.

.September 24, 2003
.
This Week:

• The New BMW 6 Series Coupe

• New Adventra All Wheel Drive Wagon Is Holden's Local Hero

• PRE-SAFE development team nominated for the German Future Prize

• 2ICE FORD FOCUS Proves The Viability Of Hydrogen Internal Combustion Technology

• Visions take shape - Three insights into the future of Audi at the 60th IAA

• Honda to Showcase Hybrid, Ultra-Clean Gasoline, Natural Gas and Fuel Cell Production Vehicles at 2003 Challenge Bibendum

• smart - extended by popular demand

• Toyota-Georgetown Celebrates Fifteen Years Of Production

• Infiniti's Signature Analog Clocks Keep Its Advanced 2004 Model Line-up Connected to the Division's Original Vision

• Hella Designs New Factory With Virtual Modelling

© 1998 - 2003 Copyright & 
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com  

.
Infiniti's Signature Analog Clocks Keep Its Advanced 2004 Model Line-up Connected to the Division's Original Vision

Infiniti G35 Coupé

Photo: Nissan/Infiniti
 

In the beginning, it was intended only as a design detail, not the brand icon it has since become. Rather than being singled out as a point of visual attention, the small, precision analog clock in the original 1990 Infiniti Q45 was meant to present a simple touch of classic elegance - part of the Q45's understated visual design that excluded any trace of faux wood, massive grille work or digital instruments. Yet it is the analog clock that, close to a decade and a half later, remains a signature feature in every Infiniti vehicle produced today - including the latest high tech members of the lineup, the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan and FX premium crossover SUV. In retrospect, the analog clock came to be a focal point in representing the vision of designers and indeed, the brand itself, due to the marked absence of other visual anchors. As explained in an excerpt from its introductory literature, the original Q45 was designed to draw attention to its standout performance simply by not standing out:

"A key premise for the Infiniti marque is the assumption of a new relationship between car and owner…a precision tool in the hands of a master craftsman. And while luxury features are abundant, there are no gimmicks, nothing to compromise the kind of interactive relationship we propose."

As more and more attention was drawn to the uniqueness of the Q45 analog clock in an increasingly digital world, it became a standard feature on almost all Infiniti models. In the ensuing years the clocks have received praise not only for their elegant appearance, but for their fundamental design as an informational instrument that can be read with a quick, casual glance, rather than a read-process-absorb digital readout.

Careful observers of Infiniti's history, however, will notice one exception to the Infiniti analog clock tradition - the second generation 1997 Q45. In an attempt to maximize instrument panel layout efficiency, a smaller digital clock readout was integrated into the audio system faceplate. It was an idea whose time definitely hadn't come. The analog clock returned two years later in a mid-generation redesign in response to outcry from owners, dealers and media.

As Infiniti enters its 14th model year for 2004, the expanded lineup now includes the Q45 performance luxury sedan, M45 performance sport sedan, FX premium crossover SUV, G35 Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan, I35 luxury performance sedan and soon-to-be-introduced full-size luxury sport utility vehicle. It's a product line that offers an array of advanced technology that the designers and engineers of the originals could only dream of - along with one item none of them probably imagined would become an Infiniti signature: the simple elegance of an analog clock.

(Sep. 22, 03)