Detroit Debut of 2003 G35 Sport Sedan and FX45 Concept SUV

DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- The world debut of two exciting performance luxury vehicles, a brand new display and strong sales momentum marked the highlights of Infiniti's press announcement today at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2003 Infiniti G35 sport sedan, which goes on sale at more than 150 Infiniti retailers nationwide in March, shared the stage with the stunning second generation Infiniti FX45 Concept, a performance-oriented crossover sport utility vehicle. Infiniti vice president and general manager Mark McNabb announced that a production version of the FX45 Concept will join the Infiniti lineup as early as next winter. He also confirmed that Infiniti will add two other vehicles in the near future, a mid-size sedan and a sport coupe version of the new G35. "Fresh products are your lifeblood in today's economic environment, especially in the ultra-competitive luxury market," said McNabb. "The strength and depth of Nissan's recovery efforts ensure that Infiniti will continue to be a leader in performance, luxury and technology -- as demonstrated today with the new G35 and FX45."

2003 Infiniti G35 The all-new rear-wheel drive G35 is powered by an advanced, 260-horsepower V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The G35's performance is enhanced by a new 4-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components and highly aerodynamic styling -- including a coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero degrees of front lift. The G35 is positioned to compete against popular sports sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 2.8. The G35's styling takes full advantage of the vehicle's all-new FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which features a long wheelbase (112.2 inches) and short front and rear overhangs -- providing a large interior for its highly manageable overall length (186.2 inches). A wide front and rear track adds to the G35's overall handling stability and further enhances interior and trunk volume. While the G35's emphasis is on performance, buyers seeking luxury amenities are not left wanting as a result of its long list of standard and available equipment enhancing the spacious and elegant interior environment. Audio systems include a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an optional 200-watt 7-speaker Bose(R) premium audio system with an AM/FM/cassette in-dash 6-disc CD changer with RDS, speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls. The G35 is offered in two interior colors -- Willow and Graphite -- and is available with leather- appointed seating and genuine maple wood-tone trim. "We have great expectations for the new G35. It sets new standards in class for performance, styling, spaciousness and value," said McNabb. Infiniti also announced pricing for the all-new G35, which starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $27,100 (with leather $28,950).

FX45 Concept The FX45 Concept follows by one year the appearance of a similarly named and themed FX45 Concept -- both described by Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Design, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., as "Bionic Cheetahs" for their combined emphasis on sports car performance with SUV utility. The second generation FX45 Concept has been completely redesigned inside and out but remains an aggressive, V8-powered, all-wheel drive sports luxury design. The FX45 Concept takes full advantage of its 112.2-inch long wheelbase, wide stance and 21-inch wheels and tires to create a strong presence, whether in motion or at rest. Rather than adopt a "blended" minivan/wagon/sedan approach, its designers sought an aggressive image -- strong, fast and agile -- so that the FX45 Concept looks the way it drives. The exterior suggests classic sports car shapes, but with modern packaging and architecture. The cabin is moved rearward, set back like a sports car, with long doors and the tires pushed out to the corners. A large, Infiniti-style grille and narrow horizontal headlights reinforce the classic sports car effect. Inside, the FX45 Concept offers a highly personalized four-passenger interior. Each of the four individual power-operated seats has been designed for the person who will be using it -- a driver's area that allows concentration on driving, a front passenger seat that indulges the occupant with individual heating and cooling controls, intuitive storage and soft lighting, and a state-of-the-art entertainment area with an overhead DVD display and game system for rear seat passengers. The instrument panel offers a special "floating" instrument cluster with a large 9.5-inch LCD monitor. The FX45 Concept's 4.5-liter V8 engine is based on the class-leading 2002 Infiniti Q45 powerplant and produces in excess of 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The FX45 also features all-wheel drive with electronic torque demand, a 4-wheel independent suspension with multi-link rear design and 4-wheel vented disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution. Infiniti is supported by a network of approximately 150 retailers throughout North America and offers a range of luxury vehicles including the Infiniti QX4 luxury Sport Utility Vehicle, G20 sports sedan, I35 luxury sedan, and flagship Q45 luxury performance sedan. For more information on the complete line of Infiniti luxury vehicles and the Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy, visit Infiniti on the Web at http://www.infiniti.com .