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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Watch F1's Mark Webber race a skydiver in Montreal [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Infiniti, Canada

If Sebastian Vettel's foray into the Kung Fu movie scene struck you as a bit of a stretch, this latest publicity stunt from Infiniti and Red Bull could be more your speed.

While in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, Australian Formula One driving ace Mark Webber headed up to north the ICAR circuit at Mirabel airport - the same place where we were schooled by the Jacques Villeneuve Academy a couple of years back - for another kind of race altogether.

That's where he met up with Jon DeVore, a competitive skydiver also sponsored by Red Bull and Infiniti. Jon showed Mark how to use a wind tunnel for something other than testing the aerodynamics of his racing car and Mark showed Jon how to get the most out of an Infiniti G37S on the track. The day culminated as it only could: with a race.

Webber took off from the start/finish line at ICAR at the same time that DeVore jumped out of a helicopter and both raced - one flat and one free-falling - towards the checkered flag. Scroll down to watch the video clip for the results and for the full press release, and scope out the high-resolution images in the gallery above for a closer look at the action.

Continue reading Watch F1's Mark Webber race a skydiver in Montreal [w/video]

Watch F1's Mark Webber race a skydiver in Montreal [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

Chris Paukert — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

Remember when the price of entry to the "entry-level luxury" space was around $30,000? These days, that's the average price of a new car, nevermind something with premium brand cachet attached. Forgive our rose-colored glasses for a moment, but we've just come across the pricing announcement for the new-for-2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible and it starts at $60,600, *plus $895 for delivery. (If a fixed head is more your speed, the IPL G Coupe starts at $50,500). That's a whole lot of ducats.

Of course, this is the full-tilt Infiniti Performance Line model, with its 343-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ V6, spidery 19-inch wheels, tightened-up suspension, sportier exhaust and the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed paddleshift automatic, to say nothing of the trick folding hardtop.

In truth, Infiniti's rivals from Bavaria ask even more for their BMW 335is convertible ($60,800) and it only has 320 horsepower. Audi and its 333-hp S5 Convertible is a wee bit lighter on the wallet, meanwhile, commanding at least $59,300 and offering all-wheel drive, but it doesn't make the same sexy noise that the the IPL does.

Of course, Infiniti still has some nice G models in the 30-$omething range and there's a full family of models in between to satisfy every junior executive's wallet. Us? If we really wanted a droptop from Nissan's upscale outpost, we'd probably forgo the IPL bits and content ourselves with the far less costly G37 Convertible - all $46,650 and 325-horsepower's worth - at least until the rumored 530-hp, twin-turbo IPL arrives.

Scroll down to read all of the pricing info for Infiniti's 2013 G Coupe and Convertible family.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 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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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 files for G35h, G30t and G22d trademarks

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Infiniti, Diesel, Luxury

Infiniti's rival to the BMW 3 Series is known by just one letter - that letter, of course, being G - but the range is expanding beyond the solitary G35 that had been the mainstay of the line for years. The G35 was succeeded by the G37 (pictured above) and recently supplemented by the smaller-displacement G25, but emerging reports indicate that Infiniti has a whole raft of new versions on their way.

The report from Car and Driver is bolstered by tell-tale trademark applications for the nameplates G35h, G30t and G22d. The numbers tell us something, but it's the lower-case letters that follow which really indicate what to expect. The G35h, then, could seemingly adapt the hybrid powertrain currently found in the M35h, coupling a 3.5-liter V6 with electric assist. The G30t suggests a turbocharged engine is in the pipeline, though it's too early to tell if the spool would be fitted to a four- or six-cylinder engine. Finally, a G22d could join the range of diesel models which Infiniti currently offers in Europe.

We'll have to wait and see if and when the Nissan premium marque rolls out these model variants on its mainstay line of sedans, coupes and convertibles, but the trademark filings at least give some guidelines to our anticipation.

Infiniti files for G35h, G30t and G22d trademarks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

More Consonants, More Raw

There's an almost infinite amount to love about the Infiniti G37 line. In sedan or coupe form, X or S guise, the vehicles deliver that difficult-to-attain blend of rear-wheel-biased performance, content and refinement with a manageable price tag. With the excellent VQ37 3.7-liter V6 engine pounding under the hood and the buyer's choice of manual or automatic gearboxes pushing power to the rear or all four wheels, the G37 family is one of the market's best arguments against sliding behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series. That is, unless you wanted a truly serious performance machine.

German titans like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been lapping European racetracks under their M and AMG banners for decades, honing performance hardware that customers would merrily plop down fat stacks of cash for later. While Japanese luxury automakers have been somewhat slow to embrace performance sub-brands, recent years have seen an explosion of consonant-laced badging stuck to sharper machinery. Among Japanese automakers, Lexus first dipped a toe in those waters with the company's F-Sport goods, and Infiniti has risen to the challenge with its new Infiniti Performance Line. By gracing the G37 Coupe with more horsepower, a sharper suspension, larger brakes and unique interior appointments, Infiniti has taken a first step into a world dominated by some of the world's most storied badges.

But is the IPL G37 a serious performance contender or simply a bolt-on queen with delusions of grandeur?

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

2012 Infiniti G37 IPL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

Nissan is recalling certain 370Z and Infiniti G37 Coupe models due to an improperly calibrated auto-reverse feature on the vehicle's windows. Around 1,788 2011 and 2012 models may have been built with a window switch controller that won't actuate the auto-reverse quickly enough. Should someone accidentally get a body part trapped in the window, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a "pinch injury" may result. It's unclear whether anyone has been injured as a result of the calibration error at this juncture, but Nissan says that the automaker will fix the power window switches free of charge.

The recall is set to begin around November 28, and owners of affected vehicles can expect to hear from Nissan shortly about the program. Hit the jump to read the full recall notice.

Continue reading Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows

Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti

Any luxury automaker worth its burlwood has to have a performance division. BMW has M. Mercedes-Benz has AMG. Audi's Quattro GmbH churns out S and RS models. Lexus has the letter F. Cadillac has V. And Infiniti has IPL.

The Infiniti Performance Line launched last summer with the IPL G Coupe, essentially a G37 Coupe that'd been fiddled with for an extra measure of sportiness. Much speculation and anticipation followed as to what the IPL team would do next - leading to rumors over potential tie-ins with Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG - but a Sebastian Vettel edition FX55 notwithstanding, this has been the first follow-up product since.

Previewed in thinly disguised concept form just a month after the coupe's debut, the IPL G Convertible is set to make its production debut at today's Los Angeles Auto Show. It's essentially the same as the coupe, only with the retractable hardtop of the G37 Convertible on which it's based. The 3.7-liter V6 has had its mapping adjusted and breathing optimized to generate 343 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque - 18 and 6 more than stock, respectively, but 5 and 3 less than the coupe despite more heft to move.

Power is driven to the rear wheels exclusively via a seven-speed paddle-shifting, rev-matching automatic transmission. Other enhancements enacted for the IPL G Convertible include a firmed-up suspension, 14-inch front brakes rotors (13.8 in the rear) with alloy calipers, 19-inch alloys, and a revised aero kit. Only two colors are available - Moonlight White and Malbec Black - while the leather interior can be had in Stone or Monaco Red. Like what you see? Check out the full details after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery for more.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Infiniti, Racing

Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is no stranger to motorsports. The Japanese luxury marque supplied engines to the Indy Racing League in the late 90s, and recently launched a sponsorship deal with the World Champion Red Bull Racing team in Formula One (which runs sister-company Renault's engines). But rallying is new territory for the Nissan premium division.

Now before you let your imagination run wild, bear in mind that the G37 coupe you see here is not actually competing in any rally events. It is, however, being used as a safety car for the Spanish Rally Championship.

For the task, the G37 Coupe S dubbed "Work Car Zero" has been outfitted with roll-bar, dampers, brakes, bucket seats and harnesses, fire-suppression system, communications equipment and special lighting. Otherwise, it's pretty much bone stock (save for the garish paint scheme).

Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and scope out the images in the high-res gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept - Click above to enlarge image

The first Infiniti Performance Line offering was unveiled at Pebble Beach last month in the form of the IPL G37 Coupe. The 348-horsepower G hardtop wears a factory-designed bodykit and came with engine and chassis tweaks to make things slightly firmer and faster. It goes on sale in December.

This week, its droptop brother will arrive at the Paris Motor Show. Infiniti hasn't announced power output, but we expect the IPL G Convertible Concept will probably be a shade less muscular than the coupe, as is the case with the non-IPL models. The automaker hasn't given away any hint of pricing, either, but VP Ben Poore did say "IPL promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices," if that's any consolation. Stay tuned for complete details later in the week.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 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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Report: Next Infiniti M and G to share platform with Mercedes-Benz E Class?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault

2011 Infiniti M56S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault-Nissan and Daimler recently announced a strategic alliance that promised technology and facility sharing that could result in the saving of over $1 billion per year. We'll have to wait a while before we can see any parts or factory sharing, but that isn't stopping the rumormill from running rampant.

The latest tease comes courtesy of Japanese enthusiast rag Best Car, which claims that the Infiniti M and G will share a common platform architecture with the Mercedes E-Class. The move would make sense from a money-saving perspective, as Infiniti could save hundreds of millions of dollars in development costs. Daimler could reap huge sums of savings through increased economies of scale, while likely receiving funding from Renault-Nissan to help pay for the costs of developing the architecture. The two companies are reportedly also looking into sharing engines, factory space in the U.S. and possibly even commercial vans.

But while it makes sense for Daimler to share the E-Class platform with Infiniti from a cash standpoint, we're taking this bit of news with a healthy dose of skepticism. Infiniti already has an excellent rear-wheel drive platform and there's a good chance that it's cheaper to build. But then again, if Daimler and Renault-Nissan are truly serious about saving over $1 billion per year, these are exactly the kinds of parts-sharing agreements that will help them reach their cost-saving goals.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: Pistonheads]

Report: Next Infiniti M and G to share platform with Mercedes-Benz E Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Infiniti G to get four-cylinder Mercedes engine

Zach Bowman — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2009 Infiniti G37x S Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've all been wondering exactly what flavor of fruit the Daimler AG/Renault-Nissan mash-up would bear, and now it looks like we may have our first answer. Starting soon, the Infiniti G will boast an efficient four-cylinder engine borrowed straight from Mercedes-Benz. AutoWeek reports that Nissan head-honcho Carlos Ghosn confirmed the news himself, though so far we have no indication of exactly which four-pot will make its way into the Japanese sedan or when it will be available to buyers.

The suits at both Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz don't seem to be too concerned about the new four-cylinder G robbing sales from the Silver Arrow. Ghosn said that customers typically don't cross-shop the two brands at all. Instead, Infiniti will benefit from having a new efficient option for buyers that will help the company meet impending fuel standards, and Mercedes-Benz will move more powerplants than before. Win, win.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti G37x S Sedan

[Source: Auto Week]

Report: Infiniti G to get four-cylinder Mercedes engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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