Report: Next Infiniti FX to gain interior volume

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2013 Infiniti FX37 front three-quarter

The Infiniti FX, soon to be renamed QX70 thanks to the Japanese brand’s convoluted naming scheme, is currently in the midst of its second-generation. And while we like the compact, sporty crossover’s driving character a lot, it lacks the “utility” part of the CUV moniker. That lack of cabin space will be addressed in the future, though.

Automotive News recently sat down with Nissan’s global design boss, Shiro Nakamura, to talk about the future of what he called “the icon of Infiniti.” And while Nakamura-san admitted the FX/QX70’s worth to the brand, its sales have long been something of a disappointment. “Exterior and styling-wise, it’s very strong as an icon. But to be honest, its sales volume has not been as big as we wanted,” a reality Nakamura believes is due largely to its tight cabin relative to its competition.

Finding the right balance might be difficult, though. The FX/QX70 is selling extremely well in both China and Russia, according to Nakamura, because of its looks. Altering that style in order to increase interior space risks alienating a new and important group of buyers for Infiniti. The designer put it best when he told AN, ” It is selling well in China and Russia because it stands out. So we want to maintain that striking look.” As it stands, we’ll likely be living with the current vehicle for a few more years – AN doesn’t expect the third-generation of the FX/QX70 to arrive until 2015 or 2016.

Next Infiniti FX to gain interior volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Infiniti FX to gain interior volume

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2013 Infiniti FX37 front three-quarter

The Infiniti FX, soon to be renamed QX70 thanks to the Japanese brand’s convoluted naming scheme, is currently in the midst of its second-generation. And while we like the compact, sporty crossover’s driving character a lot, it lacks the “utility” part of the CUV moniker. That lack of cabin space will be addressed in the future, though.

Automotive News recently sat down with Nissan’s global design boss, Shiro Nakamura, to talk about the future of what he called “the icon of Infiniti.” And while Nakamura-san admitted the FX/QX70’s worth to the brand, its sales have long been something of a disappointment. “Exterior and styling-wise, it’s very strong as an icon. But to be honest, its sales volume has not been as big as we wanted,” a reality Nakamura believes is due largely to its tight cabin relative to its competition.

Finding the right balance might be difficult, though. The FX/QX70 is selling extremely well in both China and Russia, according to Nakamura, because of its looks. Altering that style in order to increase interior space risks alienating a new and important group of buyers for Infiniti. The designer put it best when he told AN, ” It is selling well in China and Russia because it stands out. So we want to maintain that striking look.” As it stands, we’ll likely be living with the current vehicle for a few more years – AN doesn’t expect the third-generation of the FX/QX70 to arrive until 2015 or 2016.

Next Infiniti FX to gain interior volume originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Sep 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM posts 23% January sales gain, still down from December

GM logoGeneral Motors today posted 178,896 total sales in January, a strong 23-percent gain from a year ago. According to the automaker, sales were up in all segments of the market, led by strong crossover and pickup sales. Fleet sales were down seven percent, though commercial sales gains wiped out that deficiency. Sales to retail customers were up 36 percent.

It’s not exactly all good news, however. Sales were actually down 20 percent from December. Check out all the details in GM’s press release after the break.

Continue reading GM posts 23% January sales gain, still down from December

GM posts 23% January sales gain, still down from December originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ducati Superbikes gain features, keep prices in check

Filed under: Motorcycle

2011 Ducati 1198 SP

2011 Ducati 1198 SP – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ducati’s range-topping sportbike gets a pretty substantial upgrade for the 2011 model year, gaining a bunch of new standard equipment and seeing the introduction of an SP model as a replacement for the discontinued 1198 R. Perhaps the best news of all, though, is that pricing has pretty much held the line, even with the new features.

At the low end, not that any Ducati 1198 is exactly a stripper, is the standard 1198 for $16,495. For 2011, Ducati graces its superbike with Traction Control, a Ducati Data Analysis computer and a new quick-shifter. Stepping up to the next rung will get you the $21,995 1198 SP, which boasts the same updates as the standard model plus a sexy aluminum tank that weighs less and holds a gallon more fuel than the old steel unit, seven-spoke Marchesini wheels, slipper clutch and finally an Ohlins front fork and TTX rear shock.

Though the SP seems expensive, it’s actually a pretty good deal considering it comes in at just a $100 premium over last year’s S model. Still, if you want to save some coin, we doubt you’ll be disappointed by the new 2011 848 EVO and its 140-horsepower engine for $13,995. See more details on the 848 EVO here, and be sure to check out our high-res image galleries below.

Gallery: 2011 Ducati 1198 and 1198 SP

2011 Ducati 1198 SP2011 Ducati 11982011 Ducati 11982011 Ducati 1198 SP2011 Ducati 1198 SP

Gallery: 2011 Ducati 848 EVO

[Source: Ducati]

2011 Ducati Superbikes gain features, keep prices in check originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Maybach will soldier on, gain hybrid

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Maybach, Luxury

Maybach

2011 Maybach Range – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve all but assumed Maybach was a goner. With the economic downturn and sales hovering around the 300-unit mark annually, Mercedes-Benz’ rebadged uber-lux brand makes a hard business case for itself. However, Automobile reports that Maybach may be down, but it’s not out, and a range of new products are on the way.

With the S-Class due to be replaced in 2012, the range-topping Benz will offer up its revised platform for five new Maybach models. The standard 57 and 62 will benefit from upgraded sheet metal, interiors and electronics, while a CLS-like four-door “coupe” will be added to the line-up along with the oft-rumored long-wheelbase convertible – a sort of mash-up between the 62 Laundaulet and Mercedes’ Ocean Drive concept from 2007.

Despite M-B’s ongoing issues with CAFE standards, motivation will continue to be provided by the same 6.0-liter V12 powering current Maybachs, although horsepower is expected to rise, torque output could crest 850 pound-feet and Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic will be part of the package.

More intriguingly, Automobile says that with the new transmission, an electric motor could be fitted, boosting output by 20 hp and allowing the massive sled to drive in full electric mode for up to 10 miles. There’s also talk of a new nine-speed automatic transmission being fitted and fuel economy rising by around 25% – so figure around a 2-3 mpg improvement for both the 545-hp and 630-hp versions.

In order for Maybach to survive, it has to be more than just a reworked S-Class and to that end, an insider told Automobile that future models will be “jewels on wheels and at last worthy of the brand.” We shall see…

Gallery: 2011 Maybach range

[Source: Automobile]

Report: Maybach will soldier on, gain hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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