Infiniti History

Nissan introduced American consumers to the new Infiniti brand in 1989, starting with the full-size Infiniti Q45 sedan and the Infiniti M30 coupe and convertible. Not long after the company's launch, an entry-level sedan badged as the Infiniti G20 hit the streets, offering a smaller, more efficient and more affordable alternative to the brand's larger and costlier vehicles. In an effort to meet growing demand for well-appointed SUVs, minor surgery was performed on the Nissan Pathfinder with the result being the Infiniti QX4. Nissan's stables were also tapped to harvest bits and pieces for the Infiniti I30 (later called the Infiniti I35), a sedan based on the popular Nissan Maxima.

Today, those nameplates are largely considered part of Infiniti's past. They paved the way for more popular vehicles like the Infiniti G35 (and, subsequently, the Infiniti G37), the bold Infiniti FX and Infiniti EX crossovers, the Infiniti M, and to a lesser degree, the Nissan Armada-based Infiniti QX56.

As Infiniti continues to develop and progress, look for designers to reach farther in an effort to develop styling accented with a good dose of attitude. Engineers will complement striking visual dynamics with more of the performance heritage upon which Infiniti has built its reputation. The Infiniti Essence, a 592-horsepower hybrid concept sports car, showcases what could be in store.