The History of INFINITI: Daring to Be Different

From the Beginning

While INFINITI launched in 1989, the history of this auto manufacturer started four years before with a group inside Nissan. This group of entrepreneurs, automotive experts, and other businesspeople wanted to build a vehicle that was designed to center on the driver and a company that provided exceptional customer service.

The name INFINITI was chosen and introduced in 1987. The name signified endless opportunities, and a logo captured the vision with two central lines that stretched beyond the horizon. In 1989, INFINITI launched two models. The first was the Q45 sedan with plenty of room in the cabin for premium comfort. The second model was the M30 coupe, which focused on performance.

Rising to the Top

It didn’t take long for INFINITI to rise to the top of the luxury brands. By 1995, the brand debuted the impressive V6 engine, which would rank on the list of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for 14 years. Engineers had designed this engine for optimal power while enhancing fuel efficiency, providing a thrill for the driver.

The V6 was the predecessor for the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6, which is used in today’s models. You can enjoy faster acceleration and powerful performance with up to 450 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque, which is the most torque in the brand’s history. This engine offers up to 8500 pounds of towing with plenty of power in reserve. Paired with the nine-speed transmission, you gain an improved low-end acceleration and overdrive fuel economy.

The Focus on Driver-Centric Design

INFINITI has made driver centric design a priority since day one. In 2001, we developed Intelligent Cruise Control, which could detect the vehicles ahead and adjust the speed of our vehicle to maintain a specified distance. That same year, we introduced the RearView Monitor, which allowed the driver to see behind the vehicle using cameras. This system allowed the driver to have a clear look at other vehicles even when their rear seat was full.

Just one year later, we developed INFINITI Voice Recognition to control settings without using your hands. This feature made driving safer than ever before. In 2004, safety continued to advance with the introduction of Lane Departure Warning. It would alert you if you drifted across a line marker without signaling. Parking became easier in 2007 with the introduction of Around View Monitor. This feature allowed drivers to have a 360-degree view of the vehicle, helping them maneuver into a parking space.

By 2007, INFINITI achieved another first with the Lane Departure Prevention System, which alerted you to drifting across a line and redirected you back into your lane while applying the brakes. Advancement continued in 2010 with Blind Spot Intervention, the first in the world, introduced by INFINITI. This system would apply the brakes if you attempted to switch lanes when a vehicle was in your way. Intelligent Backup was introduced in 2012, which would warn the driver and apply the brakes if something was in your way as you backed up. In 2014, Direct Adaptive Steering allowed you to customize your steering in a variety of ways.

Outstanding INFINITI Models Added to the Lineup

INFINITI has built impressive sedans since its inception, but 2007 was the debut of the QX50 SUV. This compact SUV started out as INFINITI EX but changed its name in 2013. The Q50 debuted the same year at the North American International Auto Show. This sport sedan offers powerful performance and modern design.

In 2021, INFINITI launched the QX55, which is a coupe based on the QX50. The sloped roof showcased the coupe while styling was all about performance. A bold stance commanded attention on the road and even sitting in the driveway. The QX60 was introduced in 2012 after changing its name from the INFINITI JX. This model was redesigned in 2022 for more versatility with three rows and a luxurious cabin.

INFINITI continues to innovate, never stopping and resting on their laurels. In 2024, INFINITI introduced the all-new QX80, a large SUV with seating for eight. While the body is streamlined, the interior is loaded with amenities and luxury.

Continued Innovation

INFINITI innovation doesn’t just focus on the vehicles we sell. It’s also about creating an environment that supports continued innovation through our INFINITI Engineering Academy, which launched in 2014. This academy helps right young talent develop their potential in F1 innovation and automotive design.

In 2016, INFINITI partnered with Renault DP World F1 Team after collaborating with Red Bull Racing for five years. The changed allowed INFINITI to build on advanced technology, such as the Direct Response Hybrid system to improve low-emission performance.