Infiniti Intros 4 New Models

RIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH:

2002 New York Auto Show - Infiniti Presentation by Mark McNabb Vice President and General Manager Infiniti Division:

Good morning. Infiniti launched in November 1989 with two products - the Q45 and the M30. Today, we're proud to bring back the "M" designation - but this time with the power of the Q45 under the skin.

This new M45 performance sedan is another important step in the total transformation of the Infiniti lineup as we introduce four new products in less than twelve months - four all-new models that are distinct and unique to Infiniti.

In the first 12 years of Infiniti's history we've delivered a true performance luxury experience to over a half million buyers. But over the course of these dozen years the luxury segment in general has changed. Lineups have expanded and diversified. We've seen our competitors add model after model keeping their owners within their brands.

Well, now it's our turn. Infiniti is in the middle of a total transformation of our product lineup, the scope of which is unprecedented in the luxury segment. The sum of these new parts - starting with the introduction of our flagship Q45 last spring, followed closely by the new I35 this fall and continuing with the powerful new products you see in the room here today is not just greater than the whole - it's a powerful new Infiniti presence.

Earlier this month the stunning new G35 Sport Sedan joined our lineup to strong media reviews and tremendous consumer interest. The new G35 and the reinvigorated 2002 I35 combine to give us a powerful one-two punch in the $30,000 price range. With the addition of the new M45, along with our flagship Q45, we'll have an equally strong duo of V8 performance sedans.

But here's the real kicker - when the M45 goes on sale in November, it'll be priced in the low $40's. That's V8 performance at a price where many competitors offer only six-cylinder cars. I'm not talking optional V8, either. Every M45 comes with the same industry-leading 340-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 found in the 2002 Q45. Not a bad place to start.

The M45 also features an advanced 4-wheel independent suspension, a leading edge braking system, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

In terms of premium features, the new M45 also reflects Infiniti's high level of advanced technology and luxury features: a central information system with large LCD monitor, Sojourner leather seating, Bose 7-speaker premium audio system - items that are not even offered on competitors' sedans, much less as standard equipment.

The M45 also features technology that truly benefits the total driving experience, such as Voice Recognition, climate control seats, DVD navigation and Intelligent Cruise Control, to name just a few.

The M45 promises to deliver an exceptionally rewarding experience for both driver and passenger. It gives us a powerful entry in the competitive $40,000 luxury sedan segment.

In Detroit, we gave you a preview of our "Bionic Cheetah," the FX45. And, we've previously announced that Infiniti will be adding a full-size luxury SUV for the 2004 model year. The other new vehicle we debuted at Detroit is also critically important to our product lineup, the all-new 2003 G35.

The G35, which went on sale March 11th, sets the tone for the Infiniti of the future with class-leading performance, style, roominess and premium equipment. It has European driving flavor, but without the typical ride, comfort and roominess trade-offs.

Initial response to the new G35 has been outstanding. The G35 sends the message to a whole new audience that performance is key to the Infiniti brand. But this is a message that we don't expect the G35 Sport Sedan to carry alone. We think this will help.

Now things are getting interesting. By the way, this is the production G35 Coupe, not a show car.

With a car this stunning, not a lot else needs to be said. The G35 Sport Coupe will be available in November with pricing expected to start under $30,000. We understand, however, that great looks will only take you so far.

The other key motivator in this segment is performance. I'd like to ask Jack Collins to come up to tell you a little more about what lies under the G35 Coupe's seductive skin.

Jack Collins Vice President, Product Planning Nissan North America, Inc.

Thanks, Mark and good morning. While the G35 Coupe's elegant styling draws you in, it more than delivers on its promise once you slip behind the wheel.

There are two key elements that set the G35 Coupe apart from the competition: use of the spectacular FM platform and our state-of-the-art VQ series V6 engine. Both are also found in the G35 Sedan, but for use in the G35 Coupe we dial things up a bit.

The standard 3.5-liter V6 has been tuned to produce 275-plus horsepower and 260-plus foot-pounds of torque... and that's not just at peak rpm. There's tremendous torque available across a broad power band, making the G35 Sport Coupe a pleasure to drive. With the Coupe, we're offering a new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, which we'll also make available for the G35 Sedan. Of course, the Coupe will also be available with our state-of-the-art 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode.

The G35 Coupe uses 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension and "ripple control" shock design, with suspension tuning slightly more aggressive than the Sedan. Aggressive 17-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 18-inch designs like these also available. The standard brake system is state-of-the-art, and Infiniti's advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control comes standard on every G35 Coupe.

The Coupe's wheelbase is the same as the Sedan -- 112.2 inches -- but the Coupe is four inches shorter overall and its height is three inches lower. The Coupe is also 2.5 inches wider.

Though Mark said the styling speaks for itself, we think the G35 Coupe's design is dynamic, emotional and distinctive. In other words, it's gorgeous. The designers sought to create harmony of speed and style, as you can see in the bold, powerful and graceful front-to-rear character line, its sleek, personal cabin, extended, rounded fenders which emphasize the sporty wheels and the unique grille, which changes its light reflection as you view it from different angles.

The rear of the G35 Coupe is composed of concave and convex shapes, combined in a manner that expresses sportiness and grace, while the dual independent exhausts give a strong visual intention of the Coupe's high performance character. And, we've given it an exhaust note to match.

The coefficient of drag is 0.29, 0.28 with the aerodynamic package of rear spoiler and underside fairings. Like the sedan, the Coupe features zero degrees of front lift, greatly enhancing its high-speed stability and solid road feel. With the available aero package, there's also zero rear lift. Xenon headlights and LED taillights, like those on the G35 Sedan, are standard.

Inside, the G35 Coupe combines a driver-oriented cockpit with an exceptional level of premium amenities. It offers 2+2 seating with a fold-down rear seat, an available Bose audio system with eight speakers, and an optionally available Infiniti Navigation System with a 6.5-inch retractable monitor -- though this is one of those cars that it won't matter where you're going. It's enough just to be out driving.

The G35 Sport Coupe is a car with no real equal. We expect it to establish the new benchmark by which all other sport coupes will be measured.

There's one other quick "product announcement" I'd like to make before turning the stage back to Mark. Along with these two new models for 2003, we're also pleased to offer our owners state-of-the-art "Infiniti Communicator" Telematics system, offered as standard on every 2003 Q45, M45 and G35 Sedan and Coupe.

The Infiniti Communicator, connected with Wingcast, features flexible technology that can be adapted to the owners' personal preferences and enables safety and security services -- including a portable, hands-free voice-activated phone and information portal.

For 2003, we're also pleased to be partnering with XM and Sirius in offering 100 channels of digital quality music and information through satellite radio systems -- available this fall on Q45, M45, G35 Sedan and Coupe and I35 models.

Now I'd like Mark to come back up for a few closing thoughts. Mark...

Mark McNabb

Thanks, Jack. As I said, G35 Coupe pricing should start under $30,000 when it goes on sale in early November. When we introduced the G35 Sedan we said we wanted to make a statement and I think we have. The G35 Coupe makes the same statement -- squared.

Both G35 models will obviously have a big impact on Infiniti - in terms of sales, image and momentum. We haven't forgotten the other elements that have gotten us here, the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience and the best collection of premium dealers in the country. Our facilities upgrade program is well underway as our dealers get their stores ready for our expanded product lineup.

But the future of Infiniti is clearly in the hands of our new, invigorated, product lineup.

Four new products in less than twelve months. Enough said.

Thank you.