Cars - Infiniti M30

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	Cars - Infiniti M30

The Infiniti M30 (chassis code F31) was a 2-door sport coupe introduced with the Q45 as the start of the Infiniti line, as a stopgap until other models could be produced. The M30 was basically a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Nissan Leopard built as left-hand drive, luxurified and rebadged as an Infiniti. The other main changes were in the engine, transmission and suspension.

Overview

The M30 had no options except for two dealership-offered options, a cellular phone and a CD player/changer. The sole engine was the Nissan VG30E, a 3.0 L SOHC V6 that produced 162 hp (121 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m), also used by many previous Nissan models: early-generation (1984-1989, chassis code Z31) 300ZXs, Maximas, etc. Like the 300ZX, the M30 was an FR layout, front-engine and rear-wheel-drive. The transmission was the RE4R01A, a four-speed automatic with electronic overdrive. The differential was a Nissan R200-type open differential. It is generally regarded among M30 enthusiasts that the change of powertrain, weak suspension and the lack of options in these categories, was a serious mistake on Infiniti’s part, and perhaps to blame for the lackluster sales. The M30 has a stock weight of 3400 lb (1,540 kg), yet only 162 hp, creating an inadequate power to weight ratio for the intended image of a sport coupe. In addition, sports cars normally come with a manual transmission standard and have the option of an automatic. Instead, Infiniti didn't even give potential buyers the choice, as all M30s had a four-speed automatic.

The M30 was equipped with the Sonar Suspension system that was also installed on the Maxima, which featured a sensor that scanned the road surface and adjusted the suspension accordingly via actuators mounted on the strut towers. There was also a switch on the center console that allowed the driver to change between "Sport" and "Comfort" settings—essentially "firm" and "soft", respectively. Sports cars tend to have firm, stiff suspensions that trade ride quality for handling, while luxury cars have a softer suspension to smooth out the ride, since they're less likely to need sharp handling. Unfortunately Infiniti was trying to have the M30 play two roles at once, and instead of performing one role superbly it performed two roles mediocrely. The "Sport" setting isn't quite firm enough, while the "Comfort" setting was perhaps too soft.

History

The M30, moreover, is the sole convertible of the Infiniti line. Infiniti selected half of the models produced in the 1991 and 1992 years and had them made into convertibles by the American Sunroof Corporation. While the power tops on these need extensive maintenance, they can be operated manually if necessary. All the coupes had sunroofs standard.

The M30’s production run lasted for only 3 years, ending in 1992 due to lagging sales. Only 5000 models were produced, half coupes, half convertibles, making the M30 a rare car. The M30 was replaced by the Infiniti J30, a full-size 4-door sedan. While the J30 is a completely different car and has a different chassis code (Y32), it was called the Leopard J. Ferie in Japan and was still referred to as the Nissan Leopard.

The M30 Today

The M30 has a small cult following, similar to that of the Nissan Leopard in Japan. The car shares many similarities with more successful and more capable Nissan sports cars, such as the 240SX (chassis codes S13 & S14), 300ZX (chassis codes Z31 & Z32) and early-generation Skylines (chassis code R31). As such, more powerful engines, manual transmissions, stiffer suspensions and limited slip differentials (LSDs) from these cars can be swapped into the M30 to create a much more capable car. In both the U.S. and Japan, the F31 has been used for drifting, as it can take parts from other Nissans and is rear wheel drive (RWD).

Trivia

The M30 had a small part in the 1999 Motion Picture Three Kings, where it was referred to as “The Infiniti Convertible.”

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Infiniti M30 ]

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Cars - Infiniti M30

Overview

History

The M30 Today

Trivia

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