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November 8, 1989 – Infiniti is founded
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November 8, 1989 – Infiniti is founded

First generation Infiniti Q45 Nissan's luxury car division Infiniti launched on this day in 1989, the same year that Toyota launched its upscale Lexus brand. The original lineup debuted under founding general manager Bill Bruce who introduced two cars in November of 1989, the Infiniti Q45 and M30. Both of these had previously been sold under Nissan in Japan. The Japanese domestic market (JDM) Nissan President acted as the base for the Q45, although The Q45 had a wheel base about two inches shorter in its first few years of production. The Q45 featured a 278 hp, four wheel steering, and an active suspension system. It's primary compeition at the time would have included the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Cadillac Fleetwood. 1990 Infiniti M30 The two-door M30 was bas...
October 30, 1970 – Toyota Celica debuts
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October 30, 1970 – Toyota Celica debuts

First generation Toyota Celica. By Mytho88 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 During the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show, which opened on this day in 1970, Toyota unveil a new production sports car, the Toyota Celica. The name, derived from the Latin word for heavenly, would become a staple of the Toyota lineup from 1971 through 2006. When first introduced Toyota pulled a trick from Ford's playbook, building a new sports car on the underpinnings of a more moderate vehicle. Like the Mustang being built on the Ford Falcon, the first generation Toyota Celica shared components with the Carina. Unlike the Falcon/Mustang relationship, the Carina was also new for 1971. 1976 Toyota Celica. By Mr.choppers - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 In 1978 Toyota began production of a higher end model, the Toyota Celica XX, wh...
October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens
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October 28, 1977 – Tokyo Motor Show opens

First generation Daihatsu Charade. By Charles01 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 The annual Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on this day in 1977. By the late 1970s, fuel economy had become a hot topic in the auto world and the show offered a look at an array of upcoming fuel sippers. Among the most popular fuel-saving cars shown were the diesel powered Toyota Crown and Isuzu Florian. Yet the oddball Daihatsu Charade made one of the biggest splashes at the show thanks to its unique engine configuration. What made it so special? The world's first mass produced four-cycle, three cylinder engine sat under its hood. The tiny ICE achieved about 19 liters per kilometer, which is about 45 miles per gallon. It remained in production through 2000. 1978 Toyota Crown 2600 Saloon. By Riley from Christchurch,...
October 23, 2007 – Nissan announces return of the GT-R
This Day

October 23, 2007 – Nissan announces return of the GT-R

Nissan GT-R (center) with high performance Nissan Skyline models of different years surrounding it. By R30 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 At the Tokyo Motor Show on this day in 2007, Nissan officially announced the launch of its new "Supercar for anyone," the GT-R. Just prior to the announcement, a stream of the car completing a 7:38 lap time on the Nurburgring was broadcast to the audience. The time bested the Porsche 911 Turbo and captured the seventh fastest all time spot for a production car up to that point. The GT-R badge first appeared on a performance version of the Nissan Skyline in 1969. It disappeared following the 1974 model year and again showed up on Skylines from 1989 through 2002. Over the years the GT-R became an iconic trim level, leading the Japanese automaker to unleash t...

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