2003 Infiniti I35 Luxury Performance Sedan Continues
to Lead Class with Refined Power and Styling
With its award winning 255-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, elegant styling, standard 17-inch wheels and tires, available Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system and luxurious interior appointments, the Infiniti I35 made a major impact on the mid-size luxury class when it was introduced as a 2002 model. For its sophomore season, the I35 continues to offer an unmatched combination of refined luxury and performance with enhancements ranging from expanded wood tone trim on the center console to satellite radio compatibility.
“With the addition of the all-new G35 sport sedan in spring 2002, we’ve been able to focus the I35 on buyers who lean a little more toward the luxury aspects of the luxury/performance equation,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “The combination of I35 and G35 gives buyers two distinct choices – both strong performers, both pure Infiniti.”
Optimum Performance
Under the elegant I35 skin beats the heart of a refined performance sedan, starting with its 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 producing 255 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. The 3.5-liter V6 is part of the VQ engine series that has won acclaim as one of the “Ten Best Engines” from Ward’s Auto World magazine for nine consecutive years. The engine’s advanced design includes continuous variable timing control, a silent timing chain and electronically controlled throttle.
The engine also features microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Nissan Variable Induction System (NVIS), digital knock control, six individual coils (one per spark plug) and double platinum-tipped spark plugs with a 100,000 mile tune-up interval. An equal-length tuned exhaust with a variable capacity muffler enhances power production and gives I35 a quiet, yet throaty, sound.
Standard on all 2003 I35s is a smooth 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Every I35 also features standard Traction Control System (TCS), which aids traction in off-the-line starts and slippery road surface situations.
I35 provides a balance of ride and handling with a strut and coil spring front and rear Multi-Link BeamÔ suspension, which minimizes camber changes during cornering. Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars and speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering help give I35 a smooth, controllable ride. A higher level of handling and stability is available with the sport-tuned suspension on Sport Package-equipped I35s.
Braking is provided by power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The I35 brake system also includes two advanced systems - Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on passenger and cargo load, and Brake Assist (BA), which reduces pedal effort to aid the driver in hard or panic braking situations.
Sport Package-equipped I35s come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a stability control system adopted from the Q45 sedan. VDC controls individual wheel brake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteer or slippery road surface situations. Using a steering sensor, g-sensor, wheel speed sensors and brake pressure sensors, VDC can control individual wheel brake pressure and engine power to help directional stability in potentially dangerous situations.
A Refined Exterior
The I35’s large, Q45-style horizontal grille, standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights and large fog lights combine function and style. The side view of the I35 is dominated by large 6-spoke 17-inch luxury or available 8-spoke sport design aluminum-alloy wheels. Side sill extensions are included with the Sport Package (optional on Luxury Model). The rear end features a smoothly styled trunk lid design, jewel-like combination lamps, large badging and low-restriction exhaust with chrome finishers. A rear spoiler is optional on Sport Package-equipped I35s.
One new exterior color is offered for 2003 – Diamond Graphite.
A Luxurious Interior
The 2003 I35 features a highly luxurious interior with seats appointed with Sojourner leather, the signature Infiniti clock, gated automatic transmission shifter with wood-tone gearshift knob, an electroflorescent fine-vision meter cluster with multi-function trip computer, expanded wood-tone accents on the center console and a wood-tone and leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel. For 2003, embroidered Infiniti logos have been added to the front seats. Heated front and rear seats with “high” and “low” settings, heated outside mirrors and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel are offered with the Cold Weather Package.
Standard equipment includes a BoseÒ 200-watt, 7-speaker premium audio system with AM/FM, in-dash 6-disc CD autochanger, steering wheel audio controls, vehicle-speed-sensitive volume control and Radio Data System (RDS) function. The I35 also includes popular features like an 8-way power driver’s seat with two-position memory and automatic entry/exit assist, 4-way power passenger’s seat, remote keyless entry with key fob-operated front window down feature and automatic anti-glare rearview mirror with integrated digital compass.
The 2003 I35 is available in three interior colors: Willow, Beige and Graphite.
Optional again in 2003 is the power-operated dash-mounted flip-up Infiniti Navigation System. This navigation system includes the three-dimensional Birdview™ map display and voice guidance system. New this year is the availability of integrated satellite radio, with a choice of XM or Sirius service providers.
Safety and Security
I35 comes with a full complement of standard safety features, including dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belt adjustable upper anchors. Also included are standard front-seat active head restraints to help reduce neck injuries that may occur in rear end collisions. Additionally, I35 is equipped with a rigid bar child seat anchorage system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren), child safety rear door locks, a trunk-mounted first aid kit and an emergency inside trunk-release.
Also standard is the Vehicle Security System with Infiniti Immobilizer, which uses an electronically coded key recognized by the ignition system.
Models and Availability
The 2003 Infiniti I35 Luxury Model is available with three option packages, allowing I35 customers to tailor the vehicles to their exact tastes. The Sunroof and Sunshade Package adds a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt and sunshade, linear position pre-select sunroof switch and rear power sunshade.
The Cold Weather Package includes heated front and rear seats with two settings, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated outside mirrors with timer.
The Sport Package adds a sport-tuned suspension, unique 8-spoke champagne-tinted 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, P225/50VR17 V-rated all-season performance tires, Vehicle Dynamic Control and side sill extensions. Available on Sport Package-equipped I35s is the Chrome Wheel Option and a rear spoiler.
Options include the Infiniti Navigation System; side sill extensions and a full-size spare tire with matching aluminum-alloy wheel.
As always, standard on all Infiniti vehicles including the 2003 I35 is The Total Ownership Experience (TOE), which offers an enhanced level of customer service, roadside assistance and service loan car support. Infiniti also offers The Infiniti Owner’s Club, an Internet-based owner loyalty program accessible through the Infiniti website at www.infiniti.com.
2003 Infiniti I35 Technical Specifications
Source of Production: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Assembly Plant Location: Oppama, Japan
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ENGINE |
Luxury |
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Type |
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Displacement |
3.5 liters |
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Horsepower |
255 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
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Torque |
246 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
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Bore x stroke (mm) |
95.5 x 81.4 |
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Compression ratio (:1) |
10.3 |
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Induction system |
Sequential multi-point fuel injection |
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Valvetrain |
DOHC 4-valves-per-cylinder |
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Recommended fuel |
Premium unleaded |
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Exhaust and emissions system |
Straight dual tip exhaust with variable capacity muffler and chrome finisher and three-way catalytic converter with closed loop feedback |
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Platinum-tipped spark plugs |
· |
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Maximum engine speed |
6,500 rpm |
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DRIVETRAIN |
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Drive configuration |
Front engine/front-wheel drive |
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Transmission type |
4-speed electronically controlled automatic |
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Gear ratios ( :1) |
1st |
2.785 |
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|
2nd |
1.545 |
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3rd |
1.000 |
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4th |
0.694 |
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reverse |
2.272 |
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Final drive ratio ( :1) |
3.789 |
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Differential type |
Conventional |
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Traction Control System (TCS) |
· |
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Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) |
o |
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BODY, SUSPENSION AND STEERING |
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Body type |
All-steel unibody construction |
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Front suspension |
Independent strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar |
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|
Multi-Link BeamÔ with stabilizer bar |
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Steering ratio ( :1) |
16.6 |
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Turning circle (curb-to-curb in feet) |
40.0 |
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Turns (lock-to-lock) |
2.6 |
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Steering type |
Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
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BRAKES |
Luxury |
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Front: 11.65” x .94” power-assisted vented disc |
· |
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Rear: 10.94” x .35” power-assisted solid disc |
· |
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Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) |
· |
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Brake Assist (BA) |
· |
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4-channel/4-sensor/4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) |
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· |
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ELECTRICAL |
Luxury |
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Electronic ignition system |
· |
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110 amp alternator |
· |
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Low maintenance 12-volt battery |
· |
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WHEELS AND TIRES |
Luxury |
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17” 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels (7.0 JJ x 17) |
· |
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17” 8-spoke champagne-tinted aluminum-alloy wheels (7.0 JJ x 17) |
o |
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17” 8-spoke chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels (7.0 JJ x 17) |
o |
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P215/55R17 H-rated all-season radial tires |
· |
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P225/50R17 V-rated all-season radial tires |
o |
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Temporary spare tire |
· |
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Full-sized spare tire with aluminum-alloy wheel |
o |
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EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches) |
Luxury |
|
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Wheelbase |
108.3 |
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Overall length |
193.7 |
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Overall width |
70.2 |
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Overall height |
57.0 |
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Front tread width |
60.2 |
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Rear tread width |
59.4 |
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Trunk liftover height |
TBD |
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Minimum ground clearance |
6.3 |
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Coefficient of Drag (Cd) |
.30 w/rear spoiler, .31 w/o rear spoiler |
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EXTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS |
Luxury |
|
|
· |
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Automatic on/off headlights |
· |
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Fog lights and cornering lights |
· |
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EXTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS, CONT. |
Luxury |
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· |
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Body-color front and rear bumpers |
· |
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Green-tinted, heat reducing glass with dark-tint upper windshield band and UV cut |
·
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Heated outside mirrors with timer |
o |
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Body-color outside door handles and side moldings |
· |
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Dual body-color power remote-controlled outside mirrors |
·
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Rear window defroster with timer |
· |
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Titanium-color grille |
· |
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Black windshield moldings and chrome window moldings |
·
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Side sill extensions |
o |
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Decklid spoiler |
o |
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Trunk lid finisher |
· |
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INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (inches) |
Front |
Rear |
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Head room |
40.5 |
37.4 |
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Shoulder room |
56.4 |
56.2 |
|
|
54.3 |
53.0 |
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Leg room |
43.9 |
36.2 |
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|
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INTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS |
Luxury |
|
8-way power driver’s seat with adjustable manual lumbar support |
·
|
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4-way power passenger’s seat |
· |
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Sojourner leather-appointed seats with embroidered Infiniti logo on front seat backs |
· |
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60/40 split fold-down rear seat with seat back locks |
· |
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Heated front and rear seats |
o |
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Adjustable front seat active head restraints and adjustable rear head restraints |
·
|
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Driver’s and front-passenger’s seat back pockets |
· |
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Automatic anti-glare rear view mirror with compass |
· |
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Stainless steel sill plates |
· |
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Driver’s entry/exit system with 2-position memory function |
· |
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Wood-tone and leather-wrapped steering wheel |
· |
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Wood-tone gearshift knob and titanium-color accented gated shifter |
·
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Wood-tone trim accents |
· |
INTERIOR FEATURES AND OPTIONS, CONT. |
Luxury |
|
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Titanium-color inside door handles |
· |
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Ceiling-mounted assist grips |
· |
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CAPACITIES |
|
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Seating capacity |
5 |
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Interior passenger volume (cu. ft.) |
102.5 |
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Trunk volume (cu. ft.) |
14.9 w/standard spare tire or Sport Package,
12.3 w/optional full-size spare tire (except when equipped w/Sport Package) |
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Fuel tank (gals.) |
18.5 |
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Engine oil (qts.) |
4.7 |
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Engine coolant (qts.) |
8.1 |
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Maximum towing capacity (lbs.) |
1,000 |
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CURB WEIGHTS |
Luxury |
|
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Curb weight (lbs.) |
3,306 |
|
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Weight distribution (% fr/rr) |
62/38 |
|
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GVWR (lbs.) |
4,349 |
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|
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COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
FEATURES |
Luxury |
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Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls |
· |
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Air conditioning with automatic temperature control |
· |
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Power rear window sunshade |
o |
|
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Power windows with one-touch auto-up/down with safety reverse and lockout feature, remote keyless entry operable |
·
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Key fob operated front window down feature and key cylinder operated windows up/down feature |
·
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Remote fuel-filler door and trunk releases |
· |
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Power door locks (Type II) with selective unlocking feature and remote keyless entry system |
·
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|
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Power sliding glass sunroof with rear tilt and sunshade |
o |
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Linear position pre-select sunroof switch with safety reverse function |
o
|
|
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Retained accessory power |
· |
|
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Front window defogger with front and side demister vents, rear window defogger with indicator light and timer |
·
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Tilt steering wheel |
· |
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HVAC microfilter |
· |
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COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
FEATURES, CONT. |
Luxury |
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Illuminated entry/exit system |
· |
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Wood-tone center console with dual level storage, height adjustable arm rest and 12-volt power outlet |
·
|
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Lockable glove compartment with light |
· |
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Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors |
· |
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Driver and front-passenger sun visors with extensions |
· |
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Dual overhead map lights |
· |
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Three front/two rear cup holders |
· |
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Rear fold-down armrest |
· |
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Variable-speed intermittent windshield wipers with mist function |
·
|
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Fully carpeted trunk |
· |
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HomeLinkÒ Universal Transceiver with rolling code capability |
·
|
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Front/rear heater ducts |
· |
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AUDIO SYSTEM |
Luxury |
|
BoseÒ 200-watt premium audio system with AM/FM/ cassette, 6-disc in-dash CD autochanger, 7-speakers, Radio Data System (RDS), speed sensitive audio volume control and steering wheel audio controls |
·
|
|
|
· |
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SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES |
Luxury |
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Dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors |
· |
|
|
· |
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Active front-seat head restraints |
· |
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Steel side-door guard beams |
· |
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Shift interlock system |
· |
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Child safety rear door locks |
· |
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LATCH system: rear child safety seat tether anchors (3 in rear parcel shelf, lower rigid bar anchor in 2 outboard positions) |
·
|
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Energy absorbing steering column |
· |
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Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters |
· |
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Hood buckling creases and safety stops |
· |
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3-point front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, ALR/ELR front and rear passenger’s, driver side ELR only |
·
|
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Front and rear crumple zones |
· |
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Vehicle Security System with indicator light |
· |
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SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES, CONT. |
Luxury |
|
Remote keyless entry system |
· |
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Trunk-mounted first aid kit |
· |
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Emergency wallet key |
· |
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Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System |
· |
|
Emergency inside trunk-release |
· |
|
100,000 tune-up interval |
· |
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EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES |
|
|
|
City |
20 mpg |
|
Highway |
26 mpg |
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EPA Classification |
Mid-size |
INSTRUMENTATION |
Luxury |
|
Fine vision meter cluster with trip computer |
· |
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Coolant temperature, fuel gauges, speedometer and tachometer |
·
|
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LCD odometer with dual trip meters |
· |
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Infiniti signature analog clock |
· |
OPTIONS |
Luxury |
|
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Sunroof & Sunshade Package: Power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature and linear position pre-select sunroof switch, power rear window sunshade |
o
|
|
|
Sport Package: Vehicle Dynamic Control, sport-tuned suspension, side sill extensions, 8-spoke champagne-tinted aluminum-alloy 17-inch wheels with P225/50R17 V-rated all-season performance tires (requires Sunroof & Sunshade Package) |
o
|
|
|
Cold Weather Package: Heated front and rear seats with two heat settings, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated outside mirrors with timer (requires Sunroof & Sunshade Package) |
o
|
|
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Chrome Wheel Option: 8-spoke chrome-finished 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (requires Sport Package and full-size spare tire) |
o |
|
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Navigation System: Infiniti Navigation System with power-retractable color LCD screen, trunk-mounted 6-disc CD autochanger (requires Sunroof & Sunshade Package) |
o
|
|
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Side sill extensions: left and right side rocker sill moldings (requires Sunroof & Sunshade Package, included with Sport Package) |
o |
|
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Rear spoiler |
o |
|
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17-inch full-size spare tire with aluminum-alloy wheel (requires Sunroof & Sunshade Package) |
o |
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· |
Standard Equipment |
|
1/03 |
o |
Optional Equipment |
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