The I30 and I35 were front wheel drive luxury cars from Nissan's Infiniti marque. Both were rebadged Nissan Maxima sedans.
| Infiniti I | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
| Also called | Nissan Cefiro Nissan Maxima Nissan QX |
| Production | 1996-2004 |
| Assembly | Oppama, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Infiniti J30 |
| Successor | Infiniti G35 |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1996–1999 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 190 hp (1996-1999) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive 5-Speed Manual Overdrive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in. |
| Length | 189.6 in. |
| Width | 69.7 in. |
| Height | 55.7 in. |
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2000–2004 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | VQ35DE V6, 255 hp (2000-2004) |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 in. |
| Length | 193.7 in. |
| Width | 70.2 in. |
| Height | 57.0 in. |
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 replacment 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.
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).
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Infiniti I30T -
2003 Infiniti I35 -
1996 Infiniti I30
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