Autoblog

Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants

Chris Paukert — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Infiniti

We've known since mid-December that Infiniti's new global model naming convention would turn the current-generation G37 Coupe into the Q60 Coupe starting next year, but we haven't been clear on whether the model-range-formerly-known-as-G would get a successor, especially as its volume has traditionally been a lot lower than its sedan counterpart.

Thankfully, Infiniti president Johann De Nysschen (above) has stepped up to confirm that the newly revealed Q50 sedan will receive a two-door counterpart, though perhaps not as quickly as some would like. According to an interview with Australia's CarAdvice.com, De Nysschen says "the coupe we can probably expect two-and-a-half to three years down the road." That news also suggests that if there's an eventual convertible version, that it's a long way off, too. Why so long? Infiniti has "a lot of priorities" - priorities that undoubtedly include an already-confirmed front-wheel-drive small hatchback/crossover.

The report also indicates that Infiniti has some aspirations for stretching its new Q50/Q60 range in a higher-performance direction to take on competitors like BMW and Audi, the latter being De Nysschen's former employer. There's far from a firm timetable offered, of course, with De Nysschen saying "someday in the future we will be able to offer more high performance versions [of Q50] than we have today... the dynamic capabilities of this platform are very significant. It can handle far higher power than the engines we are using at launch."

Infiniti has long envisioned itself as Japan's answer to BMW, and from where we sit, high-performance models would likely help keep the brand focused as it branches out into new segments like that of the JX, a three-row crossover with few sporting pretensions. In addition, its nascent Infiniti Performance Line [IPL] franchise could use the help - we've been underwhelmed with the pricy IPL G Coupe and Convertible to this point, and Infiniti will need to work harder if it truly wants to align its products with its growing Formula One marketing efforts.

Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 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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Next Infiniti G to arrive in a year's time

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:59:00 EST

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

The current Infiniti G has soldiered on since the 2009 model year with few updates, so it is about time for a design change. But how much longer do we have to wait? Inside Line reports that the new G will arrive next spring with a new design, fresh engines and a possible hybrid variant.

Nissan VP Andy Palmer reportedly let loose the G's tight time line, while providing room for us to speculate what engineering changes could come with the redesign. The high-ranking executive told IL that the partnership between Nissan and Mercedes-Benz is progressing as planned, and we know that a four-cylinder engine is among the early collaborative endeavors. In fact, just last week Autocar reported that the next G will feature diesel and four-cylinder engines with Mercedes DNA.

Such a powerplant could replace the 2.5-liter V6 under the hood of the G25, and turbocharging could be on order as well. Palmer added that a turbocharged six could also be in the cards, noting that there is a business case for blown sixes that deliver V8 power with V6 fuel economy. Given that the entry Infiniti sedan doesn't currently feature a V8 option, we're all for more G-power for 2014.

The last interesting tidbit is the possibility of a G hybrid model. The addition of a battery-assisted G makes sense given that the automaker already features a hybrid option in its M sedan, and using the powertrain in more applications helps lower development costs.

Next Infiniti G to arrive in a year's time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 09:59:00 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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Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti

2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has turned over its cards and revealed pricing for two of its 2010 G37 models, and there is barely a bump in MSRP for the base models: the sedan's price remains the same at $33,250, while the coupe goes up by $150 to $36,050 - for which you get the revamped outside and upgraded materials and electronics inside.

As usual, traveling higher up the food chain requires more dosh, but it's interesting to see how much of a hit the more enthusiast-oriented models are taking. For the sedan, the Journey trim is upped by $750, the all-wheel drive model by $350, and the Sport 6MT surges by $2,750. The coupe increases by $850 for the Journey, $450 for the AWD, and a whopping $3,400 has been tacked onto the Sport 6MT. It isn't immediately clear why the 6MT models have been targeted for comparatively large increases in price (we're guessing it's a volume thing), but you can get more details on both models in the press release after the jump.

UPDATE: Just got word from Infiniti that the reason for the significant price increase on the 6MT model is the substantial amount of additional kit, including Bose stereo, power moonroof, iPod interface, heated front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, anti-glare mirror with Homelink and Bluetooth -- all standard.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases

Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST

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

2009 Infiniti G37X Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Being close" matters with horseshoes, hand grenades and misguided arithmetic. In past years, the Infiniti G sedan has been close, but compared to the Kaiser of the Klasse, BMW's 3 Series, the G35 was near the stake, but not a ringer. "Almost as good," we'd all nod, "but its biggest strength is that it's a bargain."

When the G37 arrived, our initial thought was it was simply an amplified G35, a car that's delighted our socks off in the past. But same car, bigger engine isn't the whole of the story. Just as gourmet chefs tinker with recipes, Infiniti has made adjustments. Embracing the spirit of Kaizen, Infiniti refuses to leave well enough alone, and the G37XS doesn't need to trade as heavily on its value proposition anymore. The G line has always driven well, but there's always been compromise, too. Cheap interiors, choppy ride - a history of "not quite." Has the G improved to the point of full greatness? And what happens when you add all-wheel drive to the mix? We hit the road to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x S Sedan

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37X Sport makes no excuses originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hand-painted G37 Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil commemorates Infiniti's 20th Anniversary [w/VIDEO]

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Infiniti, Specialty, Design/Style

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle by Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW, eat your art out - Infiniti can do art cars too! At the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto, Infiniti of Canada unveiled their G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle. It's a Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe that has been painted by Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer. The car was decorated to celebrate Infiniti's 20th anniversary, but the Japanese automaker worked with Cirque du Soleil on the project.

So, how does the artistic Canadian entertainment company fit into the picture? Cirque du Soleil is also celebrating an important anniversary, their 25th, and the paintwork adorning the car (which took over 300 hours to complete) was inspired by the offbeat circus. The car is also going to appear at select Cirque events in Canada in the future, and the ultimate plan is to auction the car off for charity.

Follow the jump and you can see a video of Taillefer performing her magic during the month-long project she calls "Ligozzi." Look for the Anniversary Infiniti at future Cirque du Soleil shows. If you can't make it, you can check out the high-res gallery below - and don't forget to click through to the video and to read the full press release from Infiniti Canada.

Gallery: G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Hand-painted G37 Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil commemorates Infiniti's 20th Anniversary [w/VIDEO]

Hand-painted G37 Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil commemorates Infiniti's 20th Anniversary [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti prices G37 Sedan and G37x Coupe

Chris Shunk — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti, Nissan

Click either image for high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti G37S and G37x

From the second we learned of the G37 Coupe, we immediately wanted to know when the larger, more powerful 3.7L V6 would find its way under the hood of the sedan. The answer to that question is the 2009 model year, and even though the new powerplant provides a class-leading 328 ponies mated to an all-new seven speed automatic transmission, it won't break the bank much more than the last model. Pricing for the new G37 Sedan starts at $33,250, which is $1,000 more than the 2008 model but still more affordable than the Infiniti's main competition in the entry luxury market.

The G37 Coupe returns for 2009 with the same sexy lines from last year, but has added the new standard seven-speed automatic and available AWD to make the G37x. The two extra cogs helps to raise the price of entry to $35,900, which is $1,000 more than the 2008 model. AWD brings the price of entry for the G37x to $38,700.

The seven-speed automatic has Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), but if automated manual shifting isn't your thing, a six-speed manual gear box is available for both the coupe and sedan. Each are now available in four trim levels for the first time: the G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. Pricing for the upcoming G37 convertible has not been announced, but we should learn more during its unveiling at the 2008 LA Auto Show next month. Thanks for the tip, Justin!

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37S Sedan

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices G37 Sedan and G37x Coupe

Infiniti prices G37 Sedan and G37x Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe

Michael Harley — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of the G37 Coupe

Nissan has finally confirmed in writing what many of us had known all along... the 2009 model year will bring the new G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible, and the G37x Coupe to Infiniti showrooms. The G35 sedan gets a bump from 3.5-liters (306 hp) to 3.7-liters (328 hp) as it now shares its engine with the coupe. Rebadged the G37, an optional brake package adds 4-piston front/2-piston rear brakes and larger rotors to the sedan. A new 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing) round out the upgrades. The all-new G37 convertible marks Infiniti's first drop-top since the 1992 M30 was discontinued, and the first open-air G. Based on the G37 Coupe, it features a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. Finally, the new G37x is a G37 coupe fitted with Nissan's ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. While the G37 Sedan and G37x will go on sale in September and debut in less than two weeks at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, we'll have to wait until the LA Auto Show in November for the debut of the G37 Convertible. Of course, Autoblog will be at both events to cover it for you.

Gallery: 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe

Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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