Infiniti G20

Infobox Automobile
name = Infiniti G20


manufacturer = Infiniti
parent_company = Nissan
production = 1991–1996 and 1999–2002
successor = Infiniti G35
layout = FF layout
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
class = Entry-level luxury car
assembly = Oppama, Japan
body_style = 4-door sedan
engine = 2.0 L SR20DE I4
aka = Nissan Primera

The Infiniti G20 was Infiniti's entry-level luxury car in the United States during most of the 1990s and into the 2000s. It was virtually identical to the Japanese/European market Nissan Primera sedan, although the G20 offered higher levels of standard equipment. It was launched in 1991 to compete with the Acura Integra, BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES 250 and Volvo 200 series;Fact|date=August 2008 later advertisements emphasized its European heritage with the tag line "Born in Japan. Educated in Europe. Now Available in America." However, despite the lofty ambitions of the Nissan marketing department, it only achieved niche status as a competitor to other contemporary offerings. Two generations of the G20 exist in the United States, the HP10 (P10), built from 1991 to 1996, and the HP11 (P11), built from 1999 to 2002. All G20s were front-wheel drive and were built in Oppama, Japan.

First generation (P10, 1991-1996)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = P10


production = 1991–1996
length = 1993-94: 174.8 in (4440 mm)
1991-92 & 1995-96: 175 in (4445 mm)
width = 66.7 in (1695 mm)
height = 1993-94: 54.7 in (1390 mm)
1991-92: 54.9 in (1395 mm)
1995-96: 53.5 in (1360 mm)
wheelbase = 100.4 in (2550 mm)
weight = 2535 to 2818 lb (1150 to 1278 kg)
fuel_capacity = Convert|15.9|usgal|L impgal|1

The first 1991 G20 was completed on July 10, 1990. The final 1996 G20 was completed on July 19, 1996. The P10 featured the first application of Nissan's multi-link front suspension in a front-wheel-drive car, with an independent MacPherson strut setup in the rear. It came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The only options to begin with were an automatic transmission, leather interior, and a power glass moonroof; a Touring package (labeled G20t) was introduced in 1994 and featured a black leather interior with sport front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, as well as a limited-slip differential in the transmission and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

Engine design

The G20 was powered by a transversely mounted DOHC NA reciprocating internal combustion engine, the SR20DE, a 2.0 litre (1998 cc) square (Bore × Stroke: 86.0 × 86.0 mm) Inline 4-cylinder. This engine was also shared with the US-spec Nissan Sentra/Nissan 200SX SE-R, Nissan NX2000, and a host of non-US Nissan vehicles. The particular version used in the G20 produced 140 crank horsepower in the US at first, and 145 in '00+ editions (116 to 126 whp; stock range) and Auto ft.lbf|132|0 or Auto ft.lbf|136|0 torque (111 to 120 wft·lbf; stock range). These engines were also fairly high-revving with a redline of 7500 rpm for 1991 through 1996 editions, 6950 rpm for the 1999 edition, and 6750 rpm for 2000+ editions. Due to the SR20DE engine's flexibility, reliability, fuel economy and high power-handling capabilities, as well as a low buy-in cost, pre-owned SR-powered Sentras, 200SXs and G20s have become popular and prominent in the "tuner" or "import scene" subculture.

There were three major variants of the SR20DE used in the G20. The first, used from 1991 to 1993.5, was the highport, in which the injectors and fuel rail were located above the intake plenum. In 1994, due to tightening emissions restrictions, Nissan switched to a lowport design, in which the injectors and fuel rail switched places with the intake plenum. This design also featured a milder intake camshaft; switching it out for the highport intake cam is a popular upgrade to gain more power. This design was used from 1994 to 1996 and again in 1999. In 2000 Nissan replaced the valvetrain with a roller-rocker lifter design in place of the hydraulic lifters previously used, but kept the lowport intake design; many performance parts are not interchangeable between roller-rocker and highport/lowport engines, most notably camshafts.

Transmission

The G20 featured either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Stock manual transmissions are typically usable up to approximately 250 whp, while stock automatic transmissions can only handle about 155 whp.Fact|date=August 2008 Most front wheel drive transmissions from other SR-powered cars can be used with few modifications. The stock transmission as well as other SR20 transmissions are often upgraded with various modifications in order to handle more power. Common manual transmission modifications include cryo treating, shot peening, transmission case welding, aftermarket limited slip differential, aftermarket axles, and upgraded clutches. Common automatic transmission modifications include built valve bodies, aftermarket torque converters, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) coolers, additional ATF filters, and aftermarket TCUs. Higher rated transmission swaps from front-wheel drive QR25DE or VQ-powered cars such as the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V have also been performed. [Citation | title =Auto to 6spd Starts | place= | publisher =G20.net | year =2007 | url =http://www.g20.net/forum/showthread.php?t=62237 ]

Equipment

The G20 was a badge-engineered version of the Nissan Primera, but because Infiniti was pitched as a premium brand, it featured a high level of equipment compared to its European and Japanese relatives. The only engine available was the 2.0 litre SR20DE Inline 4-cylinder; in Europe this was the top-of-the-line engine for the Primera lineup. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were both available, with the 5-speed being praised as "one of the best in the business." Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, alloy wheels, a Bose stereo, a theft-deterrent system, cruise control, floor mats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob were all standard. Leather and a power moonroof were common options, and were later offered in a package that included power seats and keyless entry. Later models also featured dual front, and eventually side-impact, airbags, and all P11s except cloth-seat Luxury models had automatic climate control.

The standard trim was called Luxury. Two major trim package upgrades were offered: Touring, badged G20t, available from model years 1994 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001, and Sport (with no badge modification) which was offered during model year 2002. These packages featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission, sportier, more highly bolstered front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, fog lamps, and a spoiler on the rear decklid. The details of these trims varied from year to year.

P10 model refresh changes

The main changes for the P10 came as a midyear refresh in 1993 (model year 1993.5), when dual airbags replaced motorized seatbelts, leather interiors came standard with power front seats, body-colored side moldings replaced matte-black ones, the air conditioner was converted from R12 to R134a refrigerant, the audio system was upgraded to six speakers with a CD player instead of the previously-standard cassette deck, and other new options such as remote keyless entry were added. In addition, the 1994 model year was given a new chrome grille and chrome door handles, a lowport engine (replacing the original highport SR20DE, in which the intake plenum is below the fuel injectors and fuel rail), a change in the vehicle's self-diagnostic system to OBD-II, and larger 195/65R14 tires. The Touring models, introduced in 1994, featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission; 195/60R14 tires, sportier, more highly bolstered black leather front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats; fog lights; and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

The G20 was temporarily discontinued after the 1996 model year, leaving the I30 as Infiniti's lowest-priced car for the 1997 model year.

econd generation (P11, 1999-2002)

Infobox Automobile generation
name = P11


production = 1999–2002
length = 177.5 in (4508.5 mm)
width = 66.7 in (1694 mm)
height = 55.1 in (1400 mm)
wheelbase = 102.4 in (2600 mm)
weight = 2913 to 2981 lb (1321 to 1352 kg)
fuel_capacity = 15.9 U.S. gallon (60 liter)

The second-generation G20 underwent several changes, including adopting the multi-link beam rear suspension very similar to the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima with a continued use of the independent multi-link strut front suspension of the P10 (similar to 300ZX and Skyline GT-R). Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the handling of the updated G20,Citation | last =Winfield | first =Barry | title =Infiniti G20 | publisher =Car and Driver | year =1998 | edition =September 1998 ] and it was a technically good method of avoiding lateral suspension movement (which would compromise handling) while still offering a compliant ride. [Citation | last =Coleman | first =Dave | title =Technobabble: Multilink and the Beam | place= | publisher =Sport Compact Car | year =1998 | edition =November 1998 | url =http://www.se-r.net/about/g20/scc/oct98/tb.html ] The P11 has a lateral grip figure of between 0.80 and 0.94g plus a 61/39 weight distribution (61% front/39% rear). It grew in size, with a convert|2.7|in|mm|sing=on length increase and convert|0.4|in|mm|sing=on height increase over the P10, resulting in convert|1.4|in|mm more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The new model's increased size and luxury options, however, added to the car's weight (which rose to 3000 pounds); the stock 140-145 crank horsepower engine provided lower performance (the MY1999 automatic, for example, had a 10.9-second 0-60 mph time and did the quarter-mile in 18.4 seconds at convert|77|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on) than most competitors and even the previous-generation G20.

The first second-generation 1999 G20 was completed on May 18, 1998. The final second-generation 2002 G20 was completed on January 11, 2002. All models featured a higher level of standard equipment than the P10, including automatic climate control on all but cloth-seat Luxury models, 15" 16-spoke alloy wheels, a higher-quality double-DIN Bose radio/CD/cassette player standard, keyless entry, standard power moonroof, and later, side-impact airbags. The Touring models continued to feature a limited-slip differential, but also had unique 12-spoke alloy wheels, and the upgraded sports seats were now available in beige leather and "sport cloth" (the latter as a factory-order option) in addition to the previously-offered black leather.

P11 model refresh changes

Several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR20DE engine was implemented, newer automatic and manual transmission variations were introduced, anti-theft immobilizer circuitry was added, anti-glare side mirrors became standard, and a remote trunk release was added to the keyless entry fob. In 2002, the G20t was dropped and a Sport model was introduced; in addition to the prior G20t's limited slip differential and decklid spoiler, this model featured two-tone leather/suede sport seats, 16" wheels, and a variety of minor cosmetic modifications. The 2002 base G20 received the 12-spoke Touring alloy wheels as standard.

End of production

The G20 was discontinued in favor of 2003's rear wheel drive G35, a badge engineered export version of the JDM V35 Nissan Skyline which was introduced in 2001. The G35 received significant praise from the automotive press and became a sales success for Infiniti despite being priced approximately USD$5,000 above the G20's average MSRP of $23,000. The G35, significantly larger and more powerful than the G20, was aimed more at the entry level luxury-sports sedan market instead of the G20's luxury-sport compact market. The Nissan Primera was continued outside the United States as the slightly restyled HP11-144 and the significantly restyled HP12 markets with a final end to all production in 2006 as a 2007 model.

Performance modifications

The SR20DE responds very well to modifications. Forced induction (turbocharging) is often used to upgrade G20s to higher power levels, as much as 200 to 300 whp. Because the turbocharged SR20DET has a very similar design to the SR20DE, many components from the former can easily be used with the latter. SR20DET engine swaps are also common, and high levels of over 400 whp are possible. Factory turbocharged SR20VET Neo-VVL swaps are possible but rare, and output is difficult to estimate. The naturally aspirated SR20VE Neo-VVL can also be used in an engine swap which can (with bolt-ons) generate around 190 whp and can also be turbocharged. Front-wheel drive VQ35DE swaps are also theoretically possible and have been performed on other SR20-powered Nissans, but have never been attempted on the G20.

More common than forced induction upgrades are the use of bolt-on aftermarket parts; such parts include intakes (WAI, CAI), custom intake manifolds, larger MAFs, larger fuel injectors, custom fuel rails, headers, Exhaust systems (cat back, axle back), underdrive pulleys, lightened flywheels, and camshafts. Using only the bolt-ons, around 155 whp is possible.

ales by calendar year

Awards

The G20 earned many automotive awards over its lifespan:

* Car and Driver: 1991 (April & September) High marks for suspension and value.
* IntelliChoice: 1993 “Best Overall Import Car Value Over $13,000” and “Best Value in Compact Class Over $16,000.” [Citation | title =Infiniti History and Highlights: Inception to 2004 | place= | publisher =Concept Carz | year =2004 | url =http://www.conceptcarz.com/view/makehistory/71,0/makeHistory.aspx ]
* J.D. Power and Associates: 1996 Top Score in Customer Satisfaction Index. [Citation | title =Infiniti Ranked #1 Carline in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study | place= | publisher =Nissan & Infiniti News Bureau | year =1996 | url =http://www.nissannews.com/site_library/infiniti/news/products/1996/7_9_96.shtml ]
* J.D. Power and Associates: 1997 Second Highest Scorer in Customer Satisfaction Index.
* IntelliChoice: 1999 G20 and G20t “A Best Overall Value - Compact Sedan Over $15,000.” [Citation | title =Infiniti G20 and QX4 Named “A Best Overall Value” | place= | publisher =Nissan & Infiniti News Bureau | year =1999 | url =http://www.nissannews.com/site_library/infiniti/news/products/1999/2_15_99b.shtml ]
* CAR Magazine: Rated One of the Top 10 Best Handling Cars in the World (P11)

Notes

*Citation | last =McCullough | first =Mitch | title =Driving Impression: 1999 Infiniti G20t | publisher =Sport Compact Car | year =1998 | edition =October 1998 | url =http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com
*Citation | last =Coleman | first =Dave | title =Technobabble: Multilink and the Beam | place= | publisher =Sport Compact Car | year =1998 | edition =November 1998 | url =http://www.se-r.net/about/g20/scc/oct98/tb.html

External links

* [http://www.g20.net/ G20.net - The world's largest Infiniti G20 and Nissan Primera online community]
* [http://www.sr20forum.com/ SR20 Forum]
* [http://www.koojo.net/ Koojo's Turbocharged 2000 Infiniti G20]
* [http://www.gdub.net/ Gdub.net]
* [http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/deptog.asp?dept%5Fid=202 Free G20 (1996-2002) owner's manuals (pdf) from Nissan]
* [http://www.nissanprimera.net Nissan Primera Owners Club]
* [http://www.primeracarclub.co.nz New Zealand Primera Car Club]
* [http://www.nycgs.myfastforum.org The Official Forum of the NYCGs (New York area G20/Primera Club)]
* [http://www.nissanprimera.biz The Official Forum of the French Nissan Primera's owner]