How a luxury car's design helped shape the future of Infiniti

Health · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the 1980s, Nissan's Leopard was a masterclass in Japanese luxury, offering high-tech features like dashboard TV screens and adjustable suspension. While its sales eventually faltered, its engineering legacy lived on, providing the essential DNA for Nissan's premium Infiniti brand.

Introduced in September 1980, the Nissan Leopard was a high-end contender in the upper medium class. Initially based on the Skyline and Laurel, the Leopard offered a distinct choice for Japanese buyers: a two-door hardtop coupé for Nissan Store dealerships or a four-door hardtop sedan for Nissan Cherry Store locations. The coupé was notable for its angular design and a 'glass-to-glass' rear window, achieved through exceptionally slim C- and D-pillars.

The Leopard was a showcase for automotive innovation. It featured industry firsts, such as a dashboard fuel consumption gauge, and high-tech luxury options like a 6-inch CRT TV screen in the dashboard. For passengers, Nissan introduced the 'Partner Comfort Seat,' designed by Dr. Yoshiyuki Matsuoka, which allowed the top portion of the seat to tilt forward to support the shoulders. It even offered a 'Super Sonic Suspension' system that used sonar to scan the road and adjust the ride quality via actuators.

Despite these advancements, the Leopard faced shifting market demands. The F31 generation, launched in February 1986, competed directly with the Toyota Soarer and Mazda Cosmo. While the F31 was a success in some respects, its production ended in June 1992 due to lagging sales. However, the Leopard's influence was far from over; its final versions served as the contributing factors to the development of Nissan's Infiniti M and J products, cementing its role as a foundational pillar for Nissan's luxury ambitions.

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