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Official: Infiniti prices renamed 2014 QX50 and QX80 crossovers

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2014 Infiniti QX80 SUV - front three-quarter view

2014 Infiniti QX50 - dead on front dynamic view, tilted Earlier this week, Infiniti revealed the pricing for its two midsize crossovers, but now it has announced the pricing for its renamed bookend utility vehicles, the compact QX50 crossover and the fullsize QX80 SUV. Those looking for a smaller luxury crossover will be glad to learn that the 2014 QX50 now starts at $34,400* (a price drop of $2,500 compared to the 2013 EX), while pricing for the 2014 QX80 will remain the same as the 2013 QX56, starting at $61,350* (*prices do not include $995 for destination).

In terms of packaging, the QX50 will carry over unchanged, but the QX80 gets a new Backup Collision Intervention system as a part of its optional Technology Package. All of Infiniti’s 2014 QX utility vehicles are on sale now, but for more details about the QX50 and QX80, scroll down for the official press release.

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Infiniti prices renamed 2014 QX50 and QX80 crossovers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Infiniti G37 to live on in showrooms alongside 2014 Q50

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Infiniti, Luxury

2014 Infiniti Q50 - front three-quarter view live on show stand

Infiniti is preparing to roll out its hotly anticipated 2014 Q50, a car that not only ushers in a new alphanumeric naming strategy, it ostensibly replaces the G37 as the brand’s bread-and-butter sport sedan. That will happen, but not in the short-term, as the G37 will continue to be manufactured and sold alongside the Q50, at least for the rest of this year.

Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore has confirmed to Autoblog that a decision is pending on how long to extend the G37 sedan’s production run. “We’re taking Q50 up a little bit, and that allows us to keep the G Sedan in the lineup… It [Q50] certainly started as a replacement, but it ended up being much more than that.” Confusingly, Infiniti has already announced that the Q50 is to start at $37,605 (including $905 destination charge), yet the 2013 G37 is more expensive, starting at $38,255 delivered according to Infiniti’s consumer website. Thus, a price drop on the G37 is likely coming in short order.

So why hold on to the older model? With the Q50 launching exclusively with V6 and Hybrid models (a turbo four and diesel are said to be in the cards down the road), Infiniti evidently feels it is risking leaving lower-end sales on the table. “There’s a lot of movement with the [BMW] 320i and such, and this allows us a two-tier strategy to compete,” says Bazemore. Keeping the G37 on tap at a lower price for fleet sale duty may also serve to protect the Q50 as it establishes itself on the market.

For the moment, Infiniti is still determining whether to continue G37 sedan production beyond the 2013 model year, and some of that may depend on the arrival time of its new entry-level front-wheel drive model, expected to be dubbed Q30. A decision is likely to be made over the next few weeks. Adding to the confusion, the existing G37 Coupe and Convertible will be immediately rebranded as the 2014 Q60 Coupe and Convertible, even though they won’t be based on the new Q50.

Infiniti G37 to live on in showrooms alongside 2014 Q50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2013 Infiniti QX56 [w/video]

Filed under: SUV, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Promising, And Delivering, Bigness

2013 Infiniti QX56 - front three-quarter view

Some things appear much smaller in pictures than they do in person. The Eiffel Tower, Space Shuttle orbiters and the statue of Abraham Lincoln in the National Mall come immediately to mind. The 2013 Infiniti QX56, however, isn’t one of those things.

The Infiniti flagship sport utility looks massive in pictures, and it grows to simply colossal when you are standing next to it.

Even at an arm’s distance, the QX56 has the physical presence of a Clydesdale horse – its styling cues project power and strength, says the automaker, and the designers apparently made no attempt to downplay the full-size SUV’s massive V8 engine and cavernous eight-passenger cabin. There are other passenger vehicles on the road that are physically larger, but none visually cast their mass as well as Infiniti’s traditional body-on-frame QX.

We recently spent a week with the heavyweight in an effort to determine whether three tons of substance is overkill or handy to have around. In a nutshell, does bigger always equate to better?

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2013 Infiniti QX56 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti gets boiled down to four P’s: Performance, passion, precision, provocation

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Infiniti, Luxury

So then we asked, “Well, what does that mean?”

We met Andreas Sigl, the global director of Infiniti’s Formula One involvement (that’s him above on the right), at the US Grand Prix in Austin last year, and our questions to him were aimed at understanding what Infiniti was doing and where it intended to go. In spite of regard for its products and increased sales, few outside – and even inside – Infiniti seemed to have a clear idea of what the brand stood for.

Its F1 partnership with Red Bull Racing was a key example of that. A brand with no motorsports pedigree – save for a listless dalliance with Indycar and the Infiniti Pro Series – was suddenly married to the world’s marquee racing series, but one being continually declined by other brands and even its own entrants for a lack of relevance to road cars. The introduction of the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition didn’t clarify matters; we still didn’t understand how Infiniti logos on Adrian Newey’s chassis’ made the G, M, FX, et al any better – or who was even supposed to make the connection – and if we were exceedingly cynical we could have said the terrifically expensive Sebastian Vettel-fettled FX mutant was a marketing mission that needed a hand grenade but instead got a high-impulse thermobaric weapon.

Seven months after that Austin Q&A with Sigl, during which time Infiniti has become title sponsor of Red Bull Racing and publicly anointed Sebastian Vettel its Director of Performance, we met Sigl again in Montreal during the Canadian F1 Grand Prix. It was there we got an answer to what Infiniti stands for: “We’ve boiled the brand down to the four ‘p’s,” he said. “Performance, passion, precision and provocation.”

So then we asked, “Well, what does that mean?”, and Sigl gave us some background on what’s been happening behind the scenes of the partnership.

Continue reading Infiniti gets boiled down to four P’s: Performance, passion, precision, provocation

Infiniti gets boiled down to four P’s: Performance, passion, precision, provocation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Infiniti M25 not bound for U.S. market

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M37

2011 Infiniti M37 – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were hoping for a “cheap” Infiniti M, it appears that your wish won’t come true. Inside Line reports that there will be no entry M25 for the U.S. market, leaving the $47,700 M37 as the base model.

While it’s unfortunate that Infiniti won’t offer a more affordable alternative to the nearly $50,000 M37, we’re thinking that the decision may be for the best. After all, the 2.5-liter V6 that currently resides under the hood of the G25 only produces 218 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque, and since that already feels a bit weak in the G, we can’t imagine that it’d make for a truly engaging M.

It’s not like the 2.5-liter engine is all that more efficient than Infiniti’s outstanding 3.7-liter V6, either. Under the hood of the G sedan, the mill averages 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 averages 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Infiniti M25 not bound for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Infiniti to present Z4 rival in Geneva?

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

Infiniti Etherea Concept

Infiniti Etherea Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti took the wraps off its Etherea concept, showing its vision for a future premium hatchback. Now reports from across the pond suggest that the premium Nissan division could be preparing to unveil something decidedly sportier at next year’s Swiss expo.

The report comes from Auto Express, and it suggests that the new sportscar will be targeted at the likes of the BMW Z4 and Audi TT, yet slot in below the G37 Coupe in the company’s lineup. A two-seater in front-engine, rear-drive configuration is being mooted for the project, leaving questions as to where such a model might fit in the corporate hierarchy vis-à-vis Nissan’s 370Z.

No word on potential powertrains, but a hybrid setup could be part of the mix. Rumor has it that Lotus is being brought in to consult on the chassis setup – a role often taken up by the British sportscar-maker and engineering consultancy. Us? We can’t help but wonder if this isn’t where Red Bull Racing’s expertise could be brought to bear as well.

Infiniti to present Z4 rival in Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Red Bull Racing to collaborate on Infiniti performance model

Filed under: Performance, Infiniti

Infiniti and Red Bull

History and the contemporary automotive market hold no lack of examples of F1 teams translating their checkered flags into road cars. It’s practically Ferrari’s raison d’être, after all. McLaren’s following suit, as well. Even Williams has collaborated with Renault on performance-oriented Clios, and now with Jaguar on the C-X75. But though each of these teams has claimed its share of championships and then some, these days it’s Red Bull Racing that’s on top. Trouble is – PlayStation fantasies notwithstanding – Red Bull doesn’t make automobiles beyond a small batch of single-seaters for Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. That’s where Infiniti comes in.

Powered by sister company Renault’s engines, the Red Bull team this year features prominent sponsorship from Infiniti – a move which is expected to turn into a more comprehensive re-branding scheme in the future. In the meantime, Infiniti is keen to capitalize on its tie-in with the world champion F1 team (particularly since its only previous racing activities involved limited success in converting the Q45’s V8 for Indy racing), and now reports are suggesting that a collaborative road car project between Red Bull Racing and Infiniti could be underway.

Citing the Renault Clio Williams as precedent, the Japanese luxury automaker is reportedly looking into making a performance-oriented version of one of its current products to go beyond the current Infiniti Performace Line. The G37 coupe would be the likeliest basis, but a substantial re-engineering effort could (unlike the Renault Williams tie-up) involve the F1 team’s engineers to transfer their competencies to the road. Sources expect the project to be complete within two years from now.

Red Bull Racing to collaborate on Infiniti performance model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sebastian Vettel takes Infiniti for a spin at the Shanghai International Circuit [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, China, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Infiniti, Celebrities, Luxury

Sebastian Vettel in the Infiniti G37

Sebastian Vettel drives the Infiniti G37 – Click above for high-res image gallery, click here to watch video

What’s the point in an automaker pouring millions into an F1 team if it can’t leverage a little star power? In Infiniti’s case, it’s not even running its own F1 team or even supplying engines. Instead, it’s sponsoring the Red Bull Racing outfit that’s out there defending both its titles. (That said, we wouldn’t be surprised if Infiniti’s involvement turned into an engine rebranding initiative for next season.)

As any marketing whiz could tell you, sponsorship is only worth as much as you promote it. So while Red Bull’s world champion Sebastian Vettel was in Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, he took a couple of Infiniti’s finest for a spin.

Vettel being Vettel, he didn’t just drive around the block: he took to the Shanghai International Circuit. (Or, at least an Autocross setup on the circuit’s back lot.) And while he wasn’t about to set any lap records behind the wheel of the G37 sedan or FX50 crossover, he seemed to enjoy the experience, hanging the G37’s tail out making some smoke for the crowd. Follow the jump to watch the video footage and check out the still shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Sebastian Vettel and Infiniti at the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Sebastian Vettel takes Infiniti for a spin at the Shanghai International Circuit [w/video]

Sebastian Vettel takes Infiniti for a spin at the Shanghai International Circuit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Infiniti, Racing

Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car

Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is no stranger to motorsports. The Japanese luxury marque supplied engines to the Indy Racing League in the late 90s, and recently launched a sponsorship deal with the World Champion Red Bull Racing team in Formula One (which runs sister-company Renault’s engines). But rallying is new territory for the Nissan premium division.

Now before you let your imagination run wild, bear in mind that the G37 coupe you see here is not actually competing in any rally events. It is, however, being used as a safety car for the Spanish Rally Championship.

For the task, the G37 Coupe S dubbed “Work Car Zero” has been outfitted with roll-bar, dampers, brakes, bucket seats and harnesses, fire-suppression system, communications equipment and special lighting. Otherwise, it’s pretty much bone stock (save for the garish paint scheme).

Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and scope out the images in the high-res gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car

[Source: Infiniti]

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Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti confirms plans to launch in Australia

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Infiniti, Australia

Infinity M37

2011 Infiniti M37 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has big plans to expand beyond North America, and Drive reports that the Japanese luxury automaker intends to include Australia in its expansion. The site says that officials at Nissan have officially announced that Infiniti would head Down Under by September 2012, adding that the brand would start off with three stand-alone dealerships in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

When those dealerships launch, there will only be three Infiniti products from which to choose. The G37 coupe and convertible, the M sedan and the FX crossover were chosen in part because of their freshness in the market. Infiniti has reportedly decided against exporting the high volume G37 sedan to Australia, opting instead to wait until the next generation model goes prime-time. The Australians will be able to choose from the same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 options we have here in the States, and they’ll also be able to pick a 3.0-liter diesel that we aren’t afforded.

The folks at Infiniti also hinted at their strategy for the brand. Infiniti brand GM Kevin Snell reportedly told the press at a launch event that the brand wouldn’t try to be the “cheapest” make Down Under, adding that Infiniti models are often better-equipped than the competition from Europe.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M37: Review

Infiniti confirms plans to launch in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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