The Infiniti I30 luxury sedan has been noted since its introduction in 1995 for its dramatic styling, large interior and responsive performance. The 1999 continues to offer the attributes that have made the I30 Infiniti's highest volume model, along with added features for the new model year, including an available Traction Control System and new two-tone paint treatments.
"The I30 is what Infiniti is all about, a luxury car that is surprisingly fun-to-drive," said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "Of course with an Infiniti, the car is only half of the pleasure of ownership. Infiniti's industry-leading Total Ownership Experience promises to make owning an I30 as much of a joy as driving one."
Exterior and Interior Design
The I30 exterior design features strong styling cues to visually link the car with the flagship Q45 sedan, including the Infiniti hallmark chrome front grille, elegant flowing lines and compact and efficient halogen headlights with jewel-type reflectors and horizontal taillight treatment. The I30 has a coefficient of drag of just 0.32, which helps provide a quiet cabin and stable ride. Additionally, the exterior is treated to a rigorous 39-step paint process that is laser-guided to ensure against imperfections and flaws.
With a long wheelbase and a wide cabin, the I30 offers exceptional interior roominess and generous trunk capacity. Special attention was paid in the design process to the creation of best-in-class rear seat spaciousness. The trunk's 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity is further enhanced by the I30's wide trunk opening, low liftover height and standard rear seat armrest pass-through.
The luxurious I30 interior blends sophistication and comfort with state-of-the-art ergonomics. A large instrument panel with soft, tactile surfaces houses easy-to-read analog gauges. Wood-tone trim adds an extra touch of elegance. Changes for the new model year include a revised audio faceplate for enhanced visibility of audio controls, automatic headlights and retained accessory power for the sunroof and windows.
Late in the 1998 model year, the Infiniti Communicator in-vehicle communications system (IVCS) became available. This system combines the technologies of cellular telephones and global positioning satellites to help locate your vehicle in an emergency, and contact assistance if needed.
The I30's standard 8-way power driver's seat features an integrated "extended pelvic lumbar support." This advanced design provides compound support of the pelvis and lumbar, helping prevent fatigue over long drives. A 4-way power front-passenger seat is also standard.
One option package is offered to enhance luxury, the Leather and Convenience Package. This package includes: Leather-appointed interior, perforated leather seating surfaces, power sunroof with rear tilt feature and sunshade, anti-glare rearview mirror and the HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
The touring model (I30t) includes a rear decklid spoiler and 16-inch alloy wheels styled like the Q45t wheels, along with 55-series low-profile tires to give the "t" model an extra amount of "attitude."
Drivetrain/Suspension
Two areas where many mid-luxury segment sedans fall far short of their larger traditional luxury counterparts are in performance and technology. Through the innovative application of leading-edge engine and suspension designs, the Infiniti I30 offers the quick acceleration, agile handling and comfortable ride of the flagship Q45. The 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, created through advanced computer modeling, produces smooth, V8-like response and performance, while delivering excellent fuel economy.
With 190 horsepower and 205 ft-lbs of torque, this advanced powerplant helps propel the I30 from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.0 seconds (in independent testing). At the same time, the I30 delivers excellent fuel economy of 21 mpg City/26 mpg Highway for the 5-speed manual (available on the I30t only), and 21 mpg City/28 mpg Highway with the I30's electronically controlled 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (Standard and Touring models).
Helping to keep that power on the road is the job of the new available Traction Control System (TCS), which works with the optional viscous limited-slip differential to sense and control wheel slippage. If both front tires are slipping, intermittent braking is applied through the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to the right and left wheels. At the same time, engine speed is automatically reduced until it matches the available traction. As a result, handling, control and safety are improved, whatever the weather.
The I30 also provides exceptional handling and ride comfort through use of an innovative 4-wheel independent suspension system. The MacPherson strut-type front suspension uses sophisticated subframe-located mountings to help provide stiffness and noise/vibration isolation. In the rear, the I30's Rear Multi-Link Beam™ suspension utilizes the best aspects of both multi-link and torsion beam suspension designs through development of a patented lateral link/control rod system. This arrangement helps keep the tires perpendicular to the road for better stability and control, while providing excellent body stability.
Safety
With its body designed in part using space-industry stress analysis computer programs, the I30 provides a rigid body shell. In addition to standard dual front supplemental air bags, the I30 is equipped with standard front-seat side-impact air bags.
The I30 also features 3-point front seat belts with height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors, ALR/ELR seat belt retractors for the front-passenger side and rear outboard seating positions, a 3-point center rear seat belt, child-safety rear door locks, front and rear body structure crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column and knee bolsters.
Control safety is also an integral part of the I30 design, from the responsive power and handling of the advanced engine and suspension, to standard 4-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Personal security is enhanced with the I30's standard 8-way keyless remote entry and Vehicle Security System, which comes with two transmitters. The system allows remote locking and unlocking of the doors, trunk lid release, interior lighting feature, lowering of front windows and panic alarm. An ignition immobilizer has been added to the Vehicle Security System for 1999 to further increase security.
For the ultimate in security and convenience, the HomeLink Universal Transceiver (standard on the Leather and Convenience Package and touring model) allows an I30 owner to control up to three RF-activated devices from the comfort of the driver's seat. System controls are mounted in the driver's side sun visor, eliminating the problem of lost or misplaced control units with its compact, integrated design. The system features rolling codes for added security.
Luxury Features/Model Availability
The 1999 Infiniti I30 is again offered with a wide array of luxury and convenience features and amenities. Standard equipment includes a CFC-free air conditioning system with automatic temperature control, power windows with driver's side auto-down feature, power door locks with selective unlocking feature, power antenna, power trunk and fuel-filler door releases and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted switches.
Additionally, every I30 comes with an advanced 200-watt Bose® audio system with six speakers, CD player and cassette deck designed specifically for I30's interior.
A Traction Enhancement System with viscous limited-slip differential (VLSD), and Heated Seats Package featuring heated outside mirrors and heavy duty battery are optionally available with the Leather and Convenience Package and offered as standard equipment on the I30t.
The I30 touring model also adds more aggressive 215/55R16 all-season tires and a sport-tuned suspension with firmer struts and shock absorbers, and a rear decklid spoiler. The I30t comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, with a 4-speed automatic optionally available.
Two all-new two-tone color treatments are available on the I30 for 1999, an Aspen White upper with Sandrock lower combination or a Black Obsidian upper with Titanium lower combination. Other exterior colors include: Sandrock Beige, Monterey Green, Black Obsidian, Aspen White Pearl, Autumn Bronze, and Silver Crystal. For 1999 three interiors are offered: choice of Black or Sage leather, and a Beige cloth interior.
Comprehensive Warranty/Total Ownership Experience
Like all Infiniti models, the I30 is protected by some of the best warranties in the industry: a 4-year/60,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty; a 6-year/70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty (protection for major engine and driveline components; a 5-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Emission Control Limited Warranty; and a 7-year/unlimited mileage Corrosion Limited Warranty.
As part of The Total Ownership Experience®, Infiniti also provides buyers with a 48-month, 24-hour roadside assistance program – one of the most comprehensive available. A complimentary Infiniti loan car is provided at participating dealers during the basic warranty period when requested with scheduled service appointments (subject to availability). Infiniti's satellite parts network also minimizes delays in service.
Source: Infiniti
