New G20 Luxury Sports Sedan to Join Infiniti Line in August
8 April 1998
New G20 Luxury Sports Sedan Set to Join Infiniti Line in August; Offers Superior Handling And Performance
NEW YORK, April 8 -- Infiniti, maker of luxury vehicles,
today unveiled its new fun-to-drive luxury sports sedan, the Infiniti G20, at
a press conference at the New York International Auto Show. It goes on sale
at Infiniti retailers nationwide in late summer as a 1999 model.
The G20 becomes the fourth Infiniti model, joining the flagship Q45 luxury
performance sedan, I30 luxury sedan and QX4 luxury sporty utility vehicle.
The new G20 is based on the highly successful European version (called the
Primera), which has been rated "one of the best handling cars in the world" by
the European motoring press.
"The new G20 is an authentic driver's car, offering spirited performance,
a driver-oriented interior and sophisticated styling," said Tom Orbe, vice
president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "At the same time, the G20
features all the luxury amenities consumers expect from a vehicle in this
segment -- from Bose" audio system to available leather-appointed interior --
along with Infiniti's industry-leading philosophy of customer support known as
the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience"."
Designed with a European flair to compete against the best sports sedans
in the world, the G20 combines superb dynamic handling capabilities with
exceptional passenger and cargo room. Its cabin forward styling provides
manageable exterior dimensions with generous interior spaciousness.
The G20's superior handling is a result of its precise steering, optimal
engine placement for ideal weight distribution, a unique front multi-link
suspension system, an absence of torque steer and exquisite suspension tuning.
In addition, it has an extremely rigid unibody, which is a result of
Infiniti's advanced Intelligent Body Assembly System (IBAS) construction
process.
The new G20 is powered by an advanced, high output 140-horsepower 16-valve
dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine with a new cross-engine mount system,
which reduces idle vibration and acceleration noise. A choice of standard 5-
speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic overdrive transmissions are
available. The G20 rides on 15-inch radial tires. A 4-wheel disc braking
system with next generation Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard.
A G20 Touring model, designated the G20t, adds an even higher level of
sportiness, with its lower profile tires and viscous limited-slip
differential. The G20t also features standard fog lights and a rear deck lid
spoiler.
The G20's exterior features a short hood, long cabin and high volume
trunk. Its overall wedge silhouette conveys a sense of movement, while its
aggressively slanted nose helps contribute to the G20's low coefficient of
drag of 0.30. The shape of the grille and angle of cut lines are similar to
those of the Infiniti Q45 and I30, while new multi-reflector, jewel-like
headlights add a luxury appearance and improved lighting performance.
Inside, the G20 cabin offers over 90 cubic feet of volume, a performance
style instrument panel and comfortable "low-fatigue" style front bucket seats
-- similar to those used on the Infiniti QX4.
Convenience features include door pockets large enough to hold standard-
size map guidebooks, a console storage box, damped-hinge glove box and four
cupholders. The comfortable rear seat is a 60/40 split-folding design for
added cargo carrying versatility.
An advanced Bose audio system includes a premium AM/FM/CD/cassette with
six speakers. Other comfort and luxury items include available leather
seating surfaces, automatic temperature control and a HomeLink(R) Universal
Transceiver for remote opening of gates and garage doors.
Advanced G20 safety systems include an impact dispersing side body
structure, with side door guard beams, upper door reinforcements and
reinforced body sides. The G20's new side impact air bag design offers
protection for both the head and chest areas. Every G20 also offers three-
point seat belts (including rear center), front seat belt pretensioners with
load limiters, and dual front air bags.
Quality measures start with the use of IBAS construction, which provides
fit accuracy of +/- 1.0 millimeter for the floor, body side and body main
panels. Every G20 also undergoes an exclusive Infiniti test drive evaluation
at the end of the assembly process.
The 1999 Infiniti G20 comes fully-equipped in a choice of Standard or
Touring models. The only major options are the automatic transmission and a
Leather & Convenience package.
The Touring model includes viscous limited-slip differential, fog lights,
performance tires, automatic temperature control, sport cloth interior and
leather wrapped steering wheel. The Leather & Convenience package includes
leather seating surfaces, power sliding glass moonroof, automatic temperature
control, power driver's seat, automatic temperature control, and HomeLink
Universal Transceiver. For those wanting the "ultimate" G20, a Touring model
with Leather & Convenience package combination is available.
"Since its introduction in 1989, Infiniti has experienced eight straight
years of steady growth and accomplishments -- taking its place among the
industry leaders in both customer satisfaction and vehicle quality," said
Orbe. "The addition of the new 1999 G20 adds a dimension of European sports
sedan flavor and excitement that will help continue our record growth and
success."
SOURCE Infiniti
