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North American International Auto Show

2010-03-12T10:08:08Z

Achirila: /* External links */

The '''North American International Auto Show''' (previously called the '''Detroit Auto Show''' and often abbreviated '''NAIAS''') is an annual [[automobile]] show (or [[auto show]]) that occurs every year in Detroit, Michigan. The first auto show occurred in Detroit in 1907 at Beller's Beer Garden at Riverside Park and has been held every year except 1943-1952. It was renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989. Since 1965, it has been held at Cobo Center where it occupies 1 million square feet (93,000 m²) of floor space. The show is particularly important because Detroit is the location of the headquarters of the Big Three American automakers, [[Chrysler|Chrysler]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], and [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]].

The show begins with press preview days, industry preview days and a charity preview event. The charity preview raises money for local children's charities. In 2004 and 2005, the charity preview attracted 17,500 people at $400 a ticket and raised $7 million in total. 2006 was the sixth consecutive year the charity preview event raised over $6 million. 35,711 tickets were sold for the industry preview representing people from 24 countries in 2005 and 6,897 credentialed press from 63 countries. Over 800,000 attended during the days the show was open to the general public in 2004. It is estimated that the show provides over $500 million to the local economy.

The NAIAS was long the only auto show in the United States sanctioned by the [[Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles]]. Starting with the 2006 season, however, the [[Greater Los Angeles Auto Show]] will also be recognized.

==2007==
Introductions at the 2007 show:
===Production car introductions===
[[Image:Hyundai Veracruz.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Hyundai Veracruz]]
[[Image:Lexus IS-F.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Lexus IS-F]]
* 2007 [[BMW 3 Series]] convertible
* 2008 [[Cadillac CTS]] [http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/detroit-auto-show-preview-maximum-bob-reprises-his-skirtlift-previews-2008-cadillac-cts-222985.php]
* [[Changfeng Automobile|Changfeng]] Liebao + other truck/SUV models (North American introduction)
* 2008 [[Chevrolet Equinox]] Sport [http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/detroit-auto-show-preview-no-chevy-equinox-super-sport-potential-221721.php]
* 2008 [[Chevrolet Malibu]] [http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/detroit-auto-show/oops-detroit-auto-show-web-site-spills-chevys-biggest-secret-222715.php]
* 2008 [[Chrysler Town and Country]]
* 2008 [[Dodge Avenger]]
* 2008 [[Dodge Caravan]]
* 2008 [[Dodge Viper]] SRT-10
* 2007 [[Ford Focus]] refresh
* 2008 [[Ford Five Hundred]]
* 2007 [[Hyundai Veracruz]] (North American introduction)
* 2008 [[Lexus IS]]-F
* 2007 [[MINI]] Cooper (North American introduction)
* 2007 MINI Sidewalk
* 2008 [[Mitsubishi Lancer]]
* 2008 [[Nissan Rogue]]
* 2008 [[Porsche Cayenne]]
* 2008 [[Rolls-Royce Drophead]] Coupé [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061227/FREE/61227010/1057/detroitautoshow]
* 2008 [[Smart fortwo]] (North American introduction) [http://www.naias.com/SubPage.aspx?id=2056]
* 2007 [[Toyota Tundra]] CrewMax

===Concept car introductions===
[[Image:Mazda Ryuga.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Mazda Ryuga]]
[[Image:Acura ASC concept.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Acura Advanced Sports Car concept]]
* [[Acura Advanced Sports Car]] concept
* [[Chevrolet Camaro]] Convertible concept [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enthusiasts/Spy_Shots_and_Future_Cars/2009_Chevrolet_Camaro_Convertible_Preview.S178.A11612.html]
* [[Chevrolet Volt]] concept [http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0701_2007_chevrolet_volt_concept/]
* [[Chrysler Nassau]] [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061228/FREE/61228002/1057]
* [[Ford Interceptor]] [http://www.thecarconnection.com/Car_Shows_and_Concept_Cars/Concept_Cars/2007_Ford_Interceptor_Concept.S283.A11592.html]
* [[Ford Airstream]] concept [http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_detroit/0701_2007_ford_airstream_concept/]
* [[Honda Accord Coupe concept]]
* [[Hummer H3]] Open-Top concept
* [[Hummer H4]] concept
* [[Jaguar XF#Jaguar C-XF concept car|Jaguar C-XF (Concept XF)]] [http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0702_jaguar_cxf_concept_car]
* [[Jeep Trailhawk]] [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061228/FREE/61228003/1057]
* [[Kia Kue]] [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061208/FREE/61207009/1024/LATESTNEWS]
* [[Lincoln MKR]] concept [http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline/2018]
* [[Mazda]] Ryuga [http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/concept-cars/gracious-flow-mazda-to-introduce-ryuga-concept-in-detroit-221103.php]
* [[Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive]] [http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061220/FREE/61220001/1057/VehicleReviews]
* [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] concept vehicle [http://naias.com/SubPage.aspx?id=1398]
* Mitsubishi Prototype-X ([[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution|Lancer Evolution]] Prototype)
* [[Nissan Motors|Nissan]] Bevel
* [[Pontiac]] [[rear wheel drive]] sedan concept
* [[Toyota FT-HS]] Hybrid Sports concept [http://www.motortrend.com/future/concept_cars/112_0702_toyota_fths]
* [[Volvo XC60]] concept [http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/concept-cars/volvo-xc60-concept-hits-ze-intervebs-ahead-of-detroit-show-unveiling-221530.php]

==2006==
The 2006 show was held from January 8 through January 22.
* January 8-10 — Press days
* January 11-12 — Industry days
* January 13 — Charity preview
* January 14-22 — Open to the public

===Production car introductions===
[[Image:Hummer-H3-NAIAS-2005.jpg|thumb|2007 Hummer H3|250px|right]]
[[Image:Jaguar XK front IAA 2005.jpg|thumb|2007 Jaguar XK|250px|right]]
* 2006 [[Audi RS4]]
* 2007 [[Audi S6]]
* 2007 [[Audi S8]]
* 2006 [[BMW 3-Series|BMW 325xi]] Sports Wagon
* 2007 [[BMW M Roadster]]
* 2006 [[BMW M6]]
* 2006 [[BMW Z4]] Coupe
* 2007 [[Cadillac Escalade]]
* 2007 [[Cadillac Escalade]] ESV
* 2007 [[Cadillac Escalade]] EXT
* 2007 [[Chevrolet Aveo]]
* 2007 [[Chevrolet Suburban]] LTZ
* 2007 [[Chevrolet Tahoe]] LTZ
* 2007 [[Chevrolet Tahoe]] Two-Mode Hybrid
* 2007 [[Chrysler Aspen]]
* 2007 [[Dodge Caliber]]
* 2007 [[Ford Edge]]
* 2007 [[Shelby Mustang#2007|Ford Shelby Cobra GT500]]
* 2007 [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac]] [[Ford Explorer#Sport Trac|Adrenalin]]
* 2007 [[GMC Yukon]]
* 2007 [[GMC Yukon]] XL
* 2007 [[Honda Fit]]
* 2007 [[Hummer H3]]x
* 2007 [[Hyundai Santa Fe]]
* 2007 [[Jaguar XK]] convertible
* 2007 [[Jeep Compass]]
* 2007 [[Jeep Wrangler]]
* 2007 [[Kia Optima]]
* 2007 [[Lexus LS]]
* 2007 [[Lincoln MKX]]
* 2006 [[Maserati GranSport]] Spyder
* 2006 [[Maserati Quattroporte]] Sport GT and Executive GT
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz E-Class|Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec]]
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz GL-Class|Mercedes-Benz GL320 Bluetec]]
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz GL-Class|Mercedes-Benz GL450]]
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz M-Class|Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG]]
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz R-Class|Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG]]
* 2006 [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes-Benz S550]]
* 2007 [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG]]
* 2007 [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]] Spyder
* 2007 [[Nissan Versa]]
* 2007 [[Nissan Sentra]]
* 2007 [[Pontiac Solstice]] GXP
* 2007 [[Saturn Sky]]
* 2007 [[Saturn VUE|Saturn VUE Green Line]]
* 2007 [[Toyota Camry]] (''[[AutoWeek]]'' "Most Significant")
* 2007 [[Toyota Camry Hybrid]]
* 2007 [[Toyota FJ Cruiser]]
* 2007 [[Toyota Yaris]]
* 2006 [[Volvo C70|Volvo C70 Convertible]]
* [[Geely]] 7151CK (the first Chinese automobile ever shown in the United States)

===Concept car introductions===
[[Image:2009-challenger-concept.jpg|thumb|Dodge Challenger Concept|150px|right]]
[[Image:Miura 2006.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Lamborghini Miura Concept]]
* [[Aston Martin]] [[Aston Martin Rapide|Rapide]] [[sedan|saloon]] concept
* [[Acura RDX]] prototype
* [[Audi Roadjet]] concept (mid-size [[station wagon]])
* [[BMW X3]] Hybrid Efficient Dynamics concept
* 2007 [[Buick Enclave]] concept
* [[Chevrolet Camaro#Generation 5|Chevrolet Camaro Concept]] (''[[AutoWeek]]'' "Best In Show")
* [[Chrysler Imperial#2006|Chrysler Imperial]] concept
* [[Dodge Challenger#2009|Dodge Challenger Concept]] (''[[AutoWeek]]'' "Best Concept")
* [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] iosis sedan concept
* [[Ford Reflex]] concept ([[Diesel]]/electric/[[solar power|solar]] [[hybrid car]]) [http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=22280&cmp=rss_media_fmc]
* [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] F-250 Super Chief luxury pickup concept
* [[Hyundai]] HCD9 Talus concept
* [[Infiniti G35|Infiniti G35 Coupe Concept]]
* [[Jeep Patriot]] crossover concept
* [[Kia Motors|Kia]] Soul concept crossover SUV
* [[Lamborghini Miura#2006 Miura concept|Lamborghini Miura]] concept
* [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] [[Lincoln MKS|MKS]] Concept Sedan
* [[Maserati]] Pininfarina Birdcage concept
* [[Maybach Exelero]] concept
* [[Mazda Kabura]] concept
* [[Mazda Mazda5]] hydrogen rotary concept
* [[BMW MINI|Mini Concept Detroit]]
* [[Mitsubishi Motors|Mitsubishi]] Concept-CT MIEV (a [[hybrid car]] prototype with electric motors at the wheels)
* [[Nissan]] Urge [[roadster]] concept (''[[AutoWeek]]'' "Most Fun") Car with built in Xbox 360.
* [[Saab 9-5]] Aero BioPower concept
* [[Subaru]] B5-TPH concept
* [[Toyota]] F3R concept
* [[Volvo C30]] concept

<br style="clear:both" />

==2005==
The 2005 show saw the following important introductions:

===Production car introductions===
* 2006 [[Cadillac STS#STS-V|Cadillac STS-V]]
* 2006 [[Chevrolet Corvette|Chevrolet Corvette Z06]]
* 2006 [[Chrysler 300C|Chrysler 300C SRT-8]]
* 2006 [[Dodge Charger (LX)|Dodge Charger]]
* 2006 [[Dodge Viper|Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe]]
* 2006 [[Ford Fusion]]
* 2006 [[Honda Ridgeline]]
* 2006 [[Hyundai Sonata]]
* 2006 [[Infiniti M]]
* 2006 [[Kia Rio]]
* 2006 [[Land Rover Range Rover]]
* 2006 [[Land Rover Range Rover Sport]]
* 2006 [[Lincoln Zephyr]]
* 2006 [[Mercedes-Benz M-Class]]
* 2006 [[Mercury Milan]]
* 2006 [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]]
* 2006 [[Mitsubishi Raider]]
* 2006 [[Porsche 911|Porsche 911 Cabrio]]
* 2005 [[Saab 9-7X]]
* 2007 [[Saturn Sky]]
* 2006 [[Subaru B9|Subaru B9 Tribeca]]

===Concept car introductions===
* [[Audi Allroad Quattro Concept]]
* [[Chrysler Firepower]]
* [[Ford Explorer#2007|Ford Explorer Sport Trac Concept]]
* [[Ford Fairlane (North American)#2008 Ford Fairlane|Ford Fairlane Concept]]
* [[Ford Shelby GR-1]]
* [[Ford SYNUS]]
* [[General Motors Sequel]]
* [[GMC Graphyte Hybrid]]
* [[Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe Concept]]
* [[Mercury Meta One]]
* [[Nissan AZEAL]]
* [[Opel Astra]] hybrid concept
* [[Suzuki Concept X]]
* [[Toyota FT-SX]]
* [[Volkswagen New Beetle#The Ragster Concept|Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster]]

==1992==
===Production car introductions===
The following production vehicles debuted at the 1992 show:
* 1993 [[Audi 100|Audi 100CS Quattro]]
* 1993 [[Audi Cabriolet]]
* 1993 [[BMW E36]] [[BMW 3 Series|3 Series coupes]]
* 1993 [[Chrysler Concorde]]
* 1994 [[Chrysler New Yorker]]
* 1993 [[Dodge Intrepid]]
* 1993 [[Eagle Vision]]
* 1993 [[Ford Probe]] ''GT''
* 1993 [[Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
* 1993 [[Mercedes-Benz W140]] [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class|600SEC]]
* 1993 [[Mercury Villager]]
* 1993 [[Nissan Quest]]
* 1993 [[Nissan 240SX]] convertible
* 1993 [[Nissan 300ZX]] convertible
* 1993 [[Saturn SW]]

===Concept car introductions===
The following concept cars were shown:
* [[Buick]] Sceptre
* [[Chevrolet]] Sizigi
* [[Chrysler Cirrus]] concept
* [[Dodge]] EPIC
* [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] Connecta
* [[General Motors Ultralite]]
* [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] HCD-1
* [[Lincoln (automobile)|Lincoln]] Marque X
* [[Oldsmobile]] Anthem
* [[Pontiac]] Salsa

==1989==

The Detroit Auto Show was renamed to the North American International Auto Show for 1989, as [[Lexus]] and [[Infiniti]] debuted. The show opened on January 11, with press previews and introductions for the first two days.

Introductions:
* [[Audi V8]]
* [[Chevrolet Lumina]]
* [[Chevrolet Lumina APV]]
* [[Chevrolet Corvette C4#ZR-1|Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1]]
* [[Chrysler LeBaron|Chrysler LeBaron GT]]
* [[Chrysler Town & Country]]
* [[Dodge Dakota]] convertible
* [[Dodge Viper]] concept
* [[Geo Prizm]]
* [[Geo Storm]]
* [[Infiniti Q|Infiniti Q45]]
* [[Lexus LS|Lexus LS400]]
* [[Lotus Esprit]] Turbo
* [[Mazda MPV]]
* [[Mitsubishi Eclipse]]
* [[Plymouth Laser]]
* [[Porsche 911]] Carrera 4 and Speedster
* [[Porsche 944]] S2 Cabriolet
* [[Shelby Dakota]]
* [[Shelby CSX#CSX-VNT|Shelby CSX-VNT]]
* [[Volkswagen Corrado]]

==External links==
*[http://www2.naias.com/default.asp Official webpage]
*[http://www.mph-online.com/web/news/00245 2006 Coverage by mph Magazine]
*[http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto_News/Car_Shows/Detroit_Auto_Show/2006_Detroit_Auto_Show_Index.S286.A9795.html 2006 Coverage from The Car Connection]
*[http://www.carsession.com Auto Shows]
*[http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/19/new-plan-to-improve-cobo-hall-moves-forward/ New plan to improve Cobo Hall moves forward]

[[Category:Auto shows]]

Custom car

2010-01-21T15:52:43Z

Achirila: /* External links */

[[Image:plain painted '32 roadster.jpg|thumb|250px|Plain paint on early hot rods {{3d_glasses}}]]
[[Image:Purple Buick.jpg|thumb|250px|Modern custom of mid-fifities Buick {{3d_glasses}}]]
[[Image:modern steel body.jpg|thumb|250px|Modern steel "Retro style" $100,000+ custom body {{3d_glasses}}]]

A '''custom car''' is phrase that became prominent in American pop culture in the 1950s, and has enjoyed special interest popularity since that time. It relates to a passenger [[automobile|vehicle]] that has been modified to [[engine tuning|improve its performance]] by altering or replacing the [[engine]] and [[transmission (mechanics)|transmission]] and to make it look "unique", unlike any car that might have been factory finished,always a personal "styling" statement by the re-styler/re-builder..

===First came the post war "Hot Rods" made from "Junkers" ===
A development of [[hot rod]]ding, the change in name corresponded to the change in the design of the cars that were being modified. The first hot rods were made from pre-WWII cars that had [[running board]]s and simple fenders that bent over the wheels. These were modified by removing the running boards and either removing the fenders entirely or replacing them with very light "cycle fenders". The purpose was to put the most powerful engine in the lightest possible frame and body combination. The suspension was usually altered to make the car lower; the front was often made much lower than the rear. Much later some hot rods and custom cars swapped the old solid rear axle for an independent rear axle, often from [[Jaguar]]. Only rarely was the grille of one make of car replaced by another; one exception was that the 1937 [[Buick]] grille was often put on a [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]. The original hot rods were plainly painted like the [[Model A Fords]]
from which they had been built up, and only slowly begun to take on colors, and eventually fancy orange-yellow flamed hoods or "candy-like" deep arcylic finishes in the various colors.

===New Post War, Slab-sided cars weren't good for "Hot Rod" treatment===
With the change in automobile design to encase the wheels in fenders and to extend the hood to the full width of the car, the former practices were no longer possible. In addition, there was tremendous automotive advertising and subsequent public interest in the new models in the [[1950s]]. Hence custom cars came into existence, swapping [[headlight]] rings, grilles, bumpers, [[chrome]] side strips, and tail lights. The bodies of the cars were changed by cutting through the sheet metal, removing bits to make the car lower, welding it back together, and adding a lot of [[lead]] to make the resulting form smooth. By this means, "chopping" made the roof lower; "sectioning" made the body thinner from top to bottom. "Channeling" was cutting knotches in the floorpan where the body touches the frame to lower the whole body. Fins were often added from other cars, or made up from sheet steel. But in the custom car culture, if you were someone who merely changed the appearance without improving the performance substantially, you were looked down on.
Paint was an important concern. Once bodywork was done, the cars were painted unusual colors. Transparent but wildly-colored [[candy- apple paint]], which was applied atop a metallic undercoat, and [[metalflake]] paint, which adds aluminum glitter within candy-apple paint, appeared in the 1960s. These took many coats to produce a brilliant effect -- which in hot climates had a tendency to flake off. Custom cars also continued the habit of adding decorative paint after the main coat was finished, of flames extending rearward from the front wheels, and of scallops and hand-painted pinstripes of a different color than the rest of the car. The latter, most often being of a single coat, would be expected to be of a simpler paint.

Once customizing post-war cars caught on, some of the practices were extended to pre-war cars, which would have been called hot rods that kept their fenders but had more body work done on them. An alternate rule for disambiguation developed that hot rods had the engine behind the front suspension, while custom cars had the engine over the front suspension. The clearest example of this is that [[Ford Motor Company|Fords]] prior to 1949 had [[Henry Ford]]'s old transverse front suspension, while the 1949 model had a more modern suspension with the engine moved forward.

With the coming of the [[muscle car]], and beyond that to the high-performance luxury car, customization declined. One place where it persisted was the US Southwest, where "[[low-rider]]s" were built similar in concept to the earlier customs, but of post-1950s cars.

===Recent trend to build new custom steel bodies based on pre-war designs===
Recently, as the supply of usable antique steel bodies has given out, a new trend to fabricate new steel bodies, closely based on the styling of the pre-war cars. Bodies of this type can cost over $100,000 before the "running gear" is added.

<gallery>
Image:Modern Hot Rod.jpg|Modern, but very Basic '32 roadster {{3d_glasses}}
Image:1951 Mercury.jpg|Recent custom job on a '51 Mercury {{3d_glasses}}
Image:1940 Ford.jpg|thumb|250px|Modern Custom {{3d_glasses}}
</gallery>

===See also===
{{commonscat|Custom cars}}
* [[my dream wheels]]
* [[Go-faster stripes]]
* [[Hot rod]]
* [[Kustom Kulture]]
* [[Lowrider]]
* [[Import scene]]
* [[Pimp My Ride]]
* [[PFS Imports]]

== External links ==

* [http://www.customcarsuk.com/ U.K. free site for custom cars]
* [http://www.mydreamwheels.com/ Custom Cars, hot rods, vintage cars]
* [http://www.roddingroundtable.com/ The Rodding Roundtable]
* [http://www.justcustomz.com/gallery/hotrod-pictures.php More Custom Car Pictures]
* [http://www.american-excess.com CAR SHOWS IN BELGIUM ]
* [http://www.carsession.com Custom Cars]

[[category:automotive technologies]]
[[Category:Vehicle modification]]
[[Category:DIY Culture]]
[[de:Custom car]]
[[sv:Custom]]

Infiniti

2010-01-21T15:51:19Z

Achirila:

{{List Of Infiniti Models}}

'''Infiniti''' is [[Nissan]]'s luxury brand in the United States, Canadian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, South Korean (first dealership opened in July 2005) and Taiwanese markets. [[Nissan]] also has plans to release Infiniti into many European markets (Russia & Ukraine in 2007, United Kingdom in 2008), China (10 dealerships by 2007), as well as in Japan sometime after 2008.

Infiniti vehicles are traditionally based on the same automobile platforms as [[Nissan]] models. In some cases, similar vehicles are sold as upscale [[Nissan]]s in the same market, while other Infinitis are rebadged models from the Japanese market, where [[Nissan]]'s model range includes high-end luxury vehicles. More recently, the differentiation between [[Nissan]] and Infiniti vehicles has become greater, and even where two models may share a similar platform, Infinitis tend to feature more powerful [[engine]]s, tuned [[suspension]]s, [[steering systems]], and more luxurious interior appointments.

Infiniti's model name designation includes one letter for [[coupés]] and [[sedans]] (two letters for [[SUV]]s) and a number reflecting [[engine]] displacement. For example, the [[Infiniti QX56|QX56]] is an [[SUV]] featuring a 5.6 L engine and the [[Infiniti Q45|Q45]] is Infiniti's flagship sedan, featuring a 4.5 L engine. The one exception to this was the [[Infiniti QX4|QX4 SUV]], which featured a 3.3 L engine (1997-2000) and later a 3.5 L engine (2001-2003). An 'x' following the engine displacement of Infiniti sedans denotes an [[Four Wheel Drive|all wheel drive]] model (e.g. [[Infiniti G35|Infiniti G35x]]).

===History===

Infiniti was introduced in the United States by [[Nissan]] in 1989, to rival [[Toyota]] and [[Honda]]'s introduction of their own luxury brands, [[Lexus]] and [[Acura]], respectively. A series of Zen-inspired advertisements, which became known as the "rocks and trees" campaign, aimed to bring about brand awareness. The advertisements, however, neglected to feature any of Infiniti's models, and thus failed to generate adequate sales. Better advertising and the introduction of award-winning models eventually made Infiniti a chief contender in the luxury vehicle segment of the American market. Since 1989, sales have consistently grown.

Infiniti began to take part of the luxury market mostly thanks to its popular [[Infiniti Q45|Q45]]. The vehicle included a class leading (at the time) 278 [[hp]] (207 kW)[[V8]] [[engine]], [[four-wheel steering]], the first [[active suspension]] system offered on a motor vehicle, and numerous interior luxury appointments. These made it competitive against the comparatively uninspiring engines and interiors found in German imports like [[BMW]] and [[Mercedes-Benz]], which by the time of Infiniti's release had overtaken [[Cadillac]] and [[Lincoln]] in dominating the luxury segment of the American market.

In 1997, Infiniti released the [[Infiniti QX4|QX4]], a modified and more luxurious version of the [[Nissan Pathfinder]], making Infiniti the first maker (apart from [[SUV]] specialists, [[Jeep]] and [[Land Rover]]) to offer a mid-sized luxury [[SUV]] - predating the release of the [[Lexus RX 300]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz ML320]]. Like a traditional [[SUV]], it was based on a truck platform, which gave it a competitive edge against the aforementioned competitors for its off-roading abilities.

By the late 1990s, however, Infiniti was consistently behind [[Lexus]] and even near-luxury rival [[Acura]], in sales due to [[Nissan]]'s struggling financial situation. The [[Infiniti Q45|Q45]] had retreated considerably from its focused, taut rendition of an executive sedan, having become a barely recognizable, ponderously-handling sedan that earned the nickname "The Japanese Lincoln." In 1999, Infiniti reintroduced the [[Infiniti G20|G20]], a compact sporty sedan that was sold between 1991 and 1995. The car had hopes of challenging [[BMW]], but with an underpowered four cylinder [[engine]], fell short. Infiniti's other offerings, the [[Nissan Maxima|Maxima]]-based [[Infiniti I30|I30]] and the strange-looking [[Infiniti J30|J30]] never garnered strong followings, and the company, bereft of an image or a following, floundered.

By the early 2000s, Infiniti was facing extinction. Its own impending doom being perhaps the best motivator, the company rededicated itself to developing a dynamic and powerful line-up of sporty luxury cars. Car and Driver reported that Infiniti executives invited members of the motoring press to a meeting where they "swore never again to take their eyes off [[BMW]]." Although this effort began with a completely redesigned [[Infiniti Q45|Q45]] flagship for the 2002 model year, it was the [[Infiniti G35|G35]] that finally turned sales around for Infiniti in 2003. A compact sports sedan far exceeding the capabilities of its [[Nissan Primera]]-based predecessor (the [[Infiniti G20|G20]]), the [[Nissan Skyline]]-based [[Infiniti G35|G35]] became an instant hit. The release of the sport tuned [[Infiniti FX45|FX45]] [[sport utility vehicle]] piggybacked on the [[Infiniti G35|G35]]'s success. The [[Infiniti FX45|FX45]] combined sports-car handling and performance with station wagon-like versatility and all-weather capability. In 2004, Infiniti graced the [[Infiniti G35|G35]] with an [[all-wheel drive]] ([[AWD]]) option in an effort to sway buyers from [[all-wheel drive]] mecca [[Audi]].

Today, Infiniti's sales and reputation continue to increase impressively as Carlos Ghosn follows through on his vision to break Infiniti away from its [[Nissan]] roots. The [[Infiniti G35|G35]] series helped re-define Infiniti as the "Japanese BMW", an image it continues to cultivate. This reputation has been enhanced by the [[Infiniti FX35|FX35]]/[[Infiniti FX45|FX45]] [[SUV]], and the redesigned [[Infiniti M35|M35]]/[[Infiniti M45|M45]] for the 2006 model year. The [[Infiniti M35|M35]]/[[Infiniti M45|M45]] has already garnered impressive acclaim from the automotive press, winning an eight-car comparison test in Car and Driver, and has proven very popular in its first few months of sales.
----

===Models===
{{Infiniti}}

===Current Models===

*[[Infiniti FX]] ([[Infiniti FX35|FX35]] and [[Infiniti FX45|FX45]] variations)
*[[Infiniti G35]] ([[sedan]], [[AWD]] [[sedan]], and [[coupe]] derivations)
*[[Infiniti M]] ([[Infiniti M35|M35]]/[[Infiniti M35|M35x]] and [[Infiniti M45|M45]] variations)
*[[Infiniti Q45]]
*[[Infiniti QX56]]
*[[Infiniti EX]]

===Past Models===

*[[Infiniti M30]]
*[[Infiniti G20]]
*[[Infiniti J30]]
*[[Infiniti I]] ([[Infiniti I30|I30]], 1996-2001; [[Infiniti I35|I35]], 2002-2004)
*[[Infiniti QX4]]
----

===Future Models and Concept Vehicles===

*[[Infiniti Kuraza]] (concept vehicle, no current plans for production)
*[[Infiniti EX Concept]]
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===External Links===

*[http://www.infinitiusa.com/ InfinitiUSA.com USA Official Site]
*[http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/index.html Nissan Motors Corporation]
*[http://www.infiniti.co.kr/ Infiniti Korea]
*[http://www.infinitihelp.com/ Infinitihelp.com]
*[http://www.infiniti-forum.com/ Infiniti Forum]
*[http://www.americancarimports.com UK based Independent Importer of all Infiniti models]
*[http://www.zercustoms.com/ Custom Auto]
*[http://www.carsession.com/ Custom Cars]

[[Category:Makes]]