Autoblog

Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Luxury

Oh boy, this is about to get confusing with a capital Q.

Infiniti has just announced a brand-new scheme that calls for completely new model names across its entire lineup of vehicles. Making things even more difficult will be the fact that all coupes, convertible and sedans will get a Q prefix while all crossovers and SUVs will be prefixed with QX.

Further muddying the waters, previous engine displacement monikers will be replaced by a double-digit number "representing hierarchy within the range." Put less simply, the slot in the lineup currently held by the G Sedan will be called Q50 while the G Coupe and Convertible will be called Q60. Q70 will replace the M Sedan at the top of the automaker's lineup of cars.

On the truck side, the range-topping QX is now the QX80. Sitting below is the QX70, which was formerly the FX, then the QX60 that used to be the JX and finally the QX50, which was but is no longer the EX. Qonfused yet?

Getting back to the G... excuse us, Q50, this is the new sedan that Infiniti had previously announced would be debuting at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Best we can tell, this is a replacement for the old G Sedan, and it will sit below the currently available G Coupe and G Convertible, which will be renamed Q60.

The Q50 will be the first model from Infiniti to fall into the new Q-based naming convention, with the rest of the automaker's lineup falling into place as 2014 models are announced. Infiniti said on a conference call that this move was necessary as the brand branches out beyond the United States.

"This strategic change reflects Infiniti's desire for clarity and cohesiveness," says the press release, which you can read below. Hopefully, that will clear everything up for you...

Continue reading Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti EX, FX get 3.7L V6, G25 discontinued

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

Shouldn't this have happened by now? For 2013, both the Infiniti EX and FX crossovers will be powered by the automaker's 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, replacing the 3.5-liter V6. Naturally, the official nomenclature has been changed to EX37 and FX37 for the new model year.

We have to wonder, though: Why add the 3.7-liter unit to the EX and FX for 2013 but launch the all-new JX with the old 3.5-liter engine? Engine plant capacity issues?

Regardless, the larger engine means there will be 28 more horsepower on tap in the EX and 22 more ponies available in the FX. For those seeking even more crossover thrills, the V8-powered FX50 will still be offered, packing 390 hp.

The 2013 FX gets a couple other bits of freshening-up in the form of some new paint colors, including a Limited Edition model painted in Moonlight White. Moving Object Detection has been added to the FX's brilliant Around-View Monitor system, as well. The updated FX goes on sale in July with the 2013 EX following in August.

In other news, Infiniti has announced that it will no longer offer the entry-level G25 sedan - powered by a 2.5-liter V6 and able to achieve up to 29 miles per gallon on the highway - leaving only the G37 and IPL G to fill out the range. The short-lived G25 will still remain on sale through December of this year. For the full list of 2013 model year changes, scroll down to read Infiniti's press release.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti EX, FX get 3.7L V6, G25 discontinued

2013 Infiniti EX, FX get 3.7L V6, G25 discontinued originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti EX35

Zach Bowman — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

A G hatchback By Any Other Name...

In the past, many of us have been guilty of approaching the crossover segment with the same zeal a toddler typically reserves for mashed peas. Equal parts revulsion, befuddlement and betrayal have danced across our faces as we've struggled to comprehend why anyone would willingly put their hard-earned money towards a vehicle saddled with inherently poorer driving dynamics and fuel economy. As lovers of curve-conquering wagons and hatchbacks everywhere, throwing a couple of extra inches of ride height into the recipe has rarely done us any favors. Not surprisingly, we find ourselves in familiar territory once again: far removed from even the outskirts of popular opinion.

Last year, Honda sold a dizzying 218,373 CR-V crossovers, and despite fuel prices determined to bend us over and give us something to cry about, other automakers have fleshed out their lines with a wide array of high-riding vehicles. Ford boasts a total of five crossovers and SUVs in its stable, and it isn't alone. With vehicles like the Juke, Rogue and Murano, Nissan offers buyers a total of seven different models that fit into the segment. The news doesn't bode well for those of us who prefer a vehicle with superior handling mixed with the ability to haul people and cargo.

And there's virtually no refuge in the suede-lined halls of our favorite luxury manufacturers, either. Brands from every corner of the globe are cashing in on the CUV/SUV craze with unabashed ferocity. So when the 2012 Infiniti EX35 showed up in the driveway, we braced ourselves for a week of eating our vegetables, now fortified with doctor-recommended understeer and an extra helping of body roll. But this isn't your typical CUV. With a 3.5-liter V6 pumping nearly 300 horsepower to the rear wheels and a lower-than-it-looks stance, this is a sport hatch masquerading in crossover clothing.

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti EX35

2012 Infiniti EX35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vilner retrims Infiniti crossovers' passenger cabins

Noah Joseph — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

Vilner Infiniti EX37 & FX37 - Click for high-res image gallery

Bulgarian customizer Vilner is known for creating luxurious passenger cabins. We've seen its crew apply their talents to the Mini Cooper, Chevy Camaro and Smart ForTwo, and now they've turned their attention to Infiniti's crossovers.

Since the press release after the jump offers little in the way of details, we'll let the images of the nautically inspired interiors in these EX37 and FX37 CUVs speak for themselves.

Continue reading Vilner retrims Infiniti crossovers' passenger cabins

Vilner retrims Infiniti crossovers' passenger cabins originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #231: Next Camry, vehicle satisfaction, EPA letter grades, BMW 328 Hommage

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:46:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Shunk, Bowman, Roth and (eventually) Paukert get together for Episode #231 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the talk of a new Toyota Camry by year's end, the dropping of proposed EPA letter grades from window stickers, the BMW 328 Hommage, and Chrysler and Lincoln topping their categories in the recent AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. Your feedback and questions finish it off, and we've re-posted the Q&A at the bottom of this post so you can play along at home, too. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #231: Next Camry, vehicle satisfaction, EPA Letter Grades, BMW's 328 Hommage

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Porsche Panamera
2011 Hyundai Equus
2011 Infiniti EX35

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:19:04

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Autoblog Podcast #231: Next Camry, vehicle satisfaction, EPA letter grades, BMW 328 Hommage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition introduced in Europe

Noah Joseph — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti EX30d Black Premium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Buying a luxury automobile these days is as much about the "customer experience" as it is about the actual vehicle. Infiniti has shown its aptitude in delivering that experience as well as its rivals have - arguably better - particularly in Europe, where Nissan's luxury division is a relative newcomer.

Its latest offering comes in the form of the EX Black Premium. Based on the diesel-powered EX30d GT Premium trim, the Black edition features (you guessed it) black paint (metalic Malbec, in Infiniti parlance) with graphite leather interior plus 19-inch alloys, a sunroof, aluminum roof rails and a Bose sound system.

That covers the vehicle. As for the experience, Infiniti has thrown in a night for two - fine dining included - at any of the hundreds of luxury hotels associated with the Relais & Château group, as well as membership in its exclusive Club 5C. Only 500 examples of the Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition will be offered across Europe, at about a $5,000 premium over the standard top-spec model. Full details are in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Infiniti EX30d Black Premium

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition introduced in Europe

Infiniti EX30d Black Premium edition introduced in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The biggest news for Infiniti's 2011 model year lineup may be the all-new M sedan, QX56 SUV, G25 sedan and IPL G coupe, but that doesn't mean the rest of the automaker's portfolio sails into the new year unchanged. The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

Curiously, Infiniti is still offering the EX with its smaller 3.5-liter V6, even though the majority of its products now use the more powerful 3.7-liter mill. Still, with 297 horsepower on tap, the EX35 should continue to be a surprisingly engaging steer, and with a new seven-speed gearbox in place, fuel efficiency should be improved for 2011, especially in the all-wheel drive models.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Other changes for 2011 include Active Blind Spot Warming being added to the EX's technology package and a revised premium package that encompasses both the upgraded Bose audio system and around-view camera system.

The 2011 EX is making its way to dealerships as you read this, priced from $34,150 (*excluding destination fees). A top-end EX35 Journey AWD will set you back $37,750, drastically undercutting the price of BMW's new (and admittedly larger) X3 xDrive35i that we recently tested. Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti's press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti EX

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Rolls Royce fixed-head coupe

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Rolls-Royce

Wait a second, doesn't this spy shot look a lot like the Phantom Drophead Coupe that's already out on the market? That's what Rolls Royce would have you believe, but EVO is certain this is the Spirit of Ecstasy's upcoming hard-top two-door, previewed by the 101EX concept and recently confirmed for production. These shots follow similar ones from last month, indicating that BMW's best engineers are hard at work.

What's the big difference, you ask? Word on the street is that, while the DHC is built for leisurely cruising from the yacht club to the golf course, the new model will be more driver-focused. A driver's Rolls? Interesting...We'll just have to sit tight until March when the new mega-coupe is scheduled to debut at the Geneva show, two years after the concept's unveiling at the same event, to find out more. In the meantime, follow the link to check out the shots in depth.

[Source: EVO via Automobiles De Luxe]

Spy Shots: Rolls Royce fixed-head coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2008 Infiniti EX35 Revealed

Alex Nunez — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Infiniti

Click image for gallery

Pebble Beach provides the swanky surroundings for the unveiling of the production Infiniti EX35 compact coupe crossover. Introduced in New York as the EX Concept back in April, the car won us over with its appealing styling and gorgeous interior. Happily, both have made the transition to production unscathed. The exterior styling fits right in with the brand's current offerings, and brave Felix Unger types with a passion for keeping things clean will no doubt be thrilled to have the available light cream-colored leather interior shown in the gallery. As with the concept, the IP hood is wrapped in a stitched leather, and black lacquer or maple wood trim adorn the center stack and console. Fans of cloth seating are in luck, too, as its available in the EX.

As was announced by Infiniti in New York, the car arrives with the same 3.5L VQ featured in the G35, and it's tuned to make "over 290 horsepower" here in the EX. Shifts come via a 5-speed automatic. The concept's trick 4-camera Around View Monitor parking assistance system is on the list of available options, and the 60/40 split rear seat has a power folding feature that can be performed from the cockpit or the rear of the car. The other nifty new addition is a scratch-resistant, self-healing finish. Finally, the expected raft of luxury and safety features is, of course, available. Finally, the EX will also be offered in Europe as Nissan establishes the brand there.

This was one of our favorites in concept trim, and if you throw out the show car's magic roof, what you'll see in dealer showrooms is fundamentally the same. That's really good, and we can't wait to get behind the wheel. The US on-sale date will be sometime in December of this year. We've included both production and concept galleries below for your comparison.

[Source: Infiniti]

Gallery: 2008 Infiniti EX35

Gallery: Infiniti EX Concept

Continue reading Officially Official: 2008 Infiniti EX35 Revealed

Officially Official: 2008 Infiniti EX35 Revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Preview: Infiniti EX Concept breaks cover

Alex Nunez — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossover, Infiniti

The EX Concept is one of those concept-in-name-only vehicles automakers love to trot out at auto shows throughout the year. Sure, the concept car's gee-whiz liquid crystal roof won't make it to production, but just about everything else will when it bows in showrooms later this year as the EX35 (assuming the engine info Nissan Sport magazine's sources provided is accurate). "E" comes before "F," and appropriately, the EX will be slotted just below its slightly larger brother, the FX35/45. As its likely nomenclature suggests, the EX would be powered by a 3.5L V6. It sits on a 112" wheelbase and (the concept car, at least) rolls on a set of 19" wheels and tires.

In the looks department, the EX grafts the new G35's face onto a crossover body. Overall, the look is very tidy and appealing -- moreso than the angrier-looking FX. We haven't got shots of the interior yet, but expect to see the usual level of detail with the new Infiniti products. We'll have more on the EX for you next week from New York. From the looks of things, Infiniti's going to have a winner on its hands when it materializes in dealerships.

UPDATE: High-res photos added to gallery, press release after the jump

[Sources: Nissan Sport Magazine, Infiniti]

Gallery: Infiniti EX Concept

Continue reading New York Preview: Infiniti EX Concept breaks cover

New York Preview: Infiniti EX Concept breaks cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Rolls-Royce cabriolet

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:17:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is set to take the wraps off a new convertible at the Detroit Motor Show less than two weeks from now, and have leaked a few photos to get our Spirits of Ecstasy flying. Although the name is not yet officially known, most insiders predict a revival of the Corniche nameplate for this grand cabriolet that picks up where the show-stopping 100EX concept car left off in 2004.

As can be seen from the press photos, some of the highly unique features from the show car have made it into the pre-production version. One of the most intriguing is the classic speedboat-style teak boot-lid under which the power soft-top will stow. The sinister LED headlights have also carried through, as has the stunning brushed-aluminum hood section (as unlikely as it was predicted that it would make it to production). The suicide doors are also there, granting elegant access to the world-class cabin with what looks like ample room, front and back. The trunk also has a unique split opening, one section folding down like a tailgate and another up like a conventional trunk lid.

Aside from the images, which you can check out after the jump, no details were released, but we can reasonably expect it will carry the 6.75-liter V12 and six-speed auto-box from its sister saloon the Phantom.

[Source: Rolls-Royce via AutoWeek.nl]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Rolls-Royce cabriolet

Detroit Preview: Rolls-Royce cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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