Due to the great success of the Nissan Maxima in the US market, it was decided to try to spread the achievements to the luxury car market, where Infiniti positions are traditionally strong. To emphasize the difference from the Nissan Maxima, it was decided to offer the Infiniti I30 in the European body, which was not supplied to America under the Nissan brand. The first show of a luxury sedan Infiniti I30 was held in April 1995. The cars of the first years of production were equipped with a 3.0 liter power unit with a capacity of 193 hp. Acceleration time to 100 km / h was 7.7 seconds. The maximum speed of 205 km / h.
In the second half of the 1990s, the Infiniti I30 gained a reputation as one of the best cars in the luxury sedan class on the American market. Its advantages were considered to be high build quality, equipment with additional equipment and good car handling. At the end of 1999, Nissan’s Infiniti division celebrated its 10th anniversary since entering the North American market.
At the end of 1999, about 50 thousand vehicles of this brand were sold, which, according to management, was not enough. In order to increase demand for Infiniti have developed a program for updating cars during the 2000-2002 model years. The second-generation Infiniti I30 sedan debuted first. The model went on sale in 2000. The car received an updated appearance, an updated interior and many innovations in mechanics. Visibly refreshed appearance of new optics and integrated bumpers.
The wheelbase of the I30 was extended by 51 mm (2700 mm). As a result, the dimensions of the body have changed. The car became slightly larger: length - 4816 mm, width - 1770 mm. The useful volume of the passenger compartment increased by 3.7%. This is especially noticeable in the rear seats.
Designers and ergonomists of Nissan subjected to revision everything, starting from the steering wheel and ending with the glazing of the cabin, which does not transmit ultraviolet radiation. The decoration used valuable wood and natural leather. Additional comfort provides separate air conditioning. A special package of equipment of the Comfort & Convenience Package ensures that the driver communicates with the house when approaching it: opening the garage door, disarming the house, switching on external lighting.
Additionally, the customer can order the installation of the Infiniti Communicator global communication system. At 37 hp The power of the upgraded 3.0-liter V-shaped 6-cylinder engine has increased, reaching an impressive 230 hp. The increase in power is attributed to the use of an intake piping system of a modified length of NVIS and mufflers of variable throughput, similar to those that first appeared on Nissan Skyline GT-R models. McPherson-type front suspension, rear multi-link multi-link beam system (as on the Nissan Maxima sedan).
In the basic configuration, the InflntI I30 of the second generation is equipped with a 4-step multi-mode hydromechanical “automatic”, automatic air conditioning, natural leather seats with electric adjustment drives and installation memory. The sports Infiniti Touring (I30t) is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited slip differential, an anti-skid system, and a wider list of optional equipment. The Touring I30 version also includes a navigation system, using which you can call the Infiniti Response Center and get the necessary assistance in a critical situation, or simply advice about the car.