How Infiniti launched in 1989: the Horizon Task Force, the Q45 and the M30

The 1989 Infiniti launch: Q45 and M30 history

Infiniti says its story began in 1985, when Nissan formed a top-secret Horizon Task Force to build a performance luxury brand from scratch rather than rebadge existing cars. The team studied service companies outside the car business, including Federal Express, Four Seasons Hotels and Nordstrom, and that work became the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience, which included free service loan cars.

The Infiniti name was chosen in July 1987. The Q45 and M30 were introduced on January 11, 1989, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where the Q45’s missing grille and lack of wood trim drew the most attention. Ten months later, on November 8, 1989, the first 51 US Infiniti dealers opened with the Q45 as the centerpiece.

The launch advertising was just as unconventional: Infiniti’s first television commercial featured geese, not a car.[1],[2],[3],[5]

Years and production numbers

Generations and key variants

Engine and drivetrain facts

• The Q45 used a 278-hp 4.5-liter V8 that Infiniti describes as class-leading at the time.
• Infiniti says the Q45 was the world’s first production car to offer Hydraulic Active Suspension.
• The M30 coupe used a 162-hp 3.0-liter SOHC V6 with a 4-speed automatic and an adjustable suspension.

Sources:[2]

What changed over the years

1. 1985Nissan forms the Horizon Task Force; the CUE-X concept that previewed the Q45 appears at the Tokyo Motor Show.
2. July 1987The Infiniti name is chosen.
3. January 11, 1989Q45 and M30 introduced at the Detroit auto show.
4. November 8, 1989The first 51 US Infiniti dealers open.
5. September 1990The G20 compact sedan is unveiled to customers.
6. 1991The M30 is offered as a convertible for its second model year.
7. 1993 model yearThe J30 sedan joins the lineup.

Sources:[1],[2],[4]

What to check before you buy one

• Every launch-era Q45 and M30 is now more than 35 years old, so ask for service records and inspect condition rather than relying on mileage alone.
• Confirm the exact car with the 17-character VIN and paperwork; full-active suspension was an available option on the Q45, not standard.
• For an M30 convertible, check that the electric top opens and closes fully.

How to verify a The 1989 Infiniti launch: Q45 and M30's factory options

An Infiniti's model, engine and drivetrain are fixed at the factory. CarWhere decodes the 17-character VIN and, where licensed factory build data exists, lists the equipment the car was built with. It does not promise a complete option list for every VIN.