1999 Infiniti I30 Luxury Sedan Offers New Exterior Colors Treatment, Available Traction Control System

The Infiniti I30 luxury sedan has been noted since its introduction in 1995 for its dramatic styling, large interior and responsive performance. The 1999 continues to offer the attributes that have made the I30 Infiniti's highest volume model, along with added features for the new model year, including an available Traction Control System and new two-tone paint treatments.

"The I30 is what Infiniti is all about, a luxury car that is surprisingly fun-to-drive," said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "Of course with an Infiniti, the car is only half of the pleasure of ownership. Infiniti's industry-leading Total Ownership Experience promises to make owning an I30 as much of a joy as driving one."

Exterior and Interior Design

The I30 exterior design features strong styling cues to visually link the car with the flagship Q45 sedan, including the Infiniti hallmark chrome front grille, elegant flowing lines and compact and efficient halogen headlights with jewel-type reflectors and horizontal taillight treatment. The I30 has a coefficient of drag of just 0.32, which helps provide a quiet cabin and stable ride. Additionally, the exterior is treated to a rigorous 39-step paint process that is laser-guided to ensure against imperfections and flaws.

With a long wheelbase and a wide cabin, the I30 offers exceptional interior roominess and generous trunk capacity. Special attention was paid in the design process to the creation of best-in-class rear seat spaciousness. The trunk's 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity is further enhanced by the 130's wide trunk opening, low liftover height and standard rear seat armrest pass-through.

The luxurious I30 interior blends sophistication and comfort with state-of-the-art ergonomics. A large instrument panel with soft, tactile surfaces houses easy-to-read analog gauges. Wood-tone trim adds an extra touch of elegance. Changes for the new model year include a revised audio faceplate for enhanced visibility of audio controls, automatic headlights and retained accessory power for the sunroof and windows.

Late in the 1998 model year, the Infiniti Communicator in-vehicle communications system (IVCS) became available. This system combines the technologies of cellular telephones and global positioning satellites to help locate your vehicle in an emergency, and contact assistance if needed.

The I30's standard 8-way power driver's seat features an integrated "extended pelvic lumbar support." This advanced design provides compound support of the pelvis and lumbar, helping prevent fatigue over long drives. A 4-way power front-passenger seat is also standard.

One option package is offered to enhance luxury, the Leather and Convenience Package. This package includes: Leather-appointed interior, perforated leather seating surfaces, power sunroof with rear tilt feature and sunshade, anti-glare rearview mirror and the HomeLink Universal Transceiver.

The touring model (I30t) includes a rear decklid spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels styled like the Q45t wheels, along with 55-series low-profile tires to give the "t" model an extra amount of "attitude."'

Drivetrain/Suspension

Two areas where many mid-luxury segment sedans fall far short of their larger traditional luxury counterparts are in performance and technology. Through the innovative application of leading-edge engine and suspension designs, the Infiniti I30 offers the quick acceleration, agile handling and comfortable ride of the flagship Q45. The 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, created through advanced computer modeling, produces smooth, V8-like response and performance, while delivering excellent fuel economy.

With 190 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs of torque, this advanced powerplant helps propel the I30 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds (in independent testing). At the same time, the I30 delivers excellent fuel economy of 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for the 5-speed manual (available on the I30t only), and 21 mpg City/28 mpg Highway with the I30's electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (Standard and Touring models).

Helping to keep that power on the road is the job of the new available Traction Control System (TCS), which works with the optional viscous limited-slip differential to sense and control wheel slippage. If both front tires are slipping, intermittent braking is applied through the Antilock Braking System (ABS) to the right and left wheels. At the same time, engine speed is automatically reduced until it matches the available traction. As a result, handling, control and safety are improved, whatever the weather.

The I30 also provides exceptional handling and ride comfort through use of an innovative 4-wheel independent suspension system. The MacPherson strut-type front suspension uses sophisticated subframe-located mountings to help provide stiffness and noise/vibration isolation.

In the rear, the I30's Rear Multi-Link Beam suspension utilizes the best aspects of both multi-link and torsion beam suspension designs through development of a patented lateral link/control rod system. This arrangement helps keep the tires perpendicular to the road for better stability and control, while providing excellent body stability.