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Video: M35h rewrites hybrid history books (at least according to Infiniti)

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Infiniti

2012 infiniti m hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid in “Remember” – Click above to watch video after the jump

Infiniti believes its new M Hybrid is the first such vehicle built for people who actually enjoy driving. With 360 horsepower on tap, they might just be right. Yes, we are aware of the Lexus GS450h, which can run from 0-60 miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. So is Infiniti for that matter because, in a new spot that has been playing during the NCAA’s March Madness tournament, the automaker takes a not-so-subtle jab at the hybrid Lexus sport sedan.

Dubbed “Remember,” the clip briefly takes a look back at the past 100 years of hybrid technology. Ultimately, the M Hybrid comes into view as it blows past a Lexus GS450h sitting at a stop-light. From there, we see the Infiniti drifting down the road as the narrator tells us why we’re going to love it. He must have a soothing voice… because the clip does a pretty darn good job of getting our attention. Click past the jump to see if it does the same for you.

[Source: YouTube via Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: M35h rewrites hybrid history books (at least according to Infiniti)

Video: M35h rewrites hybrid history books (at least according to Infiniti) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Infiniti Etherea Concept tries not to look like a hatchback

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Infiniti

Infiniti Etherea Concept

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

Infiniti is clearly interested in expanding its model line into the compact segment, a fact evidenced by the Etherea Concept that it is currently showing off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The most far-out styling feature of the Etherea is no doubt the crescent-shaped C-pillar, though opinions seem to vary on its effectiveness on such a compact car.

In any case, all the hallmarks of a modern-day concept car are present and accounted for, including a hybrid powertrain that features a 245-horsepower supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a twin-clutch system that links the electric motor to the engine. All those ponies are routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission to the front wheels.

As far as the styling goes, Infiniti has this to say about the Etherea Concept: “As an exploration of a future entry-level Infiniti production model, Etherea can be summed up as a four-door coupe with five-door practicality – a hatchback that doesn’t look like a hatchback.” We’ll let you decide how true that may be…

Feel free to read the complete press release after the break, and be sure to check out our high-res gallery of live photos below.

Gallery: Infiniti Etherea Concept: Geneva 2011

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Infiniti Etherea Concept tries not to look like a hatchback

Geneva 2011: Infiniti Etherea Concept tries not to look like a hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti signs on as F1 global sponsor with Red Bull

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

Infiniti announced today that it is signing on to be a sponsor of Red Bull’s Formula One racing team.

It is the first time that Infiniti is signing on to a global sponsorship of any kind, previously preferring regional tie-ins in sports such as tennis and sailing. But as the Japanese brand looks to expand globally, says global marketing marketing communications chief Simon Sproule, an expanding F1 series looks like a logical partner to the company.

“Infiniti has launched in Europe and is going into Russia, India and China, just as F1 has done, so it’s a good fit for us,” says Sproule.

The association with Red Bull, says Sproule, sprung from Red Bull’s use of Renault engines. Renault and Nissan are global alliance partners, with the French automaker holding a controlling stake in Nissan. CEO Carlos Ghosn is at the top of both automakers. The Renault engines may even be rebranded “Infiniti.” Red Bull, of course, won the championship title in Formula One last year. “It’s also good to be with a winner, of course,” said Sproule.

Infiniti had a good year in the U.S. last year. Sales were up 27% to crest the 103,000 level. But Nissan is looking for Infiniti to be a bigger player in luxury circles worldwide. F1 attracts a good amount of luxury car buyers worldwide, and is catching on in important markets for luxury brands like China and Russia.

Red Bull, says Sproule, has a broad appeal as the biggest energy drink brand in the world. The Austrian beverage company has associated its brand with numerous extreme sports, as well as owning the New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer team. It also has great crossover appeal between rich luxury car buyers, as well as young luxury car aspirers who don’t yet have the incomes to afford big sticker prices.

Continue reading Infiniti signs on as F1 global sponsor with Red Bull

Infiniti signs on as F1 global sponsor with Red Bull originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti M Hybrid priced from $53,700

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is touting its 2012 M Hybrid as the “only vehicle in America to offer more than 350 horsepower and 30-plus miles per gallon.” If that sounds like an excellent combination, the Japanese automaker has just announced that the cost of entry is $53,700.

The 30-plus mpg figure is, of course, on the highway, with an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 32 mpg. The M Hybrid is rated at 27 mpg in the city and has a combined rating of 29 – not too shabby for a car with 360-horsepower on tap, courtesy of the 3.5-liter V6 mounted under the hood. $53,700 is a lot of scratch, but there’s not a lot of luxury sedans on the market that offer that much power while retuning that type of fuel economy. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

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2012 Infiniti M Hybrid priced from $53,700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti bringing new entry-level car concept to Geneva

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti

Infiniti sketch

Infiniti is on track to have a new entry-level model that slots below the G, and the automaker has announced that it’s bringing a concept that previews this new small(er) car to the Geneva Motor Show next month. With vehicles like the Audi A1 and A3, BMW 1 Series, Lexus CT and the Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class on the market, Infiniti would likely do well to have a contender in the small luxury car segment.

The only information we have as of this writing is the official teaser sketch you see here, previewing what could possibly be a hatchback rather than a traditional sedan or coupe. Infiniti says that the new entry-level car will be “completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” We’ve heard that line before, but nonetheless, we’ll see what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve in just a few weeks. Hit the jump for Infiniti’s very brief press release.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti bringing new entry-level car concept to Geneva

Infiniti bringing new entry-level car concept to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mitsubishi to sell rebadged Infiniti M… new Diamante in the cards?

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Rumormill

2011 Infiniti M37

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

Mitsubishi is reportedly considering selling a rebadged version of the Infiniti M sedan in order to fill its void of premium offerings in its home market of Japan. However, Automotive News notes that Mitsubishi’s President, Osamu Masuko, has stated that the automaker will not leverage manufacturing deals with other companies in order to expand its lineup here in the United States, so don’t expect to see a Mitsu-branded Infiniti on our shores anytime soon.

Mitsubishi’s last endeavor into the luxury sedan market was with the Diamante – a car that suffered from lackluster sales numbers during its run throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Due to Mitsubishi’s financial woes during the mid-2000s, luxury car development was put on hold. Now, though, selling a rebadged version of the Infiniti M (or Nissan Fuga, as it’s known in Japan) would insulate Mitsubishi from research and development costs, making it easier for the automaker to launch back into the luxury segment.

Automotive News reports that the Mitsubishi-badged Infiniti could go on sale in Japan as early as this year. Expect the standard gas version to be the first to wear a triple-diamond badge, though Mitsubishi may sell a version of the M Hybrid, as well. Top tip, Randy!

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M37: Review

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Rumormill: Mitsubishi to sell rebadged Infiniti M… new Diamante in the cards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan

2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX4 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into certain late model Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs over corrosion of the driver’s side front strut tower. Affected Queue-By-Fours are from the 1997 to 2003 model years, while the Pathfinders are from 1996 to 2004.

According to NHTSA’s summary, the government organization has received 35 reports of corrosion instances, with 18 citing that this problem caused the vehicle’s steering to suffer. What’s more, five of these reports stated that the steering “shaft” or “column” broke, resulting in a complete loss of steering.

This investigation was opened on January 28, and pending NHTSA’s findings, an official recall should be announced in the near future. For the full summary, follow the jump for NHTSA’s release.

Gallery: 2003 Infiniti QX4

2003 Infiniti QX4

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears

NHTSA investigating Infiniti QX4, Nissan Pathfinder over corrosion fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition introduced in Europe

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti EX30d Black Premium

Infiniti EX30d Black Premium – Click above for high-res image gallery

Buying a luxury automobile these days is as much about the “customer experience” as it is about the actual vehicle. Infiniti has shown its aptitude in delivering that experience as well as its rivals have – arguably better – particularly in Europe, where Nissan’s luxury division is a relative newcomer.

Its latest offering comes in the form of the EX Black Premium. Based on the diesel-powered EX30d GT Premium trim, the Black edition features (you guessed it) black paint (metalic Malbec, in Infiniti parlance) with graphite leather interior plus 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, aluminum roof rails and a Bose sound system.

That covers the vehicle. As for the experience, Infiniti has thrown in a night for two – fine dining included – at any of the hundreds of luxury hotels associated with the Relais & Château group, as well as membership in its exclusive Club 5C. Only 500 examples of the Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition will be offered across Europe, at about a $5,000 premium over the standard top-spec model. Full details are in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Infiniti EX30d Black Premium

[Source: Infiniti]

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Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition introduced in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Infiniti debating anchoring line-up with both entry-level and halo models

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury

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

It’s not uncommon for an automaker to be evaluating several potential products at the same time, but those models usually hover within the parameters of the company’s existing line-up. Not the case with Infiniti. Nissan’s luxury division is reportedly looking at going both up-market and down with a pair of new products to give it a much father reach than the current range.

First up is a halo model, and after looking at the competition, Infiniti has reportedly come to the conclusion that, in order to lure buyers into showrooms, they’ll need something attractive and high-end. And while a successor to the Q45 flagship sedan was once seen as a potential route, reports indicate that, if given the green light, a sportscar to rival the likes of the Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and even the Lexus LFA would be the way to go. The show-stopping Essence concept previewed that notion, but Infiniti is reportedly still mulling the idea over, and the presence of the Nissan GT-R surely isn’t helping focus the picture.

At the other end of the spectrum, Infiniti has long been considering the idea of an entry-level hatchback model to take on the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30. Arch-rival Lexus became the first of the Japanese luxury brands to earnestly pursue the segment with the CT 200h, and if Infiniti is serious about getting a younger demographic, it could opt to follow suite in short order.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Ward’s]

Report: Infiniti debating anchoring line-up with both entry-level and halo models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Infiniti gets in the holiday spirit with two snowball-themed ads

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Infiniti, Humor

Infiniti Holiday Ad

Infiniti plays in the show with two new holiday ads – Click above to watch video after the jump

Infiniti is getting into the holiday spirit, and it has two new ads that each revolve around one theme: the snowball. The two ad clips are titled “Mischievous” and “Magical,” and the slushy projectile is used in two very different ways in the ads. “Magical” takes a whimsical approach towards spreading holiday bliss, while “Mischievous” takes aim at a certain German competitor, with an all-wheel-drive Infiniti G sedan playing the role of the snowball’s co-star.

We would love to see more snowy driving action with the G, but at least the spots get us in the right frame of mind for the season. Both ad spots are available for your viewing after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Infiniti gets in the holiday spirit with two snowball-themed ads

Video: Infiniti gets in the holiday spirit with two snowball-themed ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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