Autoblog

Infiniti confirms all-new sports sedan will debut in Detroit

George Kennedy — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

While the automotive world may currently be focused on the Los Angeles Auto Show, those looking to stay ahead of the curve have their sights set farther down the road. One such automaker is Infiniti. On the first of the LA press days, the Japanese luxury brand has announced an all-new model to debut in Detroit this January.

According to Infiniti, an all-new model will be unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto show. The debut will be accompanied by a performance from world renowned Cirque Du Soleil as well as a live stream simulcast of the event.

It's unclear whether Infiniti will be showing a redesign of the G sedan, which has been spotted testing, or a new sub-G compact performance-luxury four-door. We will know for sure on January 14 when we bring you news form the Infiniti stand.

The presentation will also include an map of Infiniti's strategy moving forward, by president Johan de Nysschen. De Nysschen was appointed in July of this year, following the move of Infiniti's headquarters to Hong Kong. According to Infiniti, the luxury brand is aiming at a "new era of inspiration, growing its market share, with the strategic expansion of its business worldwide." This all-new vehicle will be an integral element to any future expansion for the Japanese automaker.

Continue reading Infiniti confirms all-new sports sedan will debut in Detroit

Infiniti confirms all-new sports sedan will debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Volvo

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 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 G25

Zach Bowman — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Better Fuel Economy At Any Cost

Brands like Infiniti built their empires convincing the world that the badge on the hood shouldn't matter nearly as much as the bones underneath, but Japan's cadre of luxury brands isn't the only group peddling bang for the buck these days. Manufacturers from Kia to Volkswagen now come with cabins packed with luxury amenities. Even the lowly Ford Fiesta can offer buyers high-quality leather seating and enough technology to put the subcompact into geosynchronous orbit. So why bother stepping up to the mid-level luxury league at all? What differentiates a nice car from a fine automobile beyond a little inflection and a lot of marketing?

European brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz happily prattle on about pedigree and superior engineering, but at the end of the day, a luxury machine simply has to feel special. Foodies often speak of the fifth flavor, umami. Directly translated, the word means "good taste" with an element of savoriness, and automotive luxury is built on that same intangible sensation. Perhaps better than either Acura or Lexus, Infiniti has become a master of that something special, offering its customers elegant style, well-crafted interiors, innovative technology and a superb driving experience. The 2012 Infiniti G25 looks to add superior fuel economy to that list, but can it do so without losing its luxury essence?

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti G25

2012 Infiniti G25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Infiniti G to use Mercedes-sourced engines

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz have spent the past two years becoming BFFs under the covers of their small cars. In addition to the production version of the Infiniti Etherea using the Mercedes A-Class platform and Nissan making engines for Mercedes in Tennessee, two years ago it was reported that the next Infiniti G would get engines from the German automaker. As the launch draws nearer, a report in Autocar indicates that Mercedes four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be under the hood from the beginning.

Infiniti has been investing heavily in growing the brand across the world, especially in Europe. The G range had no four-pot in the lineup, and without that, few buyers would even consider it. Having economical engines right from the start will at least give purchasers a reason to cross-shop the G with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, its target market. It will need that expanded consideration to move from 2011's 145,000 global sales to the 500,000 sales it seeks in 2016.

If you're wondering why Mercedes would provide engines and know-how to an entry-level luxury car that competes against the 3 Series, one of Mercedes main rivals, Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said there's no overlap. "People buying Infiniti or Daimler, they don't cross-shop between the two brands.... We came to the conclusion that Mercedes collaborating with Infiniti will not be hurting each other."

Next Infiniti G to use Mercedes-sourced engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Infiniti G mule spotted testing in Sweden

Jeff Sabatini — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

We already had reason to believe that the next generation of the Infiniti G is poised to add a few new variants, including a diesel model, thanks to recent Nissan trademark filings. But now our spy shooters have caught some Infiniti development mules out in the wild, cars they say sounded like diesels.

There's not too much that can be seen in these photos, as the mule uses a modified current-gen body. But the car definitely looks like it has a wider track, which could point to the next G being a bit larger (or at least meaning it's not going to shrink). We can also see two extra air intakes in the front bumper, just under the grille.

The photographers tell us that the cars were snapped near a Mercedes-Benz test facility in Northern Sweden, leading us to assume that a diesel G is likely to be powered by an engine developed out of the Daimler-Renault-Nissan partnership that was announced two years ago.

Check out all the high-res spy shots in our gallery.

Next-gen Infiniti G mule spotted testing in Sweden originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Buick, Infiniti, Volvo

2011 Infiniti G25 - Click above for high-res image

Consumer Reports put four new sports sedans to the test, and the Buick Regal Turbo and Infiniti G25 came out on top. The G25 managed a score of "Excellent," as the consumer advocacy magazine gave the sedan high marks for ride and handling and well-weighted steering. The G25 now lags only the more powerful G37 on CR's list of the 13 best sports sedans in the mid-size segment.

The Regal Turbo finished right behind the G25 with a score of "Very Good." The boosted Buick also received high praise for handling, and the sedan's 2.0-liter turbo mill "brings much needed power while attaining the same fuel economy as the base four-cylinder model." CR now ranks the Regal Turbo just ahead of the naturally aspirated Regal. The post-jump press release claims the Regal Turbo now ranks in the middle of the pack of 13 sports sedans.

While the Regal and G25 received kudos, the 2011 Audi A4 and 2011 Volvo S60 didn't fare as well. The A4, which has been given the coveted "Recommended" nod from CR, now ranks 12th out of 13 vehicles, trailing only the Saab 9-3. Ouch. The Volvo S60 fared a bit better, with a ranking of 10th.

Hit the jump to read over the Consumer Reports presser. The release also includes info for the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, which were tested separately.

Continue reading Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests

Infiniti G25, Buick Regal Turbo score well in latest Consumer Reports tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti M25 not bound for U.S. market

Chris Shunk — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M37 - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were hoping for a "cheap" Infiniti M, it appears that your wish won't come true. Inside Line reports that there will be no entry M25 for the U.S. market, leaving the $47,700 M37 as the base model.

While it's unfortunate that Infiniti won't offer a more affordable alternative to the nearly $50,000 M37, we're thinking that the decision may be for the best. After all, the 2.5-liter V6 that currently resides under the hood of the G25 only produces 218 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque, and since that already feels a bit weak in the G, we can't imagine that it'd make for a truly engaging M.

It's not like the 2.5-liter engine is all that more efficient than Infiniti's outstanding 3.7-liter V6, either. Under the hood of the G sedan, the mill averages 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 averages 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

Infiniti M25 not bound for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25

Rex Roy — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, First Drives, Luxury

The Infiniti For Those Afraid Of Fast

2011 Infiniti G25 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to years of dedicated work and impressive engineering, Infiniti has earned a reputation for being the "Japanese BMW." Like the German automaker, Infiniti's U.S. entries are decidedly more performance oriented, but the brand's decision to install the naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 in its G Sedan had us wondering if things were changing... and not for the better.

Follow the jump to find out if our suspicions have been confirmed.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti G25: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti G25 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Chris Shunk — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti G25 Sedan - Click above for high-res image

Infiniti now has a online configurator for the G25 powered by a 2.5-liter V6, and the details are, quite frankly, a bit of a mixed bag. We already knew that the base G25 starts at a very reasonable $30,950 ($31,825 with $875 destination), or $4,100 less than the base G37 Journey. That starting price won't come with such niceties as Bluetooth, dual climate control or a USB interface for your electronic gadgets. To reach that level of refinement you'll have to step up to the G25 Journey, which stickers for $32,350 ($33,225 with destination). To add all-wheel drive to your G25 you'll have to come up with still more cash. The G25X has all the standard equipment of the G25 Journey, but adds AWD and a snow mode for $33,950 ($34,825 with destination).

You'll undoubtedly save money up front if you opt for a G25, but you'll also save at the pump... a little. The G25's EPA numbers read 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. That's not bad for a luxury sled, but it's also only fractionally better than the far more powerful G37, which nets respectable 19/27 numbers. The G25X tells a similar story, with 19/27 numbers only marginally better than the G37X's 18/25 totals.

There is little doubt that there's a market in the U.S. for the G25. After all, there are plenty of folks out who will be happy to rock a G Sedan with a lower MSRP and better fuel economy than the now up-level G37. But the G25's 2.5-liter V6 with 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque is 110 horsepower and 82 lb-ft behind the G37's fabulous 3.7-liter V6, and when you consider the mediocre improvement in fuel economy, we're inclined to keep saving pennies until we can afford the G37.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released

Infiniti G25 gets online configurator, full pricing released originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti G25 arrives Stateside, priced at $30,950

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti G25 - Click above for high-res image

The Infiniti line-up is set to expand this September with the introduction of the G25, a new entry-level sedan packing all the amenities of its bigger brother, but with less power and a budget-minded price tag.

By all outward appearances, the G25 is your standard G sedan with a new badge, but under the hood lies the same 2.5-liter V6 that's been available in Japan since 2008. For an MSRP of $30,950, the G25 packs 218 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque channeled through a standard seven-speed automatic gearbox and - depending on the trim - can be had in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

The standard G25, G25 Journey or G25x (AWD) come equipped with leather and power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, six-speaker audio, 17-inch aluminum wheels, HID Xenon headlamps and the normal array of electo-nannies. An optional RearView monitor and dual-zone temperature control, along with heated front seats and outside mirrors, are available on the Journey.

All told, a completely maxed out G25 will set you back about the same amount of coin as a bone-stock G37 sedan - not a bad deal considering everything that's included. Hit the jump for the full details and expect driving impressions late next month.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti G25 arrives Stateside, priced at $30,950

2011 Infiniti G25 arrives Stateside, priced at $30,950 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti G25 hits dealers... in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti G25 in China - Click above for high-res image gallery

Finally caught where the eyes of the general population can see it, the Infiniti G25 posed for a few photos at a Chinese dealership, and from the outside it's hard to distinguish the entry-level Infiniti from the 3.7-liter V6-powered G37 sedan.

As you might guess from the name, the entry-level G25 has a 2.5-liter version of the VQ-Series V6 that produces 232 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Interestingly enough, it's also possible to get this same powerplant in the Chinese-market EX crossover as... you guessed it, the EX25. For its part, the G25 is also starting to become available in select additional markets including Russia.

At the moment, there is no word about any plans for either model to be launched in North America.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti G25

[Source: Autohome]

2011 Infiniti G25 hits dealers... in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing...

Michael Harley — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the team over at Inside Line reported on Tuesday that the 2011 Infiniti G Series sedan will be offered with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 borrowed from the JDM Skyline 250GT (sold as the Infiniti G on our shores), we were left scratching our heads. Understanding that the car was intended to be an entry-level (and fuel-efficient) competitor to the BMW 328i and Lexus IS250, arming it with a 280-horsepower turbocharged powerplant simply didn't make sense.

With a genuine apology for an erroneous report, IL is now reporting that the turbocharger will be left back in Japan. Sans turbo, the Infiniti G25 will arrive with a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 rated at 210 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That's more like it... maybe. According to our tipster, the engine will be rated at 235 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Don't memorize those numbers either, because our sources say it's 222 hp and 194 lb-ft of torque. Bottom line: There will be no turbocharged engine under the hood of the upcoming Infiniti G25. Thanks for the tip Dr. J!

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2010 Infiniti G - Click above for high-res image gallery

According the slinky sleuths at InsideLine, the 2011 Infiniti G series will be available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 from the JDM-only Skyline 250GT (known as the Infiniti G in the States). But something's amiss...

Infiniti informed IL that the small V6 will be sold beneath the G37 as an entry-level alternative (think BMW 328i versus 335i), although we're a bit confused about the quoted power outputs. Nissan fitted its naturally aspirated, 210 hp 2.5-liter V6 (VQ25DD) to the Skyline through 2006, but the automaker's turbocharged variant (VQ25DET) puts out 280 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The report doesn't clarify which mill is on the way. Regardless, the 2011 Infiniti G25 will only be available as a sedan, so if you have dreams of a budget coupe or convertible, well, get comfortable with the ideas of four doors.

Gallery: 2010 Infiniti G37

[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan pics floating about the 'net

Erin Mays — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti

A few tips came in from readers about some 2007 infinti G35 photos floating around the Internet, and we're hoping they're real -- they illustrate a vast improvement upon an already beautiful car. The lines of the Infiniti Coupe concept from the Detroit show last January are better incorporated into the sedan styling, and it appears that Infiniti styling across the model lines will be more consistent, particularly in the grille area.

Thanks to Arnold, Brian and George for the tips.

[Source: Nissanclub.com]

2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan pics floating about the 'net originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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