The Infiniti Division of Nissan Motor Corp. knew it had a good thing in its flagship Q45 model. Not one to gloss over an opportunity, Infiniti built an I30 version that copied many of the Q45’s advanced features.
In 1996 form, the I30 is being offered in Standard, Leather, and Touring versions, the latter designed for drivers who want to do more than just sit there and steer.
For this version, Infiniti adds a sports-tuned suspension, wide-tread 215/60R 15 H-rated tires, performance forged alloy wheels, and a rear deck lid spoiler that has an integrated rear-center stoplight. It also has a traction- control system as standard equipment.
To set the Touring off from the rest of the line, styling includes an I30T emblem on the rear deck lid. While the emblem has nothing to do with aerodynamics, the rest of the silhouette does, as it has a slightly lower co-efficient of drag than its sibling models.
Infiniti hands the hot-to-go motorist a fairly potent package in all its cars, with a four-cam V-6 engine that displaces 3.0-liters of piston displacement. That translates into 190 horsepower — a feature not common to luxury sedans.
The standard transmission is a close ratio five-speed manual, which gives drivers an opportunity to play a little tune with Infiniti’s high winding V-6. A four-speed automatic is optional.
“The five-speed is more fun to drive,” said Bill Oswald, general sales manager for Dreyer & Reinbold Infiniti. “In addition, the automatic is $1,000 more money.”
The five-speed gives the I30T acceleration capabilities of 7.0 seconds for 0-60 mph. That time will put you right in the midst of rather sprightly running motor cars.
For those more interested in how the car looks than what makes it go, the I30T bears more than a passing resemblance to the larger Q45.
With the help of a 106.3-inch wheelbase and corresponding short overhangs both front and back, the I30’s large, open passenger area is quite similar to that of the Q45. The styling provides both driver and passengers with all-around excellent visibility.
The driver’s compartment layout is pretty much state-of-the-art. A center console that holds the gear shift levers separates the two individual bucket seats. Stereo and temperature controls are mounted in the center section of the dash. Instrumentation includes a tachometer with speedometer.
Infiniti did, however, conduct extensive studies on driver eye motion to determine the optimal placement of instruments and controls. It’s an easy car to drive, with everything either right at hand level or within easy sight.
It also is a quiet automobile to drive, because its extremely rigid body reduces noise and vibration. Other sound-deadening measures include a special instrument panel isolator, extra insulation and extra wiring harness grommets in areas of the engine compartment, and extra insulation on parts of the transmission tunnel.
When it comes to ride, the Infiniti is designed to set the standard for its class , and the Touring is especially designed for agile handling.
A completely new multilink beam rear suspension has resulted in an innovative blend of handling and a comfortable large-car ride. The key to making the combination of torsional beam and multilink design work is a patented lateral link/control rod.
“All Infinities are geared towards a driver’s driver,” Oswald said. “But with the “T” you get heavy- duty suspension, bigger tires, and alloy wheels.”
At $28,900, the standard I30 model is positioned between the Infiniti G20 and J30. The I30T’s performance features move it upstream a bit to $33,680.
1996 Infiniti I30T
Model year: 1996. Base price: $33,680. Type: Front engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger touring sedan. Engine: 3.0- liters, DOHC V-6, 24 valves, fuel-injected, 190-horsepower, 205 foot-pounds of torque. Transmission: Five-speed manual. Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Mileage: 21 mpg city/26 m pg hig hway. Wheelbase: 106.3 inches. Length: 189.6 inches. Width: 69.7 inches Height: 55.7 inches. Curb weight: 3,147 pounds. Options: CD player, cellular phone, four-speed automatic, rear spoiler, sunroof wind deflector, locking lug nuts, engine block heater, battery warmer, splash guards, car cover with cable lock.
