This press release is issued Jan. 8, 2002 (local time) by Nissan North America.
January 09, 2002
The world debut of two exciting performance luxury vehicles, a brand new display and strong sales momentum marked the highlights of Infiniti's press announcement today at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The 2003 Infiniti G35 sport sedan, which goes on sale at more than 150 Infiniti retailers nationwide in March, shared the stage with the stunning second generation Infiniti FX45 Concept, a performance-oriented crossover sport utility vehicle. Infiniti vice president and general manager Mark McNabb announced that a production version of the FX45 Concept will join the Infiniti lineup as early as next winter. He also confirmed that Infiniti will add two other vehicles in the near future, a mid-size sedan and a sport coupe version of the new G35.
Infiniti is experiencing strong consumer interest and sales heading into the launch of the all-new G35, following the recent introductions of the elegant new 340-horsepower 2002 Infiniti Q45 and more powerful 2002 I35 sedans. Sales in November 2001, for example, increased 27 percent over the previous November. "Infiniti has never been in a better position in terms of sales, image, owner loyalty and consumer interest," said McNabb. "More people are seeing more value in Infiniti vehicles than ever before - a situation that'll only be enhanced with the strong slate of new products scheduled to launch in the next 24 months."
The expansion of Infiniti's product line is being fueled by the successful efforts of parent company Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.'s (NML) Nissan Revival Plan. On November 20, 2001, NML announced its third consecutive half-year of record profits and the best financial performance of the company in over a decade. Official figures released by NML showed a consolidated operating profit of $1.57 billion and an operating margin of 6.3 percent for the first six months of fiscal year 2001.
"Fresh products are your lifeblood in today's economic environment, especially in the ultra-competitive luxury market," said McNabb. "The strength and depth of Nissan's recovery efforts ensure that Infiniti will continue to be a leader in performance, luxury and technology - as demonstrated today with the new G35 and FX45."
2003 Infiniti G35
The all-new rear-wheel drive G35 is powered by an advanced, 260-horsepower V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The G35's performance is enhanced by a new 4-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components and highly aerodynamic styling - including a coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero degrees of front lift. The G35 is positioned to compete against popular sports sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 2.8.
The G35's styling takes full advantage of the vehicle's all-new FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which features a long wheelbase (112.2 inches) and short front and rear overhangs - providing a large interior for its highly manageable overall length (186.5 inches). A wide front and rear track adds to the G35's overall handling stability and further enhances interior and trunk volume.
The new FM platform also provides a number of innovative safety performance features, including a mechanism for releasing the engine downward (rather than straight back toward the passenger compartment) in a collision, brake pedal construction that prevents rearward pedal movement and a breakaway propeller shaft construction.
While the G35's emphasis is on performance, buyers seeking luxury amenities are not left wanting - with a long list of standard and available equipment enhancing the spacious and elegant interior environment. Audio systems include a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an optional 200-watt 7-speaker Bose® premium audio system with an AM/FM/cassette in-dash 6-disc CD changer with RDS, speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls. The G35 is offered in two interior colors - Willow and Graphite - and is available with leather-appointed seating and genuine maple wood-tone trim.
Two G35 models are offered - Luxury and Leather. Both fully equipped models come with V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. A number of optional packages allow the buyer to custom-equip the G35 to further reflect his or her exact driving style and tastes.
Packages include the Premium Package, with Bose audio system, adjustable rear seats, sunroof and more; Sport-Tuned Suspension Package, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels with W-rated performance tires and upgraded suspension; and the Aero Package which includes the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package and adds rear spoiler with rear underbody air diffusers.
"We have great expectations for the new G35. It sets new standards in class for performance, styling, spaciousness and value," said McNabb. Pricing for the 2003 G35 will be set from the high-$20,000s to mid-$30,000 range.
FX45 Concept
The FX45 Concept follows by one year the appearance of a similarly named and themed FX45 Concept - both described by Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., as "Bionic Cheetahs" for their combined emphasis on sports car performance with SUV utility. The second generation FX45 Concept has been completely redesigned inside and out but remains an aggressive, V8-powered, all-wheel drive sports luxury design.
"We tested the waters last year to great consumer response and have come back with a new interpretation which is much closer to actual production," said Nakamura. "The fusion of sports car and SUV remains at its core, but we've added breakthrough exterior and interior styling to its superior drivetrain and advanced technology."
The FX45 Concept takes full advantage of its 112.2-inch long wheelbase, wide stance and 21-inch wheels and tires to create a strong presence, whether in motion or at rest. Rather than adopt a "blended" minivan/wagon/sedan approach, its designers sought an aggressive image - strong, fast and agile - so that the FX45 Concept looks the way it drives. The exterior suggests classic sports car shapes, but with modern packaging and architecture. The cabin is moved rearward, set back like a sports car, with long doors and the tires pushed out to the corners. A large, Infiniti-style grille and narrow horizontal headlights reinforce the classic sports car effect.
"There's an elegance and grace to the design, like a cheetah's fast, beautiful body," said Nakamura. "It's meant to feel completely different from current vehicles in the category."
The FX45 Concept exterior also imparts a sense of safety and security through its broad fenders and beltline, high seating position and large, LED taillights. As a pure Infiniti, luxury has not been overlooked either, with special "Liquid Mercury" paint and unique aluminum alloy wheels.
Inside, the FX45 Concept's highly personalized four-passenger interior offers a rich blend of handcrafted Brick-colored leather and polished aluminum accents. Each of the four individual power-operated seats has been designed for the person who will be using it - a driver's area that allows concentration on driving, a front passenger seat that indulges the occupant with individual heating and cooling controls, intuitive storage and soft lighting, and a state-of-the-art entertainment area with an overhead DVD display and game system for rear seat passengers. The instrument panel offers a special "floating" instrument cluster with a large 8-inch LCD monitor.
The FX45 Concept's 4.5-liter V8 engine is based on the class-leading 2002 Infiniti Q45 powerplant and produces in excess of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The FX45 also features all-wheel drive with electronic torque demand, a 4-wheel independent suspension with multi-link rear design and 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution.
A Strong Existing Model Lineup, Outstanding Customer Support
The new G35 joins a lineup of current Infiniti models, which has recently been enhanced with the addition of an all-new, third generation 2002 Q45, and a new, more powerful 2002 I35. The lineup also includes the popular QX4 luxury sport utility vehicle and the G20 luxury sport sedan. Owners of all current and future Infiniti models are treated to industry-leading levels of customer service and support.
Since its inception, Infiniti has aimed to make every customer contact completely satisfying through The Total Ownership Experience (TOE), a philosophy that has fostered a unique relationship between retailers and purchasers of new and pre-owned Infiniti vehicles.
The Total Ownership Experience offers an enhanced level of retailer personnel training, sales certification programs and communications, and a continuing refinement of Infiniti's exceptional level of pre-owned vehicle support. TOE includes numerous tangible features, such as comprehensive roadside assistance and service loan car support for both new and previously owned Infiniti models. Infiniti's unique hassle-free sales and service atmosphere is supported through training and an advanced satellite communications network for continuing education and inventory optimization.
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