New York Auto Show: Infiniti EX Concept debuts [VIDEO]
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.
Gallery: Infiniti EX Concept
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ben 8:18PM (2/21/2008)
I'm not sure. It definitely blurs the SUV/hatchback line. It looks decent, but i think the FX looks cooler. The interior is nicely made, but nothing cool about it and i don't really like it. While the powertrain is great, the practicality really isn't there, or that much more than the G35. it just doesn't really register on the excitement meter much. I like the RDX a lot better, including the interior design. Plus, the Acura is roomier.
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hotcams 1:43PM (4/05/2007)
OMG... that's a home run right there. Rear lights could be a lil more distinctive but really well executed.
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rdm 3:09PM (4/04/2007)
... and looks a Santa Fe, Veracruz, CX-9, CX-7, RX330, (new) Tribeca, Q7, and so on and so on ...
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jh 3:15PM (4/04/2007)
wow, the new WRX looks good in white.
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Adam 3:08PM (4/04/2007)
This looks good, but I hope they find a place for the FX.
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DPC car videos 3:14PM (4/04/2007)
Good looking car, but can't get over the small window line. For a SUV the glass area is too small and might be a little claustrophobic.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
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Mike 3:27PM (4/04/2007)
How much does the trunk hold?
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JC3 3:31PM (4/04/2007)
Interior looks like it was designed to appeal to women.Especially with the pocketbook clasp on the steering wheel makes it look like a "Coach" bag.Not a bad thing if your a woman and you want a car with a beautiful interior.A bit too prissy for a guy.
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CaliberSRT4 3:33PM (4/04/2007)
So I am not calling this a cuv, It looks like one of those Volvo wagon XC70 maybe.
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Gale 3:34PM (4/04/2007)
Looks awesome! Far cleaner than most crossovers, with a distinctive Infiniti front fascia.
All you people coming with the "this looks just like [fill in the blank] are old news hosers. Just stuff a sock in it and do the world a huge favor.
So Hummers are the best vehicles ever because they can't be confused with anything else? LOL
This vehicle and the new small Chevys are refreshingly original. The NY auto show has some real winners for a change.
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SherbornSean 3:41PM (4/04/2007)
Great interior - way ahead of the MDX and RX330. Exterior is not original, but at least it is well executed.
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leo 5:06PM (4/05/2007)
Exterior is copied right of from a Nissan Murano with an Infiniti Grill and reviser rearlights (ala Alfa Romeo), so stop with the Vercruz/Tribeca bullsh..t.
this is my favorite staton wagon, adn I wish they would have just brought over a G35 station wagon with RWD adn AWD options instead, but my wife thinks otherwise and she will gets hers as soon as it comes out. I am a bit afraid that this might be faster than my '03 G35.
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Toy Yoda 4:25PM (4/04/2007)
Looks like a tinier version of their FX. Still looks nice. What I'd like to see in Infiniti's lineup is a couple of convertibles: A light roadster and a ragtop version of the G series.
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wake1 6:39PM (4/06/2007)
That thing is uglier than the FX..... Strike 2
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John 5:25PM (4/04/2007)
I think this is a very attractive vehicle. This is more along the line of what I would expect the BMW X6 to be like when they say "coupe-inspired".
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Aki 5:53PM (4/04/2007)
Needs more trunk space. It's an SUV, not a hatchback.
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Michael Karesh 7:40PM (4/04/2007)
Because many people said, "I like the FX, but it's a bit too roomy and practical for my taste."
Sounds like the FX will be getting larger.
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M. Huang 3:54PM (4/05/2007)
Looks like a bloated, morphed version of the G35 sedan. Infiniti's design language is so undynamic and staid. The original G35 coupe and sedan were both clean, crisp, and starkly beautiful. Now, they've simply added a ton of curves to their once simple lines and haven't added much else. I'm not into the whole white on white color scheme either.
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DL 7:30AM (4/05/2007)
Wow, does anyone else see Merc CLS in that low angle front view? Still, I like it and I think I want one..
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CoffeeJedi 1:41PM (4/05/2007)
WANT!
Forget calling it a CUV, this is a luxury performance hatchback! sweet
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