Autoblog

Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:31:00 EST

Infiniti EX35 IIHS roof strength test - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety is tough on vehicles. The institute's crash tests are among the most difficult to ace, with very high standards for front and side impacts, plus rigid roof strength standards. But while some vehicles struggle to achieve the top score of "Good," the Infiniti EX35 seems to have had the answers to the test.

Infiniti's smallest luxury crossover achieved the top score of "Good" because it features standard stability control, it passed the all-important rear and side impact protection tests and it has a roof that can handle the pressure of more than four times its overall weight. The roof test is measured by pressing a metal plate into a corner of the roof at a constant rate. The pressure continues to build until five inches of crush is achieved. If the roof can withstand at least four times the overall weight of the vehicle, it receives a score of "Good." Since the EX35 checked off every box with a score of "Good," the IIHS feels comfortable calling the CUV a "Top Safety Pick."

But while the EX35 was aces in the roof test, the similarly sized Acura RDX didn't fare nearly as well. IIHS gave the RDX an overall score of "Marginal" after the Acura roof was found to only be able to withstand 2.9 times the overall weight of the vehicle.

Hit the jump to read over the Infiniti press release.

Continue reading Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters

Infiniti EX35 nabs Top Safety Pick from IIHS, Acura RDX falters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:31:00 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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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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2010 Infiniti EX35 holds the line on pricing but gets gobs more equipment

Michael Harley — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Infiniti

Infiniti EX35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has announced its pricing and options list for the 2010 EX35 lineup this week, and the news is all good. The Japanese luxury brand has mirrored last year's MSRP on all four models, yet spread some additional icing on the cake to sweeten the deal on the 297-horsepower crossover.

The standard rear-drive EX35 rolls with a base price of $33,800 (all prices exclude destination, tax, and fees), while the range-topping EX35 Journey with all-wheel drive starts at $37,400. The automaker hasn't touched the exterior, so the new equipment is all found under the skin. All models now benefit from standard heated outside mirrors, auto on/off headlamps, and a USB connection port for iPod and MP3 players. The EX35 AWD model gains heated front seats, while the EX35 Journey models are fitted with heated front seats and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity. Models with the Bose Premium Audio package (but without the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation system) pick up a 2GB Music Box.

The option packages now include a new Bose and Around View Monitor package (which includes nav at no additional charge), and the Navigation package has been upgraded with Bluetooth Streaming Audio, XM NavWeather and a Zagat Restaurant Guide. The 2010 Infiniti EX models are currently on sale nationwide. The full press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Infiniti EX35

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2010 Infiniti EX35 holds the line on pricing but gets gobs more equipment

2010 Infiniti EX35 holds the line on pricing but gets gobs more equipment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls 200,000 vehicles over passenger air bag issue

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Infiniti, Nissan

Nissan is recalling 200,000 vehicles due to a faulty sensor system that could affect the car's passenger sid airbag. The problem is described as an issue with an electrical component that could interfere with the sensor system, which could then prevent the side airbag from deploying in certain circumstances. We gather from the report on Recall.gov that the sensor telling the car whether or not someone's riding shotgun could malfunction, and in the event of a crash the car could assume no one's sitting there at not deploy the passenger airbag. Most of the vehicles affected are 2007 or 2008 Nissan Altimas, tallying over 140,000 units of that model in all. Other models affected include '07 and '08 examples of the Infiniti EX35, G35 Sedan, G37 coupe and the Nissan 350Z, Rogue and Murano. The Japanese automaker claims that there have been no injuries as a result of the defect, but apparently it was deemed significant enough to pay for a recall and be safe today rather than sorry tomorrow. Owners of an affected Nissan vehicle can call 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti owners can dial 1-800-662-6200 for more information, as dealers are able to test the system and replace the passenger-side seat cushion where the offending hardware is located.

[Source: Detroit News, Recalls.gov]

Nissan recalls 200,000 vehicles over passenger air bag issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Infiniti EX35 [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Infiniti

Click above for high-res gallery of the Infiniti EX35

Infiniti first showed the world its new EX35 as a concept at last year's New York Auto Show and then put it on sale in fall essentially unchanged. Although the Acura RDX has been described as a sports car in CUV clothes, it's based on a fundamentally front-wheel-drive architecture. If Honda had instead taken the S2000 roadster, stretched it and jacked it up a bit, they would have come up with something more akin to the EX35. In fact, that's almost exactly what Nissan did.

The EX35 is based on the platform of the G35 sedan/G37 coupe and, of course, the fun loving 350Z. If you want a crossover with sports car genes, it would be hard to find something more suitable. Of course, wearing a badge from the Infiniti side of the family tree means getting a handsomely tailored suit and all the latest high-tech gizmos to go along with the go-fast hardware. It also means a few sacrifices to ultimate utility, but we'll get to that after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Infiniti EX35 [w/VIDEO]

In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Infiniti EX35 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti EX35 receives IIHS' Top Safety Pick

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Crossover, Infiniti

Infiniti has finally joined the ranks of other automakers deemed worthy of the IIHS' Top Safety Pick with its recently introduced EX35 CUV. The luxurious and techalicious cute 'ute has garnered a fair amount of praise in recent months for its combination of high-class amenities and high-tech wizardry, but the Institute's focus is set squarely on how it avoids crashes and how it fairs in front, side and rear impacts. In order to receive the IIHS' designation, the vehicle has to provide "superior overall crash protection" and incorporate electronic stability control, both of which, the EX35 apparently provides.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's press release is posted below the fold.

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Infiniti EX35 receives IIHS' Top Safety Pick

Infiniti EX35 receives IIHS' Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Infiniti

Entry luxury crossovers are only a few weeks from getting a new competitor, and the Infiniti EX35 will be priced to sell. The base EX begins at a reasonable $31,300, and includes a 297 HP 3.5L V6, five speed automatic, and six air bags. Infiniti also offers a RWD EX Journey for $34,850, and leather-trimmed seats, moon roof, and front and rear sensing systems come standard. AWD is a $1,400 option on both models. Infiniti also offers several option packages that will bring the little CUV over the $40,000 mark, but that's the standard top end for much of the segment.

The EX35 has good looks, a willing chassis based off the G35 sedan, and an outstanding VQ engine. At these prices, Infinity should meet sales quotas and steal buyers from other luxury nameplates at the same time. The EX35 will be available beginning December 21. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k

Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan releases details about "Around View Monitor"

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Safety, Technology, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan

Spatially-challenged drivers rejoice! As previously reported, Nissan has developed a new parking assist system that employs four ultra-wide high-resolution cameras mounted in the front, rear and both sides of the vehicle to provide a bird's eye view of the vehicle's surroundings. All those images are processed and displayed in real-time on a dash-mounted screen, giving drivers a 360-degree view of what they don't want to hit.

Shifting the car into reverse or drive will alternate between a view of the front or rear, while drivers will be able to toggle the left, front and right views when performing a particularly tricky parallel parking maneuver.

The first application of Nissan's "Around View Monitor" in the U.S. will be in the Infiniti EX35, but we'd expect it to become a hot commodity on some of Nissan and Infiniti's more bloated SUV offerings soon.

Nissan's full press release, including a video, is posted after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: Nissan's Around View Monitor

Continue reading Nissan releases details about "Around View Monitor"

Nissan releases details about "Around View Monitor" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've heard this before: USA Today reports hatches are coming back

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback

Being the auto-obsessive types that you are, we're sure you can recount endless conversations with potential car buyers about the variety of body styles on the market, and how several of the CUVs and wagons currently available are, at times, far superior to their overblown SUV counterparts. The reasons behind the current boom in hatchbacks and crossovers are obvious: better fuel economy, more car-like handling and ride, all with many of the same attributes of an SUV.

USA Today ran a piece that details some of the offerings that are either making a splash in the marketplace already, or that are pegged to be winners as the movement away from big 'utes continues. Much of the discussion centers on some of the new high-end crossovers that are currently in the works, specifically the BMW X6 and Infiniti EX35, which offer a bit more luxury over outright utilitarianism.

The real crux of the article is that American consumers have put to rest the moribund offerings of the 70s, like the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega, and are finally warming up to the sloping rooflines of modern five-door designs.

[Source: USA Today via Winding Road]

Gallery: 2008 Infiniti EX35

We've heard this before: USA Today reports hatches are coming back originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pebble Beach Week 2007: Infiniti EX35 drops in Pebble

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows

While we weren't looking, Infiniti snuck the new EX35 in the back door and released a ton of press pics and details about this newest luxury cute-ute. While we didn't get a chance to attend the official debut, we did spot a nice black example near the Infiniti hospitality tent and grabbed a couple of quick pics. From the front, and especially in black, this vehicle looks long and elegant. When it was introduced in New York as the EX Concept back in April, it won us over with its appealing styling and gorgeous interior. Somewhere between a G37 and FX35, it's quite attractive, but not really cute.

Gallery: Pebble Beach Week 2007: Infiniti EX35 drops in Pebble

Gallery: 2008 Infiniti EX35

Pebble Beach Week 2007: Infiniti EX35 drops in Pebble originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:02:00 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 Auto Show: Infiniti EX Concept debuts [VIDEO]

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:27:00 EST

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

UPDATE: Additional live shots added to the high-res gallery

click above image for high-res shots of the Infiniti EX concept

After the formal reveal of the slinky Infiniti G37 Coupe, Nissan's luxury division turned its attention to a vehicle that will have significantly broader appeal and is sure to be a supermarket/shopping mall/suburban driveway staple once it sheds the "concept" moniker later this year. We are, of course, referring to Infiniti's very compelling EX Concept, a slightly sub-FX-sized crossover that shares its underlying architecture with the new G37 Coupe and its engine with the new G35 sedan. After a video intro narrated by Nissan's design guro, Shiro Nakamura, the EX had its veil lifted (literally) and we journo-types got our first look at it in person.

It's impressive. More than just a wagon with a G35's face grafted on it, the EX has a sporty stance, rakish profile, and presents itself as a cohesive blend of the division's car and crossover styling. It takes the best parts of both the G and FX, and it's arguably more attractive than future competitors like the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. Showcasing blue sky, concept-only technology like a liquid-crystal roof that turns from transparent to translucent at the touch of a button, as well as production-ready niftiness like the new around-view monitor that uses multiple cameras to vastly improve visibility when parking, and the enhanced lane departure warning system that incorporates brake intervention to help keep the car where it's supposed to be. Both those technologies will be available later in the year, and at the end of the presentation, Infiniti GM Mark Igo officially announced that the production EX35 crossover will arrive at the end of 2007. We asked an Infiniti rep what this means for the FX, and were told that it's evolution will continue as well, and to look for new concepts that will hint at its direction at future shows.

Check out our new live shots in the gallery by clicking below, or watch video of the live reveal after the jump.

You can view all the debuts and galleries from the New York Auto Show here.

Gallery: Infiniti EX Concept

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Infiniti EX Concept debuts [VIDEO]

New York Auto Show: Infiniti EX Concept debuts [VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 14:27:00 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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