Infiniti Launches I30 Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE) Concept Car As Rolling Showcase Of Technology
4 February 1998
Infiniti Launches I30 Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE) Concept Car As Rolling Showcase Of Technology
I30 features new Microsoft Windows CE-based Auto PC for Advanced
In-car Information and Entertainment
CHICAGO, Feb. 4 -- Infiniti, maker of luxury vehicles, today
announced its debut of the I30(R) Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE), a
concept car designed to showcase the most advanced mobile office technology
soon to be available on the market, featuring state-of-the-art connectivity,
communication, entertainment and performance.
At the heart of the Infiniti I30 ELSE concept vehicle is the new Auto PC
in-dash automotive computing system, the latest member of the PC Companion
line of products powered by Microsoft Windows CE. The Auto PC takes the core
Windows CE 2.0 operating system and adds speech recognition, a sporty "car-
stereo-sized" visual interface and other car-oriented features to create an
information and entertainment device for the automobile. Clarion Corporation
of America is expected to be the first car audio manufacturer to bring its
Clarion AutoPC(TM) in-car computing platform to market this spring/summer.
Information Access
In the I30 ELSE concept car, the Clarion AutoPC, which is powered by
Microsoft's Windows CE operating system, is featured. The Clarion AutoPC is a
1-DIN AM/FM radio and CD audio/CD ROM player that fits within the dash of a
car. It utilizes voice-activation to receive e-mail alerts, dial a cell
phone, navigate to a specific destination, locate a restaurant or hotel,
access traffic and weather conditions or change the musical selection on the
stereo. All of this is accomplished through a system that allows drivers easy
access to information and entertainment while keeping their eyes safely on the
road and hands on the wheel.
"The Infiniti I30 ELSE concept car supports Infiniti's Total Ownership
Experience customer care philosophy by showcasing how the most advanced
technological innovations can be integrated to make the luxury consumer's
driving experience more convenient, productive and enjoyable," said Tom Orbe,
vice president, Infiniti Division. "We believe the future is now, and this
type of technology will break new ground in the automotive industry."
"With broad industry support from companies like Infiniti, the Auto PC
platform will change the way consumers communicate while in their
automobiles," said Harel Kodesh, general manager, consumer appliance group at
Microsoft. "We are pleased that the I30 concept car will incorporate the Auto
PC platform -- bringing information and entertainment to automobile drivers
and passengers in an entirely new, innovative way. This will allow drivers to
keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road."
"Microsoft's open, expandable Auto PC platform will bring a new level of
excitement and opportunity to the in-vehicle systems market," said James
Minarik, president, Clarion Sales Corp. "Clarion is bringing to market the
first product in this category, the Clarion AutoPC, demonstrating our
commitment to developing mobile multimedia products that converge car audio
and personal computing -- allowing consumers to drive smarter and safer."
In addition to the Auto PC and all of its capabilities, the I30 ELSE
concept car features more than 15 separate enhancements in the areas of
security, convenience, entertainment and performance.
Security and Roadside Assistance
Because Infiniti recognizes customers' needs for safety and convenience,
the I30 ELSE concept car utilizes Global Positioning System (GPS) and state-
of-the-art cellular phone technology _ connected to the Infiniti Response
Center (IRC) -- to provide access to assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
Whether the need is for crash notification, emergency assistance, roadside
assistance, remote door unlocking, vehicle security system notification or
stolen vehicle recovery, the ELSE car can provide assistance through the
Clarion AutoPC.
The cellular phone docking station allows the customer to contact the IRC
through voice, touch or, in the case of an accident, through an automatic
impact sensor. The IRC will determine the vehicle's location utilizing data
received from the vehicle's GPS antenna. Voice contact will then be
established between the vehicle occupant and the IRC operator. With the
connection made, the operator is able to provide or solicit others to provide
appropriate action.
Many of the security and convenience features of the Auto PC are included
in the all-new Infiniti Communicator in-vehicle communications system, which
will be available beginning in March on the 1998.5 Infiniti Q45 and I30 luxury
sedans.
All the Back Seat's a Stage
Setting the stage for the future in back-seat entertainment, the I30 ELSE
concept car demonstrates the possibilities in state-of-the-art audio and video
systems.
For superb audio reproduction, Bose(R) has developed a unique music
system, custom-designed for the ELSE car. At the heart of the system is the
Bose Nd(TM) woofer, which uses a neodymium magnet that is ten times as
powerful as a standard ferrite magnet. Thin in profile and light-weight, this
advanced technology works in harmony with seven other Bose speakers and Bose
custom electronics to deliver powerful, life-like sound. Remote infrared
headphones are also available for times when a quiet cabin is desired.
For back seat passengers to view a favorite movie selection, the Rosen
Traveler LCD video display, featuring the latest TFT active matrix technology,
flips down from the back center roof. Video signal comes from the video
cassette player (VCP), is operated by remote and accessed via the trunk pass-
through. The LCD has bright backlighting, wide-viewing angles, and safely
flips up when touched.
The LCD also is used to display output from the back seat video game
player, making it the entertainment center for the kids -- and adults -- on
short or long commutes.
The Performance Edge
For improved performance, safety, driver control and enjoyment, the I30
ELSE concept car features a number of enhancements to the suspension, brake
and exhaust systems.
For a firm, European car-like ride, the ELSE suspension features specially
tuned springs, shocks and front and rear strut tower braces to reduce body
roll and improve steering response.
Wider, low-profile, 17-inch Enkei wheels and Michelin tires enhance the
styling while increasing cornering and braking traction. To shorten stopping
distances, the ELSE car also features Brembo high performance brakes similar
to the ones used on Formula 1 cars.
To enhance power and economy, the car also features a low restriction air
intake and exhaust system.
On the ecological and safety front, the I30 ELSE car incorporates special
biodegradable synthetic lubricants as well as high-power, low-glare head,
driving and fog lights to enhance driver vision under most weather conditions.
The Infiniti I30, with nearly 75,000 units sold since its introduction in
April 1995, has led Infiniti Division's sales. Noted for its class-leading
sportiness, space and performance for around $30,000, the I30 has proven
popular with consumers due to its balance of luxury and performance.
Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., is
supported by a network of more than 145 retailers. Customer satisfaction has
always been a key component of Infiniti's commitment to customer service.
Infiniti introduced The Total Ownership Experience(R) (TOE) customer care
philosophy as part of its continuing dedication to providing exceptional
consumer treatment and service. With TOE, Infiniti is leading the way into
the next century.
Product and company names herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners.
Infiniti I30 ELSE Car
Performance Fact Sheet
The Infiniti I30(R) Executive Luxury Special Edition (ELSE) concept car
features a number of performance enhancements for improved ride quality,
cornering, braking and handling. They are as follows:
* Brembo brakes, like those used on the Nissan Skyline GTR (V-Spec), CART
and Formula 1 race cars, have a 4-piston caliper with bigger ventilated rotors
to improve braking power and cosmetics. The lightweight alloy caliper and
rotor hat replace the standard iron pieces to reduce unsprung weight. This
weight reduction comes despite the fact that the Brembo brakes are
significantly larger than the standard brakes. Aircraft-type braided steel
brake lines significantly improve brake feel and modulation.
* Strut tower braces, like those used on the Infiniti Q45 but with the
addition of a custom Versafab brackets, give the I30 a stiffer chassis,
reduced NVH and an overall smoother ride.
* Eibach springs, which lower the car by about 37mm, give it a progressive
spring rate, with the initial spring rate close to stock ramping up to about
25 percent stiffer than stock. These springs are effective in further
reducing body roll during cornering and lane change maneuvers while having a
minimal impact on ride comfort.
* Koni nitrogen pressurized shock absorbers are tuned to give the I30 a
firmer, European car-like ride with their velocity-sensitive, adjustable
stiffness valving. The Koni's improve stability, transient response and
cornering for a more solid, secure feel of the road.
* An Enkei/Michelin wheel/tire package features a larger rim /lower aspect
ratio, wider tire (235/45-17 All Season Low Profile Radials) which improves
cornering traction by keeping the larger contact patch flatter on the road.
Shorter, stiffer sidewalls improve transient response and reduce tread lift
during hard cornering. The tires wider, lower profile look, with a larger
diameter rim create an enhanced visual appeal. The lightweight Enkei alloy
wheel reduces unsprung weight which allows the suspension to work more
effectively improving traction and ride comfort. The open design of the wheel
offers improved brake cooling as well as a tantalizing view of the high-
performance brake system.
* A Greddy stainless steel exhaust system reduces backpressure for more
power and improved mileage. A polished stainless steel exhaust tip enhances
cosmetics.
* Motul synthetic lubricants for the engine and transaxle reduce friction
and wear. Synthetic brake fluid also improves fade resistance and feel.
Motul lubricants are ecologically friendly and bio-degradable. Motul
lubricants have been used by Nissan's racing division (NISMO) for the 24 hours
of Le Mans and by Nissan's IMSA GTS-1 championship winning 300ZXT.
* Jim Wolf Technology supplies its POP (Performance Optimized Program)
Engine Control Unit or ECU. The ECU has spark and fuel curves optimized for
the performance driver using premium fuel. Throttle response and power are
improved, with some gains in fuel economy. Jim Wolf Technology also supplies
its high-flow reusable air filter. This air filter increases horsepower by
reducing intake restriction. The filter also is washable and reusable for a
long service life. The Eco-Friendly reusable filter helps reduce landfill
usage over the vehicle's lifetime. A Jim Wolf Technology automatic
transmission controller has three settings. The first is Comfort mode which
enables smooth, jerk-free shifts. Sport mode has hard, fast, slip-free shifts
for optimal acceleration. A third mode locks out first gear to reduce
wheelspin, improving control under low traction conditions like mud or snow.
In addition to these performance features, the I30 ELSE car offers PIAA
high-efficiency driving lights, Blue Star off-road high performance bulbs
provided by Hella, Inc. and TrimMaster wood trim for enhanced convenience,
safety, and comfort.
SOURCE Infiniti