Infiniti G-series (Q40/Q60) Specifications, Photos and Videos

The Infiniti G-series is a line of compact executive car produced by the Infiniti division of Nissan for the 1991–1996 and 1999–present model years. The first two generations of the Infiniti G (P10 and P11) were sedans based on the Nissan Primera. Beginning with its third generation (V35), the Infiniti G have been rebadged versions of the Nissan Skyline line of sedans and coupes that were exported to the United States and Canada. The current incarnation is the fourth generation (V36) which introduced the hardtop coupe convertible. The Nissan FM platform, on top of which the third and fourth generations (V35 and V36) of the Infiniti G have been built, also underpins the Nissan 370Z and has shared components with the Infiniti M, Infiniti EX, and Infiniti FX.

In May 2013, Infiniti announced a new naming convention beginning with the 2014 model year; all passenger cars are designated by the letter "Q," while sport-utility model names will begin with "QX." The Infiniti G was to have been replaced by the Infiniti Q50, but the G37 was revived as the Q40 beginning with the 2015 model year.

The Infiniti G20 was Infiniti's entry-level luxury car in the United States from 1990 to 2002, with a two-year hiatus for model years 1997 and 1998, in which the Infiniti I30 became their entry-level car. It was a rebadged version of the Nissan Primera sedan, primarily designed for the European market. It was launched in September 1990 as Infiniti's first small car as an entry-level alternative to the Q45; later advertisements in 1998 for the second-generation G20 emphasized its European heritage with the tag line "Born in Japan. Educated in Europe. Now Available in America." Two generations of the G20 exist in the United States, the HP10 (P10), built from 1990 to 1996, and the HP11 (P11), built from 1998 to 2002. All G20s were front-wheel drive and were built in Oppama, Japan. The exterior and interior designs of the P10 were styled by Mamoru Aoki in 1987.

The G20 was first unveiled to Infiniti dealers at the 1989 New York International Auto Show (appearing to the public at the 1990 show), with the first series production example being assembled on July 10, 1990. The final 1996 G20 was rolled off the assembly line on July 19, 1996. The P10 featured the first application of Nissan's multi-link front suspension in a front-wheel-drive car, with an independent MacPherson strut setup in the rear. It came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The only options to begin with were an automatic transmission, leather interior, and a power glass moonroof; a Touring package (labeled G20t) was introduced in 1994 and featured a black leather interior with sport front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, as well as a limited-slip differential in the transmission and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

The G20 was powered by the SR20DE Inline 4-cylinder. It was a transversely-mounted dual overhead cam naturally aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine. Displacement was 2.0 L (1,998 cc) with a square bore × stroke ratio of 86 mm × 86 mm (3.39 in × 3.39 in). This engine was also shared with the US-spec Nissan Sentra/Nissan 200SX SE-R, Nissan NX2000, and a host of non-US Nissan vehicles. The particular version used in the G20 produced 140 hp (104 kW) crank in the US at first, and 145 hp (108 kW) in '00+ editions (116 to 126 bhp (87 to 94 kW); stock range) and 132 or 136 lb⋅ft (179 or 184 N⋅m) of torque (111 to 120 lb⋅ft (150 to 163 N⋅m); stock range). These engines were also fairly high-revving with a redline of 7500 rpm for 1991 through 1996 models, 6950 rpm for the 1999 model, and 6750 rpm for 2000-2002 models.Due to the SR20DE engine's flexibility, reliability, fuel economy and high power-handling capabilities, as well as a low buy-in cost, pre-owned NX2000, SE-R powered Sentras/200SXs and G20s have become popular and prominent in the "tuner" or "import scene" subculture.

There were three major variants of the SR20DE used in the G20. The first, used from July 1990 to December 1993, was the highport, in which the injectors and fuel rail were located above the intake plenum. In January 1994, due to tightening emissions restrictions, Nissan switched to a lowport design, in which the injectors and fuel rail switched places with the intake plenum. This design also featured a milder intake camshaft. (Switching it out for the highport intake cam is a popular upgrade to gain more power.) This design was used from 1994 to 1996 and again in 1998. In 1999 Nissan replaced the valvetrain with a roller-rocker arm lifter design in place of the hydraulic rocker arm previously used, but kept the lowport intake design; many performance parts are not interchangeable between roller-rocker and highport/lowport engines, most notably camshafts.

The G20 featured either a 5-speed manual transmissionn or an optional 4-speed automatic. Most front wheel drive transmissions from other SR-powered cars can be used with few modifications. The stock transmission as well as other SR20 transmissions are often upgraded with various modifications in order to handle more power. Common manual transmission modifications include cryo treating, shot peening, transmission case welding, aftermarket limited slip differential, aftermarket axles, and upgraded clutches. Common automatic transmission modifications include built valve bodies, aftermarket torque converters, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) coolers, additional ATF filters, and aftermarket TCUs. Higher rated transmission swaps from front-wheel drive VQ or QR25DE powered cars such as the 2002–2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V have also been performed.

The G20 was a badge-engineered version of the Nissan Primera, but because Infiniti was pitched as a premium brand, it featured a high level of equipment compared to its European and Japanese relatives. The only engine available was the 2.0 litre SR20DE Inline 4-cylinder; in Europe this was the top-of-the-line engine for the Primera lineup. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were both available, with the 5-speed being praised as "one of the best in the business." Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, alloy wheels, a Bose stereo, a theft-deterrent system, cruise control, floor mats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob were all standard. Heated mirrors, leather seats and a power moonroof were common options, and were later offered in a package that included power seats and keyless entry. Later models also featured dual front airbags. The standard trim was called Luxury. Two major trim package upgrades were offered: Touring, badged G20t, available from model years 1994 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001, and Sport (with no badge modification) which was offered during model year 2002. These packages featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission, sportier, more highly bolstered front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, all-black leather interior, fog lamps, and a spoiler on the rear decklid. The details of these trims varied from year to year.

Introduced at the 1993 New York Auto Show, the main changes for the P10 came as a midyear refresh in April 1993 (model year 1993.5), when dual airbags replaced motorized seatbelts, leather interiors came standard with power front seats, matte-black side moldings were replaced by body-colored ones, the refrigerant was converted from R12 to R134a, the audio system was upgraded to six speakers with a CD player instead of the previously-standard cassette deck, and other new options such as remote keyless entry were added. In February 1994, the 1994 model year was given a new larger chrome-plated grille and door handles, a lowport engine (replacing the original highport SR20DE, in which the intake plenum is below the fuel injectors and fuel rail), a change in the vehicle's self-diagnostic system to OBD-II, and larger 195/65R14 tires. The Touring models, introduced in February 1994, featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission; 195/65R14 Yokohama tires, sportier, more highly bolstered black leather front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats; fog lights; and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

The G20 was temporarily discontinued after the 1996 model year, leaving the I30 as Infiniti's lowest-priced car for the 1997 and 1998 model years.

The second-generation G20 underwent several changes, including adopting the multi-link beam rear suspension very similar to the 1995–1999 Nissan Maxima with a continued use of the independent multi-link strut front suspension of the P10 (similar to the 300ZX and Skyline GT-R). Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the updated G20, as a technically good method of avoiding lateral suspension movement (which would compromise handling) while still offering a compliant ride. The P11 has a lateral grip figure of between 0.80 and 0.94g plus a 61/39 weight distribution (61% front/39% rear). It grew in size, with a 2.7-inch (69 mm) length increase and 0.4-inch (10 mm) height increase over the P10, resulting in 1.4 inches (36 mm) more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The new model's increased size and luxury options, however, added to the car's weight (which rose to 3000 pounds); the stock 140-145 crank horsepower engine provided lower performance (the MY1999 automatic, for example, had a 10.9-second 0-60 mph time and did the quarter-mile in 18.4 seconds at 77 mph (124 km/h).

The first example of the second-generation G20 rolled off the Oppama assembly line on May 18, 1998, going on sale in July 1998 as a 1999 model. The final second-generation 2002 G20 was assembled on January 11, 2002 and the G20 slowly phased out during the first quarter of 2002, in being replaced by the 2003 model year rear-wheel drive G35 sports sedan. All models featured a higher level of standard equipment than the P10, including automatic climate control on all but cloth-seat Luxury models, 15" 16-spoke alloy wheels, a higher-quality double-DIN Bose radio/CD/cassette player standard, keyless entry, standard power moonroof, and later, side-impact airbags. The Touring models continued to feature a limited-slip differential, but also had unique 12-spoke alloy wheels, and the upgraded sports seats were now available in beige leather and "sport cloth" (the latter as a factory-order option) in addition to the previously-offered black leather.

In late 1999, several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR20DE engine was implemented, newer automatic and manual transmission variations were introduced, anti-theft immobilizer circuitry was added, anti-glare side mirrors became standard, and a remote trunk release was added to the keyless entry fob. In 2001, the G20t was dropped and a Sport model was introduced. In addition to the prior G20t's limited slip differential and decklid spoiler, this model featured two-tone leather/suede sport seats, 16" wheels, and a variety of minor cosmetic modifications. The 2002 base G20 received the 12-spoke Touring alloy wheels as standard.

The G20 was discontinued in favor of the rear wheel drive Infiniti G35, a badge engineered export version of the JDM V35 Nissan Skyline which was introduced in Japan in 2001. The G35 received significant praise from the automotive press and became a sales success for Infiniti despite being priced approximately US$7,000 above the G20's average MSRP of $23,000. The G35, significantly larger and more powerful than the G20, was aimed more at the entry level premium-sports sedan market instead of the G20's premium-sport compact market. The Nissan Primera was continued outside the United States as the slightly restyled HP11-144 and the significantly restyled HP12 markets with a final end to all production in 2006 as a 2007 model.

The third generation G (V35) was unveiled in June 2001 and released to North America for the 2003 model year, as the G35 on March 12, 2002. It had little in common with the Infiniti G20, and continued in the same tradition as the original Infiniti M and the J30, which were also RWD models utilizing the same drivetrain as contemporary Nissan Zs. According to Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan Motors, the letter G was chosen "for marketing purposes and its similarity in sound to the letter J", apparently in deference to the Infiniti J30.Hiroshi Hasegawa designed both the sedan (frozen in 1998) and coupé (finalized in late 2000), with the former being previewed as the Nissan XVL Concept sports sedan in October 1999 at the Tokyo Motor Show and Infiniti XVL Concept in January 2000 at the NAIAS. Over 6 months prior to the Nissan XVL Concept introduction, in early April 1999 at the 1999 New York International Auto Show, Infiniti showcased a prototype of the V35 to journalists as part of an early preview of various other 2001 and 2002 model year Infiniti vehicles.

The G35 was based on the Nissan FM platform shared with the Nissan 350Z sports car and Infiniti FX crossover SUV. The FM platform stands for "front midship" design where the engine is moved back towards the rear of the engine bay which in turn improves the weight distribution. The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to other luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on the Car and Driver Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.

Sporting the ubiquitous VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52% front/48% rear weight distribution. Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan.

A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 on the sedan (always optional on the coupe). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 194 kW (264 PS; 260 hp) and 353 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) of torque in the sedan, 209 kW (284 PS; 280 hp) and 366 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) in the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years (sedan, 2005-2007 for the coupe), those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 209 kW (284 PS; 280 hp) and 366 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 222 kW (302 PS; 298 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). There is speculation that the output did not actually change, and that Infiniti was simply taking advantage of the outdated SAE standard of rating horsepower. However, manual transmission cars received a slightly different engine versus those fitted with automatics; manual cars had engines fitted with variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, whereas automatic cars only have VVT on the intake side. The G35 is assembled in Kaminokawa, Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built in January 2002 as a 2003 model.

The AWD model of the G35 sedan is called the G35x. Although the automatic transmission for the G35x is manufactured by Aisin-Warner, the AWD technology uses Nissan's proprietary ATTESA E-TS AWD system. The system will make the car 100% rear wheel drive when driving at a steady speed. When the driver uses the throttle to accelerate from a stop or constant speed, the AWD system can send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels. When the car's speed becomes steady again, the drivetrain will return torque to the rear wheels. The AWD system will also transfer torque to the front wheels if the system detects loss of traction. This technology was first used in the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and has since been used in subsequent Skylines, and other vehicles in Japan and overseas, including the Nissan Bluebird, and Nissan Stagea.There are few differences between the 2003 and 2004 G35 coupes. Both '03 and '04 six-speed manual models had the option of Brembo brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package. On the 2005 coupes, three new colors, 'Athens Blue', 'Lakeshore Slate', and 'Serengeti Sand', replaced 'Twilight Blue', 'Caribbean Blue', and 'Desert Platinum' respectively; also, the Willow Cloth interior option was removed, and Stone leather became available.

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