Autoblog

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.

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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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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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Infiniti details 2011 model year lineup, two new packages for G37

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti QX56 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has released details on its entire model lineup for 2011, and there are a couple of interesting tidbits to glean. Of course, we already know all about the new-for-2011 M and QX, so we'll focus on the other machines in Infiniti's line to see what's new, starting with the G series.

Two new extensions to the G Sedan will debut at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance: a Limited Edition model and a Sport Appearance package. Infiniti promises that both machines will be available in September and will feature "special exterior and interior content features." The G Coupe will gain a Sport Package for all-wheel-drive models, while Infiniti's G Convertible gets a revised fascia with relocated fog lights (no pictures available) and a Limited Edition model. Scratch Resistance Paint becomes standard on all G models.

Moving on, the 2011 EX will get a new seven-speed automatic transmission and 18-inch wheels as standard, while three new exterior paint colors will be offered. The larger FX will get a new standard power liftgate in 2011 and Infiniti also reminds us that it plans to release its M Hybrid along with an electric vehicle later this year.

There are plenty more bits, pieces and package changes that true Infiniti aficionados may want to peruse. Find all the details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti details 2011 model year lineup, two new packages for G37

Infiniti details 2011 model year lineup, two new packages for G37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:28:00 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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EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan

Nissan Skyline Crossover - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Enthusiasts couldn't help but be disappointed when Nissan let slip that plans for a new Infiniti flagship sedan based on the all-conquering GT-R wouldn't see the light of day. What you see here is just the opposite: an Infiniti re-labeled as a Skyline.

Truth be told, although the previous Skyline GT-R was one model, the two nameplates have been separated for years now in the Japanese domestic market: The Japanese domestic market Skyline is what we know as the Infiniti G37 coupe and sedan (like the G35 before it). What you see here, then, is just more of the same: the Nissan Skyline Crossover, an exercise in badge engineering to bring the niche model Infiniti EX crossover back home.

Nissan has released little in the way of details, but don't expect any big changes over the Euro-spec EX37, with the latest VQ37VHR version of the company's highly-rated V6 offering up 310 horsepower. So if you've ever woken up in a cold sweat wondering what an Infiniti EX would look like with a Nissan badge on its grille, check out the pair of images below, along with the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan Skyline Crossover (JDM)

Gallery: Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM

EX Phone Home: Nissan rebadges Infiniti EX as Skyline Crossover for JDM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti developing new crossover, hybrid for 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Crossover, Infiniti

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Infiniti EX35

Take a quick glance at Infiniti's line-up in the United States. What's the most glaring omission? A range-topping luxury sedan or possibly a version of the GT-R to serve as it's sporting halo? Not according to John Capps, chairman of the Infiniti National Dealer Advisory Board, who says Infiniti dealers are pushing hard for another entry into the same near luxury segment where the G37 already competes along with another luxury crossover model. It seems that the EX, the automaker's latest CUV, is not selling up to expectations against rivals such as the Lexus RX-series due to its limited utility.

Up next for the automaker, though, are replacements for the M-series sedan and QX full-size SUV, which we surmise may come from a new platform since it's currently based on the Nissan Titan, which is slated to be replaced by a version of the Dodge Ram in a few years. On the green front, Infiniti is also said to have a hybrid on the way for 2010, though we're short on details as to which platform(s) will be so equipped.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Infiniti developing new crossover, hybrid for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Infiniti EX getting more rear leg room

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Infiniti

Click above to view high-res gallery of the Infiniti EX35

The Infiniti EX is a perfectly good little CUV with G37-inspired looks and sharp reflexes that keep it near the front of the cute 'ute segment in most reviews. Apparently that hasn't been enough to attract buyers. Or more precisely, the buyers who have been showing up at Infiniti dealers haven't been the kind of people that the company was actually marketing to. Where the advertising for the EX up to this point has been directed towards sedan buyers, and particularly couples or single women, a lot of families are actually looking considering it and, like ourselves, are complaining about the lack of back seat legroom and cargo room. Infiniti has taken those complaints to heart and is planning a few changes for the 2010 model that will increase room in both of those areas, though it hasn't said exactly how it will squeeze the extra cubic inches out of the vehicle's finite amount of interior space. Additionally, Infiniti will work with its dealers to help better pitch the EX to prospective buyers. An example of that is making content like the family-friendly Around View Monitor available in more trim levels. Hopefully it will help boost EX sales beyond the expected 15,000 units for this year, though we wouldn't get our hopes up in this market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

2010 Infiniti EX getting more rear leg room originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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