.

.September 03, 2003
.
This Week:

• New Chrysler 300C Touring Concept To Be Unveiled at 2003 IAA

• BE BOP & BE BOP

• concept R - World premiere: A new sports car design philosophy

• 2004 Infiniti Lineup - Charting the Changes

• Lancia Fulvia Coupé Show Car

• Mitsubishi Motors Appoints Finbarr O'Neill Head of North American Operations

• 13th Gran Premio Nuvolari in Italy

• GM Reports August Sales of 472,427, Retail Sales up 4 Percent Record Sales in Trucks, Full-Size Pickups

• BMW Group Sales Increase 3 Percent In August

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
2004 Infiniti Lineup - Charting the Changes
 

Coming off a banner year in 2003 - marked by record sales and a long list of product accolades and awards - Infiniti enters the new model year with no intention of slowing down. In 2004, Infiniti continues its new product blitz with the arrival early in the calendar year of its biggest introduction yet, an all-new full-size luxury SUV, and the addition of a new all-wheel drive version of the popular G35 Sport Sedan in early December. The full-size SUV will become the fourth V8-powered rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive product in the Infiniti lineup, along with the Q45 and M45 sedans and FX45 premium crossover SUV. Infiniti will also continue to be a major player in the performance-oriented V6 category, led by the 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year G35 Sport Coupe and G35 Sport Sedan, as well as the popular I35 luxury sedan and FX35 premium crossover SUV.

Infiniti will continue to be a leader in the automotive industry with its ongoing development of new automotive technology, including the advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system available in the FX45/FX35 and the new G35 Sedan Leather AWD model.

Following is an overview of Infiniti Division products for the 2004 model year:

Infiniti Q45 Performance Luxury Sedan

In 2003, Infiniti's flagship Q45 sedan received a number of key enhancements, including a revised final drive gear ratio for better acceleration feel, revised grille, headlight and rear end finisher appearance, new exterior colors, standard heated front seats, available climate controlled seats (heating and cooling) for driver and front passenger (Premium Package) and optional satellite radio. For 2004, the Q45 carries over relatively unchanged, continuing to offer an exhilarating driving experience from its innovative 340-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 engine, 4-wheel independent suspension and an enthusiast's dream list of state-of-the-art technology. The Q45 also offers dramatic exterior styling and a spacious, driver-oriented luxury interior.

Infiniti M45 Performance Sedan

For 2004, the powerful 4.5-liter V8-equipped M45 again offers a level of attributes and features not found in similarly priced 6-cylinder equipped competitive models. Like the Q45, with which it shares many of its standard performance components, the M45 provides drivers with an astonishing driving experience from its advanced 340-horsepower DOHC V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension and rear-wheel drive.

The M45 interior receives a driver's seat two-position memory system, electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, and electronic compass as standard equipment (previously available as the Comfort and Convenience Package). New for 2004 is a Navigation / Voice Recognition Package which features Infiniti's DVD Navigation system and voice recognition system.

Infiniti FX Premium Crossover SUV

Launched in January 2003, the FX45 and FX35 continue in 2004 with their aggressive styling, outstanding performance and luxury car comfort. The all-wheel drive FX45 maintains its 315-horsepower 4.5-liter DOHC V8 (based on the Infiniti Q45 powerplant) and features standard 20-inch wheels and tires, leather-appointed seats and a sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension. Also available is the 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6-equipped FX35, in all-wheel or optional rear-wheel drive. Both the FX45 and FX35 provide highly personalized interior environments with cockpit-like styling, sport-styled 8-way power front seats, extensive use of real aluminum trim accents, and available RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key, Tire Pressure Monitor System and Intelligent Cruise Control.

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

Designed from the ground up on the racing-inspired FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe offers all of the advanced technology, leading-edge design and luxury amenities of the Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan but in a stylish, two-door body. The G35 Sport Coupe features a long list of standard performance features, including a 280 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 mated to a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed electronically controlled automatic with manual shift mode. The G35 Sport Coupe receives minor enhancements for the 2004 model year.

Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan

The big news for the 2004 G35 Sport Sedan is the addition, beginning in early December, of the G35 Sedan Leather AWD model. This new model features an advanced all-wheel drive system with an active torque distribution management system with an electro-magnetic clutch (no center differential). The advantage of this system is smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads and minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads. Torque distribution front-to-rear is computer controlled and is variable between 0:100 and 50:50 front:rear.

All 2004 G35 Sport Sedans express Infiniti's bold new direction of combining leading-edge design and technology, driver-oriented performance and a high level of luxury. The G35 comes standard with a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension and rear-wheel drive.

Infiniti I35 Luxury Performance Sedan

The popular I35 sedan, introduced as a new model for the 2002 model year, receives several additions for 2004, including standard sunroof, power rear sunshade and body side sills on all models. It continues to offer outstanding performance from its 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and standard Traction Control System (TCS). The I35 also features elegant styling and a fully equipped luxury interior.

Infiniti Full-Size SUV

Infiniti takes a major step in 2004 with the introduction of its new full-size SUV, which will feature the new 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 and will be assembled at Nissan's newly opened $1.43 billion manufacturing facility in Canton, Mississippi. The Infiniti full-size SUV is scheduled to go on sale in early 2004. More details will be released closer to its launch.

(Sep. 02, 03)