http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/ Autoblog Comments for In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Infiniti EX35 [w/VIDEO] http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Two numbers really jumped out at me from the article though: 9 inches less rear legroom and 12 cu. ft. less room in the back than an Acura RDX,... it seems like a really snug fit under all that swoopy sheet metal.
That said, I like how it looks. and I suppose the article summed it up best: "...buyers will have to consider if good looks, trick technology and a sweet powertrain are worth sacrificing some practicality..." I dunno... Infiniti does great interiors, practical gadgets and that VQ V6 is pure magic. I guess for me it's a definite "maybe".]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:16PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
However, once you get inside, the likeness to a hatchback stops. The most noticeable difference to me after the apparent lack of room was that the floor was raised about three inches in addition to the suspension increase. It means that you feel higher up, but you also have a lot less head room (I'm 6'4", so I notice these things).

Actually, on the topic of hatch backs, I find it silly that all of the "CUVs" out there are nothing more than glorified hatchbacks with taller suspension (that no one has a use for), much worse fuel efficiency, and at considerably greater cost. My first priority in buying my GTI wasn't its utility, yet its cargo area is about the same size as you-name-the-small-suv. Now granted, its hard to find a four-door hatchback with AWD, so that's a valid reason to shop CUV, but its still very amazing how most car-buyers base their purchases on perception as opposed to reality.]]>Feb 21st 2008 9:42AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Apr 8th 2008 11:53AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
for what it is, i'd take it before the RDX or X3 for the engine alone

but, where are the roof rails? I'm thinking those tat will opt for this car do some skiing and no rails means no sale considering the tight interior]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:19PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
You know the VQ engine has been a Wards ten best engine for over 10 years (at least since 1995?) While the m54 in the b30 and b25 trim that the x3 has only made the list as the m54b30 in 2001-2003.

Of course the rdx has 2.4 liter turbo 4... and hits 60 in just under 7 seconds... Well you do the math on what this engine feels like.. I will tell you it rhymes with bog...

You want more room and less power but the same amount of gizmos get the rdx. If you want something with a Roundel and will end up not liking get the x3. Trust me I have driven all of them. I am a BMW guy but the x3 is ridiculous for the price.]]>Feb 20th 2008 4:43PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
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CAFE encourages poor mileage. Heh.

This is why I like CARB's approach better. Its standards are purely quantitative: either you emit a certain level, or you don't. CAFE has exemptions for certain types of vehicles and places no emphasis on emissions. A car could emit pure Sarin and be ok under CAFE, as long as it didn't use much gasoline in doing so.]]>Feb 20th 2008 1:06PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://goodcarbadcar.blogspot.com/2008/02/nissaninfiniti-recall.html)]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:25PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
1. ZERO rear leg room.
2. You can't even fit your golfing gears in the trunk without folding the rear seats.
3. The ground clearance is barely more than a G35/G37 sedan.

This is a freaking G35/G37 wagon. The media/journalist should stop being so blindly fool by Infiniti. There is zero utility/practicality in this car. I was sorely disappointed when I saw it in person.]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:25PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 12:33PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
but, if you wanted to upgrade from a 4-door sedan (mainly the G35) this would give you a bit more room and still that great engine]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:35PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 3:15PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 12:31PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
The interior is REALLY small on the inside. Essentially, think of this as a 2+2 coupe. With it being so small I'm not so sure it's going to sell very well.]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:31PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/I use straight up Windex, then at the end I run a damp cloth (w/water only) over everything
but I do notice that my clear headlight cover is fogged up a bit]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:38PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/
A rear drive EX is 53/47 (rounded up), and depending on amenities an 'awd' is 54/46 to 55/45 (rounded up)

Yup, G35 wagon.]]>Feb 20th 2008 12:46PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 12:57PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 1:19PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Maybe it hides its size well?

Does anyone know of a SUV/SAV/crossover that actually combines good handling/braking with at least a moderate degree of storage and space? The BMW X5 is too expensive, as is the X3 (for what you get). I've driven the latter and loved the performance, but it really isn't much bigger than our 3 series sedan, and the cost/weight isn't worth the added benefits.

The lower cost small/medium SUVs seem to be tuned very soft (RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe, etc)

Right now the GM quadruplets(Acadia, Outlook, etc) seem to hold the most promise, though they are over-large for my needs. But if they get the advertised mpg they're acceptable. ]]>Feb 20th 2008 2:18PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/20/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-infiniti-ex35/Feb 20th 2008 3:56PM