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Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:24:49 -0800

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti
20th Anniversary Edition 2010 Infiniti G37 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Has it really been 20 years? As a matter of fact, yes. Infiniti has been selling its upmarket wares in the U.S. for two decades and to commemorate the occasion its releasing three special edition G37 coupes, sedans and convertibles.

Limited to 200 variants of each model, Infiniti has outfitted the 20th Anniversary Editions with Monaco Red interior, maple trim and a sexy Graphite Shadow exterior, along with Premium and Navigation packages. Included in the kit are heated and cooled seats, summer rubber, a blacked-out grille, new side sills and revised fascias, with a standard rear spoiler on the coupe and sedan.

Pricing and availability is yours for the taking after the jump and sales are set to begin towards the middle of next month.

Gallery: 20th Anniversary Edition 2010 Infiniti G37Continue reading Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition GsInfiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:02:01 -0800

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56
[Source: IIHS]IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:37:00 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, First Drive, Luxury
2011 Infiniti M56S - Click above for high-res image gallery

What is an Infiniti? That's a pretty harsh question to be asking 20 years after the brand's debut, but sadly, it's pertinent. To be fair, the possible answers to this question got much narrower in 2003 when Infiniti introduced a legitimate BMW 3 Series competitor, the G35 (now G37). The situation further clarified that same year when the "Bionic Cheetah," known to the rest of us as the FX showed its (then) quite handsome face. But it was the 2005 introduction of the second generation M sedan that announced most loudly Infiniti's luxury-performance aspirations: to kick BMW in the back of the pants.

When it debuted, the M (specifically M45S) was a better sporting sedan than the BMW 545i. It had more power, it arguably handled better, and the heavily larded-on high-tech gizmos were worlds more user-friendly than BMW's first-generation iDrive (two minutes to tune in a radio station sucks). Only problem was father time, who simply wasn't kind to the ultimately frumpy looking M. While the rest of the world's sporting, mid-size sedans evolved into better, sharper, faster machines (see the astonishingly good Mercedes-Benz E-Class), the Infiniti M languished on the vine. A good car? Yes, for sure, but by its less-than-notable refresh in 2008, the M had became an also-ran. All it really had going for it was a lower price than the competition, which isn't exactly a strong selling point in such a cachet-conscious segment.

Recently, Infiniti invited the U.S. motoring press down to mostly-sunny San Diego to meet and drive its new 2011 M cars. Lo and behold, we think we may now know what an Infiniti is.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56
Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questionsFirst Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:47:53 -0800

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Consumer Reports Top Pick Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery

Each year, the automotive editors of Consumer Reports select their Top Pick Cars, representing vehicles that are the best in their individual segments. These cars are deemed to have "average or better" predicted reliability and have scored high marks in government safety testing. In past years, automakers like Honda and Toyota have dominated this list, but since more and more manufacturers are ramping up their quality within each competitive segment, the 2010 list proves to be the most diverse CR Top Picks group in over a decade.

So, which cars garner the most praise from CR? The Nissan Altima has officially dethroned the Honda Accord from the top family sedan spot, the Volkswagen GTI takes honors as the best sporty car, the trusty Subaru Forester takes the cake in the small SUV category, the quirky Mazda5 wins for best family hauler, and both the Chevrolet Traverse and Silverado stand tall as the best family SUV and pickup truck. These six newcomers join the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Toyota Prius and Lexus LS460L to round out the entire list of Top Pick Cars.

Unlike most automotive media outlets (Autoblog included), Consumer Reports actually buys its own test cars before putting them through rigirous evaluations of handling, braking, comfort, safety and more, and each test car is roughly 6,000 miles older by the time all of the tests have been completed. Follow the jump to read the official press release from CR, and scroll through our attached gallery to see high-res shots of all the 2010 Top Pick Cars.

Gallery: 2010 Consumer Reports Top Picks

[Source: Consumer Reports - sub. req.]

Continue reading Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity

Consumer Reports adds six cars to Top Picks list, touts diversity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti brings twin-turbodiesel to Europe

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:09:27 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, UK, Diesel, Luxury

It has taken 20 years, but Infiniti is throwing its dice down on the diesel table. Well, in Europe at least. The V9X engine, developed with Renault, is a 3.0-liter narrow-angle V6 with 234-horsepower and 405 foot-pounds. It will first be placed in the EX30d and FX30d models, then later will come the M, making its first appearance in Europe at all with the M30d and a petrol-powered model.

After a year of European sales the brand has its eye on growth, and it knows a good oil-burner is a good way to goose the numbers. The crossover models will go on sale this summer, the M following at some point. Prices haven't been announced yet, but you can find out all about the new engine in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti brings twin-turbodiesel to Europe

Infiniti brings twin-turbodiesel to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:47:16 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Etc., Safety, Technology, Crossover, Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Luxury, Off-Road
Acura Cold Weather Testing - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Don't hold back."

Three words I've never heard before at a press event and three words that are running through my mind as I tramp down on the throttle and wheelspin my way towards the gray horizon.

Don't hold back.

Ahead of me lies a three-quarter-mile stretch of perfectly groomed snow sitting atop a thick layer of ice, with over 300 feet of desolation on either side.

Don't hold back.

From a standing start, the well-worn BMW X6 grapples with a lack of traction and then finally grips through the slush to propel me past 20... 30... 40... 50 mph. Then I slam on the stoppers. The ABS system pulses through the brake pedal and the coupe-shaped 'ute grinds to a squeaky, squawky halt. Let's try that again.

Don't hold back.

This time I get up to 60 mph, lay on the brakes and it's the same result. Now I'm bored, so it's time to experiment with a few emergency lane change maneuvers. I get up to 30 mph, stab at the brake, yank the wheel to the right, then back to the left and straighten up. Nothing. No drama. No hesitation. No tail wagging. I do it again, this time at 40 mph with the traction control off. Same result. Then 50 mph. Same result. Then 60 mph. And then I promptly stuff myself into an six-foot-tall snow bank.

Didn't hold back.

Follow the jump to read about our experience at Acura's cold weather testing facility in Minnesota.

Gallery: Acura Cold Weather TestingContinue reading Cold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the businessCold Weather Testing in Minnesota: Where Acura beats on one of the best AWD systems in the business originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:02:35 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury
2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Infiniti M officially goes on sale next month, and in addition to boasting higher performance numbers and a sleek new exterior design, the EPA has officially released some relatively impressive fuel economy numbers for the new sedan. Both the six- and eight-cylinder Ms benefit from technologies like continuously variable valve timing, and the M56's 5.6-liter V8 uses direct injection to aid in better performance as well as improved efficiency.

The base M37 with Infiniti's 3.7-liter V6 produces 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, and nets 18/26 miles per gallon (city/highway). This represents power increases of 27 hp and eight lb-ft versus the outgoing M35 model, as well as one more mpg in both driving cycles. The all-wheel-drive M37x is rated at 17/24 mpg, increases of one and two mpg over the M35x, respectively.

V8-powered M56s use an all-new 5.6-liter engine, good for 420 hp and 417 lb-ft-meaning the grandaddy M produces a whopping 95 hp and 81 lb-ft more than the previous M45. Rear-drive M56s net 16/25 mpg city/hwy, and the all-wheel drive M56x is rated at 16/23 mpg. Even though this engine is substantially more powerful than the old 4.5-liter V8, Infiniti has still managed to improve overall fuel economy.

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is less powerful in both V6 and V8 variants while netting roughly the same fuel economy numbers. If Infiniti can keep the new sedan's price down, consumers in this segment will be smart to add the M to their shopping lists. Click through the jump to read Infiniti's official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M
[Source: Infiniti]Continue reading Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedanInfiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:51:36 -0800

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury
Porsche Panamera with body kit by Wald International - Click above for image gallery

Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.

Included in Wald's plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they'd have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol' alloys. Check 'em out for yourself below.

Gallery: Wald International luxury sedan body kits
[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read

All-New 2011 Infiniti M Sedan starts at $46,250

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:32:33 -0800

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury
2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sales of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M are still a few weeks away, but Nissan's luxury arm has released pricing details on both the 2011 M37 and it's V8-powered brother, the M56.

In standard, rear-wheel drive guise, the M37 starts at $46,250 - just $450 more than the outgoing model - and comes packing the 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, with considerably more grunt than the last generation's 3.5-liter V6 and better fuel economy to boot. The all-wheel drive variant starts at $48,400, and both models come equipped with Infiniti's Drive Mode Selector, Active Noise Control, RearView Monitor and Enhanced Intelligent Key memory.

Option up for the 2011 M56 and in addition to the 420-hp, direct injected 5.6-liter V8, the Premium Package comes standard, including the eight-inch VGA touch screen with navigation, Bose 10-speaker audio system, 9.3-gig Music Box hard drive, streaming Bluetooth audio, heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. All told, the M56 comes in at $57,550 for the rear-wheel drive model and $60,050 for the M56x with all-wheel drive. That's a sizable bump over the outgoing M45, but considering all the additional kit that comes with the new V8 model, it's a justifiable increase and certainly in line with the competition. Make the jump for the full break down, including options pricing and detailed descriptions.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti MContinue reading All-New 2011 Infiniti M Sedan starts at $46,250All-New 2011 Infiniti M Sedan starts at $46,250 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

How the Other Half Drives: Infiniti launches FX Limited Edition in Europe

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:27:33 -0800

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, UK, Luxury

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Miffed at having missed out on the Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition? The special run was unveiled in Amsterdam a couple of months back at a price roughly twice that of a stock FX. Only 100 were made, and they weren't even available on this side of the pond. Now Infiniti's European division is following up with a second run called, straight-forward enough, the Limited Edition.

Like the Millionaire, the Limited can be ordered in either FX37 or FX50 guise, in scratch-resistant Obsidian Black or White Moonlight paint and features a host of special touches inside and out, from the dark graphite trim and 21-inch turbine-shaped rims to the Alcantara and carbon fiber trim on the interior. The special crossover also comes packed with the Connectiviti+ package, packing everything from sat-nav with Michelin Guide to the 11-speaker Bose sound system and 10-gig hard drive.

Fortunately prices are considerably more reasonable than its predecessor special, with the FX37S Limited Edition coming in at

Report: Infiniti considering front-wheel-drive vehicle

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:30:42 -0800

Filed under: InfinitiLoyalists will accept a less powerful 2.5-liter G-Series in the model range, but how will they embrace a front-wheel drive model from Nissan's upscale - and enthusiast targeted - Infiniti brand?

Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.'s vice president for product planning, hinted during a recent interview that Infiniti is considering an entry-level vehicle (or a family of models) based on a front-wheel drive platform. This isn't unfamiliar territory for the Japanese automaker. Shortly after the brand debuted, the front-wheel drive 1991 G20 (based on the JDM Nissan Primera) arrived on the scene. It was followed several years later by the 1996 I30 (a gussied-up Nissan Maxima). By 2005, in a strategy designed to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti had reverted back to an all rear-wheel drive lineup led by the 3.5-liter G35, and later with a few all-wheel drive models.

According to Dominique, many buyers do not know, or care, whether their vehicles are FWD or AWD, citing the Acura TSX and TL models as examples. "Those buyers are OK with it... I think we could deliver Infiniti off a different platform and deliver the experience Infiniti customers expect," he added without going into detail.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Report: Infiniti considering front-wheel-drive vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 11:19:34 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury
2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the team over at Inside Line reported on Tuesday that the 2011 Infiniti G Series sedan will be offered with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 borrowed from the JDM Skyline 250GT (sold as the Infiniti G on our shores), we were left scratching our heads. Understanding that the car was intended to be an entry-level (and fuel-efficient) competitor to the BMW 328i and Lexus IS250, arming it with a 280-horsepower turbocharged powerplant simply didn't make sense.

With a genuine apology for an erroneous report, IL is now reporting that the turbocharger will be left back in Japan. Sans turbo, the Infiniti G25 will arrive with a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 rated at 210 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That's more like it... maybe. According to our tipster, the engine will be rated at 235 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Don't memorize those numbers either, because our sources say it's 222 hp and 194 lb-ft of torque. Bottom line: There will be no turbocharged engine under the hood of the upcoming Infiniti G25. Thanks for the tip Dr. J!

[Source: Inside Line]Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Nissan and Infiniti coming to New York Auto Show with 2011 QX56 in tow

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:30:40 -0800

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury
2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click either image for a gallery

The panjandrums behind the New York Auto Show are happy to announce that Nissan and Infiniti will both be there this April. Not only that, Infiniti will be bringing a new, and very large, toy to unveil: the redesigned 2011 QX56 SUV. New York is Nissan's premier designated market area, which could mean a lot for the fortunes of an SUV some thought would have already shuffle off this mortal coil.

Last year Nissan sounded a little bearish on the entire auto show enterprise, but that sentiment appears to have been forgotten entirely - it has eight new models on the way this year and will need to show them off. Now if we could just get them to add a ninth, that Essence coupe, we'd be as happy as the NYIAS folks. You can have a look at a couple angles of the QX56 in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Infiniti QX56
[Source: NYIAS]Nissan and Infiniti coming to New York Auto Show with 2011 QX56 in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:06:41 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury
2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

According the slinky sleuths at InsideLine, the 2011 Infiniti G series will be available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 from the JDM-only Skyline 250GT (known as the Infiniti G in the States). But something's amiss...

Infiniti informed IL that the small V6 will be sold beneath the G37 as an entry-level alternative (think BMW 328i versus 335i), although we're a bit confused about the quoted power outputs. Nissan fitted its naturally aspirated, 210 hp 2.5-liter V6 (VQ25DD) to the Skyline through 2006, but the automaker's turbocharged variant (VQ25DET) puts out 280 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The report doesn't clarify which mill is on the way. Regardless, the 2011 Infiniti G25 will only be available as a sedan, so if you have dreams of a budget coupe or convertible, well, get comfortable with the ideas of four doors.

Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37
[Source: InsideLine]Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read

2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti's "swoopy anger" design language has made it to the M line, and InsideLine got some seat time in the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive, M56 and the six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive M37x. The M56 is, of course, the monster of the two and kinda looks it. The black hue and 20-inch wheels makes all the difference on the outside, giving the 400+ horsepower V8 sedan the sporting chops to make you go "Hmmm." The interior continues the curves, and the contrasting color scheme appears to create a very rewarding three-dimensional cabin.

The M37x is reportedly worth about 325 hp, and will end up being the middle in the range, just above a rear-wheel-drive model below it. Seven-speed autos will get the power to the ground in every model. Edmunds wasn't allowed to give driving impressions, but they did get lots of photos, so head on over to get a good look at the next M.

[Source: Straight Line]2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read

2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Porsche

The 2009 North American International Auto Show was a bit of a disaster. The very difficult and uncertain economic conditions resulted in several high-profile automakers dropping out of the exhibition. Among the absent automakers were Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche, and a quick jaunt around Cobo's main floor revealed the empty spaces left by those big-time players. The future of the Detroit Auto Show is already looking brighter, however, with the approval of a much-needed overhaul of Cobo Hall, and more good news is coming in the way of a full main floor.

Detroit show organizers aren't yet ready to tip their hand as to which automakers will be attending the show, but among those likely to return are Nissan and Infiniti, as Japan's number three automaker is just too big to stay out of the North American International Auto Show two years in a row. The Detroit Free Press reports that Porsche has been unhappy with the lack of major media coverage at the L.A. Auto Show, and the German automaker could turn to Detroit to get its media fix. Porsche could also find itself sharing space with its new parent, Volkswagen.

While Detroit looks bring back some automakers that were lost last year, North America's biggest auto show could also bring in some newcomers. Fiat's partnership/ownership of Chrysler could mean that Fiat and Alfa Romeo models wind up parked near the Chrysler booth. India's Mahindra group, which is looking to sell trucks and SUVs here in the States, could be another option, as could China's BYD. We're really looking forward to this year's NAIAS, and it will be nice to once again see a full main floor. Another Detroit January, on the other hand, is something we can do without.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read

Infiniti prepares special FX Millionaire Edition exclusively for Europe

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows, LuxuryKudos to Infiniti. With seemingly every special edition model being blinged-up and chrome frosted inside and out, you'd figure something called the Millionaire Edition would be the most ostentatious thing on four wheels. But Nissan's luxury division has taken an entirely more understated approach with the 2010 Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition. Instead of chrome or gold plating, the FX Millionaire gets dark graphite trim on the exterior, including the grille, air dam, 21-inch wheels and roof rails - as well as the window surrounds, from the look of it - complementing the Obsidian Black or White Moonlight paint schemes. Inside, it's all Alcantara micro-suede with brown stitching offset by carbon fiber, plus all the advanced features from the catalog, including sat-nav, Infiniti's excellent Around View Monitor system and Bose audio. The package is available on either the FX37 or FX50, but only in Europe, with no more than 100 examples to be built. Equipped with the 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, the FX50 Millionaire Edition sells in the price-inflated UK market for a princely €95,450 - about $144k in 'merican greenbacks, or more than twice the base price for us non-millionaires. On second thought, maybe we'll save those kudos for another time. The FX Millionaire Edition is being unveiled next week, appropriately enough, at Amsterdam's Millionaire Fair. [Source: AutoWeek.nl]Infiniti prepares special FX Millionaire Edition exclusively for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read

LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmed

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti, Electric
2010 Infiniti G37 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Although the 2011 Infiniti M was the star of last night's show, as suspected, the wraps came off the 2010 Infiniti G37, a mid-cycle refresh of the automaker's bread-and-butter model.

It's far from a radical redesign, but as previously spied, the fog lamp clusters moved further down the reworked fascia, a new grille sits front and center and a tweaked rear bumper joins a new set of 17-inch, five-spoke wheels.

Inside, it's more of the same, with a nip here and a tuck there. White gauges and an LCD screen are the most obvious changes, along with a new center console, aluminum trim and available Maple accents. Real-time traffic and weather are included in the navigation system (XM subscription required), and everything's accessed through a seven-inch touch screen monitor that carries forward for 2010.

While we didn't see the new QX, Infiniti announced that its redesigned SUV is due to hit the U.S. early in 2010 and execs re-confirmed Infiniti's plans to offer a fully-electric vehicle in the future. They were mum on details, only saying that the EV would be ideal for a "dual vehicle family." Expect to see the all-new EV within the next year or two, but in the meantime, you can check out the 2010 Infiniti M at dealers in a few weeks after you've gotten an eyeful in the galleries below and read up on the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37
Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmedLA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37 unveiled, 2011 QX coming and EV re-confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury
2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look over Infiniti's current line-up and two vehicles stand out: The M and the QX. Both vehicles have been soldiering on while the brand's volume models (G and FX) have undergone major redesigns, leaving Infiniti's flagship sedan and hulking SUV toiling away unchanged since 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Tonight, that changes.

We'll probably see a mildly tweaked G in So. Cal. while covering the LA Auto Show (an updated QX full-size SUV won't appear until later), but the star of the party is the 2011 Infiniti M. Due to go on sale next spring, the M will be available with two powerplants -- Infiniti's ubiquitous 3.7-liter V6 and a new 5.6-liter V8 -- each available with rear- or all-wheel drive and both packing enough electronic gizmos to make even the most hardened NASA engineer's head spin.

UPDATE: A hybrid version of the M will debut sometime in the middle of 2010. A live image gallery of the M56 has been added below, along with more high-res pics of both the Sport and Touring models. Also, scope out the sexiest door handles you'll see this week here.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Infiniti M
Gallery: 2011 Infiniti MContinue reading 2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-20102011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink

Autoblog Podcast #154

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 13:12:15 -0800

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read