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Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

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

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept – Click above to enlarge image

The first Infiniti Performance Line offering was unveiled at Pebble Beach last month in the form of the IPL G37 Coupe. The 348-horsepower G hardtop wears a factory-designed bodykit and came with engine and chassis tweaks to make things slightly firmer and faster. It goes on sale in December.

This week, its droptop brother will arrive at the Paris Motor Show. Infiniti hasn’t announced power output, but we expect the IPL G Convertible Concept will probably be a shade less muscular than the coupe, as is the case with the non-IPL models. The automaker hasn’t given away any hint of pricing, either, but VP Ben Poore did say “IPL promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices,” if that’s any consolation. Stay tuned for complete details later in the week.

[Source: Infiniti]

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Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti FX

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

The 2011 Infiniti FX has just received that rare gift of a price cut, with $2,600 coming off the FX50’s MSRP and $1,250 in savings for the FX35. Looking at Infiniti’s numbers for 2010, the division has been outperforming 2009 by anywhere from 10 to nearly 50 percent since February 2010, but the picture comes into focus when you separate the FX from the herd.

Despite good divisional performance, the swoopy FX is off 12.4 percent calendar year to date, according to the Nissan North America sales report for August 2010. It’s not like 2009 was a banner year, of course, so to help spur FX sales, Infiniti has lowered the base MSRPs on its FX models to $41,600 for the rear-wheel-drive FX35, $43,050 for the FX35 with all-wheel drive and $56,400 for the V8-powered FX50. To sweeten the pot, Infiniti is also throwing in a standard power liftgate, too. We’ll know soon enough whether the pricing gambit has worked. Official press release posted after the jump. Hat tip to Zach!

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti FX

[Source: Infiniti]

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Infiniti FX models see price drop for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti M56S – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Infiniti M lineup was thoroughly made over for 2011, with new technology and new engines packing more power and resulting in better fuel economy. As you could surely assume, all those improvements came at a cost, and Infiniti passed along some of the pain to customers. For example, the starting price of M56 variants were edged higher by $5,750 compared to the outgoing M45 and M45x. The price spike apparently wasn’t enough money, though, as Infiniti has again upped the MSRP of all 2011 M models.

Effective immediately, the M56 and M56x are up by another $350, with a sticker price of $58,775 and $61,275, respectively. The M37 and M37x received a $250 bump, with a new starting price of $46,500 and $48,650, respectively. We’re not exactly sure why the price of the M jumped, but it could have something to do with the fact that sales of the flagship Infiniti are up 45 percent on the year, with August 2010 sales more than doubling compared to the same month in 2009. Not a bad problem to have.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: Infiniti]

2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid

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

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has officially announced plans to debut its first hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The M35 hybrid first appeared – badged as the Nissan Fuga hybrid – at last fall’s Tokyo Motor Show, propelled by Nissan’s first in-house hybrid system. The M35 is powered by a retuned Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-liter VQ V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack that uses the same type of cells that power the Nissan Leaf.

The motor is a disc-type unit packed between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission in a similar fashion to the systems from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Porsche. Infiniti claims the M35 will deliver V8 performance with the fuel consumption of a four cylinder. While the Fuga is set to go on sale in Japan this fall, the M35 hybrid arrives in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid

[Source: Nissan]

LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Infiniti mulling more rear-wheel-drive hybrids

Filed under: Hybrid, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti M35 Hybrid

Infiniti M35 Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Infiniti M35 Hybrid won’t be hitting showrooms until Spring 2011, but that doesn’t mean future applications of the hybrid powertrain aren’t already in the works. Speaking with Automotive News, Nissan North America’s vice president of product planning, Larry Dominique, says that the M35’s hybrid drivetrain was designed to fit all of Infiniti’s rear-wheel drive models, not just the flagship M.

Infiniti’s new hybrid system is the first gasoline-electric powerplant solely designed by Nissan (the Altima Hybrid uses a Toyota-sourced unit). Once the M35 launches, we could see new hybrid versions of the G, EX and FX models, though we’d expect those to come long after the initial launch of the M35.

Currently, the market for rear-wheel-drive hybrid sedans is very small, with the Lexus GS 450h and LS 600h, Mercedes-Benz S400 and BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid making up the entire segment. More entries are expected to arrive over the next few years, and Infiniti will surely test the waters with the M35 before electrifying any more models within its lineup.

Gallery: Infiniti M35 Hybrid

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Infiniti mulling more rear-wheel-drive hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of “Good” in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle’s roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a “Good” score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.

Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it’s not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an “Acceptable” score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a “Marginal” rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

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Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Up until recently, Infiniti wasn’t entirely sure what its brand was all about. But since its latest reboot, the brand has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker – in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it’s taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW’s M division or Mercedes’ AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what’s been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn’t released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we’re hoping the price premium isn’t excessively high for what’s essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe (G37)

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Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [UPDATED]*

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan, Middle East, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Nissan Patrol – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan has issued a recall for more than a thousand Nissan Patrol models in the Middle East, citing electrical problems that could affect the engine’s fuel supply leading to engine stalls. According to Monal Zeidan, the general manager of marketing and communications for Nissan Middle East, there are problems with an integrated circuit inside the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM). Zeidan goes on to say that if the ECM fails the fuel injectors could stop working and the engine may stop. Owners of the 1,250 affected vehicles in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are being asked to visit their dealerships to have a revised ECM installed.

While the all-new 2011 Infiniti QX56 is heavily based on the Nissan Patrol, our sources at Infiniti say the two models run different ECMs. That’s a bit of good news for owners of Infiniti’s latest flagship SUV, as it means they won’t need to worry about the recall.

*UPDATE: Nissan has issued a clarifying statement that notes while U.S. Infiniti QX56 models are unaffected by this action, Middle Eastern market QX56 are indeed being recalled alongside their Patrol cousins.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan Patrol

[Source: TheNational]

Nissan Patrol recalled overseas but kissing-cousin Infiniti QX56 not affected [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti G25 hits dealers… in China

Filed under: Sedan, China, Infiniti

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

Finally caught where the eyes of the general population can see it, the Infiniti G25 posed for a few photos at a Chinese dealership, and from the outside it’s hard to distinguish the entry-level Infiniti from the 3.7-liter V6-powered G37 sedan.

As you might guess from the name, the entry-level G25 has a 2.5-liter version of the VQ-Series V6 that produces 232 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly enough, it’s also possible to get this same powerplant in the Chinese-market EX crossover as… you guessed it, the EX25. For its part, the G25 is also starting to become available in select additional markets including Russia.

At the moment, there is no word about any plans for either model to be launched in North America.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti G25

[Source: Autohome]

2011 Infiniti G25 hits dealers… in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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