- Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for a high-res gallery of Infiniti in Monterey.
Infiniti ramped up its presence in Monterey this year with the new G37 sedan and G37x coupe, the latter equipped with the automaker's advanced ATTESSA E-TSO all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic gearbox. We're looking forward to seeing if the AWD coupe can retain the engaging driving characteristics of its RWD counterpart, while providing the security of all-wheel-drive for those of us that like to make a run into the mountains during the snow season.
Infiniti also used its time on the peninsula to show off the first image of the G37 convertible (we curbed our urge to take a picture of the picture), along with the release of the revised M35 and M35x. The 2009 model benefits from the automaker's scratch shield paint, new seven-speed auto 'box and an increase in output to 303 hp, while still boosting fuel economy by one mpg. We're eagerly anticipating the 3.7-liter V6 finding its way under the hood of the M sometime around the turn of the decade, with some G-inspired styling to match its newfound horsepower.
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- Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Infiniti
Click above image to enlarge
var 7_Convertible_previewed_before_L_A'; Note to the Lexus SC430: it is now beyond over for you. Infiniti, Nissan's BMW-hunting luxury brand, has unveiled the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, a retractable hardtop 4-seater that preserves the Coupe's good looks even with its 3-piece folding metal roof neatly tucked out of sight, as you can see here. Power from the 3.7L V6 will be in excess of 320 horses, and numerous comparos against the BMW 335i convertible are inevitable. You can practically hear the buff mags reserving track time as we speak. Sunny Los Angeles will be the venue for the car's formal unveiling in November, and likely a fertile ground for sales when the time comes.
[Source: Infiniti]
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- Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for high-res gallery of the Infiniti G37S
This weekend is of course the big Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California, and a number of automakers will be on hand to debut vehicles there. Infiniti is one of them and will be showing off a few new models on the greens of Pebble Beach, one of which is this, the G37S. What you see is not much different than the G35 on sale now, save for a few exterior tweaks including new wheels. What is different is that Infiniti's G sedan will get the same mechanical hardware found in the G37 Coupe. That means the superlative VQ-series 3.7L V6 producing 328 horsepower will be standard equipment, which necessitates the change in nomenclature for the 2009 model year from G35 to G37. Transmissions will include a 6-speed manual or Infiniti's new 7-speed automatic, and the brand is also offering a new optional brake package that adds 4-piston front/2-piston rear brakes and larger rotors. Those wheels are the new 18-inch wheel design with standard Scratch Shield self-healing paint. Infiniti will show more this weekend than just the G37S, including the G37 convertible and G37x, and we already have bloggers in place on the back nine to report it all.
[Source: Supercars.net]
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- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Japan, Infiniti, Nissan, Rendered Speculation
Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn may have dismissed the notion of an Infiniti sedan based on the GT-R as "online blog speculation", but that won't stop the automotive press from churning out renderings just the same. Following an earlier sketch commissioned by Motor Trend comes the computer rendering you see above, predicting what a GT-R-derived Infiniti sports-sedan could look like. The rendering comes courtesy of Japan's Top Car magazine, and does a good job of translating the GT-R's styling into an even bigger, more commodious package.
If they built it, the four-door GT-R would certainly have the looks to stand its ground against the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide, Porsche Panamera and the eventual production version of the BMW Concept CS. And with GT-R underpinnings, it would most definitely have the performance to match.
[Source: GTR-World via GTRBlog]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti, Nissan
While most of the attention Nissan has been getting recently revolves around the GT-R sportscar, its bread-and-butter models, like the Sentra S and the new Murano, have gotten slight bumps in price. The compact sedan sees an increase from $16,930, which included a $660 destination charge to $17,030, including a higher $695 destination charge. The Murano was just redesigned and launched with a mildly lowered price for this model year. Not so much anymore, as it now jumps to $29,250, including a slightly raised $780 destination charge.
In addition to these incremental sticker price adjustments, Nissan has announced a mild increase to the destination charges for all of its 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles carrying Nissan or Infiniti badges. Though Nissan has yet to comment on the reason for the price hikes, we'd imagine that the weak U.S. dollar and high fuel prices undoubtedly play a part in both the base price bump and the associated destination charge increases.
[Source: Inside Line]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Infiniti
Along with the impending refreshening of Nissan's modern-day Z, the internet has been abuzz for about a year with rumors of a new smaller and less expensive coupe based on the same platform. This rear-wheel-drive coupe would compete against the upcoming Toyota/Subaru sports coupe, which also are also to be driven by the rear wheels. What we haven't expected, though, is an Infiniti version of this 240SX revival. According to rumors, the Nissan version would get a small displacement four-banger while its big brother from Infiniti would get a V6 displacing 2.5 liters.
Inside Line reports that this new entry-level Infiniti will be displayed at an as yet unnamed auto show sometime within the next year. Color us awfully excited at the prospect of RWD coupes from the likes of Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai and now Infiniti, all of which are set for the American market. Affordable performance never goes out of style, even when gas prices are this high.
[Source: Inside Line]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Infiniti, Nissan
According to Car and Driver, a preliminary version of the Nissan GT-R V-Spec -- that stands for Victory Specification, mind you -- could be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year and may even be ready for sale by the end of the year. The V-Spec, whose actual specs have not been revealed, is the even better, faster, stronger version of the plain old blindingly fast Nissan GT-R. The V will be lower and more powerful than the regular GT-R, but no one knows yet by exactly how much.
Apparently Nissan has also admitted that the $70,000 GT-R is currently a loss-leader. As the company rolls out more cars on the same platform, like an Infiniti version in a year or so, the GT-R's balance sheet will begin to show profit. Speaking of that Infiniti version, it will be intriguing to see how they combine Nissan gadgetry with Infiniti luxury. And although the V-Spec could be shown in just a few months and on sale by December, it isn't expected to go on sale in the U.S. until 2010.
[Source: Car and Driver via Motor Authority]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti
click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 FX35 and FX50
Infiniti has announced pricing for its 2009 FX35 and FX50, and if you're jonesing for some of that "bionic cheetah" styling, the base price for the FX35 RWD with the venerable 3.5L VQ V6 producing 303 horsepower is $40,950. If you'd prefer a CUV that can rotate all four wheels at once, the FX35 AWD jumps up to $42,350. Finally, the bid dog of the bunch, the FX50 AWD with its 390-hp 5.0L V8, starts at a heady $56,700. All FX models get a seven-speed automatic with magnesium paddle shifters for do-it-yourself shifting, as well. These prices don't include destination and handling charges, which haven't been set yet but were $815 for the current-gen FX. And the pricing doesn't stop there, as each model has a few option packages that may boost the price even further. The FX35 is available with a Premium Package ($2,350), Navigation Package ($2,850) that includes the trick Around View Monitor, Deluxe Touring Package ($2,650), Technology Package ($2,900) and a DVD player for $1,600. the FX50, meanwhile, can also be had with a Technology Package ($2,900), as well as a Sport Package ($3,000), the DVD player and 21-inch summer tires for no extra charge.
Infiniti does note that these prices are well above the current-gen FX models. The FX35 RWD and AWD are $2,900 and $2,800 more, respectively, and the FX50 is a whopping $6,600 more than the current model. Infiniti credits the upgraded 3.5L V6, new seven-speed automatic, brand-new 5.0L V8, a standard nav system and Around View Monitor in the FX50 and over 200% more hand-stained maple trim than before for the price increases. If we say we're cool with plastic trim instead of wood, can we get a discount? Follow the jump for more details including the contents of each option package.
[Source: Infiniti]Continue reading Infiniti prices FX35/FX50 from $40,950/$56,700
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- Filed under: Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche
The Luxury Institute surveyed 1,642 affluent Americans to see which brands stood out among the crowd of luxury automakers, and Porsche made out as the overall winner. The survey participants make an average of $349,000 per year and have a net worth of $3.7 million, and they're surveyed on customer service, quality, exclusivity, and that overall warm and fuzzy feeling one gets about a given brand. Porsche received high marks for its uniqueness in the marketplace, as well as for the company's strong focus and attention to detail.
Lexus and Mercedes rounded out the top three, with Lexus achieving the highest overall purchase consideration and Mercedes receiving demerits for its past ownership of Chrysler. Ouch. BMW finished in fourth place, due in part to Bimmer fans' displeasure over the brand's styling and overly complicated tech like iDrive. Japanese automakers scored highest with regards to customer satisfaction, with Lexus, Acura, and Infinity landing in the top three overall. Cadillac, which was ranked first in customer satisfaction last year, fell into a tie for fourth place in this year's survey. Lincoln was deemed to have the least desirable brand status in the survey, as Ford's luxury arm finished dead last in the field of 12. Maybe the new MKS sedan will drive Lincoln out of the basement in next year's survey.
[Source: Marketing Daily via Motor Authority]
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- Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Infiniti
A forum member at Motive has (supposedly) obtained Infiniti's 2009 ordering guide, and with it comes (supposed) word that the 2009 G-series sedan will be upgraded with the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6. Exact output has yet to be confirmed, but the document rates the 3.7-liter V6 at 320+ hp, with power sent to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The model and package list (posted after the jump) goes on to say that the 2009 Infiniti G37 will include four-piston front brakes equipped with 14-inch rotors, five-spoke 18-inch wheels, re-designed side view mirrors and the Scratch Shield paint found on the new FX line of CUVs. Two new exterior colors will also be made available: Moonlight White and Sahara Sandstone.
We've got a call in to Infiniti's PR people to confirm the information. Watch this space for an update.
UPDATE: Infiniti got back to us, saying that more information about the 2009 Infiniti Gs will be available in August, but it wouldn't confirm the G37 sedan. As we already know, the retractable hardtop G37 coupe is on the way and sales are expected to begin in February next year. That means we should see the G37 convertible at an auto show later this year -- our money is on LA.
[Source: Motive]Continue reading Rumormill? Infiniti G37 sedan coming in 2009
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- Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti, Nissan
The US market may have made Infiniti what it is today, but Nissan's luxury arm is putting more power and better equipment into its vehicles destined for sale in Europe later this year. Engineers have made 300-500 changes per car, including tweaked styling, high-end knobs, bigger brakes, better windshield wipers, improved stability systems, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti is also planning to add the 3.7-liter V6 to the overseas 2009 FX, which is more powerful than the 3.5-liter engine we'll receive Stateside. With no four-cylinder or diesel models planned until 2010, Infiniti will still be playing catch-up with its European competitors for the near-term.
The reason for the many improvements is that Infiniti is facing an up-hill battle to woo luxury customers away from very entrenched Euro brands like Mercedes and BMW. That's all well and good, but why not just make most of these improvements in the US market as well? Infiniti is a very good luxury brand, but it's getting its butt kicked in sales by the likes of Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Cadillac. We like fancy knobs and seven speed automatics, too.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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- Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti, Nissan, Earnings/Financials
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti G37 coupe.
Carlos Ghosn assembled the press this morning in Japan to announce Nissan/Infiniti's financial results for 2007, and despite sales in Japan dropping by 2.5-percent last year, global sales are up by 8.2-percent, with a 3.0-percent increase in U.S. sales and a massive 17.9-percent bump in Europe. All told, Nissan took in $94.62 billion last year, with a $6.91 billion operating profit. Nissan attributes its successes abroad to the release of 11 new models worldwide, including the Altima Coupe, GT-R, Murano, Infiniti EX CUV and G37 coupe.
The automaker has its sights set firmly on the future, with a five-year plan that focuses on three key commitments: quality leadership, an industry leading zero-emissions vehicle program and a five-percent growth in revenue between 2008 and 2012. The program is called Nissan "GT" 2012, with the "G" standing for "growth" and the "T" for "trust." To achieve those goals, Nissan will be expanding with Infiniti's launch in Europe, along with pushing further into developing markets like India, the Middle East, Brazil, China and Russia. Leading the charge will be 60 all-new models released in the next five years and the debut of 15 new technologies each year from 2009 onwards.
While we're already familiar with most of the vehicles Nissan and Infiniti intends to release in the coming year (Qashqai+2, new Z), two models were officially confirmed: an Infiniti G37 convertible (rumored to sport a retractable hard top) and a "mini SUV." While there's been speculation that a G37 cabrio was on the way, the small 'ute is likely to the rumored 1-series competitor we've reported on before.
Make the jump for Nissan's press release.Continue reading Nissan/Infiniti releases new business plan, confirms G37 convertible
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- Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti
While Jonathan's shots of the new 370Z were seductively cryptic, these newest images from Car do more to confuse than enlighten. Car was attending a presentation by Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura, and with their camera phone at the ready, snapped off a few shots of Infiniti's upcoming small sports car that looks more like Han Solo in carbonite than a swoopy coupe.
The Infiniti two-door is expected to debut sometime later this year in concept form, and is poised to take on the BMW 1-series in the compact coupe segment. The shape, even in the grainy pic, is decidedly different from anything else in its class, with a long hood and a cab-backward design that has plenty of potential.
Car also grabbed a shot of the Nissan 370Z, which appears to get some seriously styled wheel arches and a steeply raked windshield. But according to the Brit buff book's sources, the new Z will take several cues from the GT-R when it's unveiled later this year at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
[Source: Car]
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- Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Infiniti
Infiniti is gearing up for its entrance into Europe, but something's missing from its lineup: a small car. With BMW's 1-series being a popular choice for badge-obsessed consumers abroad, Infiniti needs something similar to solidify its place in the luxury hierarchy, but what form it will take is unclear.
According to Autocar, Infiniti insiders are planning to unleash something that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, but unnamed sources at Infiniti are quick to point out that the shape will be something entirely different than what's currently being offered by its competitors. The two options, according to Autocar, include a smaller crossover that would slot in below the EX35 or a hardtop convertible. Whatever it looks like, expect the new B-class Infiniti to be revealed sometime in 2010.
[Source: Autocar via JustAuto - Sub. Req.]
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- Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti FX
It's confession-time: I've got a fetish for multi-purpose vehicles. No, I've never been a fan of SUVs. And no, the recent spate of crossovers has left me scratching my head (give me a wagon or give me death!). But what I am interested in are vehicles that can exhilarate on-road while holding their own off-road. It's that same allure that had me pressed against the window of a Subaru dealership at midnight to fantasize about the 2.5RS ten years ago; the reason that I can't wait to drive the BMW X6; and the reason I find myself in San Diego, once again, to spend some quality time with the 2009 Infiniti FX.
All photos (C) 2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX
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Archive for the 'INFINITI' Category
Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Paris Motor Show, Supercars, Infiniti, Nissan
According to Car and Driver, a preliminary version of the Nissan GT-R V-Spec — that stands for Victory Specification, mind you — could be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show later this year and may even be ready for sale by the end of the year. The V-Spec, whose actual specs have not been revealed, is the even better, faster, stronger version of the plain old blindingly fast Nissan GT-R. The V will be lower and more powerful than the regular GT-R, but no one knows yet by exactly how much.
Apparently Nissan has also admitted that the $70,000 GT-R is currently a loss-leader. As the company rolls out more cars on the same platform, like an Infiniti version in a year or so, the GT-R’s balance sheet will begin to show profit. Speaking of that Infiniti version, it will be intriguing to see how they combine Nissan gadgetry with Infiniti luxury. And although the V-Spec could be shown in just a few months and on sale by December, it isn’t expected to go on sale in the U.S. until 2010.
[Source: Car and Driver via Motor Authority]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, INFINITI, NISSAN | No Comments »
Friday, February 4th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Infiniti FX-series SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
FX35 - 3.5 V6 24v 4wd aut.
FX35 - 3.5 V6 24v aut.
FX45 - 4.5 V8 32v 4wd aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2002 - )
Info:
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in INFINITI | No Comments »
Friday, February 4th, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Infiniti QX56 SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
QX56 - 5.6 V8 32v 4wd
QX56 - 5.6 V8 32v
Previous version:
Variation:
SUV 5d
(2004 - )
Nissan (United States of America) Armada
Info:
Luxury version of the Nissan Pathfinder Armada
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Nissan - Armada SUV 5d
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Thursday, February 3rd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Infiniti Q45 (Infiniti - United States of America)
Cima (2004-) (Nissan - People\’s Republic of China)
Nissan Cima (F50) Limousine 4d
Sales Company:
Infiniti (United States of America)
Nissan (People\’s Republic of China)
Available version:
3.0 V6 24v Turbo aut.
4.5 V8 32v aut.
4.5 V8 32v aut. 4WD
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
Info:
This is Nissan’s highest-end luxury sedan. The company introduced the redesigned Cima in January 2001. The current model is the fourth-generation model. The Cima, known as Infiniti Q45 in the USA, is powered by a 4.5-liter V8, or 3.0-liter V6 engine, featuring dynamic yet elegant driving. Multi-projector headlamps highlight the inspiring mask.
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in INFINITI | No Comments »
Thursday, February 3rd, 2005
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