May 3, 2001

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Preview:
2002 Infiniti I35

Coming this October, the 2002 Infiniti I35: a mildly restyled, more powerful version of the current Infiniti I30. The new I35, which is still based on the Nissan Maxima, will feature an all-new 260 horsepower 3.5 litre V6 engine (33 more horsepower than the 2001 I30), new front and rear styling, standard 17-inch wheels and tires, an upgraded braking system, Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system, new exterior colours, more luxurious interior appointments and a new Sport Package. The 2002 Infiniti I35 will be offered as a Luxury model and a Sport model.

The biggest change to the I35 is the new 3.5 litre DOHC 24-valve V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque - increases of 33 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque over the 2001 I30's 3.0-litre engine.

The 3.5-litre V6 is part of the VQ engine series, which was voted one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World for seven consecutive years. Besides the increased displacement, other enhancements made to the engine include a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle. A new engine cover gives the 3.5 a cleaner appearance.

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The engine also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Nissan Variable Induction System (NVIS), digital knock control, six individual coils (one per spark plug) and double platinum-tipped spark plugs with a 160,000 kilometre tune-up interval. An equal-length tuned exhaust with a variable capacity muffler adds power and gives I35 a quiet, yet throaty, sound.

Standard on all new I35s is a strengthened 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, along with a standard Traction Control System (TCS) which aids traction in off-the-line starts and slippery situations.

The I35 features struts and coil springs in front and Nissan's semi-independent Multi-Link Beam rear suspension which minimizes camber changes during cornering. Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars and speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering help give I35 Luxury a smooth, controllable ride. A higher level of handling and stability is available with the sport-tuned suspension on Sport Package-equipped I35s.

Braking is provided by improved power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with larger front brake discs and a standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brake system upgrades for 2002 include two advanced systems - Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) which optimizes brake force depending on passenger and cargo load and Brake Assist, which reduces pedal effort to aid the driver in hard or panic braking situations.

Sport Package-equipped I35s come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a stability control system adopted from the 2002 Q45 sedan. VDC controls individual wheel brake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteer or slippery road surface situations. Using a steering sensor, g-sensor, wheel speed sensors and brake pressure sensors, VDC can control individual wheel brake pressure and engine power to help bring I35 under control in potentially dangerous situations.

Revised styling

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A new large, Q45-style horizontal grille, standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights and large fog lights give the 2002 I35 a more aggressive look. The side view of the I35 is dominated by large 17-inch luxury or sport design alloy wheels - side sill spoilers are included with the Sport Package (optional on Luxury). The rear-end features a new smooth-styled trunk lid design, new combination lamps, larger badging and low-restriction exhaust with chrome tips.

Three new exterior colours are offered - Ivory Pearl, Silver Alloy and Golden Sand.

More luxury and safety on the inside

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I35 features a more luxurious interior with revised Sojourner leather-appointed seats, the signature Infiniti clock, gated automatic transmission shifter with leather-wrapped gearshift knob, an electroflorescent meter cluster with multi-function trip computer, a new wood-tone accented centre console, new wood-tone and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel and variable sunroof switch (replacing the rocker-type switch). Also available are heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and heated steering wheel.

Standard equipment includes a new Bose 200-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system with AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls, speed-sensitive volume control and Radio Data System (RDS) function. The I35 also includes popular features like a power-operated rear sunshade, 8-way power driver's seat and 4-way power passenger's seat, remote keyless entry with key fob-operated front window down feature and automatic anti-glare rearview mirror with integrated digital compass. The 2002 I35 also offers a new, brighter interior colour, Willow, in addition to the Beige and Graphite interior colours.

Safety and Security

I35 comes with dual front supplemental air bags and dual front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and front-seat active head restraints, to help reduce neck injuries that may occur in rear-end collisions. Additionally, the I35 is equipped with a rigid bar child seat anchorage system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for Children), child safety rear door locks, an all-new trunk-mounted first aid kit and an emergency inside trunk-release.

Also standard is the Vehicle Security System with Infiniti Immobilizer, which uses an electronically coded key recognized by the ignition system.

"More than just the addition of a more powerful engine, the total package of enhancements gives the 2002 Infiniti I35 an even stronger, class-leading balance of authoritative performance, surprising luxury, outstanding driver control and confidence and the peace of mind that goes with owning an Infiniti," said Richard Pendrill, director, Infiniti Division.

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