History

Our History

When we launched over 30 years ago, our first vehicle was the luxurious, yet minimalistic Q45 sedan. We’ve gone through our vault and picked out a few more key moments from our glorious past.

An orange INFINITI Q45 speeding down an open road

The Early Years

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

Two INFINITI businessmen

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.
The INFINITI logo

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.
INFINITI Q45 black sedan

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.
INFINITI interior parts

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.

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Side view of a man driving an INFINITI vehicle with a VC-Turbo engine

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.

Overhead view of an INFINITI SUV driving on the road with two other cars

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.
Close-up view of INFINITI's Intelligent Cruise Control

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.
A man driving in his red INFINITI vehicle

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.
A driver adjusting the INFINITI interior rearview monitor

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. Here are some of our milestones. 

Interior view of INFINITI's Lane Departure Warning

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.
Interior view of INFINITI's Around View Monitor

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.
INFINITI Lane Departure Prevention System in use

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.
Back view of INFINITI's Blind Spot Intervention

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.
Side view of an INFINITI QX80 SUV using the Intelligent Backup

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.
A red INFINITI Q60 speeding down a highway

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.
Side view of the INFINITI QX80 parked on a street

2004:
Introducing QX80

This full-size luxury sport utility vehicle was first known as the QX56 when it launched in 2004. It was rebranded as the INFINITI QX80 in 2013. Today’s version is our most luxurious SUV ever, with seating for up to 8 people, striking looks and elegant design details.

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2007: The QX50 Makes its Debut

Our advanced compact SUV, began life as the INFINITI EX in 2007. It became the QX50 in 2013 and has continued to evolve every year since. Take a look at the latest QX50, which offers a travel experience to remember.

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A woman stepping out of her gray INFINITI QX50 crossover SUV
A man walking by his blue INFINITI Q50 sedan

2013:
Introducing Q50

INFINITI Q50 had its debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. This head-turning sport sedan has since gone from strength to strength. The Latest INFINITI Q50 boasts track-bred features such as aluminum alloys and other premium touches.

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An INFINITI sponsored Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car

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.

Two young engineers racing their toy INFINITI cars

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.
Front view of an INFINITI sponsored Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car driving on a race track

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.
A red INFINITI Q60 parked on the street

2016:
Redesigning Q60

In 1991, INFINITI released the G Coupe, a compact executive car and predecessor to today’s Q60. The concept version was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and the production model was unveiled in 2016. Today’s INFINITI Q60 is still every inch the ultimate driver’s car.

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2021:
Introducing QX55

In 2021, INFINITI introduced the QX55, a coupé SUV version of the QX50 with a modern, sloped roof design. The latest INFINITI QX55 boasts performance-inspired styling and a bold, powerful stance that makes a statement wherever you go.

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A man walking by his blue INFINITI QX55 crossover
A family getting out of their blue INFINITI QX60 crossover SUV

2022:
Meet the New QX60

The INFINITI QX60 was first introduced to the market in 2012. Before that, it was known as the INFINITI JX. In 2022 we caused quite a stir by introducing a completely re-designed QX60. It’s our most versatile SUV ever, with three rows of seats, stand-out looks and a sumptuous cabin.  

Explore Latest INFINITI QX60

View Our Latest Vehicles

All Vehicles
2023 INFINITI Q50 Q50 2022 INFINITI Q60 Q60 2023 INFINITI QX50 QX50 2023 INFINITI QX55 QX55 2023 INFINITI QX60 QX60 2023 INFINITI QX80 QX80
Sedans & Coupes
2023 INFINITI Q50 Q50 2022 INFINITI Q60 Q60
Crossovers & SUVs
2023 INFINITI QX50 QX50 2023 INFINITI QX55 QX55 2023 INFINITI QX60 QX60 2023 INFINITI QX80 QX80

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Interior view of INFINITI's tan leather seats

Design

Powerful elegance is at the heart of our design philosophy. The inspiration may come from art or poetry but the execution is always powerful and purposeful.
Infinite road with snowy mountains in the background

Making Our Marque

Discover the story behind our brand symbol. Find out what it means and how it’s a visual representation of everything we stand for as a company.
Hands on steering wheel in the 2022 INFINITI.

What Drives Us

From the very beginning, we had a vision – whatever we did, from vehicle design to customer service, we would always put you first.