Autoblog

UPDATE: Additional live shots added to the high-res gallery

click above image for high-res shots of the Infiniti EX concept

After the formal reveal of the slinky Infiniti G37 Coupe, Nissan's luxury division turned its attention to a vehicle that will have significantly broader appeal and is sure to be a supermarket/shopping mall/suburban driveway staple once it sheds the "concept" moniker later this year. We are, of course, referring to Infiniti's very compelling EX Concept, a slightly sub-FX-sized crossover that shares its underlying architecture with the new G37 Coupe and its engine with the new G35 sedan. After a video intro narrated by Nissan's design guro, Shiro Nakamura, the EX had its veil lifted (literally) and we journo-types got our first look at it in person.

It's impressive. More than just a wagon with a G35's face grafted on it, the EX has a sporty stance, rakish profile, and presents itself as a cohesive blend of the division's car and crossover styling. It takes the best parts of both the G and FX, and it's arguably more attractive than future competitors like the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. Showcasing blue sky, concept-only technology like a liquid-crystal roof that turns from transparent to translucent at the touch of a button, as well as production-ready niftiness like the new around-view monitor that uses multiple cameras to vastly improve visibility when parking, and the enhanced lane departure warning system that incorporates brake intervention to help keep the car where it's supposed to be. Both those technologies will be available later in the year, and at the end of the presentation, Infiniti GM Mark Igo officially announced that the production EX35 crossover will arrive at the end of 2007. We asked an Infiniti rep what this means for the FX, and were told that it's evolution will continue as well, and to look for new concepts that will hint at its direction at future shows.

Check out our new live shots in the gallery by clicking below, or watch video of the live reveal after the jump.

You can view all the debuts and galleries from the New York Auto Show here.





PRESS RELEASE:

EX Concept

The Infiniti EX Concept, with its seductive, coupe-inspired design and luxurious interior, is a preview of the all-new Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover SUV. The EX Concept also showcases two innovative systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world. The AVM system utilizes front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking, while the LDP system takes Infiniti's currently available Lane Departure Warning System into a new dimension of safety by actively using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane.

Like every Infiniti model, the EX Concept also emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, combining V6 power, a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The EX Concept exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and "dynamic arch" profile. The most striking exterior design element of the EX Concept is its dramatic liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel that is able to change from transparent to translucent via input from a special touch sensor system.

Inside, the EX Concept's rich, leather-appointed and aluminum-alloy trimmed interior offers plenty of passenger luxury – with deep, supportive seats and an ambient lighting system that includes special indirect headrest illumination.