1999 Nissan XVL

Taking center stage at Nissan’s display at the 1999 Tokyo Auto Show was the XVL, a luxury sedan with cutting-edge technology such as an EXTROID continuously-variable transmission, which uses power rollers instead of the belts common in most CVT systems. XVL is powered by a direct-injection 3.0-liter V-6, and is rear-wheel drive. Of course, the XVL received the venerated VQ35 and went on to become the G35 Sedan, released in 2003.

Upscale engine technology

The XVL sedan, Infiniti's first-ever concept car, gives hints of where the company is going in its second full decade of business in the U.S., says the company. On the outside, designers were going for the elegant look rather than the "boy racer." The powertrain, however, is designed for high-tech performance. The 3.0-liter V6, for example, features continuous variable-valve timing, variable intakes, and an electronically activated swirl-control valve. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission, the first designed for large engines and rear-wheel drive. The gearbox uses pairs of discs and power rollers with toroidal rolling surfaces for changing gear ratios and transmitting torque.