Autoblog Infiniti http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Infiniti http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Coulthard and Vettel drive Infiniti M sedans on the site of Russia's future grand prix circuit

The next Winter Olympics will happen in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23, 2014. Sometime after that, barring any delays, a portion of the Sochi Olympic Park will be turned into the Sochi Olympic Park Circuit, a 3.65-mile track for the first Russian Grand Prix in 100 years (the last of two Formula One grands prix were held in St. Petersburg).

As we've come to expect from the Infiniti Red Bull team, it recently sent Sebastian Vettel and brand ambassador David Coulthard to the unfinished venue to run the route in Infiniti M sedans and offer some impressions. With average cornering speeds above 62 miles an hour, Coulthard called it a fast street circuit in the Monaco vein. You can watch them try it out - yes, that's Vettel gone airborne above - and avoid a "White Van Man" in the video below.

Continue reading Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit

Vettel and Coulthard drive Russia's very unfinished Sochi Circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> david coulthardf1formula 1formula oneinfinitiinfiniti mrussian grand prixsebastian vettelsochisochi olympic park circuitvettelvideo Thu, 16 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569418/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/vettel-and-coulthard-drive-russias-very-unfinished-sochi-circui/20569418/article-detail.xml 20569418 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/vettel-coulthard-infiniti-sochi.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



This year's Formula One season might qualify as being just as crazy as last year's, only it's a different kind of crazy. Instead of a new winner every Sunday, how the winner actually manages to take the victory is the mystery, and just when we thought the season might have settled into a groove regarding team performance, here comes the Spanish Grand Prix to remind us that we don't know anything until the race has been run.

There were many similarities to past weekends to being this one: Mercedes-AMG Petronas showed awesome one-lap pace, Fernando Alonso did well enough in qualifying to get fifth on the grid but talked up the race pace of the Ferrari, Kimi Räikkönen was the equivalent of a racing photobomber, never saying much but always showing up in the picture, Felipe Massa wasn't really big on the tires and McLaren might want to consider starting a blues band they spend so much time singing them.

Then the lights went green and things went nuts...

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops'

Recap: 2013 Spanish Grand Prix is Catalan for 'Lottery' and 'More pit stops' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 spanish grand prixf1felipe massafernando alonsoFerrariformula 1formula oneinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusmercedes-amgnico rosbergspanish grand prix Tue, 14 May 2013 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567561/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/recap-2013-spanish-grand-prix-is-catalan-for-lottery-and-mor/20567561/article-detail.xml 20567561 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sgp09b.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Infiniti Emerg-E Concept

Infiniti makes plenty of good cars, crossovers and SUVs. The premium Japanese brand also has a well-defined presence in racing on the world's largest stage in the form of a partnership with Red Bull in Formula 1. What Infiniti doesn't have, though, is a range-topping halo car.

A report from Autocar in the UK suggests that Infiniti's gaping top-shelf hole may soon be plugged by 2016 with a new hybrid sports car along the lines of the well-received Emerg-E and Essence concepts. This report is contrary to news we heard from Autocar late last year, when company officials reportedly told the publication that a swoopy and fuel-efficient machine like the Emerg-E wouldn't be produced.

Interestingly, Infiniti is said to sense strong demand from so-called "little emperors ... who are used to getting what they want," many of whom live in Asian countries, who are also environmentally conscious. Infiniti exec Andy Palmer told Autocar to expect something "like the Tesla sports car option, but with more flexibility in terms of range."

Reading between the lines, we picture a luxurious coupe with some combination of electric motors and gasoline engines providing power levels between 400 and 500 horsepower. We may not qualify as "little emperors" ourselves, but we certainly welcome the notion of high-performance machines that also happen to be fuel efficient.

Infiniti hybrid sports car coming by 2016 after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerg-eessencehalo carhybrid sports carinfinitiinfiniti emerg-einfiniti hybrid Tue, 14 May 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567319/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/infiniti-hybrid-sports-car-coming-by-2016-after-all/20567319/article-detail.xml 20567319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/infiniti-emerg-e_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/infiniti-emerg-e.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The man responsible for creating the sleek 2010 Nissan Ellure Concept you see above is now the design director for Infiniti. Alfonso Albaisa (shown at right) has been a member of the Nissan design team for 25 years, but was recently promoted to executive design director for the Infiniti brand.

His past roles at Nissan have included design director for Nissan from 2004 to 2007, vice president of Nissan Design Europe from 2007 to 2011, vice president of Nissan Design America in 2011 and, most recently, he held the title of Nissan's global design director. Aside from Ellure, Albaisa was also responsible for designing the 2012 Nissan Xtrem Concept, "key strategic production vehicles soon to be launched" and he's even contributed to a handful of Infiniti designs. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa

Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Alfonso Albaisadesign directorInfinitinissanvehicle design Fri, 10 May 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562580/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/20562580/article-detail.xml 20562580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



The sand, the wind, the penalties, the contact and the one crash - all of them collided to make the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix a surprise affair from day to day and lap to lap. Oh, and did we mention the tires? Pirelli made a last-minute swap after the amusement park ride that the Chinese Grand Prix turned into with the soft compound tire, and brought medium and hard compounds to the desert. That didn't stop things from falling apart for some teams - literally - and that didn't stop the one team that seems to love the hard compound Pirelli tire.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Bahrain Grand Prix follows the template of this year and last [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 bahrain grand prixbahrain grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula onegrand prixinfinitiinfiniti red bull racingkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotusred bullromain grosjeansebastian vettel Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546744/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/race-recap-2013-bahrain-grand-prix-follows-the-template-of-this/20546744/article-detail.xml 20546744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bgp1.jpg <![CDATA[About 20k Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti JX models recalled for potentially faulty brakes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/about-20k-nissan-pathfinder-infiniti-jx-models-recalled-for-pot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/about-20k-nissan-pathfinder-infiniti-jx-models-recalled-for-pot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/19/about-20k-nissan-pathfinder-infiniti-jx-models-recalled-for-pot/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall for the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder and 2013 Infiniti JX due to a problem with the front brakes. The problem is a result of the brake torque member (a part that attaches the brake caliper to the front suspension), which was cast improperly with a structural weakness that could possibly lead to "reduced braking, increasing the risk of a crash," according to NHTSA. How, you ask? If the part breaks, the brake caliper could move position and possibly make contact with the wheel.

Around 20,000 of these sister crossovers are being recalled, but it doesn't sound like all were equipped with the faulty component. Dealers will inspect vehicles built between December 3, 2012 and January 29, 2013, and replace components from the defective batch. The recall goes into effect next month, but until then, the official recall notice is posted below with information for how owners can contact Nissan.

Continue reading About 20k Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti JX models recalled for potentially faulty brakes

About 20k Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti JX models recalled for potentially faulty brakes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 infiniti jx2013 nissan pathfinderinfinitiinfiniti jxinfiniti recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanissannissan pathfindernissan recallrecall Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545768/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545768/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/19/about-20k-nissan-pathfinder-infiniti-jx-models-recalled-for-pot/20545768/article-detail.xml 20545768 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/13-2013-nissan-pathfinder-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/13-2013-nissan-pathfinder-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,



Formula One fans and commentators have spent the three weeks since the Malaysian Grand Prix discussing two things more than any other: that pass, and tires. Sebastian Vettel spent days giving his tongue an Olympic workout on the verbal gymnastics parallel bars before finally admitting he passed his Infiniti Red Bull teammate Mark Webber on purpose partly for reasons of payback, partly out of a desire to win - he doesn't apologize for it and he would do it again.

Then came those Pirellis - every single driver and team representative interview touches on how important it is to understand the tires and manage their degradation. Two races in, though, it seems no team has any clue yet how to make the race-weekend compounds work predictably. The only thing predictable about the soft compound tires that Pirelli brought to China was that they would last for six laps, and that led to an odd qualifying session with drivers reluctant to leave the pits or even set a time.

It also led to the first pole position for an Englishman in a Mercedes-Benz since Stirling Moss did it in 1955.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Chinese Grand Prix a test of tires, carnage and a fight for second [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 chinese grand prixchinese grand prixEsteban Gutierrezf1fernando alonsoforce indiaformula onegrand prixjenson buttonlewis hamiltonmclarenrenaultsaubersebastian vettelsergio perez Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540353/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540353/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/race-recap-2013-chinese-grand-prix-a-test-of-tires-carnage-and/20540353/article-detail.xml 20540353 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/china-f1-gp-1.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Infiniti Q50 configurator comes alive]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-infiniti-q50-configurator-comes-alive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-infiniti-q50-configurator-comes-alive/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/2014-infiniti-q50-configurator-comes-alive/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Infiniti Q50 online configurator

The G37-replacing 2014 Infiniti Q50 sport sedan launches in the not-too-distant future, and for those curious about how pricing and packages will shake out, the car's official online configurator has been launched. Here, you can build the Q50 or Q50 Hybrid of your dreams, with the cost of entry starting at $36,450 (plus $905 for destination).

Selecting the hybrid model adds $7,250 to that bottom line - mostly because the gasoline-electric version is only available in the Premium trim and higher, while the gas-only Q50 comes in a base guise. Adding all-wheel drive, which Infiniti has made available with either engine and on all trims, will set you back $1,800.

There are a number of packages available across the trims, including a $1,400 navigation pack that includes a spare tire kit, a deluxe touring pack that costs $4,700 (and includes the navigation goodies), and the upper-crust $7,900 technology package which gets you, well, everything. Put that all together on a Venetian Ruby Q50 RWD Sport like we did, and you're looking at $51,755 when destination has been added.

To recap, the Q50 is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 that produces 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The Q50 Hybrid uses a smaller 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a 50-kilowatt electric motor. In the hybrid, the gas engine produces 296 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and the total output with the hybrid motor brings that first number up to 354.

Head over to Infiniti's build-your-own site to see all of the color and package combinations for the Q50, and scroll through our gallery below to see many more shots of the car live from its Detroit Auto Show debut.

2014 Infiniti Q50 configurator comes alive originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 infiniti q502014 infiniti q50 hybridconfiguratorinfinitiinfiniti q50infiniti q50 hybrid Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525114/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525114/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/2014-infiniti-q50-configurator-comes-alive/20525114/article-detail.xml 20525114 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/q50config_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/q50config.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid gives us déjà vu]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-new-york-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-new-york-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-new-york-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

If we were totally lazy, we'd just copy and paste the text from our Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid post into this one. Why? Because the Infiniti JX35 QX60 Hybrid you see here is pretty much identical to its Nissan-badged sibling. At least, in terms of mechanicals.

But we aren't lazy... completely. Instead, let's have a quick recap. Engine: Supercharged 2.5-liter mill mated to a 15-kilowatt electric motor. Fuel economy: 26 miles per gallon combined. Interior changes: None - the battery does not compromise any sort of cargo or passenger volume. Price: Roughly $3,000 more than the standard QX60.

If you feel like the nitty-gritty details are necessary, have a look at the official press release below for all the goods. Otherwise, peruse the images in our high-res image gallery and tell us if you can spot the difference between the Q-by-60 and its Nissan twin.

Continue reading 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid gives us déjà vu

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid gives us déjà vu originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 new york auto show2014 infiniti qx60 hybridinfinitiinfiniti qx60infiniti qx60 hybridnew yorknew york auto show Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520720/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-new-york-2013/20520720/article-detail.xml 20520720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-infiniti-qx60-hybrid-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Remember when, during the Grand Prix of the Americas weekend last November, we told you that Sebastian Vettel had worked with Infiniti on the new G Coupe and that there'd be more of that kind of involvement on the way? It's been made official with the three-time Formula One World Champion being named Infiniti's Director of Performance.

Although the announcement is fresh, Vettel's time on the job isn't, Infiniti saying that Vettel went to Japan, the Nürburgring and the Circuit de Catalunya to assist in the development of the Q50 sedan.

When we spoke to Andreas Sigl, the man in charge of Infiniti's F1 collaboration with Red Bull, about the tie-up he had also said, "Like Mercedes has AMG and BMW has M - whether it's called IPL or not - we want to have something in that space." If the brand is still serious about that, Vettel's chops could help them deliver the kind of performance they'd need as upstarts to challenge the ringleaders of that particular hi-po circus.

We might find out soon enough if Vettel's s better at taking team orders from Infiniti than Red Bull. There's a press release below with the officially sanctioned paragraphs outlining his new role.

Continue reading Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance

Infiniti hires Sebastian Vettel as Director of Performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> director of performancef1infinitiinfiniti q50sebastian vettel Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520565/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/infiniti-hires-sebastian-vettel-as-director-of-performance/20520565/article-detail.xml 20520565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebastianvettelinfinitiperf_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebastianvettelinfinitiperf.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Infiniti Q50 priced from $36,450*]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-q50-pricing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-q50-pricing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-q50-pricing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



With the 2014 Infiniti Q50 going on sale this summer, Infiniti has finally released pricing for its all-new and newly named sedan. In base form, the Q50 will start at $36,450 (*including $905 for destination and handling), which represents a drop of $900 compared to the current G37 Sedan.

In standard form, the Q50 is available in base, Premium and Sport trim levels with each offering the option of all-wheel drive for an additional $1,800. All gas-only Q50s come with the automaker's excellent 3.7-liter V6 engine, but stepping over to the Q50 Hybrid gets you a smaller 3.5-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. The Q50 Hybrid, which is available in Premium and Sport trim levels only, will begin at $43,700 for a rear-wheel-drive Sport model.

Potential buyers who preorder and ultimately purchase a Q50 during the unspecified "program period" will also get a free iPad mini. Scroll down for the official press release breaking down all trim levels and price points.

Continue reading 2014 Infiniti Q50 priced from $36,450*

2014 Infiniti Q50 priced from $36,450* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 infiniti q502014 infiniti q50 pricinginfinitiinfiniti q50infiniti q50 pricing Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519793/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519793/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/2014-infiniti-q50-pricing/20519793/article-detail.xml 20519793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/002-2014-infiniti-q50-1358178420-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/002-2014-infiniti-q50-1358178420-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Humidity, hunger and heartbreak were the takeaways from the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. A proper track with a wider variety of straights and corners than the street circuit in Australia, the second race of the season was expected to be a better test of the performance of the 11 teams on the grid. It was also supposed to be a more accurate test of the Pirelli tires, the bits of rubber at the four corners of the car still at the top of the performance agenda for all the top teams except for McLaren, which even larger issues with its new car to deal with.

Then it rained. Then it rained some more. Then it rained so hard just before the race that numerous drivers slid off the track on the parade lap. Then came the race, and then came the figurative tears and ones of the crocodile variety as well.

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain

Race Recap: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix is a fool in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1felipe massafernando alonsoferrariformula oneinfiniti red bulllewis hamiltonmalaysiamalaysian gpmark webbermercedes-amg petronasnico rosbergsebastian vettel Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516110/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/race-recap-2013-malaysian-grand-prix-is-a-fool-in-the-rain/20516110/article-detail.xml 20516110 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/malaysiaf1gp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/malaysiaf1gp.jpg <![CDATA[Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



A pre-season full of talking points was swapped for a brand-new set of talking points after the running of the opening grand prix of the 2013 Formula One season. The consistency of the regulations from last year to this year and the triplicate dominance of Infiniti Red Bull Racing meant that no one would have been that surprised if the relative order of things remained the same. But teams found so many ways to switch things up that, in typical pre-season fashion, no one was ready to make any bets on in-season performance, and a couple of surprising players suffered the ignominy of getting it really wrong: McLaren knew it was in trouble from the very first test, while Williams drivers applauded their car as the best in years, only to have Pastor Maldonado call it "undriveable" on the very first day of practice in Melbourne.

And then there were those Pirellis, the Italian company talking up the fact that its super soft tires would only go off so quickly that it would force teams to pit at least twice during the race.
Even then, no one could have seen the first round of pit stops beginning on Lap 5.

Nevertheless, someone had to win the 58-lap race - and that someone did it in what is becoming his usual style.

Continue reading Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers]

Recap: 2013 Australian Formula One Grand Prix is all about the rubber [w/spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 australian grand prixadrian sutilaustralian grand prixf1fernando alonsoferrariformula 1formula onegrand prixinfiniti red bullkimi raikkonenlewis hamiltonlotussebastian vetteltorro rosso Sun, 17 Mar 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507196/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/recap-2013-australian-formula-one-grand-prix-is-all-about-the-r/20507196/article-detail.xml 20507196 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ausf101.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti <strike>JX35</strike> QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/infiniti-jx35-qx60-hybrid-confirmed-for-new-yor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/infiniti-jx35-qx60-hybrid-confirmed-for-new-yor/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/infiniti-jx35-qx60-hybrid-confirmed-for-new-yor/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid crossover - rear three-quarter view

The next Q-ified Infiniti will be making its debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, the QX60 - the crossover formerly known as JX35. And while there aren't many changes to the crossover in terms of design or function, the big news is that Infiniti will be revealing a production hybrid powertrain option for its seven-passenger luxury/utility vehicle.

Unlike the hybrid powertrain in Infiniti's M35h gasoline-electric sedan, the QX60 will use a new system which couples a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine with a 15-kilowatt electric motor, running to the wheels via continuously variable transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the QX60 Hybrid will be available, and Infiniti says that the more efficient CUV should be good for around 26 miles per gallon combined - an improvement of five mpg over the current JX35 with its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. And because the compact lithium-ion battery will be housed underneath the third row seat, we're told that the hybrid model will still have the same passenger and cargo capacity of the non-hybrid crossover.

This will be the first three-row hybrid CUV (from a premium brand, anyway) offered in the US market, and wrapping it up in a luxury package makes a lot of sense to us, since it could be a good way of cajoling customers into absorbing the extra cost of the more expensive powertrain. (Keyword in that sentence: CUV. After all, the Cadillac Escalade is still currently available as a two-mode hybrid for the 2013 model year.) Infiniti has not released official pricing figures, but says that the hybrid model will represent a roughly $3,000 premium over the standard QX60.

We'll have the full details in just a few weeks. For now, take a glance below for Infiniti's official press release.

Continue reading Infiniti JX35 QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut

Infiniti JX35 QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 infiniti qx60 hybridhybridinfinitijx 35 hybridjx hybridjx35jx35 hybridnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showqxqx60 Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494964/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494964/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/infiniti-jx35-qx60-hybrid-confirmed-for-new-yor/20494964/article-detail.xml 20494964 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/qx60628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/qx60628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Infiniti FX37]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2013-infiniti-fx37-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2013-infiniti-fx37-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/2013-infiniti-fx37-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Who Needs A V8?



There's something in the water at Nissan. Has to be. There's no other explanation for a company that produces vehicles like the Murano CrossCabriolet and Juke as well as the undeniably bonkers GT-R. Infiniti hasn't escaped whatever's lurking in the well, either. The company's recent shift from a comfortable and logical naming structure to a slurry of Q-based monikers is the most recent example of insanity lurking in the luxury automaker's halls, but it certainly isn't the first. Take, for example, the FX50.

With its 390-horsepower V8 engine and a rear-bias all-wheel-drive platform, the mid-sized SUV is more sports car than family hatchback, and while a V8 in this segment is entirely ludicrous, it's also the engine option we preferred over the less-throaty 3.5-liter V6. Like nearly every other off-tilt offering from Nissan, the FX50 simply made sense in a too-much-whiskey kind of way. But Infiniti has just offered up the best argument yet against that muscle-bound bruiser in the form of the FX37. Powered by the automaker's new 3.7-liter V6 and backed by a recognizably aggressive exterior, the machine is doing a good job of stealing its older brother's spotlight.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti FX37

2013 Infiniti FX37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 infiniti fx37featuredfxfx37reviewreviews Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20486375/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20486375/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/04/2013-infiniti-fx37-review/20486375/article-detail.xml 20486375 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-infiniti-fx37-review---01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2013-infiniti-fx37-review---01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti-Red Bull Racing will seek a fourth title with the RB9 [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/infiniti-red-bull-racing-will-seek-a-fourth-title-with-the-rb9/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/infiniti-red-bull-racing-will-seek-a-fourth-title-with-the-rb9/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/05/infiniti-red-bull-racing-will-seek-a-fourth-title-with-the-rb9/#comments Filed under: , ,



This is the car and the team that everyone wants to dethrone. The stability of this year's regulations means that the Infiniti Red Bull RB9 is a seriously honed RB8; however, that's a situation probably no other team would complain about seeing that the RB8 recovered from early stumbles and reliability issues last year to carry Sebastian Vettel to a third consecutive driver's title and the team to a third consecutive constructor's trophy.

The most noteworthy revisions to the car are the partial vanity panel that omits the driver cooling slot, the even narrower rear end - a feature of just about every car launched so far - and purple sidepods to showcase new title sponsor Infiniti. Adrian Newey, perhaps the most feared designer on the pit lane, said the nose and front wing could be changed relatively easily throughout the season, but he wanted to make sure to get the middle of the car - everything from the sidepods, back - as good as possible since they're more difficult to re-engineer. His track record leads us to believe he did just that.

Below are two videos, one of the making of the RB9, the other the launch at team headquarters in Milton Keynes.

Continue reading Infiniti-Red Bull Racing will seek a fourth title with the RB9 [w/video]

Infiniti-Red Bull Racing will seek a fourth title with the RB9 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> infinitiinfiniti red bull racinginfiniti red bull rb9mark webberrb9red bull rb9sebastian vettel Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447139/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20447139/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/05/infiniti-red-bull-racing-will-seek-a-fourth-title-with-the-rb9/20447139/article-detail.xml 20447139 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/infinitired-bullrb9_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/infinitired-bullrb9.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti Q50 will get turbo four, clean diesel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/infiniti-q50-will-get-turbo-four-clean-diesel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/infiniti-q50-will-get-turbo-four-clean-diesel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/infiniti-q50-will-get-turbo-four-clean-diesel/#comments Filed under: , ,



In addition to a new name and a new hybrid model, there might be even more changes in store for 2014 Infiniti Q50. Autoweek is reporting that Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti, has said that the brand's new entry-level sedan will offer a turbocharged four-cylinder and a diesel engine.

Both new engines will come through a partnership between Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan, but initially, the diesel will be offered for European buyers only. While we won't be holding our breath for a diesel to arrive in the US, de Nysschen was quoted as saying that Infiniti is "reflecting on the US market." The big question, of course, when it comes to these new engines is how (or if) the automaker will distinguish between the current V6 base engine and the new ones in the model names. We'll find out in the next two years when the new engine options become available.

Infiniti Q50 will get turbo four, clean diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 infiniti q50infiniti g37q50 dieselq50 turbo Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440404/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/infiniti-q50-will-get-turbo-four-clean-diesel/20440404/article-detail.xml 20440404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/002-2014-infiniti-q50-1358178420-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/002-2014-infiniti-q50-1358178420-opt.jpg <![CDATA[How and why Nissan nearly killed off Infiniti]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/how-and-why-nissan-nearly-killed-off-infiniti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/how-and-why-nissan-nearly-killed-off-infiniti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/how-and-why-nissan-nearly-killed-off-infiniti/#comments Filed under: ,

http://wardsauto.com/management-amp-strategy/palmer-nissan-considered-killing-infiniti

Launched in 1990, Infiniti was expected to be Japan's answer to BMW (Lexus would end up chasing Mercedes-Benz). Yet things went awry almost right out of the gate. Overlooking the fledgling automaker's now infamous early marketing campaign, its product line over the past twenty-four years has been a roller coaster ride of strong hits (Q45, FX35 and G35) and frustrating misses (M30, I30 and QX4).

In a recent interview with Ward's Auto at the Detroit Auto Show, Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer revealed that the company's luxury brand was almost cancelled by CEO Carlos Ghosn as unnecessary. Infiniti, like most premium marques owned by a volume manufacturer, had fallen into the trap of losing autonomy and pushing its high-end product just like its mainstream models.

The one obvious exception to this industry blunder, said Palmer, was VW Group's Audi brand. Realizing that Audi's impressive comeback over the past two decades shamed even that of actor Robert Downey Jr., Nissan hired Audi veteran Johan de Nysschen to bring Infiniti to its intended glory - and protect it from extinction. Check out the complete interview here.

How and why Nissan nearly killed off Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carlos Ghosninfiniti cancelledinfiniti shut downJohan de Nysschennissan Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20437844/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/25/how-and-why-nissan-nearly-killed-off-infiniti/20437844/article-detail.xml 20437844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1998-infiniti-qx4628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/1998-infiniti-qx4628.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/infiniti-boss-de-nysschen-confirms-next-gen-q60-coupe-ponders-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/infiniti-boss-de-nysschen-confirms-next-gen-q60-coupe-ponders-h/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/infiniti-boss-de-nysschen-confirms-next-gen-q60-coupe-ponders-h/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Johann De Nysschen with Infiniti Q50 sedan reveal in Detroit

We've known since mid-December that Infiniti's new global model naming convention would turn the current-generation G37 Coupe into the Q60 Coupe starting next year, but we haven't been clear on whether the model-range-formerly-known-as-G would get a successor, especially as its volume has traditionally been a lot lower than its sedan counterpart.

Thankfully, Infiniti president Johann De Nysschen (above) has stepped up to confirm that the newly revealed Q50 sedan will receive a two-door counterpart, though perhaps not as quickly as some would like. According to an interview with Australia's CarAdvice.com, De Nysschen says "the coupe we can probably expect two-and-a-half to three years down the road." That news also suggests that if there's an eventual convertible version, that it's a long way off, too. Why so long? Infiniti has "a lot of priorities" - priorities that undoubtedly include an already-confirmed front-wheel-drive small hatchback/crossover.

The report also indicates that Infiniti has some aspirations for stretching its new Q50/Q60 range in a higher-performance direction to take on competitors like BMW and Audi, the latter being De Nysschen's former employer. There's far from a firm timetable offered, of course, with De Nysschen saying "someday in the future we will be able to offer more high performance versions [of Q50] than we have today... the dynamic capabilities of this platform are very significant. It can handle far higher power than the engines we are using at launch."

Infiniti has long envisioned itself as Japan's answer to BMW, and from where we sit, high-performance models would likely help keep the brand focused as it branches out into new segments like that of the JX, a three-row crossover with few sporting pretensions. In addition, its nascent Infiniti Performance Line [IPL] franchise could use the help - we've been underwhelmed with the pricy IPL G Coupe and Convertible to this point, and Infiniti will need to work harder if it truly wants to align its products with its growing Formula One marketing efforts.

Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gg37 coupeg37 sedaninfinitiipljohan de nysschenq50q60 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435040/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20435040/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/infiniti-boss-de-nysschen-confirms-next-gen-q60-coupe-ponders-h/20435040/article-detail.xml 20435040 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/denysschen-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/denysschen-2.jpg <![CDATA[Analyzing De Nyscchen's 25-year comeback plan for Infiniti]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/analyzing-de-nyscchens-25-year-comeback-plan-for-infiniti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/analyzing-de-nyscchens-25-year-comeback-plan-for-infiniti/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/analyzing-de-nyscchens-25-year-comeback-plan-for-infiniti/#comments Filed under: ,



"It took us 25 years to bring Audi back in the US. This kind of thing takes a long time."

When Johan De Nysschen left his post at Audi of America last year to take the seemingly thankless job of leading Infiniti's global operations, it seemed like a familiar scenario. Like Michael Dukakis going from one of two men that could have won the White House to teaching political science at an obscure Florida college.

De Nysschen was a key architect in rebuilding Audi in the US, from a punchline about "sudden acceleration" in the 1980s, to being a truly hot brand and legitimately vying with BMW and Mercedes-Benz for one-percenters' German car bucks. In talking about his task at Infiniti with me, he repeated a line that I wonder if he mentioned to Nissan-Renault honcho Carlos Ghosn at the hiring meeting: "It took us 25 years to bring Audi back in the US. This kind of thing takes a long time."

Continue reading Analyzing De Nyscchen's 25-year comeback plan for Infiniti

Analyzing De Nyscchen's 25-year comeback plan for Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 25-year planinfinitijohan de nysschenopinionq50 Sat, 19 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429613/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20429613/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/19/analyzing-de-nyscchens-25-year-comeback-plan-for-infiniti/20429613/article-detail.xml 20429613 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/denysschen-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/denysschen-2.jpg -1 2