing). At the same time, the I30 delivers excellent fuel economy of 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for the 5-speed manual, and 21 mpg City/28 mpg Highway with the I30's electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

The I30 also provides Q45-like handling and ride comfort, through use of an innovative 4-wheel independent suspension system. INFINITI engineers created an all-new rear suspension -- designed for use with the front-wheel drive I30 -- that maximizes handling and stability by minimizing camber change during cornering.

The new rear Multi-Link Beam™ suspension utilizes the best aspects of both multi-link and torsion beam suspension designs through development of a patented lateral link/control rod system. This arrangement helps keep the tires perpendicular to the road for better stability and control, while also providing excellent body stability.

Enhanced ride comfort is created through greatly reduced suspension friction and use of softer bushings, springs and shock absorbers. And, less noise is transmitted from the road to the passenger compartment because the system uses fewer suspension mounting points than a conventional strut-type rear suspension. Finally, with its compact design (versus a strut type design), the I30's rear Multi-Link Beam suspension allows for the previously noted rear seat packaging improvement.

The MacPherson strut-type front suspension uses a sophisticated subframe-located mountings to help provide stiffness and noise/vibration isolation.

Safety
With its body designed in part using NASA stress analysis computer programs, the I30 provides a rigid body shell, meeting 1997 Federal side impact standards. The I30 also features standard driver and front-passenger air bags, height-adjustable front shoulder belt anchors, ALR/ELR seat belt retractors for the front-passenger side and rear outboard seating positions, child-safety rear door locks, front and rear body structure crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column and knee bolsters.

Active safety is also an integral part of the I30 design -- from the responsive power and handling of the advanced engine and suspension, to standard four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Personal security is enhanced with the I30's standard 8-way keyless remote entry and security system, which comes with two transmitters. The system allows remote locking and unlocking of the doors, trunk lid release, interior lighting feature, lowering of front windows and panic alarm.

For the ultimate in security and convenience, the new Integrated HomeLink™ Transmitter system -- standard on Leather-Appointed and Touring Models -- allows an I30 owner to control up to three RF-activated devices, such as garage doors, estate gates and home lighting systems from the comfort of the driver's seat. System controls are mounted in the driver's side sun visor, eliminating the problem of lost or misplaced control units with its compact, integrated design.

Luxury Features/Model Availability
The 1997 INFINITI I30 is offered with a wide array of luxury and convenience features and conveniences. Standard equipment includes a CFC-free air conditioning system with automatic temperature control, power windows with driver's side auto-down feature, power door locks with selective unlocking feature, power antenna, power trunk and fuel filler door releases, and cruise control with steering wheel mounted switches.

Additionally, every I30 comes with an advanced 200 watt Bose® audio system with six speakers, CD player and cassette deck designed specifically for I30's interior acoustics.

The standard I30 is offered with a choice of standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. A power sliding glass sunroof is optional for standard I30s equipped with automatic transmission.

Adding an extra dimension of luxury and comfort is the Leather-Appointed I30 Model. Standard features include automatic transmission, leather-appointed interior, power sliding glass sunroof, automatic anti-glare inside rearview mirror, and the Integrated HomeLink™ Transmitter. A Traction Enhancement System with Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), and Heated Seats Package featuring heated outside mirrors and heavy duty battery are optionally available with this model.

The I30 is also offered in a special Touring Model, similar to the Q45 and J30 Touring Packages. The I30 Touring Model -- designated the I30t -- adds more aggressive all-season tires, a sport-tuned suspension with firmer struts and shock absorbers, performance forged alloy wheels, Traction Enhancement System (which includes the Heated Seats Package), and rear deck lid spoiler. Performance-oriented I30t buyers can choose between the standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic.

A choice of eight exterior colors is offered for the 1997 I30: White Platinum, Beige Pebble, Black Obsidian, Crimson Pearl, Blue Cobalt, Cypress Pearl, Silver Amethyst, and Desert Rose. Three leather-appointed interior colors are available (White, Beige and Black) as well as Beige or Slate cloth.

Comprehensive Warranty / Total Ownership Experience
Like all INFINITI models, the I30 is protected by some of the best warranties in the industry: a 4-year/60,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty; a 6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty (protection for major engine and driveline components; a 5-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Emission Control Limited Warranty; and a 7-year/unlimited mileage Corrosion Limited Warranty.

As part of the Total Ownership Experience, INFINITI also provides buyers with a 48-month, 24-hour roadside assistance program -- one of the most comprehensive available. A free INFINITI loan car is provided at participating dealers during the basic warranty period when requested with scheduled service appointments (subject to availability). INFINITI's satellite parts network also minimizes delays in service.

True Luxury Sedan
"A true luxury sedan with flagship characteristics, the I30 surpasses what consumers get from other cars in its class," said Eastwood. "The I30 has been a Division leader since its debut, and with two new expressions of INFINITI -- the redesigned Q45 and the innovative QX4 -- INFINITI now offers a truly remarkable lineup of luxury performance cars, backed by the unmatched support of The Total Ownership Experience®."