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LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

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

Making its public debut here at the LA Auto Show is the first production hybrid sedan from Infiniti, the M35h. Set to hit dealerships in the spring of 2011, the M Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

When paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor, the M35h’s 3.5-liter V6 is estimated to produce a stout 360 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. What’s more, the electric motor produces an additional 199 lb-ft of twist off the line for acceleration, and we’re told that the sedan can travel up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Official fuel economy figures are not available as of this writing, but Infiniti expects the M Hybrid to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (27 combined). Sure, that might sound impressive, but for the sake of comparison, we’d like to direct your attention to the new 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 from Hyundai, which is estimated to net 26 mpg highway with a whopping 429 hp on tap. Just sayin’.

The M Hybrid does come standard with a laundry list of technological features, such as Active Noise Control and an audible pedestrian warning system for times when the car is silently cruising in electric mode. On top of that, the usual host of functions like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio are all on hand – this is a top-tier Infiniti, after all.

Follow the jump for the full details in the automaker’s press release, and click through our galleries of live and stock shots to see the new M Hybrid from all angles.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Resinating the Essential: Infiniti offering limited-edition sculpture with Louis Vuitton case

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Infiniti, Design/Style

Infiniti Essence sculpture – Click above for high-res images

Rolling sculpture is how you might describe the Infiniti Essence show car. When it was unveiled in Geneva last year it stole the show, and now the Japanese luxury marque is following up with a limited-edition sculpture of the car itself.

Crafted from resin by the same creative minds behind the Essence concept, the Essence sculpture will only be produced in a limited run of 300 examples, each fetching $300. The sculpture is transported and presented in a special case hand-crafted by Louis Vuitton, the luxury goods workshop that made the custom-fitted luggage for the concept car.

The sculpture will debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show before going on sale at infinitilifestyle.com in December, but you can get a closer look now by clicking the thumbnails below and following the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence sculpture

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Resinating the Essential: Infiniti offering limited-edition sculpture with Louis Vuitton case

Resinating the Essential: Infiniti offering limited-edition sculpture with Louis Vuitton case originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti EX

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

The biggest news for Infiniti’s 2011 model year lineup may be the all-new M sedan, QX56 SUV, G25 sedan and IPL G coupe, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the automaker’s portfolio sails into the new year unchanged. The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

Curiously, Infiniti is still offering the EX with its smaller 3.5-liter V6, even though the majority of its products now use the more powerful 3.7-liter mill. Still, with 297 horsepower on tap, the EX35 should continue to be a surprisingly engaging steer, and with a new seven-speed gearbox in place, fuel efficiency should be improved for 2011, especially in the all-wheel drive models.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Other changes for 2011 include Active Blind Spot Warming being added to the EX’s technology package and a revised premium package that encompasses both the upgraded Bose audio system and around-view camera system.

The 2011 EX is making its way to dealerships as you read this, priced from $34,150 (*excluding destination fees). A top-end EX35 Journey AWD will set you back $37,750, drastically undercutting the price of BMW’s new (and admittedly larger) X3 xDrive35i that we recently tested. Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti EX

2011 Infiniti EX

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Infiniti M37

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Reviews, Luxury

Can Luxury, Technology and Style Win Your Soul?

2011 Infiniti M37

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

Not too long ago, the Infiniti M was the lesser sibling to the flagship Q. It was the middle child. During the 2006 model year, when the Q was less than a year from being dropped from the lineup, Infiniti gave the M a strong shove in the back in the form of a 4.5-liter V8 and quietly told it to climb up on the soon-to-be-vacant throne. With the Q gone and unlikely to return anytime soon, the Infiniti M is now tasked with being the automaker’s flagship sedan.

Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the Infiniti M is bigger and better than its predecessors ever were, but it still can’t fill the Q’s empty shoes. Shorted the substance and stature to battle the Lexus LS, the newest Japanese luxury sedan is relegated to fighting wars with the aged Lexus GS and Acura RL. But those two are the easy enemies. BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac are the ones fielding today’s worthy adversaries.

We spent a week with the “entry level” Infiniti M37. While it isn’t the range-topping M56, it does boast a proven 330-horsepower V6 and a luxuriously appointed cabin. Did we miss the eight-cylinder power? Should the Sports Package be a required purchase? What unique features does the gizmo-laden four-door offer? Most importantly, how well will it fare in this lion’s den of a segment? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M37: Review

Continue reading Review: 2011 Infiniti M37

Review: 2011 Infiniti M37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti still mulling halo sportscar model?

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

Infiniti Essence concept car

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

Infiniti has got its hands full these days. Between the launch of the new M range, development of its own luxury version of the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle and plans for a rival to the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and new Lexus CT200h, to say nothing of the manifestation of its Infiniti Performance Line, there’s plenty on the Nissan premium division’s plate. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t take on one more big project, if the latest reports from overseas come to fruition.

According to British weekly Autocar, Infiniti chief Toru Saito is keen to top the brand’s model lineup with a full-on range-topping sportscar. The segment is one which rival Acura had previously attacked with the iconic NSX and which Lexus recently tackled with the LFA supercar (albeit at a stratospheric level), but which Infiniti hasn’t broached until now. Although previous rumors surrounded the use of the Nissan GT-R’s platform, if it comes to be, Autocar says that Infiniti’s sportscar would likely take its cues from the critically acclaimed Essence show car displayed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, and possibly draw on parent company Nissan-Renault’s recently-penned partnership with Mercedes-Benz.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Infiniti still mulling halo sportscar model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M56

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

The Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis V8 and the BMW 5 Series were tested in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, and the results were fairly predictable. All three vehicles received ratings of “Excellent,” though each vehicle’s road to the top came from a different direction.

The newly redesigned M37 remains CR’s top-rated midsize luxury sedan for its combination of performance, luxury and comfort. CR chief David Champion credits the M for combining “agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior.” Solid praise, indeed. The BMW 535i’s top rating comes on the heels of a test that revealed the new sedan as quick, luxurious and fuel efficient. Interestingly, CR believes that the new 5 Series has lost some of its trademark agility for 2011.

While the M37 is the top-rated midsize luxury sedan the V8-powered Hyundai Genesis could be the big winner of this test. South Korea’s best nailed the test with the most power of the three vehicles tested and the lowest price tag of the group. We’re not talking a couple thousand bucks, either. The Genesis was $10,000 cheaper than the M and $15,000 less than the BMW. The dark-horse luxury sedan was called spacious and smooth, though the ‘built for comfort’ chassis was called out for being “not that sporty.” Both the M37 and Genesis have been granted the coveted CR “Recommended” label, while the 5 Series doesn’t have enough reliability data available to qualify just yet. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, First Drive, Luxury

The Infiniti For Those Afraid Of Fast

2011 Infiniti G25

2011 Infiniti G25 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to years of dedicated work and impressive engineering, Infiniti has earned a reputation for being the “Japanese BMW.” Like the German automaker, Infiniti’s U.S. entries are decidedly more performance oriented, but the brand’s decision to install the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 in its G Sedan had us wondering if things were changing… and not for the better.

Follow the jump to find out if our suspicions have been confirmed.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti G25: First Drive

2011 Infiniti G25

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, First Drive, Luxury

Increases Performance Little, but also Increases Price Little

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Our waiting Infiniti IPL G Coupe idles curbside. Exiting its enormous Thermos-sized chrome exhaust tips, the invisible waveforms invite a closer listen. The baritone note suggests power, with a cadence that is is lumpy, sounding closer to a V8 with a heavy cam than any V6 we’ve ever heard. A harbinger of things to come, or just an evil audible tease? We had flown to California’s Napa Valley to find out, but first we needed some context.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe: First Drive

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti continues to roll out its new Infiniti Performance Line, IPL, and naturally the next vehicle to get the sporty kit is the G37 Convertible. The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible lines up next to the already-revealed IPL G Coupe and shares the same aggressive body kit and stylish 19-inch, seven-spoke graphite wheels.

We suspect power will be slightly down compared to the IPL G Coupe, much like how the standard G coupe is slightly more powerful than its respective convertible counterpart. Pricing has yet to be announced as this is technically a concept, but with the IPL G Coupe trickling up to the $50K mark we expect the convertible to cross that threshold. Have a look at Infiniti’s more aggressive droptop G in the gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti G25 Sedan – Click above for high-res image

Infiniti now has a online configurator for the G25 powered by a 2.5-liter V6, and the details are, quite frankly, a bit of a mixed bag. We already knew that the base G25 starts at a very reasonable $30,950 ($31,825 with $875 destination), or $4,100 less than the base G37 Journey. That starting price won’t come with such niceties as Bluetooth, dual climate control or a USB interface for your electronic gadgets. To reach that level of refinement you’ll have to step up to the G25 Journey, which stickers for $32,350 ($33,225 with destination). To add all-wheel drive to your G25 you’ll have to come up with still more cash. The G25X has all the standard equipment of the G25 Journey, but adds AWD and a snow mode for $33,950 ($34,825 with destination).

You’ll undoubtedly save money up front if you opt for a G25, but you’ll also save at the pump… a little. The G25’s EPA numbers read 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That’s not bad for a luxury sled, but it’s also only fractionally better than the far more powerful G37, which nets respectable 19/27 numbers. The G25X tells a similar story, with 19/27 numbers only marginally better than the G37X’s 18/25 totals.

There is little doubt that there’s a market in the U.S. for the G25. After all, there are plenty of folks out who will be happy to rock a G Sedan with a lower MSRP and better fuel economy than the now up-level G37. But the G25’s 2.5-liter V6 with 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque is 110 horsepower and 82 lb-ft behind the G37’s fabulous 3.7-liter V6, and when you consider the mediocre improvement in fuel economy, we’re inclined to keep saving pennies until we can afford the G37.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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