History and Introduction to the J30

[AZhitman]

In the summer of 1988, a team of designers in La Jolla, California, under the direction Keiichi Shinohara, started work on a “personal” luxury sedan for Infiniti. The Nissan Design International team focused on balance and excellence in all categories – a complete package - not just excelling in a single area. A shape for this new vehicle was drawn – an ellipse with a gracefully balanced arch running through it. It was untraditional, and very unique. Through four years of sketches, concepts, and finally scale models… the ellipse shape remained. What emerged in showrooms in March of 1992 was a stunningly beautiful vehicle. An aggressive front end, with an ovoid grill and flush projector beam headlights, flowed into a coupe-like roofline that culminated with a smooth sloping decklid and full-width taillights. The 1993 Infiniti J30 was striking from any angle.

Under the DURASTEEL® body panels (steel with 50% more corrosion-resistant plating thickness), the interior of the J30 was every bit as impressive. Designed at the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi-City, Japan, the standard leather-appointed interior was highlighted with subtle wood accents. Dual power seats, inclusive power accessories and keyless entry completed the package. The 200-watt Bose Audio System, with in-dash CD, was also standard on all J30’s.

Occupant protection was important to the design teams. Standard safety features included driver and passenger air bags (later upgraded to include side air bags), pre-tensioning seat belts, and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control.

A 210-horsepower engine powered all J30’s. Based on the 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum alloy V-6 used in the Nissan 300ZX, the version under the hood of the J30 was further refined. The intake and exhaust manifolds were modified while Nissan’s SOFIS (Sophisticated Optimized Fuel Injection System) was added for improved drivability, cleaner emissions, and reduced noise and vibration. The J30 engine utilized variable valve timing, and a direct ignition system with platinum spark plugs for reduced maintenance.

The only available transmission was an electronically controlled four-speed overdrive with a lock-up torque converter. A DUET-EA interactive transmission control system helped ensure smooth gear changes and eliminate shift shock by retarding engine power between shifts.

The rear-wheel-drive J30 featured an advanced four-wheel independent suspension highlighted by a precision tuned front strut-type and multi-link rear. Front and rear stabilizer bars were standard, and they kept excellent control of the body as it rode on the standard 6.5JJ-15 cast alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60-15 tires. A high-performance viscous limited-slip differential was standard.

In addition to the “base” model, a J30t (for Touring) was available. It offered of version of the Super HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) system found on the Q45. The system used a precise, computer-controlled hydraulic rear steering unit on the rear wheels. At high speeds, the rear wheels were steered up to one degree in the same direction as the fronts. At low speeds, the system would momentarily turn the wheels opposite the fronts (to help point the J30t into the turn) before turning them in-phase. The sporty J30t also received revised spring calibrations, new alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler.

As expected, purchasing the luxury and technology found in the J30 wasn’t easy on the pocket. For most of the production years, the base price hovered just below $40,000. On a positive note, the beautiful J30 came relatively loaded in base form. Optional features on cars from Lexus and Acura were standard on the Infiniti. Leather, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, and CD player rounded out an impressive list of standard features.

Behind the wheel, the J30 is an effortless cruiser. At 3,500 pounds, acceleration with 210 horses is adequate but not neck-snapping. The ride is very controlled, and cornering is stable. Keep in mind you aren’t going to win (or even enter) an auto-x with the J30. It’s a luxury touring vehicle, not a sport sedan.

Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find an example of the J30 with fewer than 75,000 miles on it. A near mint example with 100,000 clicks on the odometer will likely cost about $6,500 - less if you want to compromise condition. Of course, you can find used J30’s for much less, but don’t settle for one without consistent maintenance records as repairs can really add up once systems start to fail. Find the right car, at the right price, and you own a striking example of Infiniti luxury.

[driftkaztik]

here is what I got of one of my friend's pages... he has a leopard J ferie (J30)

it covers the F30, f31, y32 and y33 leopards. sorry to the straight translations.

History[Compilation]

The first F30 type (1980-1986 year)

The fact that it becomes the base is 910typeBluebirds, it hits to in fact succession model of serial 6 cylinder 2000cc grades which are set to 810 types. As for body type 4 doorhardtopsand 2 door hardtops. "Leopard TR-X" (the try x) it was set as a sibling car for the cherry dealership. Vis-a-vis the different type headlight of the leopard, TR-X adopts the angular type 4 light headlight. As for the engine which it loads 4 types of serial 6 cylinder OHC 1998cc L20E types, 1998cc turbo attaching L20ET type, 2753cc L28E type and serial 4 cylinder OHC 1770cc Z18 types. Furthermore, the latter-term model was loaded V type 6 cylinder OHC 2960cc turbo attaching VG30ET type.It was the model which at that time, was in the reed窪 and was developedwith development base of the old prince automobile, development supervision the firstprairie(M10 type), the firstmarch(K10 type),skylineR31 (7th had served the development supervision of) R32 type, it was Naganori Itoh of old prince automobile graduate.

As for CM character, the Kayamamalethree which serves CM characterof 810 type Bluebirdswas appointed, not only the automobile fan even in the people had permeated widely with image "of leopard = Kayama male three". As for the catch phrase "what is bet freely?", "PowerElite" "it becomes gorgeous, 豹" was.

1980September first F30 type appearance.

1982September part modification. The radiator grille, and the tail lamp were modified, the superlative grade "turbo ZGX super edition" which loads L20ET type was added.[Compilation]

2nd generation F31 type (1986-1992 year)

4 doors which are in the first generation are abolished, become only the Toyota sailplane similar 2 door coupes of the rival. The skyline of the sametime(R31 type) with the basic design is shared. As for engine prior-term type V type 6 cylinderSOHC1998cc VG20E type (115ps), 1998ccturboattaching VG20ET type (155ps),DOHC2960cc VG30DE type (185ps) 3 types. VG30DE type besides the fact that it became 200ps, VG20DET type of the DOHC turbo attaching (215ps) loads with minor change in place of VG20ET type. In addition the turbo model joined to also 3 liters andthe seaming machine(Y31 type) the DOHC turbo attaching VG30DET type which is loaded (255ps) was loaded anew.

As for CM character, the Kayama male three which obtains favorable comment with F30 typeof the front model, was appointed to sale of leopard gland selection.The catch phrase is free "not to limit. Not to limit it is rich. "" Expression power. If only you say that "" it is young, there is a car which it cannot be unmanageable to. "Was.

The detective who is notthe televisiondrama horsefly(舘 Hiroshi,Shibata 恭 soldierstarring) with, the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. with the relationship which the vehicle is cooperative, the F31 type leopard was used obtained the popularity of many fans as the car for the play and. With drama, the F31 type leopardwas broadcastthe scene and the like which the drift is done, the young person who does Manet occurred frequently.

Nearly 15 years it elapses from sale end, but not yet even deep-rooted popularity is maintained. オーナーズクラブ which consists of the owner of F31typescatters to entire country, also information interchange and the like is very active.

Model change to1986 February F31 type.

In1989 America the infinity M30 which designates F31type as the base was sold,wasalso setting of the convertible. In addition, collaborated F31 type withthe カロッツェリアthe gertof the OtechJapanand Italyalso "Otechthe gert ステルビオ "was sold in the base.[Compilation]

3rd generation JPY32 type (leopard J ferryboat) (1992-1996 year)

Set only of 4 door sedans in contrast to 2nd generation, renaming car nameto the "leopardJ ferryboat ".It becameCEDRIC/ the sibling car which utilizes Grolier's basic design, butwhenCEDRIC/you compare to Grolier, impressionas a personal luxury car is strong e.g., main leather seat of the Italian ポルトローナ corporation make which has been adopted for also Ferrari and マセラティ can be installed with option. As for the engine the VG30DE type which is set to also F31 type (200ps) with V type 8 cylinder DOHC 4130cc VH41DE type (270ps) 2 types.

The Bluebird sedanof the sametime (U13 type) the similar trunk part hangs, generally known "it drooped and design of the rear end" received extolment from the automobile critic of part, export) with obtainedfavorable comment North America whichbecomes the main market (as an infinity J30, but in the sale aspect in the Japanese country plus there is no thing which becomes and it became the model which fails commercially.

Nameof the "J ferryboat " is something which aimed for the image which 髣 髴 with makes the name of the foreigner do, but assuming that it is meaning unclear, it was disreputable in contrast to design from the automobile critic. The catch copy ' the beautiful wife and is simultaneous. '

Model change to1992 June JPY32 type.[Compilation]

4th generation JY33 type (1996-1999 year)

Car name in "leopard" re-new name. As for body only 4doorhardtops. At the beginning, the engine was loaded V type 6 cylinder DOHCVG30E type (160ps) with VQ type and 2987ccVQ30DE type (220ps) with turboattachingVQ30DET type (270ps) 3 types. VG30E and VQ30DE type were abolished with minor change, direct injection VQ30DDtype (230ps), serial 6 cylinder DOHC turbo attaching RB25DET types (235ps) (4WD car exclusive use), and the VG20E type which is set to F31 type (125ps) was added.As for the catch phrase, "in the luxury car, we would like to be freest. "Was.

As for this model criminal drama of the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. offerin"it protruded and appeared criminalpassionate system ", the Shibata 恭 soldier drove sameas the 2nd generationleopard.

Model change to1996 March JY33 type.

In the form whichis integrated with 1999 June Y34 type セドグロ, JY33 type production end. After the that the Bluebird dealership (presentブルーステージ) with CEDRIC, the Sunny dealership (presentlead stage) with Grolier is handled.

[yodawill2000]

Great read's guys .

[Big Tone]

Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find an example of the J30 with fewer than 75,000 miles on it. A near mint example with 100,000 clicks on the odometer will likely cost about $6,500 - less if you want to compromise condition. Of course, you can find used J30’s for much less, but don’t settle for one without consistent maintenance records as repairs can really add up once systems start to fail. Find the right car, at the right price, and you own a striking example of Infiniti luxury.

My J just turned 60k! Great read.

[#1 Sailor Scout]

That's a damn good writeup. Very nicely done.

The 200-watt Bose Audio System, with in-dash CD, was also standard on all J30’s.

That was a powerful OEM setup for its time. Most OEM units were lucky to get up to 100 watts during the 90's. It's a little TOO easy to forget how far we have come in audio technology until you read stuff like this.

A 210-horsepower engine powered all J30’s. Based on the 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve aluminum alloy V-6 used in the Nissan 300ZX, the version under the hood of the J30 was further refined. The intake and exhaust manifolds were modified while Nissan’s SOFIS (Sophisticated Optimized Fuel Injection System) was added for improved drivability, cleaner emissions, and reduced noise and vibration. The J30 engine utilized variable valve timing, and a direct ignition system with platinum spark plugs for reduced maintenance.

Too bad it wasn't named "Fairlady J." After all, it DID share the NA version of the VG30DE as stated. Fairlady J = Fairlady Z...only seems fair to me.