The registry
INFINITI Registry: Models, Builds & Photos
INFINITI is Nissan's luxury division, launched in North America on November 8, 1989 with two models, the Q45 flagship sedan and the M30 coupe. The brand was conceived in the mid 1980s alongside Toyota's Lexus and Honda's Acura programs, aimed at moving Japanese engineering into the premium market. Its best remembered products borrow directly from Nissan's home market hardware, most notably the G35, which is a rebadged V35 Nissan Skyline. INFINITI remains in production today as Nissan's global premium marque.
Pick your model
Origins and the early lineup
Nissan started the INFINITI project in 1985 under the internal name Horizon Task Force and put cars in US showrooms on November 8, 1989, with 51 dealers opening the same day. The launch pair was the Q45, a 4.5 liter V8 flagship rated 278 hp, and the M30, a personal luxury coupe. The early advertising famously showed rocks and trees instead of the cars, and sales lagged Lexus badly in the first years. The brand found its footing in the 1990s with the J30 and the Maxima based I30, then broke out in 2003 when the FM platform cars arrived.
G35 (2003-2008)
The G35 is the car that rebuilt the brand. It is a Nissan Skyline V35 with INFINITI badges, sold as a sedan from the 2003 model year and as a coupe shortly after. Both ride on the front midship (FM) platform shared with the 350Z and run the VQ35DE 3.5 liter V6, rated 260 hp in 2003-2004 sedans and 298 hp with the 6 speed manual in 2005-2006. Rear wheel drive was standard, with AWD sedans badged G35x from 2004. A 6 speed manual was available in sedan and coupe. The 2007 redesign (V36 sedan) moved to the 306 hp VQ35HR and kept the G35 name through 2008 before the G37 took over.
M30 (1990-1992)
The M30 was one of the two launch models, a rebadged Nissan Leopard coupe on the F31 chassis. Power came from the single cam VG30E 3.0 liter V6 making 162 hp through a 4 speed automatic only. A convertible conversion, done by ASC in California, joined for 1991. Production ended after 1992, and the short run makes parts sourcing lean on Leopard and period Nissan Z31/hardbody VG30 commonality.
FX35 (2003-2008 first generation)
The FX35 crossover shares the FM platform and VQ35DE V6 with the G35, giving it car derived handling unusual for the class at the time. The FX35 came in rear drive or AWD; the FX45, powered by the 4.5 liter VK45DE V8, came with standard AWD.
G20 and I30
The G20 was INFINITI's entry car, a rebadged Nissan Primera with the SR20DE 2.0 liter four, sold 1991-1996 (P10) and again 1999-2002 (P11). A 5 speed manual was available in both runs. The I30 (1996-2001) was a trimmed up Nissan Maxima with the VQ30DE 3.0 V6, followed by the I35 for 2002-2004.
Asked all the time
When did INFINITI start selling cars?
INFINITI launched in the United States on November 8, 1989 with two models, the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe. Nissan created the brand to compete with Lexus and Acura in the premium market.
Is the INFINITI G35 the same car as a Nissan Skyline?
Yes. The G35 sold from 2003 is the V35 generation Nissan Skyline with INFINITI badging. It shares the FM platform and VQ35DE 3.5 liter V6 with the Nissan 350Z, which is why so many 350Z suspension and driveline parts interchange.
What years was the INFINITI M30 made and what engine does it have?
The INFINITI M30 sold for the 1990-1992 model years. It is a rebadged Nissan Leopard coupe with the VG30E 3.0 liter SOHC V6 (162 hp) and a 4 speed automatic. An ASC built convertible was added for 1991.
What is the difference between the INFINITI I30 and a Nissan Maxima?
Mechanically very little. The INFINITI I30 (1996-2001) is a Maxima with the same VQ30DE 3.0 V6, different front and rear styling, and more standard equipment. Most Maxima service parts fit directly.
Are parts hard to find for older INFINITI models?
It depends on the model. INFINITI cars with high volume Nissan siblings (G35/350Z, I30/Maxima, G20/Sentra SR20 drivetrain) are easy to keep running. Low production cars like the M30 and early Q45 need more hunting, often through Nissan Leopard or JDM sources for trim pieces.
The wall
The most-documented INFINITI vehicles in the registry, every photo by the owner.
