It still outperforms most of its competition on several levels. In 2008, the QX56 received quite a few enhancements including a new grill, new fog lights and new rear and front fascia construction. It also carries over a newly designed rack on the roof and now shows off its standard 20 inch alloy wheels. The instrumentation cluster has also been redesigned to be more convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

The 2010 Infiniti QX56 price does not hint at its bounty of stock and optional features.

Model name designations for the Infiniti include one letter for coupes and sedans and two for SUVs with a number reflecting engine displacement. As an example, the Q45, Infiniti’s flagship sedan through 2006, has a 4.5 liter engine. An “x” following the number signifies an all-wheel drive model car. Today, in addition to the US and Canada, Infiniti is marketed in Mexico, South Korea, and the Middle East, with plans to expand into Europe in 2007 and the UK in 2008.

It was the popular Q45 that lead Infiniti to take part of the luxury market. The vehicle included a class leading (at the time) 278 hp V8 engine, four wheel steering, the first active suspension system offered on a motor vehicle, and numerous interior comfort features.

Early Infinitis had unique platforms, but most are currently based on existing Nissan models. Some are spiffed up versions of existing Nissans sold in the same market, while others are rebranded models from the Japanese market where Nissan’s line includes high-end luxury vehicles.

It was first introduced to the United States in 1989, to offer direct competition to the luxury lines of rival companies Toyota and Honda (Lexus and Acura, respectively). A series of Zen-inspired “rocks and trees” advertisements was part of a campaign for brand awareness, but the vehicles experienced production delays, and no cars were shown, and the ad campaign ran longer than originally planned.

This model featured a rear spoiler, BBS style alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, and HICAS (four wheel steering). HICAS was only available in the J30t from 1993-1994. The J30 remained nearly unchanged through its production period. Heated seats became standard equipment in the 1994 model year. For 1995, the J30 received subtle vertical ribbing in the tail light lenses and in ‘96 the diagnostic system was upgraded to “OBD2″. Otherwise, the J30 received only minor alterations between 1993 and 1997 model years.

The J30 went into production on April 7, 1992 as a 1993 model to replace the M30 (which was a coupe), and was launched in the United States at the same time as its competitor, the Lexus GS. The car was designed to slot between the smaller G20 and the larger Q45, as Infiniti’s first mid-size sedan. Also, it was fairly small but featured rounded styling uncharacteristic of the crowded near-luxury market. Chief exterior designer for the J30 was Jerry Hirschberg, president of Nissan Design International (NDI).