WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. -- Broadening its offering of personal luxury vehicles, Infiniti took the wraps off its J30 and J30t performance luxury sedans Thursday and set prices at $30,000 and $34, 700.
There are no options available on either 1993 model, which will be in dealer showrooms by the end of the month.
Infiniti is the luxury car division of Nissan Motor Corp. in USA.
The latest additions to the Infiniti line have advanced safety features, including driver's and front passenger's side air bags, an anti-lock braking system and a rigid reinforced body structure.
The price difference between the models is in outfitting the touring version with a four-wheel steering system, sports performance alloy spoked wheels and tires, the 't' badge designation and a rear deck-lid spoiler.
'Safety and structural integrity was paramount in designing the vehicles,' said Peter Harris, Infiniti manager of marketing plans. 'For example, we injected the A- and B-pillars with foam, which effectively prevents the roof from crushing (during a rollover accident).'
Both models are powered by a 3.0 liter, DOHC 24-valve V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 193 foot-pounds of torque. It's mated to an electronically controlled four-speed overdrive transmission. The vehicles have EPA ratings of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Top speed is 128 mph.
The J30 is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle with four-wheel independent suspension, with stabilizer bars front and rear. Front and rear subframes have been incorporated to block out any trace of noise or vibration.
Other amenities include adjustable front driver and passenger leather seats, power windows and door locks, power rack-and-pinion steering, power-assisted brakes, speed control, power sunrfoof, tilt steering wheel and air conditioning.
Also standard is an AM/FM casette-compact disc player with prewiring for cellular phone with an antenna in the rear glas,s and an anti-theft system with radio-controlled keyless remote entry.
In developing the J30 and J30t, Infiniti regressed to the original method of appealing to the luxury car buyer. Rather than designing a car that copies the proven features of luxury winners on the road today, designers were given a free hand to create a distinctively new vehicle that would set new standards, said William Bruce, Infiniti's general manager.
The result is a car built around giving the driver a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience, Bruce said, with performance, comfort and safety the primary concerns.
Design was done at Nissan Design International in San Diego. Aerodynamic styling goes beyond a flowing form. From its twin projector beam headlights, broad hood and wide, aggressive grille to its sloping trunk, full-width tail lights and integrated bumper, its design renders high-quality elegance and confidence, Bruce said.
Following the path of most European automakers, Infiniti has incorporated some environment-friendly aspects in the J30. The sedan also is equipped with a non-chloroflourocarbon air conditioning refrigerant and the major plastic parts are marked for easier recycling.
All Infiniti vehicles are backed by a four-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty; six-year, 70,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; and seven- year, unlimited mileage, limited corrosion warranty. Infiniti also offers a 24-hour roadside assistance program.
