Infiniti

First generation with 4.5L VH45DE V8 producing 278hp. Sophisticated rear-wheel drive platform with multi-link suspension. Advanced features including Active Suspension (optional). Luxurious interior with Connolly leather. Weight 1820kg. Distinctive minimalist styling. Established Infiniti as serious luxury contender.

Second generation with more conservative styling. Same 4.5L V8 now producing 266hp. Improved interior quality and sound insulation. Weight 1880kg. Added more traditional luxury elements. Featured Bose audio and navigation system. Continued rear-wheel drive layout.

Third generation with completely new design. 4.5L V8 upgraded to 340hp. Larger dimensions with more interior space. Weight 1920kg. Advanced technology including laser cruise control. Final generation of the original Q45 flagship.

First generation sedan with 3.5L VQ35DE V6 producing 260hp. Rear-wheel drive platform with optional AWD. Sport-tuned suspension with multi-link design. Weight 1570kg. Available as Journey, Sport, and AWD models. Popular for performance and value combination.

Sport coupe version with 3.5L V6 producing 280hp. Aggressive styling with long hood and short deck. Six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. Weight 1590kg. Brembo brakes on Sport models. Successful in sports coupe segment against BMW 3 Series.

Second generation with all-new platform and design. 3.5L VQ35HR V6 producing 306hp. Improved interior quality and technology. Weight 1650kg. Available as sedan and coupe. Featured updated infotainment and safety systems.

First generation with 4.5L VK45DE V8 producing 340hp. Based on Japanese-market Nissan Gloria platform. Rear-wheel drive with sport-tuned suspension. Weight 1780kg. Luxurious interior with premium materials. Limited US market availability as performance flagship.

Second generation with all-new FM platform. M35 with 3.5L V6 (275hp) and M45 with 4.5L V8 (325hp). Advanced technology including Lane Departure Prevention. Weight 1750-1820kg. Available with Sport Package and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Third generation with updated styling and engines. M37 with 3.7L V6 (330hp) and M56 with 5.6L V8 (420hp). Advanced safety features and infotainment. Weight 1800-1920kg. Luxurious interior with extensive technology. Final generation before renaming to Q70.

First generation based on Nissan Armada platform. 5.6L VK56DE V8 producing 315hp. Body-on-frame construction with four-wheel drive. Seating for up to eight passengers. Weight 2580kg. Luxurious interior with premium features. Distinctive styling with large chrome grille.

Second generation with completely new design. 5.6L VK56VD V8 with 400hp and VVEL technology. Improved interior quality and technology. Weight 2720kg. Advanced features including Around View Monitor. More refined on-road manners while maintaining capability.

First generation with radical coupe-like styling. FX35 with 3.5L V6 (280hp) and FX45 with 4.5L V8 (315hp). Rear-wheel drive based FM platform with AWD option. Sport-tuned suspension with 20-inch wheels. Weight 1920-2020kg. Featured advanced technology and premium Bose audio.

Second generation with updated styling and engines. FX35 with 3.5L V6 (303hp) and FX50 with 5.0L V8 (390hp). Enhanced interior quality and technology. Weight 1950-2100kg. Added features like Lane Departure Warning and Intelligent Cruise Control. Continued sporty character with improved refinement.

Final updates with engine changes and minor styling. 3.7L V6 replacing 3.5L with 325hp. Same 5.0L V8 continued in limited markets. Weight 1980-2120kg. Final model year before being replaced by QX70. Maintained sporty character throughout production.

First generation based on Nissan Pathfinder R50 platform. 3.3L VG33E V6 producing 168hp. Four-wheel drive with shift-on-the-fly capability. Luxurious interior with leather seats and wood trim. Weight 1950kg. Premium features including Bose audio and sunroof. Established Infiniti in luxury SUV market.

Updated version with 3.5L VQ35DE V6 producing 240hp. Enhanced interior with improved materials. Updated exterior styling with new grille. Weight 1980kg. Added features like navigation system. Final model year before being replaced by FX and QX56.

Single generation based on Mercedes-Benz MFA platform. 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 208hp. Front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Distinctive asymmetrical interior design. Weight 1520-1620kg. Premium features including panoramic sunroof and Bose audio. Short production run due to partnership changes.

Initial model as EX series based on G37 platform. EX35 with 3.5L V6 (297hp), EX37 with 3.7L V6 (325hp). Coupe-like styling with sporty handling. Available with Around View Monitor technology. Weight 1820-1880kg. Featured rear cargo utility system with adjustable floor.

Renamed from EX to QX50 with minor updates. 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 producing 325hp. Same FM platform with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Weight 1850-1910kg. Continued premium features and sporty character. Wheelbase extended for 2016 model year.

All-new generation with front-wheel drive platform. Revolutionary 2.0L VC-Turbo variable compression engine (268hp). Modern styling with improved interior space. Weight 1830kg. Advanced ProPILOT Assist safety features. Premium interior with dual touchscreen infotainment.

Initial model as JX series with three-row seating. 3.5L VQ35DE V6 producing 265hp. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Seating for up to seven passengers. Weight 2020kg. Featured advanced safety systems and luxurious interior amenities.

Renamed from JX to QX60 with hybrid option introduced. 3.5L V6 (295hp) and hybrid with 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder (250hp combined). Same platform with updated styling. Weight 2050-2150kg. Continued focus on family luxury with premium features.

All-new generation with completely redesigned platform. 3.5L VQ35DD V6 producing 295hp with nine-speed automatic. Modern styling with improved technology. Weight 2100kg. Enhanced ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link. Premium interior with semi-aniline leather and advanced infotainment.

Renamed from M series with updated styling and features. Available with 3.7L V6 (330hp), 5.6L V8 (420hp), and 3.5L hybrid (360hp combined). Rear-wheel drive platform with AWD option. Weight 1850-1950kg. Luxurious interior with premium materials and advanced safety systems. Final model year 2019 before discontinuation.

Renamed from FX series with minor updates. 3.7L V6 (325hp) and 5.0L V8 (390hp) engines. Sport-tuned suspension with 21-inch wheels. Weight 1980-2100kg. Distinctive coupe-like styling with premium interior. Final generation before model line discontinuation.

First generation with 3.5L V6 producing 297hp. Based on G37 platform with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Coupe-like styling with panoramic moonroof. Weight 1820kg. Featured Around View Monitor and rear cargo utility system. Innovative technology package for its class.

Updated with 3.7L V6 producing 325hp. Same platform with minor styling updates. Weight 1850kg. Continued premium features and sporty character. Final model year before being renamed QX50.

First generation based on Nissan Maxima platform. 3.0L VQ30DE V6 producing 190hp. Front-wheel drive with luxury appointments. Weight 1450kg. Popular for value and reliability. Well-equipped with leather and premium audio.

Second generation with 3.0L V6 (227hp) and later 3.5L V6 (255hp). Updated styling and improved interior. Weight 1520kg. Continued front-wheel drive layout with premium features. Successful entry-luxury model.

Top-trim version with 3.5L VQ35DE V6 producing 255hp. Enhanced luxury features and styling. Weight 1550kg. Positioned above I30 with more premium content. Final model before being replaced by G35.

First generation based on Nissan Primera P10. 2.0L SR20DE inline-4 producing 140hp. Front-wheel drive with multi-link rear suspension. Weight 1250kg. European-inspired handling characteristics. Well-equipped for entry luxury segment.

Second generation with updated styling and features. Same 2.0L SR20DE engine (145hp). Improved interior quality and safety features. Weight 1300kg. Continued front-wheel drive layout with premium positioning. Discontinued to make room for G35.

Single generation luxury coupe with 3.0L VG30DE V6 producing 210hp. Rear-wheel drive with sophisticated styling. Weight 1650kg. Distinctive fastback design with premium interior. Advanced features for era including Bose audio. Cult following for unique design.

3.0L twin-turbo V6. 400hp output. 475Nm torque. 7-speed automatic transmission. RWD or AWD configurations. 4783mm length. 2850mm wheelbase. 1732kg curb weight. Five-seat sports sedan. VR30DDTT engine. Direct Response Hybrid steering. Digital steer-by-wire. Adaptive shift control. Active Lane Control. InTouch dual touchscreen. Bose audio system. Tochigi Japan manufacturing. Japanese premium performance. BMW 3 Series alternative. Mercedes C-Class rival. American market focus. Performance sedan value.

3.0L twin-turbo V6 VR30DDTT. 400hp output. 475Nm torque. 7-speed automatic transmission. RWD or AWD configurations. 4683mm length. 2850mm wheelbase. 1761kg curb weight. 2+2 sports coupe. Twin-scroll turbochargers. Direct injection system. Direct Response Hybrid steering. Sport mode adjustable. InTouch dual touchscreen. 13-speaker Bose audio. 0-100 km/h 4.9 seconds estimated. Tochigi Japan manufacturing. Japanese luxury coupe. BMW 4 Series alternative. Premium sports coupe. Performance value proposition.

3.5L twin-turbo V6. 450hp output. 516Nm torque. 9-speed automatic transmission. AWD all-wheel drive standard. 5355mm length. 3065mm wheelbase. 2823kg curb weight. Seven or eight-seat SUV. Body-on-frame construction. Full-size luxury SUV. Digital dashboard extensive. 14.3-inch infotainment display. Head-up display windshield. ProPilot Assist 2.0. Active road noise cancellation. 22-way power front seats. Kyushu Japan manufacturing. American market focus. Cadillac Escalade rival. Full-size luxury SUV segment.

The sophisticated DOHC V8 that launched the Infiniti brand with a statement of technical ambition. This 4,494cc 90° V8 featured an aluminum block with steel liners and a five-bearing crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 32 valves and variable valve timing on the intake camshafts—a pioneering feature in 1989. The fuel system employed sequential multi-point injection with individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, while ignition used individual coil-on-plug units. With 10.2:1 compression, it produced 278 hp at 6,000 RPM and 292 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM. The engine featured a variable induction system with two-stage intake manifold and hydraulic engine mounts. This powerplant delivered turbine-like smoothness and sophisticated power that challenged established European and American luxury sedans, establishing Infiniti's reputation for technical innovation from day one.

The award-winning V6 that brought refined power to Infiniti's volume models. This 2,988cc 60° V6 featured an aluminum block with microfinished crankshaft and six-bolt main bearings. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 24 valves and variable valve timing on the intake camshafts. The fuel system employed sequential multi-point injection with a dual-stage intake manifold, while ignition used individual coil-on-plug units. With 10.0:1 compression, it produced 227 hp at 6,400 RPM and 217 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM. The engine featured a lightweight silent chain drive system and electronically controlled throttle. Renowned for its exceptional smoothness and high-revving character, this engine won multiple International Engine of the Year awards and set new standards for V6 refinement in the luxury segment.

The high-revving V6 that established Infiniti as a performance luxury brand. This 3,498cc 60° V6 featured an aluminum block with plasma-sprayed cylinder bores and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 24 valves and continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts (VVEL). The fuel system employed sequential multi-point injection with a variable-length intake manifold. With 10.3:1 compression, it produced 280 hp at 6,200 RPM and 270 lb-ft at 4,800 RPM. In high-performance applications, output reached 306 hp. The engine featured a symmetrical intake and exhaust system for optimal airflow and reduced vibration. This powerplant became the heart of Infiniti's renaissance, delivering sports car performance with luxury car refinement in the groundbreaking G35 sedan and coupe.

The technologically advanced V6 featuring variable valve event and lift. This 3,696cc 60° V6 featured an aluminum block with plasma-sprayed cylinder bores and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 24 valves and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) on the intake side combined with variable timing on both camshafts. The fuel system employed direct injection operating at 2,175 psi with dual-injection capability. With 11.0:1 compression, it produced 330 hp at 7,000 RPM and 270 lb-ft at 5,200 RPM. The VVEL system provided continuous control of valve timing and lift, eliminating the traditional throttle valve in most conditions for improved efficiency. This engine could rev to 7,500 RPM with exceptional smoothness, delivering specific output of 89 hp/liter while maintaining the VQ series' legendary reliability.

The advanced V8 featuring direct injection and variable valve event and lift. This 5,552cc 90° V8 featured an aluminum block with plasma-sprayed cylinder bores and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 32 valves and VVEL technology on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The fuel system employed direct injection operating at 2,175 psi with high-pressure pump. With 11.0:1 compression, it produced 400 hp at 5,800 RPM and 413 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM. The engine featured a two-stage oil pump and dual exhaust system with variable valve timing. This powerplant delivered V8 muscle with unprecedented sophistication for a large SUV, providing effortless towing capability while maintaining refined operation that challenged European luxury competitors.

The twin-turbo V6 that represents the current pinnacle of Infiniti performance. This 2,997cc 60° V6 featured an aluminum block with mirror-bore coating and a forged steel crankshaft. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 24 valves and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The turbochargers were twin water-cooled units with electronic wastegates, producing 14.7 psi of boost. The fuel system employed direct injection operating at 2,175 psi with multi-hole injectors. With 10.3:1 compression, it produced 300 hp at 6,400 RPM and 295 lb-ft at 1,600-5,200 RPM in base form, with Red Sport versions reaching 400 hp and 350 lb-ft. The engine featured an integrated exhaust manifold and electronic boost control system. This powerplant delivered specific output of 133 hp/liter while maintaining the refinement expected from a luxury sports sedan.

The revolutionary variable compression engine that represents Infiniti's engineering innovation. This 1,997cc inline-four featured an aluminum block with plasma-sprayed cylinder bores and a multi-link system that could vary compression ratio from 8:1 to 14:1. The cylinder head used dual overhead camshafts with 16 valves and variable valve timing on both camshafts. The turbocharger was a single-scroll unit with electronic wastegate. The fuel system employed direct injection operating at 2,900 psi. The variable compression mechanism used an electric motor to adjust the multi-link mechanism, optimizing compression ratio in real-time for either performance or efficiency. The engine produced 268 hp at 5,600 RPM and 280 lb-ft from 1,600-4,800 RPM. This groundbreaking technology represented the world's first production variable compression engine, achieving the power of a 2.0L turbo with the efficiency of a smaller displacement engine.

The smaller-displacement V6 developed for emerging markets and entry-level luxury. This 2,498cc 60° V6 featured an aluminum block with microfinished crankshaft and six-bolt main bearings. The cylinder heads used dual overhead camshafts with 24 valves and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The fuel system employed sequential multi-point injection with a dual-stage intake manifold. With 10.6:1 compression, it produced 218 hp at 6,400 RPM and 187 lb-ft at 4,800 RPM. The engine featured the same advanced architecture as larger VQ engines but was optimized for fuel efficiency while maintaining the smooth, refined character that defined Infiniti's powertrain philosophy. This engine provided an accessible entry point to Infiniti ownership without compromising the brand's core values of refinement and technical sophistication.

The hybrid powertrain that brought electric assistance to Infiniti's luxury sedan. This system paired the 3,498cc VQ35HR V6 producing 302 hp with a 67 hp electric motor, producing combined 360 hp. The V6 featured direct injection and variable valve timing, while the electric motor used permanent magnet synchronous technology. The transmission incorporated two clutches—one between the engine and motor, and another between the motor and transmission—allowing pure electric driving up to 62 mph. The battery was a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion pack located behind the rear seats. The system could operate in pure electric mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 62 mph, providing silent urban operation. This powertrain delivered V8-like acceleration with four-cylinder fuel economy, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds while returning 31 MPG combined.

The bespoke electric powertrain created for Infiniti's retro-futuristic concept car. This system featured a single synchronous electric motor producing 148 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The motor used hairpin winding technology with direct oil cooling and operated at high voltage for maximum efficiency. The battery was a 30 kWh lithium-ion pack using advanced chemistry with active thermal management. The power electronics employed silicon carbide technology for reduced energy loss. The complete powertrain was mounted in a classic-inspired chassis with rear-wheel drive configuration. While never intended for production, this powertrain demonstrated Infiniti's exploration of electric vehicle technology and their ability to blend nostalgic design with forward-thinking propulsion systems, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 105 mph with silent, emissions-free operation.

The renowned 7-speed automatic transmission developed by Jatco (JR711E) that served as the backbone for Infiniti's rear-wheel-drive sports sedans and coupes for over a decade. This transmission features adaptive shift control (ASC) that learns the driver's habits and adjusts shift timing and firmness accordingly. It includes Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), which automatically blips the throttle during aggressive downshifts for smoother, faster gear changes. In models with paddle shifters, it offers manual mode with full control, refusing to upshift at redline. The torque converter uses a lock-up clutch that engages in all seven gears for improved efficiency. While its shift speed was not class-leading in its later years, its robustness, smoothness, and adaptive intelligence made it a well-regarded unit that perfectly complemented the high-revving VQ37VHR V6 engine.

A robust, longitudinally-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission used in Infiniti's flagship sedan and full-size SUV. This transmission is designed to handle the substantial torque of the 5.6L V8 engine while providing exceptionally smooth and quiet operation. It features a wide gear ratio spread, with a low first gear for strong initial acceleration and tall overdrive gears for relaxed, efficient highway cruising. The shift logic is calibrated for luxury, with imperceptible gear changes under normal driving conditions. It includes a manual shift mode and adaptive learning capabilities. In the QX80, the transmission programming is specifically tuned for towing, with a tow/haul mode that alters shift points and provides enhanced engine braking on descents. Its primary focus is on delivering effortless power with supreme refinement.

A specialized, high-torque version of Infiniti's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission, uniquely paired with the revolutionary variable-compression ratio VC-Turbo engine. This CVT is reinforced to handle the 380 Nm of torque produced by the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine. Unlike many CVTs that simulate stepped gears, Infiniti's programming allows the engine to hold a specific RPM under acceleration where the VC-Turbo is at its most efficient high-compression state, creating a distinct and continuous surge of power. It also includes a manual mode with eight pre-programmed simulated ratios for a more traditional feel. This transmission's core goal is to work in harmony with the VC-Turbo to provide the responsive feel of a high-performance turbocharged engine with the efficiency of a sophisticated four-cylinder, a key part of the QX50's and QX55's technological identity.

The mainstream Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission used across many Infiniti models with four-cylinder and V6 engines. This transmission employs an auxiliary two-speed planetary gearset alongside the primary pulley system. This 'D-Step Logic' setup provides the immediate feel of a first gear from a standstill, reducing the traditional rubber-band effect, and then seamlessly transitions to the steel belt for infinite ratios. The control software is programmed to simulate the shift points of a conventional 7-speed automatic under acceleration, providing a more familiar and satisfying driving feel. Its primary advantages are exceptionally smooth power delivery and optimal engine RPM for fuel efficiency. In the latest QX60, this transmission was heavily revised for improved response and refinement, moving away from the problematic CVT used in earlier generations.

A powerful, single-motor parallel hybrid system that places a 67 hp electric motor between the engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission. This system does not use a traditional torque converter; instead, the motor acts as both a power source and a damper, allowing for a direct, immediate connection between the engine and transmission. This results in lightning-fast shifts (as quick as 0.5 seconds) and a significant torque fill that eliminates any lag. The system can drive the car on electric power alone at low speeds, and the transmission includes a specific 'Hybrid' position that optimizes the coordination between the gasoline engine and electric motor for maximum efficiency. This setup provided the Q50 and Q70 Hybrids with V8-like acceleration while maintaining better fuel economy than their standard V6 counterparts.

Launched in 1989 as Nissan's luxury division targeting the American market, Infiniti debuted with the Q45 flagship sedan before the G35 sports sedan became a breakthrough model that established the brand's performance-luxury focus. The innovative FX crossover further defined Infiniti's positioning as a Japanese premium alternative to German rivals, operating from Yokohama headquarters with primary focus on American consumers. An ambitious global expansion saw European market entry in 2008, though Infiniti withdrew from Europe in 2020 to concentrate resources on growth in China, the Middle East, and Australia. The acclaimed VQ engine series powered many models before the 2014 Q-naming standardization streamlined the lineup, while concepts like the QX Inspiration signal Infiniti's electric future commitment. Platform sharing with Nissan provides engineering efficiency while Infiniti maintains premium brand identity through technology focus and evolving design language. The brand represents a Japanese luxury alternative for buyers seeking performance credentials and innovative features without German pricing or prestige pretensions—carving a niche through driver engagement and value rather than competing directly on luxury cachet, proving that premium positioning requires differentiation beyond simply copying established players.