The new strategy is to put some distance, in terms of styling and performance, between Infiniti vehicles and their Nissan counterparts. Anyway, the 2000 model of the I30t takes significant steps away from the Nissan Maxima, the car that spawned it. Most future Infiniti vehicles will not have a Nissan clone to compete with. The added power comes from revised intake and exhaust systems. The engine also wastes less energy because the insides have been highly polished to reduce friction.
Fuel economy is excellent too.
Our test car delivered a solid 26 mpg in city driving, and that was with the air conditioner running. Also, the I30t now joins the 100,000-mile club. Along with many domestic autos, no tuneups are required for 100,000 miles. Performance was pleasing and refined at all speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and sends the power to the front wheels evenly.