INFINITI Vehicle History: How It All Began

History

Raising The Bar in Automotive Luxury

Our launch vehicle was the Q45 sedan. It was the first of many distinctive and innovative vehicles for people who want to stand out from the crowd.

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The Early Years

Driver Centric Design

Pushing Technology

Challenging Ourselves

1985 - 1995

The Early Years

After years of top-secret preparation, INFINITI was announced to the world in 1989. We quickly made waves in the automotive industry by offering outstanding products and ground-breaking, disruptive customer service called Total Ownership Experience.

1985

How It All Began

An elite group forms within Nissan with a single aim: to build a new type of performance luxury vehicle – one that would challenge the prevailing American and European luxury brands – with more driver-centric design and better customer service.

1987

World, Meet INFINITI

A name is chosen to capture a sense of purpose and the summarize the endless possibilities that lie ahead. To embody it, a logo is designed depicting two central lines stretching into the horizon.

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1989

We Have Lift Off

INFINITI launches at 51 dealers across the United States. Two models are available: the spacious Q45 sedan and the performance-based M30 coupe. We quickly gain recognition as leaders in customer satisfaction.

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1995

The V6 Engine Debuts

A new V6 engine range was introduced: the VQ series. Designed for optimal power, torque and fuel consumption, the thrilling VQ ranked as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for the next 14 years – an unrivalled achievement. This was the predecessor of the INFINITI Twin Turbo V6. A 3.5-liter version of this can now be found in the All-New QX80.

Explore Technology

2001 - 2002

Driver Centric Design

While a lot has changed in the years since we began, our dedication to driver-centric design has continued to drive the brand forward, producing some world firsts along the way.

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2001

We Invented Intelligent Cruise Control

This powerful innovation detected the traffic ahead, adjusting your speed automatically so you could maintain your desired distance. It heightened your response in relation to your surroundings.

2001

We Introduced the RearView Monitor

A more intuitive way to reverse, our RearView Monitor used external cameras to show what’s behind your vehicle on your dash display.

2002

We Created Voice Recognition

A year later saw even greater progress in connective technologies. The invention of INFINITI Voice Recognition meant you could take command of your vehicle’s settings without removing your hands from the wheel.

2004 - 2013

Pushing Technology Further

We never stop looking for ways to improve – it’s embedded in our DNA. Whether that be through developing engine technology, drive assist systems or safety systems.

2004

Lane Departure Warning

Lane Departure Warning made its first appearance in the INFINITI FX. It sensed when you were about to cross the lane markings without signalling and alerted you before you made the move.

2007

Around View® Monitor

New parking technology was unveiled: the Around View® Monitor. It offered drivers a 360˚ view of their vehicle as they manoeuvred, enabling them to gauge each space with a new all-round perspective.

2007

Lane Departure Prevention System

This evolution of Lane Departure Warning was another INFINITI first. It not only alerted you, it automatically compensated if it sensed you were about to drift into the next lane and used the brakes to ease you back into position.

2010

Blind Spot Intervention

INFINITI introduced the world’s first Blind Spot Intervention™ system. It sensed when another vehicle was occupying the adjacent lane, alerting you to its presence and selectively applying the brakes.

2012

Intelligent Backup

Our Backup Collision Intervention – another world first – detected what you might miss when you were in reverse. If danger was imminent, the system warned you and engaged the brakes, so you could embark in total control.

2014 - Present

Challenging Ourselves

We’ve always challenged ourselves to make our vehicles more thrilling, more relaxing and more connected. As we’ve grown, we’ve also looked for ways to support others. That’s why we created an academy for young engineers, and collaborated with F1™ racing teams.

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2014

Direct Adaptive Steering®

This system allowed you to filter unwanted vibration while tailoring your steering in an abundance of ways. No other driver technology like this existed at the time.

2014

Supporting Young Talent

This was the year we launched the INFINITI Engineering Academy. It offered a perfect opportunity for the brightest young engineers to realize their potential in the field of automotive and F1™ innovation.

2016

Creating F1™ Technology

After five years of collaboration with Red Bull Racing, INFINITI partnered with Renault DP World F1® Team. This move allowed us to pursue new advancements in low-emission performance, building on technology like our Direct Response Hybrid® system.

2022

A New Chapter for QX60

Introduced for the 2022 model year, the redesigned QX60 elevated the three-row, seven seat SUV experience with refined craftsmanship, confident capability, and thoughtfully integrated technology.

Explore the Latest QX60

2024

The Redefined QX80

Introduced for the 2024 model year, the redesigned QX80 elevates INFINITI’s full-size luxury SUV with commanding design, refined craftsmanship, and seating for up to eight.

Explore the Latest QX80

Meet the First-Ever QX65

2026

Introduced for the 2027 model year, the first-ever QX65 brought a more expressive sportback silhouette to the INFINITI lineup, combining sculpted design with seating for up to five.