Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #154]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


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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 #154

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Acuraacura pricingAcura ZDXAcuraPricingAcuraZdxautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw 5BMW 5 seriesBMW 5-seriesBmw5Bmw5-seriesBmw5Serieschevrolet sparkChevroletSparkfeaturedhyundaihyundai four cylinderhyundai gdihyundai sonatahyundai sonata 2011HyundaiFourCylinderHyundaiGdiHyundaiSonataHyundaiSonata2011infinitiInfiniti MInfiniti M SeriesInfiniti M35Infiniti QXinfiniti qx 56Infiniti QX56InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiMSeriesInfinitiQxInfinitiQx56lexus gxlexus GX 2010Lexus GX 460LExus GX 470LEXUS GX460lexus GX470LexusGxLexusGx2010LexusGx460LexusGx470new bmwNew BMW 5 SeriesNewBmwNewBmw5Seriespodcastsonata four cylinderSonataFourCylinderzdx pricingZdxPricingTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #154Autoblog1:17:34podcast; autoblog podcast; lexus gx; infiniti; infiniti m; acura; acura zdx; hyundai; hyundai gdi; chevrolet spark; bmw 5 series<![CDATA[VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-nissan-fuga-officially-silently-takes-to-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-nissan-fuga-officially-silently-takes-to-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-nissan-fuga-officially-silently-takes-to-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan Fuga - Click above to watch the video after the break

You will soon be watching video of the Nissan Fuga running around a glorious rode somewhere empty and scenic. What's a Fuga? Well, here in the United States we'd call the Fuga the 2011 Infiniti M with tiny wheels. Regardless, the video gives you a 98% complete glimpse of what the new 5-Series fighter from Infiniti will look like in motion. And we think you'll agree, it looks good. Even with that Nissan badge and no sound whatsoever.

In fact, we could see Nissan bringing the Fuga over our way with a Maxima badge slapped on the trunk. Not only won't "Fuga" translate well in America, but ever since the Altima got all grown up (i.e. VQ'd), the once mighty Maxima has become sort of a directionless afterthought. But with both the mountain-leaping GT-R and iconic Z giving the Nissan brand oodles of performance credibility, wouldn't a rear-wheel drive flag(ish)ship sedan make some sense? Anyhow, that ain't happening - ever - so enjoy a preview of the all-new Infiniti M after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road

VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Infiniti M2011InfinitiMFugaInfinitiInfiniti MInfinitiMNissanNissan FugaNissanFugaThu, 22 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-to-arrive-in-japan-fall-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-to-arrive-in-japan-fall-of-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-to-arrive-in-japan-fall-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

After several years of selling small volumes of its Altima sedan using Toyota's hybrid drive system, Nissan is finally ready to roll out its first gas-electric model using technology developed in-house. The first model to be so equipped will be the new Fuga sedan, a car sold in North America as the Infiniti M.

Unlike the electronic CVT systems used by Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Nissan has opted to configure its system using a conventional automatic transmission - in this case, a seven-speed unit. The electric drive is provided by a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. A pair of electronically controlled clutches sit on either side of the motor allowing the engine or the engine/motor combination to be completely de-coupled from the transmission.

According to Nissan, the motor has an output of 50 kW (67 horsepower) and 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) of torque, and the system is able to propel the Fuga/M electrically at speeds of up 62 mph. The engine is a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's renowned VQ V6 modified to run with an Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.

Koichi Hayasaki, senior manager of Nissan's hybrid program, tells us that the final numbers on the engine output as well as the net combined output won't be released until sometime in 2010. As is the way these days, energy storage needs are handled by a lithium ion battery pack using the same kind of modules that are going into the LEAF EV.

The Infiniti M hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InfinitiInfiniti MInfiniti M hybridinfiniti M35Infiniti M45InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiM45InfinitiMHybridM35M45nissannissan fuganissan fuga hybridNissanFugaNissanFugaHybridtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowThu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/nissan-fuga-tokyo-2009-infiniti-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/nissan-fuga-tokyo-2009-infiniti-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/nissan-fuga-tokyo-2009-infiniti-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Nissan Fuga - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.

Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin - especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.

Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.

Check out the Infiniti M Fuga's newly voluptuous curves in our high-res gallery below and the official release after the jump.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Tokyo Motor Show2009TokyoMotorShow2010 Nissan Fuga2010NissanFugaForest ACForestAcFugainfiniti MInfiniti M35infiniti M45InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiM45intelligent pedalIntelligentPedalM35M45NissanNissan FugaNissanFugapremium rear-drive sedanPremiumRear-driveSedanrwdtokyoTokyo 2009tokyo auto showTokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowThu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2010 Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M35 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like Infiniti is getting more serious about taking on Lexus. Back in August we saw the M get "virtually revealed" at Pebble Beach. We've also been following the tale of the upcoming JDM-only new Nissan Fuga, a car which is virtually identical to Infiniti's M. Then of course Inside Line dropped the M-bomb when they published pics of both the M56 and M37x after their secret pre-production test drive. Meaning we know there's going to be a 400+ hp 5.6-liter V8 M56, a VQ engined M37 (with around 330 hp -- as much or more than the V8 in the outgoing M45 makes) and M37x (x = AWD). There's also a diesel M aimed at Europe. But today we learn there is another.

Specifically, there will be a M35 Hybrid. This will be the first hybrid Infiniti and it's aimed squarely at slow selling Lexus GS400h. Infiniti claims that the hybrid parts will "add to" and not "take away from" the driving experience. As such, there's a Nissan-developed single motor and a twin clutch hooked up to the same output shaft as the engine. This should result in an uninterrupted power flow to the transmission no matter which mode the hybrid system is in. There's also a "laminated" lithium-ion battery that not only stores twice as much power as nickel-metal hydride units, but cools more quickly because of the "lamination." Look for the M35 Hybrid to hit dealers around this time next year as a 2012 model, and a full reveal of the car later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, where's the new Q?


Gallery: Nissan Fuga Hybrid (Infiniti M35 Hybrid)


[Source: Nissan]

Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Infiniti M2011 Infiniti M35 Hybrid2011InfinitiM2011InfinitiM35Hybrid2012 M35 Hybrid2012M35HybridFugaInfinitiInfiniti 2012 M35 HybridInfiniti HybridInfiniti MInfiniti M35infiniti m35 hybridInfiniti M37Infiniti M37xInfiniti M56Infiniti2012M35HybridInfinitiHybridInfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiM35HybridInfinitiM37InfinitiM37xInfinitiM56M35 HybridM35HybridM37M37xM56Nissan FugaNissanFugaWed, 07 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST<![CDATA[2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/2011-infiniti-m35-and-m56-get-a-special-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/2011-infiniti-m35-and-m56-get-a-special-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/2011-infiniti-m35-and-m56-get-a-special-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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 | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 infiniti m2011 infiniti m372011 infiniti m37x2011 infiniti m562011 m372011 m37x2011 m562011InfinitiM2011InfinitiM372011InfinitiM37x2011InfinitiM562011M372011M37x2011M56infinitiinfiniti minfiniti m37infiniti m37xinfiniti m56InfinitiMInfinitiM37InfinitiM37xInfinitiM56luxurym37m37xm56sedanTue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/infiniti-teases-2011-m-ahead-of-3d-pebble-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/infiniti-teases-2011-m-ahead-of-3d-pebble-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/05/infiniti-teases-2011-m-ahead-of-3d-pebble-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Infiniti M Teaser - Click above for a high-res image

On Friday, August 14th at 9:30 PM EST, Infiniti will take the virtual wraps off the next generation M at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and if you can't make the trip out to California to see the new sedan in all its 3D glory, Infiniti will be broadcasting the reveal live on its Future Vehicles site.

Typical of recent Infiniti teasers, the sketch above doesn't divulge much, but we expect a more swooping, organic design compared to the current M, taking cues from the recently reshaped G and FX series, along with a few elements cribbed from Infiniti Design Director Shiro Nakamura's most recent masterwork, the Infiniti Essence concept.

We'll be on hand to provide live images of Infiniti's innovative "virtual M" reveal next week, and you can get a reminder about the streamed unveiling by signing up here.

Continue reading Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut

Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 infiniti m2011InfinitiMinfinitiinfiniti mInfinitiMmpebble beachpebble beach concours delegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeachConcoursDeleganceWed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/new-nissan-driver-assist-tech-helps-thejames-may-in-you-find-his/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/new-nissan-driver-assist-tech-helps-thejames-may-in-you-find-his/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/26/new-nissan-driver-assist-tech-helps-thejames-may-in-you-find-his/#commentsFiled under: ,



For the last century, automotive engineers have worked diligently to send Charles Darwin's concept of natural selection into obsolescence. It appears that we're inching closer to the time when any fool with a pulse may be able to climb behind the wheel of car and traverse a series of curves looking much more like the white-helmeted mystery driver from Top Gear than Captain Slow. The new Nissan Fuga (known here as the Infiniti M), debuting this fall at the Tokyo Motor Show, will feature fresh technology including new driver assistance systems.

In this case, Infiniti has integrated the GPS navigation system (hope those satellites hang in there) with the M's electronic stability control. As always, ESC uses inertial sensors to detect what the car is actually doing and compares that information to the actual driver inputs to see if they match. If not (i.e. understeer or oversteer) the brakes are individually applied at each wheel and engine torque may be reduced to help make the car go where the driver intended.

The GPS integration allows the system to detect where the road is going ahead and further manipulate the car, while alerting the driver to slow down by pushing the throttle back against his or her footn. Maybe it's all just a part of Nissan's master plan to save trees by preventing cars from being wrapped around them. Or perhaps we're just seeing the evolution of the Idiocracy. You can read the official PR from Nissan after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig

New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 infiniti m2010 nissan fuga2010InfinitiM2010NissanFugaelectronic stability controlelectronic stability programelectronic stabilty programElectronicStabilityControlElectronicStabilityProgramElectronicStabiltyPrograminfiniti mInfinitiMnavigationnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemnavigationsystemsnissannissan fugaNissanFugaSun, 26 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/infiniti-to-virtually-preview-next-generation-m-sedan-at-pebble/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/infiniti-to-virtually-preview-next-generation-m-sedan-at-pebble/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/infiniti-to-virtually-preview-next-generation-m-sedan-at-pebble/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2008 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Used to be if an automaker wanted to unveil a new product, the car in question had to, you know... actually be there. But Infiniti will take advantage of new technologies to bridge the gap between virtual and reality at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it intends to give the public a preview of its next-generation M sedan.

Rather than rolling in the car itself, Infiniti will use "virtual video mapping" to project the car's details onto a clay model that will give the effect of seeing the car in the flesh in advance of the production model's anticipated debut in December. The public will be able to watch the event from home as well thanks to a a webcast on Infiniti's website, giving Nissan's luxury division all the exposure without the frantic preparation. Think it'll work out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 infiniti m2010InfinitiMinfinitiinfiniti minfiniti m seriesinfiniti m35infiniti montereyinfiniti pebble beachinfiniti virtual video mappingInfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiMontereyInfinitiMSeriesInfinitiPebbleBeachInfinitiVirtualVideoMappingmontereypebble beachpebble beach concours delegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeachConcoursDelegancevirtual video mappingVirtualVideoMappingThu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next Nissan Fuga to debut in Tokyo, foretells Infiniti M's future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-next-nissan-fuga-to-debut-in-tokyo-foretells-infiniti-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-next-nissan-fuga-to-debut-in-tokyo-foretells-infiniti-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-next-nissan-fuga-to-debut-in-tokyo-foretells-infiniti-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The JDM Nissan Fuga is due for a comprehensive overhaul, and according to a report by Japan's Holiday Auto, we can expect to see the redesigned sedan at this fall's Tokyo Motor Show.

The sketches above were inspired by a recent batch of spy shots and as expected, the Fuga - which serves as the basis for the Infiniti M in the States - will undergo a thorough exterior makeover, taking cues from the Essence concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The headlamps will continue to be stretched further over the fenders, while the taillights and bumper will be more smoothly integrated into the bulbous rump. We're hoping the most interesting element of the Essence - the curved, creased and indented C-pillar - will make a successful transition from concept to production. Expect the Fuga to go on sale in Japan early next year, with the fully-redesigned Infiniti M to debut soon thereafter.


Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept


[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

REPORT: Next Nissan Fuga to debut in Tokyo, foretells Infiniti M's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 infiniti m2010 nissan fug2010InfinitiM2010NissanFug2011 infiniti m2011InfinitiMinfiniti mInfinitiMnissan fugaNissanFugatokyo 2009tokyo motor showTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowFri, 19 Jun 2009 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-infiniti-wont-produce-show-car-but-its-essence-will-li/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-infiniti-wont-produce-show-car-but-its-essence-will-li/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/report-infiniti-wont-produce-show-car-but-its-essence-will-li/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Some concept cars are design studies, while others closely preview production models. But as much as we may have hoped, the gorgeous Essence concept unveiled by Infiniti earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show will remain firmly in the former, as company spokesmen have reportedly verified that the show-stopping show car will not be entering production.

Alright, so that may be no big surprise, but we're allowed to dream, aren't we? That doesn't mean elements previewed by the Essence won't be trickling down to production models. We certainly hope some of the breathtaking design will find its way into production sheetmetal, and reports suggest that the quirky kink in the C pillar could appear on future products from the premium Nissan division. The long-awaited successor to the flagship Q45, if produced, is tipped to borrow heavily from the Essence's design, while its concept drivetrain is expected to lead the way for a hybrid M as well. So while the show car itself will remain a glimmering memory, its bits and pieces will, in essence, resurface in future Infiniti products.


Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept


[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>essenceessence infinitiEssenceInfinitiinfinitiinfiniti conceptinfiniti essenceinfiniti europeinfiniti minfiniti qInfinitiConceptInfinitiEssenceInfinitiEuropeInfinitiMInfinitiQmm35m45qq45Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2009 Infiniti M35]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-m35/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-m35/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/27/in-the-autoblog-garage-2009-infiniti-m35/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Infiniti M35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The traditional definition of a Q-ship is a vessel that appears harmless, yet harbors deadly weaponry. Infiniti's M-series fits that description rather well. Around since 2006, the M35 isn't new to the scene, but for 2009, the M has emerged from dry-dock with a series of upgrades to help lure buyers away from its Germanic competition. Previous battles have proven that The New doesn't always emerge victorious when undertaking sneak attacks, and the M35 ambushed us straightaway.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti M35


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti M35

Review: 2009 Infiniti M35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredin the autoblog garagein the autoblog garage infiniti M35infinitiinfiniti minfiniti m seriesinfiniti m35InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiMSeriesInTheAutoblogGarageInTheAutoblogGarageInfinitiM35mreviewreviewsFri, 27 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Driven: Infiniti gives M35 more firepower for 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/infiniti-gives-the-m35-new-firepower-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/infiniti-gives-the-m35-new-firepower-for-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/09/infiniti-gives-the-m35-new-firepower-for-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Infiniti M35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We slid behind the wheel of the 2009 Infiniti M35 S last week in Napa, California. It was a quick jaunt, but we wanted to try out the newly revised powerplant under the hood. Yes, even thought the nomenclature remains the same, the Japanese automaker has swapped out the mass of aluminum up front for something a bit more updated and powerful. Find out how the 2009 Infiniti M35 S did after the jump.


Gallery: 2009 Infiniti M35S


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Driven: Infiniti gives M35 more firepower for 2009

Driven: Infiniti gives M35 more firepower for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Infiniti M352009InfinitiM35Faceliftinfinitiinfiniti mInfiniti M SeriesInfinitiMInfinitiMSeriesM35M35 SM35SM35xM45M45xrefreshThu, 09 Oct 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's ASV-4 talks to others cars and cell phones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/nissans-asv-4-talks-to-your-car-and-your-call-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/nissans-asv-4-talks-to-your-car-and-your-call-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/28/nissans-asv-4-talks-to-your-car-and-your-call-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

By 2015 in Japan, Nissan wants its vehicles to be involved in half as many accidents as they were twenty years earlier, in 1995. It is working to achieve that goal by testing a series of Advanced Safety Vehicles (ASV) with an increasing number of electronic aids. However, as opposed to things like radar-based cruise control, these are aids that speak to other cars, or beacons, or even personal cell phones of people walking on the street.

Nissan has just unveiled the fourth iteration of its ASV, which is an initiative led by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. It uses car-to-car communications to help drivers avoid the kinds of accidents that make up 60-percent of incidents in Japan: vehicles at blind intersections, broadsiding a car that turns in front of an oncoming vehicle, turning into a bicycle or motorcycle, and rear-end collisions.

The system uses the car's navigation screen and a warning signal to alert the driver to dangerous situations that he or she might not even be able to see. Nissan's next step is to allow for the same warnings for unseen pedestrians by communicating with their cell phones. Follow the link to read the full press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan ASV-4

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Nissan's ASV-4 talks to others cars and cell phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asv-4infiniti mInfinitiMnissannissan asvnissan asv-4NissanAsvNissanAsv-4Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated 2008 Infiniti M heads to Pebble, M45x AWD version to debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/updated-2008-infiniti-m-heads-to-pebble-m45x-awd-version-to-deb/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/updated-2008-infiniti-m-heads-to-pebble-m45x-awd-version-to-deb/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/updated-2008-infiniti-m-heads-to-pebble-m45x-awd-version-to-deb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

M45x pretend logoYou'd think it's the traditional show season and not August, based on the number of vehicle introductions going on at Pebble Beach. Infiniti has announced that an updated M sedan will join the EX35 crossover at the swanky weekend car porn festival in Monterey. The M is said to receive "extensive exterior and interior enhancements" and a V8 all-wheel-drive M45x will join the lineup for '08. Infiniti also states that the previous M Sport models will be replaced by an optional Sport Package (19" wheels, Rear Active Steer, visual tweaks, etc). Check back Saturday, when we should have full details and photos from Infiniti.

UPDATE: All the official info and pics are now posted here.

[Source: Infiniti]

Updated 2008 Infiniti M heads to Pebble, M45x AWD version to debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti minfiniti m faceliftInfinitiMInfinitiMFaceliftmM45xpebble beachpebblebeachThu, 16 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Revamped Nissan Presage goes on sale in Japan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/revamped-nissan-presage-goes-on-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/revamped-nissan-presage-goes-on-sale-in-japan/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/revamped-nissan-presage-goes-on-sale-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan's latest take on a home market minivan, the Presage, has just gone on sale. Current owners venturing out to Japanese dealers to have a peek at the new model will likely immediately notice the revamped, Murano/Infiniti M-like face, which sees a familiar horizontally-straked chrome grill arc around to connect the more aggressive headlamps. The lower fascia (particularly the model seen here with auxiliary driving lamps), is similarly unusually outspoken for a minivan.

The interior hasn't been completely ignored, either. Subtle alterations include "separate, constantly lit instrument panel gauges, illuminated AT-shift position indicators and silver-colored paneling on the center cluster," among other things. In other words, those searching for a revolution would do well to look elsewhere... we're talking (very) measured improvements. Still, there's the availability of that trick blind-spot camera we first told you about back in June of last year.

The eight-passenger Presage continues to roll about on its FF L-class underpinnings it shares with the Teana, a chassis it has had since 2003. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter six-cylinder make up the powertrain choices.

Given the U.S. marketplace success of Nissan models bearing similar styling cues (the aformentioned Murano and Infiniti M35/45), it would be interesting to see if the model would generate bigger numbers than the company's slow-selling, love/hate Quest. Sadly, there's no word that the American market will ever see the Presage.

[Sources: DueMotori; Nissan]

Revamped Nissan Presage goes on sale in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jun 2006 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5-liter V63.5-literV6FF L-ClassFfL-classInfinitiInfiniti MInfinitiMMinivanMuranoNissan QuestNissanQuestPresageTeanaSat, 03 Jun 2006 12:01:00 EST