Infiniti G37 Convertible hits Europe

Infiniti has released today the final specification of the new Infiniti G37 Convertible for Europe. The Infiniti G37 Convertible in Europe will be powered by the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which sends 320PS to the rear wheels. The top speed of the European version of the Infiniti G37 Convertible is limited to 155 mph and the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible will be available with Connectiviti - the company’s information and entertainment system - which includes a HDD navigation system with the Michelin Green Guide.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible also comes with Bose Personal speakers, air conditioned seats and adaptive climate control.

The Infiniti G37 Convertible price for EU will be announced at a later date, but before September 2009 when it goes on sale.

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2009 Infiniti Essence Concept

(from Infiniti Press Release) ROLLE, Switzerland (March 3, 2009) - The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world’s most demanding car enthusiasts … this is the Infiniti Essence.

Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Infiniti Essence concept is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future.

The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. What Essence is not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself.

This concept embodies Infiniti’s core values as an inspiration for the future as much a celebration of the past. Essence showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And by steering Infiniti’s guiding principle of “Inspired Performance” into the super-performance, super-luxury coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti’s place among the world’s most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Infiniti G37

When the famous Nissan Skyline finally arrived on North American shores in 2002 as the Infiniti G35, replacing the front-drive Nissan Primera-based G20, it gave the Japanese automaker's luxury brand a fresh face and a serious shot in the arm in terms of sales and popularity. It proved so worthy an entry in the U.S. market that it earned our 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year award for its efforts.

For the second generation, the Infiniti G lineup has received numerous revisions, a bigger, more powerful 3.7L engine, and now, a drop-top version in the form of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. Infiniti's second convertible might as well be its first, since few remember the short-lived M30 produced during the brand's formative years.

Arriving next spring, the hardtop G37 Convertible, which is making its debut at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show, will have several differences from its coupe relative. Infiniti says the design from the A-pillar back is all-new, including structural reinforcements in the chassis, a modified rear suspension, a wider rear track (62.8 in. with 18-in. wheels, 62.6 in. with 19-in. ones versus 61.4 in. for the coupe), and an extra 1.1 in. of overall width. The convertible hardware also adds a good chunk of extra weight, with the drop-top weighing between 4095 and 4110 lb versus the coupe's 3616-3668-lb weight range. The switch from top up and top down won't be lightning fast, either, with Infiniti saying that raising or dropping the top will take about 30 sec.

Other convertible-only modifications include pop-up rollbars, an adaptive climate-control system that adjusts with vehicle speed and top position, and a special type of aluminum interior trim that can be switched out for African rosewood. Convertible-only options include a wind deflector, climate-controlled seats, and a 13-speaker Bose Open Air sound system that features two speakers in both front headrests. Designed specifically for the G37 Convertible, the system uses digital signal processing and a noise-monitoring microphone to adjust sound to compensate for wind and other ambient noise.

© Source: motortrend
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Nissan and Infiniti decide to pull out of Detroit Motor Show

Things start to look really bad for the upcoming Detroit Motor Show. After last week Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Suzuki and then Mitsubishi announced they won’t bring any cars to the show, today Nissan and Inifiniti also announced their decision to pull out of the motor show.

The Japanese carmaker said that they’ve unveiled the 370Z and the new Cube at the LA Show and a presence in Detroit is not necessary at the moment, due to the “depressed economy”. They’ve also cancelled their appearance at the Chicago Motor Show, in February. So, more bad news for Detroit organizers and, considering there’s more than a month left until the show, we’re wondering if Nissan will be the last company to pull out of the show.

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2009 Infiniti G Convertible

(from Infiniti Press Release) Infiniti today unveiled the latest expression of its “Inspired Performance,” the all-new 2009 Infiniti G Convertible, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in North America in the spring of 2009, followed later in other Infiniti markets around the world.

“Designed to rejuvenate the spirit, the G Convertible adds an open-air soundtrack to the G’s legendary driving exhilaration,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, speaking before automotive media at the vehicle’s world debut. “This new G has dual beauty – it looks as good with the top up or down – along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open.”

The new G Convertible offers a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, which features a unique Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

The G Convertible is offered in two models: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.

© Source: seriouswheels
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Infiniti G37 S

Meet Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series. Nissan’s luxury brand launches next spring, and the G37 is being billed as an alternative saloon for buyers wanting something distinctive on their drive.

All models in the Infiniti range use a 3.7-litre V6 engine with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed auto gearboxes, as well as four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. Standard equipment is generous, too, with only top-end goodies such as intelligent cruise control, brake assist and a Bose stereo system as options.

Infiniti has been firmly established in the US since 1989, and with its wide grille, odd-shaped lights and jutting rear bumper, the G37’s American influence is clear to see. Inside, the cabin is well built, but the dash and steering wheel plastics feel cheap and can’t match the standards of rivals. Another niggle is with the boot. There’s plenty of space inside, but there’s no external release on the bootlid – you have to push a button on the dash even if the whole car is unlocked.

Fiddly technology aside, the G37 delivers some old-school fun. With its 316bhp petrol V6, it is certainly big on power. Blip the throttle and the twin oval tailpipes emit a growl which is more to the tune of a V8 than a six. On smooth roads, the G37 is a superb cruiser, and overtaking is instant, thanks to the 360Nm of torque on offer.

Meaty steering, wide tyres and the four-wheel-steer system on our test car made for a grippy and engaging drive. However, the suspension is too firm for anything other than motorways, and the ride is harsh, considering this is supposed to be a luxury car. It might be generously specced, but the Infiniti can’t match the likes of BMW in terms of ride, economy or practicality.

© Source: autoexpress
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2008 Infiniti M45S

The FM platform, like the perennial Ward’s 10-Best-winning VQ engine, has been one of Nissan’s true hits. Supporting innumerable models from crossovers to sports coupes to sedans and more, the front-midship chassis has proven a winner in nearly every vehicle it touched. But it’s going on seven years old now, and that’s beginning to show through. The Infiniti M45 is the largest of the sedans based on the platform, and the Sport variant, badged with a red ‘S’, is the most driver-focused version of the M45, so it’d be reasonable to think this was the best car you could buy on the FM platform. But you’d be wrong.

Equipment and Features
The M45 has a range of fairly basic equipment that other cars should, but often don’t, have. The backup camera with the animated overlay that shows not just where the car is, but where it’s going to be based on steering input, is a tremendous aid. The simple navigation system that shares the same screen is itself really quite good, despite a display of only average resolution. It finds locations quickly, recalculating routes without a significant wait and generally doing what it’s supposed to without error - something that certainly can’t be said for some highly over-complicated offerings from the competition.

Technical
The powerful 325hp/336lb-ft V8 engine makes freeway mergers, red-light take-offs and the odd country road a blast. It sounds throaty and powerful, too. The way the car takes off when the go-pedal is leveled makes me think it may well be somewhat underrated in terms of power. It feels significantly more powerful than the G35 or even the Mustang GT, for instance, even though those cars are rated within 20hp or so of the M45.

The five-speed transmission is equipped with a manual-shift mode, but it lacks real purpose.
Fuel economy, however, is not so great. Our week-long trek with the car through the wilds of suburbia revealed a consistent pattern: 12-15mpg in typical driving, with low 20s on the highway, for an average of about 16mpg. That’s about 22 cents per mile in fuel costs, or three times the cost of a 50mpg Prius - not that the Prius could ever lay claim to the comfort or style of the M45. It’s actually about average or better than a lot of the V6 luxury sedans we’ve tested lately, however, so the V8 offers a lot of good (low-end torque and pulling power) for no real downside. It is, however, somewhat below the 16/21mpg city/highway and 18mpg combined rating the EPA gives the car.

Final Verdict
At the end of the week with the Infiniti M45S, we were left feeling somewhat disappointed - for a car that delivered such a great first impression, read like a dream on paper, and promised to be all things to all people, it just ended up failing to follow through. Nearly sporty enough to justify its fairly harsh ride and nearly high-tech enough to justify its expensive options packages, the M45S falls short of the high benchmark set by the latest crop of large luxury sedans, and without a significant price advantage, it’s just not quite good enough to make our list of recommended cars in the segment.

© Source: motorauthority
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STRUT Infiniti FX Ginza

(from STRUT Site) STRUT Infiniti FX Ginza Options

- Primary Grille

- Front Air Dam Intake

© Source: seriouswheels
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2009 Infiniti FX35 and 2009 Infiniti FX50 pricing

Infiniti's cranked up the content levels for the new 2009 FX sport-utility - and accordingly, it's cranked up the pricing. A base rear-drive 2009 FX35 stickers at $40,950 - nearly $2900 more than the outgoing model.

Prices for the other models have also shot upwards; the FX35 AWD now retails for $42,350, a $2800 jump. The new all-wheel drive FX50 - surpassing the outgoing FX45 model with a new 5.0-liter V-8 - starts at a whopping $56,700, nearly $6600 more than the FX45 and just underneath the entry price for a Porsche Cayenne S ($57,900).

Granted, that price does get you a top-end FX with virtually no options. In fact, the only add-ons for the FX50 are a rear-seat DVD package ($1600), a sport package ($3000) (including rear active steering, sports seating and adjustable suspension), and a technology package ($2900), which adds whiz-bang features like intelligent brake assist, lane departure prevention systems, adaptive cruise control and rain-sensing wipers.

FX35 models can also opt for the Technology and Premium packages, but are also open to a premium package ($2350), navigation system ($2850), and a Deluxe Touring package ($2650) - all of which essentially add features found standard on the FX50.

© Source: automobilemag
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Infiniti’s 4dr GT-R on way

NEW-to-the-UK Infiniti is planning a performance saloon based on the GT-R supercar from parent firm Nissan. And it looks set to be named the R50.

The model has been championed by enthusiasts at Infiniti’s new European division, who had hoped that the GT-R would wear the luxury badge.

A source told us, “Launching new cars these days is all about recouping investment costs. Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn wouldn’t have approved the GT-R if its hi-tech chassis and transmission were not going to be used in some way in other models – including products from Infiniti and [sister firm] Renault. It’s the only way of making it pay. So building a performance Infi-niti saloon is perfect business sense.”

Our spies have revealed that the newcomer will be underpinned by a stretched version of the GT-R platform. Engineers currently have a choice of two powerplants. Most obvious is the GT-R’s 473bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 – although they may be forced to use the 5.0-litre V8 unit recently unveiled in Infiniti’s all-new FX50 SUV. That’s because Nissan produces the GT-R’s engine by hand – output is only 50 a day, which would be nowhere near enough to supply Infiniti, too.

Plans for new models don’t stop there, however. Another source says Nissan hopes to build a US-market, GT-R-based SUV – a car even bigger and bolder than the 385bhp FX50. It will be aimed squarely at the Range Rover’s replacement, due in 2010.

© Source: autoexpress
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2009 Infiniti FX50

Nissan’s luxury division has unveiled the 2009 Infiniti FX50 performance luxury crossover SUV at an after-hours debut at the Geneva Motor Show.This is the second-generation of Infiniti’s FX series, and will be offered in three model grades, including a new 5.0-litre V8-equipped Infiniti FX50. Built on a sports sedan platform, the FX50 features ATTESA-E TS Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes.
Also available is Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, Rear-Active Steer, Intelligent Brake Assist and 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei.

The 5.0-litre 32-valve DOHC V8 develops 291kW and 500Nm with a V6 engine to be released at a later date. The transmission is a 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control and solid magnesium paddle shifters.Standard features include fog lamps and Bi-Xenon headlights, a DVD based navigation system, Around View Monitor parking aid, self-healing scratch resistant paint, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Distance Control Assist and an 11-speaker Bose stereo system.

Plans to bring Nissan’s luxury Infiniti brand to Australia have been circulating since 2006, so it is unlikely we will see the FX50 here any time soon.

© Source: caradvice
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Spy Shots 2009 Infiniti FX

The official unveiling of the 2009 Infiniti FX in Geneva is just a few weeks away, but prototypes are out and about as we speak, and one of Brenda Priddy's minions caught a copper-colored example in Los Angeles yesterday. While the head and taillights are taped off, not much is left to the imagination. The car's basic overall shape remains the same, but a more pronounced grille opening dominates the protruding nose. It's flanked by angry-looking reshaped headlamps that stretch backward onto the fenders. It's certainly a departure from the more reserved look of the current one's schnoz. The tape running the length of the body obscures a character line that's been seen in other photos.

Out back, pointier taillamps mimic the reshaped lighting up front, and the integrated spoiler on the rear hatch is now body-colored, as opposed to the blacked-out piece on the current car. Brenda also reports that the new FX is slightly longer than the one it's set to replace. An FX37 with at least 300 horsepower is expected, as is as a step-up model sporting a 5.0 or 5.5-liter V8 making something in the vicinity 375 - 400 horses. We'll be in Geneva to bring you the news as it happens.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Infiniti EX35

It's easy to forget that the luxury brands the Japanese automakers started in the late '80s were established specifically for the U.S. market. However, much like its competitors, Nissan's Infiniti brand has expanded outside of North America, establishing itself in several Asian markets, and is now in the midst of an all-out assault on Europe.

Infiniti Europe hopes to have 78 dealers across the continent by the end of 2010 selling an initial line-up consisting of the new EX 35, FX and G models. It's also reportedly considering the development of a compact crossover around the size of the Audi A3 specifically targeted for Europe. Nissan realizes, however, that it will take a long time for Infiniti to establish itself in the market, and as a result is planning to financially subsidize its European dealerships in the short term until they can turn a profit.

© Source: autoblog
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2008 Infiniti EX35

Is there still room to fit more crossover SUVs in the market? Sure there is! This month, Infiniti wedges the EX35 into the segment between sporty crossovers such as the Acura RDX and the BMW X3 and sporty sedans such as the Acura TL, the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti's own G35. This ain't no Pathfinder.

Like seemingly everything created by Nissan and Infiniti, the EX35 is based on the FM platform, the one that famously rides under the 350Z. That's a strong starting point. Like the Nissan Z, the EX gets a very good engine. This version of the Z's award-winning 3.5-liter VQ35 V6 makes 297 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. A fairly direct-feeling five-speed automatic delivers torque to either the rear wheels or all four wheels, depending on drivetrain choice.The interior is artsy enough, but you may find more room in more ungainly competitors.

The EX has plenty of available high-tech features, though. Our favorite was a set of four wide-angle cameras that combine on the NAV screen to produce a unique bird's-eye view of your surroundings as you park. Intelligent cruise control, real-time traffic, a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and voice recognition for a number of controls are also handy.

But some "high-tech" features were simply irritating, such as the next generation of the already-irritating, king-of-the-false-alarm lane-departure-warning system. Now while it dings, it uses brake pressure to "steer" the EX back into the lane it decides you should be in. If we are all this inattentive, we probably should be on a bus with a paid attendant to empty our drool buckets and tell us when our next stop is coming.

Fortunately, the good tech outweighs the bad here, and the EX is more responsive to drive than the majority of crossovers on the market. Its power-to-weight ratio is better than those of the RDX and the X3, for instance, which is a convincing statistic. With a front double-wishbone suspension from the G35 and a rear multilink from the FX, the EX quickly goes where you point it.

© Source: seriouswheels
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2008 Infiniti M sedans get new pricing, new features

We always like when automakers offer more bang for the buck. So when Infiniti announced its M sedans have been extensively revised for the new 2008 model year with new styling and features, we were all ears. Infiniti has also released pricing information so you'll know just how much cash you'll need to put up to get one in your garage.

The MSRP for the 2008 Infiniti M35 -- with the 275 horsepower VQ-series 3.5-liter V-6 -- will start at $43,050. The addition of all-wheel drive in the M35x will set you back $44,800. If you opt for the 325 horsepower 4.5-liter aluminum V-8 model, the M45, Infiniti will ask for $49,350 with the new ATTESA E-TS-equipped all-wheel drive M45x starting at $51,850. Oh, and tack on an extra $715 destination charge to all prices listed above. All M sedans are equipped with a five-speed automatic with a manual shift mode that allows rev-matched downshifts.

Among the exterior revisions to the 2008 M sedan lineup are redesigned front and rear fascias, grille, rear fenders and decklid, taillights, and new chrome accent trim. A choice of new 18- and 19-inch wheels is available as are six new exterior colors and greater differentiation for models equipped with the optional Sport Package (replacing the previous M Sport model). In addition to interior and exterior styling differences (including revised aluminum trim), the Sport Package adds Rear Active Steer (RAS) and 19-inch wheels

© Source: motortrend
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2008 Infiniti QX56 Review

Summary
If its styling agrees with you, then the rest of the 2008 Infiniti QX56 should, too, thanks to an improved interior and plenty of high-tech goodies.
Pros
High-tech electronic features, powerful and refined V8, impressive balance of ride and handling, massive towing capacity, roomy second- and third-row seats.

What's New for 2008
The Infiniti QX56 undergoes its first major freshening since its debut. The 2008 QX56 has subtle styling changes, a significant redesign of its interior and the addition of new standard and optional equipment that brings it more in line with other top, large luxury SUVs.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 QX56 is offered with either 2WD or 4WD with low-range gearing. Power comes from a 5.6-liter V8 that produces a healthy 320 horsepower and 393 pound-feet of torque. The V8 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The QX56 is quick for a full-size SUV, going from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Towing capacity is 9,000 pounds on rear-wheel-drive models when properly equipped. As is typical for this class of vehicle, gas mileage is poor, with 12 mpg city and 17/18 mpg highway using the EPA's revised 2008 testing regimen.

© Source: edmunds
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Full Test: 2008 Infiniti EX35. This Crossover Thinks It's a Sport Coupe

We're hammering the 2008 Infiniti EX35 on Mulholland Highway in the mountains of darkest Malibu where the movie people live and we've just passed the Rock Store where bikers profile on weekends. Ahead lies the snakiest mile of the whole road.

So we drive even faster. The hard-edged 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 spins a little quicker while the front suspension occasionally chatters a little in the hairpins, and a short time later we get to the top in the kind of a rush that makes a whole day of driving worthwhile.

Then we look over our shoulder and realize that there's a whole backseat behind us, plus the big cargo compartment and we realize again that we've just done the whole Mulholland drive in some kind of crossover-utility thingy.

It's a little unseemly. Who knows what the locals thought? Probably figured we were some kind of Malibu catering service running a party platter to some screenwriters. But of course the 2008 Infiniti EX35 really isn't any kind of crossover at all.

But once you're standing next to the Infiniti EX35, you realize it's not a crossover or even some kind of utility thingy. It's really just a tall wagon, more like a Volvo XC70 than a BMW X3. This explains everything about the EX35's combination of practical luxury and the kind of driving dynamics you'd expect for express delivery of a party platter in the mountains above Malibu.

What's the Difference? It's Fast
The 2008 Infiniti EX35 doesn't really fit our idea of a crossover. It goes down the highway like a luxury sedan, but the tiny tremble from the wide tires tells you there's a high-performance sedan lurking beneath. It steers crisply through the corners. In short, it's one of the most satisfying examples of a vehicle with "utility" in its job description that you'll find anywhere.

© Source: edmunds
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