Autoblog

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]

Infiniti is at this year's Moscow International Auto show, marking the launch of Nissan's luxury brand in Russia. When word first broke back in March, the only details we knew were that there would be two dealers in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. Now, however, we have the rest of the story.

Potential customers visiting the stand will learn that when sales begin in the fall, the first vehicles available will be the FX crossover and the M sedan. Both engine options (V6 and V8) will be available for each. The second wave of products will include the redesigned '07 G35 sedan and the ginormous QX56 SUV.

Also on display is the Infiniti Coupe Concept, which Infiniti's press release states "hints at the future," but we get the picture: they'll get the G35 Coupe, too. When all is said and done, Russia will have access to the entire Infiniti lineup.

The other news out of Moscow is that Infiniti has chosen Switzerland as the site of it's new European HQ. The Euro nerve center will be located in the town of Rolle outside Geneva.

[Source: Infiniti]