Autoblog

Infiniti recalling 2003-2004 M45 sedans over potential fuel gauge issue

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation of the 2003 and 2004 Infiniti M45 late last year over inaccurate fuel gauge readings, and now that probe has resulted in an official recall. The culprit has been identified as a faulty circuit board that causes the gauge to register more fuel in the tank than the car actually has.

According to NHTSA, Infiniti will begin notifying owners in mid-April, at which time they can take their sport sedans to the dealer to be replaced free of charge. Follow the jump for the official word from NHTSA with more details.

Continue reading Infiniti recalling 2003-2004 M45 sedans over potential fuel gauge issue

Infiniti recalling 2003-2004 M45 sedans over potential fuel gauge issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan recalls Juke, Infiniti M and QX for possible fuel leaks

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, SUV, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

Nissan North America is recalling 2011 and 2012 Nissan Juke, Infiniti M and Infiniti QX models over a fuel pressure sensor issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it's possible that the sensors weren't tightened properly, which could lead to the sensor coming loose over time and an increased risk of a fire due to leaking fuel.

The recall begins on March 19. Nissan will notify owners, who can take their vehicles to the dealer to be repaired free of charge. A bulletin from NHTSA that has more information is after the jump.

Continue reading Nissan recalls Juke, Infiniti M and QX for possible fuel leaks

Nissan recalls Juke, Infiniti M and QX for possible fuel leaks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti M to get stretched for China

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Infiniti, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

China is Infiniti's second-largest market, so important to the brand that it is building its global headquarters in Hong Kong. Infiniti will also adapt to the local tastes in another way this year when it offers an M37 sedan variant that's stretched by 150 millimeters for the Chinese market.

By now the Chinese preference for extended-wheelbase vehicles is well known, Audi's A6L having left a trail of money that the BMW 5Li, Mercedes-Benz E300L and Volvo S80L were quick to follow. The longer Infiniti M will go up against that bunch. Unlike its competitors, however, the M isn't built in China, so even though it helped Infiniti nearly double its sales there last year, some suggest the price disparity will handicap its chances.

We'll know the specifics once the extended-wheelbase M debuts at the Beijing Auto Show in April. A hybrid version is expected to follow after the first model goes on sale in June.

Infiniti M to get stretched for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Infiniti M35h is world's "fastest" hybrid

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Infiniti, Porsche, Luxury

We don't imagine that many new-car buyers are cross-shopping their local Infiniti and Porsche dealerships, but there's at least one segment of the automotive industry where the two automakers both play ball: high-performance hybrid luxury sedans, which may be the single most conflicted niche of the automotive sphere in the known universe.

In any case, here we are with the Infiniti M35h and Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. Each one is marketed as both a somewhat greener luxury vehicle and a performance sedan. We'd guess it's the performance side of the equation that would be most interesting to the majority of buyers, leaving fuel efficiency a welcome bonus.

So, which one is faster? That's an interesting question. Usually, we equate that term with top speed, as "fast" connotes velocity. When acceleration is being contested, we generally ask which machine is quickest. And, if it's quickness you're after, Infiniti wants you to know that its M35h will out-accelerate its competitor from Germany. How quick is it? According to Motor Trend, the hybrid M goes from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, but that's not the stat Infiniti is claiming. According to the post-jump press release, the M35h is "faster" than the hybrid Panamera from 0-100 (11.54 seconds) and in the quarter mile (13.41 seconds).

As for the rest of the relevant statistics, the EPA estimates that the M35h will manage 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway, for a combined rating of 29. The Porsche Panamera S Hybrid is rated at 22 city, 30 highway and 25 combined. Seems the M hybrid takes both the acceleration and economy awards. Check out a video released by Infiniti after the break, where you'll also find the press release, if you're into that kind of thing.

Continue reading Followup: Infiniti M35h is world's "fastest" hybrid

Followup: Infiniti M35h is world's "fastest" hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi to borrow Diamante successor from Nissan

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Luxury

Mitsubishi owners and car enthusiasts may recall a model called the Diamante. It was the Japanese automaker's flagship luxury sedan until it was discontinued in 2004. But now the time appears ripe to bring it back - in the Japanese domestic market, at least.

Rather than develop its own model, however, reports confirm earlier rumors indicating that Mitsubishi will rebadge a version of the Fuga produced by Nissan - a model better known to North American buyers as the Infiniti M. Nissan offers the Fuga/M with V6, V8, hybrid and diesel powertrains. It remains to be seen, however, which engines will find their way under the hood of the Mitsubishi version.

The arrangement is only the latest development in an ongoing partnership between Mitsubishi and Nissan that also includes a rebadged version of the Nissan NV200 Vanette, along with other models. However these exercises in badge engineering aren't expected, for the time being at least, to make it to the North American market.

Mitsubishi to borrow Diamante successor from Nissan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti M35h

Michael Harley — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Infiniti, Quick Spins

Appealing To Both The Fast And Frugal

2012 Infiniti M35h - Click above for high-res image gallery

It is time for enthusiasts to embrace hybrid powertrain technology. A few short years ago, the mention of "hybrid power" conjured up images of low displacement engines, tiny electric boost motors and lethargic performance. Sure, the vehicles were environmentally-friendly (on a local level, at least) and they spanked their pure-combustion counterparts when it came to fueling stops, but they were also absolutely boring to drive. No, make that numbing.

Of course, there are always a few exceptions to the rule. Vehicles including the Lexus LS 600h L, Lexus GS 450h, BMW ActiveHybrid 750i and BMW ActiveHybrid X6 deliver spirited performance, but only mediocre improvements over their gas-only siblings when it comes to efficiency. And, we don't need to remind you that these vehicles are always very complex, excessively heavy and hardly inexpensive - there were simply few compelling reasons to put one in the garage.

Infiniti, a brand in itself almost embarrassing late to the hybrid game, seems to be in a position to change all that.

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2012 Infiniti M35h...

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M35h: Quick Spin

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti M35h

2012 Infiniti M35h originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Making its public debut here at the LA Auto Show is the first production hybrid sedan from Infiniti, the M35h. Set to hit dealerships in the spring of 2011, the M Hybrid uses a parallel hybrid system combined with a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

When paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor, the M35h's 3.5-liter V6 is estimated to produce a stout 360 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. What's more, the electric motor produces an additional 199 lb-ft of twist off the line for acceleration, and we're told that the sedan can travel up to 62 miles per hour on electric power alone.

Official fuel economy figures are not available as of this writing, but Infiniti expects the M Hybrid to achieve 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway (27 combined). Sure, that might sound impressive, but for the sake of comparison, we'd like to direct your attention to the new 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 from Hyundai, which is estimated to net 26 mpg highway with a whopping 429 hp on tap. Just sayin'.

The M Hybrid does come standard with a laundry list of technological features, such as Active Noise Control and an audible pedestrian warning system for times when the car is silently cruising in electric mode. On top of that, the usual host of functions like navigation, Bluetooth and satellite radio are all on hand - this is a top-tier Infiniti, after all.

Follow the jump for the full details in the automaker's press release, and click through our galleries of live and stock shots to see the new M Hybrid from all angles.

Gallery: LA 2010: Infiniti M Hybrid

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment

LA 2010: 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid brings electric power to the luxury sport segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST

Popular Mechanics' Top 10 Cars for 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As 2010 draws to a close, it's time for different publications to start dishing out the numerous "car of the year" awards that highlight the best and brightest offerings for each new model year. The folks at Popular Mechanics have just released their Top 10 Cars for 2011, with American manufacturers (Ford, specifically) taking away the vast majority of top honors. Add General Motors and Chrysler to the mix, and the Big Three account for six of the ten vehicles on Popular Mechanics' list.

Ford's Mustang, Fiesta and F-250 Super Duty were all recognized as class-leaders for the 2011 model year. Across town, the new Cadillac CTS Coupe and Chevrolet Volt were given a hat tip from the editors, as was the Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of parent company Chrysler's big comebacks for the year 2011. The remaining awards were given to the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Sienna, Lotus Evora and Infiniti M, all of which are fantastic cars in their own rights.

To see which cars were honored for each category, you can scroll through our image gallery of the winners, or hit the jump to read the official press release. Look for the full story in Popular Mechanics' December issue, which hits newsstands on November 12.

Photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Continue reading Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011

Popular Mechanics doles out its Top 10 Cars of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Luxury

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

The Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis V8 and the BMW 5 Series were tested in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, and the results were fairly predictable. All three vehicles received ratings of "Excellent," though each vehicle's road to the top came from a different direction.

The newly redesigned M37 remains CR's top-rated midsize luxury sedan for its combination of performance, luxury and comfort. CR chief David Champion credits the M for combining "agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior." Solid praise, indeed. The BMW 535i's top rating comes on the heels of a test that revealed the new sedan as quick, luxurious and fuel efficient. Interestingly, CR believes that the new 5 Series has lost some of its trademark agility for 2011.

While the M37 is the top-rated midsize luxury sedan the V8-powered Hyundai Genesis could be the big winner of this test. South Korea's best nailed the test with the most power of the three vehicles tested and the lowest price tag of the group. We're not talking a couple thousand bucks, either. The Genesis was $10,000 cheaper than the M and $15,000 less than the BMW. The dark-horse luxury sedan was called spacious and smooth, though the 'built for comfort' chassis was called out for being "not that sporty." Both the M37 and Genesis have been granted the coveted CR "Recommended" label, while the 5 Series doesn't have enough reliability data available to qualify just yet. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Photos copyright (C)2010 / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti

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

The Infiniti M lineup was thoroughly made over for 2011, with new technology and new engines packing more power and resulting in better fuel economy. As you could surely assume, all those improvements came at a cost, and Infiniti passed along some of the pain to customers. For example, the starting price of M56 variants were edged higher by $5,750 compared to the outgoing M45 and M45x. The price spike apparently wasn't enough money, though, as Infiniti has again upped the MSRP of all 2011 M models.

Effective immediately, the M56 and M56x are up by another $350, with a sticker price of $58,775 and $61,275, respectively. The M37 and M37x received a $250 bump, with a new starting price of $46,500 and $48,650, respectively. We're not exactly sure why the price of the M jumped, but it could have something to do with the fact that sales of the flagship Infiniti are up 45 percent on the year, with August 2010 sales more than doubling compared to the same month in 2009. Not a bad problem to have.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Infiniti]

2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has officially announced plans to debut its first hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The M35 hybrid first appeared - badged as the Nissan Fuga hybrid - at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show, propelled by Nissan's first in-house hybrid system. The M35 is powered by a retuned Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-liter VQ V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack that uses the same type of cells that power the Nissan Leaf.

The motor is a disc-type unit packed between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission in a similar fashion to the systems from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Porsche. Infiniti claims the M35 will deliver V8 performance with the fuel consumption of a four cylinder. While the Fuga is set to go on sale in Japan this fall, the M35 hybrid arrives in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.

Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid

[Source: Nissan]

LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Chris Shunk — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.

Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.

Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 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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Rendered Speculation: Nissan mulling Infiniti M Coupe?

Dan Roth — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Infiniti, Rumormill, Design/Style, Luxury

These kind of conversations go on all the time. An automaker will consider variations on the theme of a particular model, and the rabid media will occasionally pick up a snippet of that chatter and blow it way out of proportion. We can't say whether rumors of a two-door M coupe are reality or just spitballing, though many would argue that such a model is a necessity for success.

A two-door M could be offered in both V6 M37 form, and with a V8 as the M56. InsideLine has a rendering that shows a pretty spiffy premium coupe with a unique roof pillar treatment. It's a nice rendering, but we can posit that the production version won't be wearing a piece of C-pillar finery to make a '61 Valiant jealous.

[Source: InsideLine]

Rendered Speculation: Nissan mulling Infiniti M Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could the Infiniti M replace the Q forever?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury

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

Take a look at the Infiniti line-up compared to other top-tier luxury automakers and something's missing. Nissan's luxury arm hasn't had biggie-sized luxo-barge after the brand killed the Q45 in 2006, and it doesn't look like a replacement is coming anytime soon.

Speaking with Automotive News, Toru Saito, Infiniti's veep of global business contends that the recently released M sedan will "play a flagship role" for the automaker going forward, and judging by the dimensions of the new M - which comes in around the same size as the old Q - he's partially right.

Despite matching Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz point-for-point on its entry-level and mid-size models, Infiniti's offerings have always straddled segments. The G37 is noticeably larger than the A4, 3 Series, IS and C-Class, while the M - which would traditionally take on the A6, 5 Series and E-Class - has grown considerably since it's last iteration.

According to Saito, if there's significant demand for a larger vehicle in Infiniti's line-up, the automaker will consider reviving the Q, but for now "the No. 1 challenge is the environment and efficiency."

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Could the Infiniti M replace the Q forever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Infiniti, First Drives, Luxury

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

What is an Infiniti? That's a pretty harsh question to be asking 20 years after the brand's debut, but sadly, it's pertinent. To be fair, the possible answers to this question got much narrower in 2003 when Infiniti introduced a legitimate BMW 3 Series competitor, the G35 (now G37). The situation further clarified that same year when the "Bionic Cheetah," known to the rest of us as the FX showed its (then) quite handsome face. But it was the 2005 introduction of the second generation M sedan that announced most loudly Infiniti's luxury-performance aspirations: to kick BMW in the back of the pants.

When it debuted, the M (specifically M45S) was a better sporting sedan than the BMW 545i. It had more power, it arguably handled better, and the heavily larded-on high-tech gizmos were worlds more user-friendly than BMW's first-generation iDrive (two minutes to tune in a radio station sucks). Only problem was father time, who simply wasn't kind to the ultimately frumpy looking M. While the rest of the world's sporting, mid-size sedans evolved into better, sharper, faster machines (see the astonishingly good Mercedes-Benz E-Class), the Infiniti M languished on the vine. A good car? Yes, for sure, but by its less-than-notable refresh in 2008, the M had became an also-ran. All it really had going for it was a lower price than the competition, which isn't exactly a strong selling point in such a cachet-conscious segment.

Recently, Infiniti invited the U.S. motoring press down to mostly-sunny San Diego to meet and drive its new 2011 M cars. Lo and behold, we think we may now know what an Infiniti is.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37S and M56S answer many questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

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

The 2011 Infiniti M officially goes on sale next month, and in addition to boasting higher performance numbers and a sleek new exterior design, the EPA has officially released some relatively impressive fuel economy numbers for the new sedan. Both the six- and eight-cylinder Ms benefit from technologies like continuously variable valve timing, and the M56's 5.6-liter V8 uses direct injection to aid in better performance as well as improved efficiency.

The base M37 with Infiniti's 3.7-liter V6 produces 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, and nets 18/26 miles per gallon (city/highway). This represents power increases of 27 hp and eight lb-ft versus the outgoing M35 model, as well as one more mpg in both driving cycles. The all-wheel-drive M37x is rated at 17/24 mpg, increases of one and two mpg over the M35x, respectively.

V8-powered M56s use an all-new 5.6-liter engine, good for 420 hp and 417 lb-ft-meaning the grandaddy M produces a whopping 95 hp and 81 lb-ft more than the previous M45. Rear-drive M56s net 16/25 mpg city/hwy, and the all-wheel drive M56x is rated at 16/23 mpg. Even though this engine is substantially more powerful than the old 4.5-liter V8, Infiniti has still managed to improve overall fuel economy.

By comparison, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is less powerful in both V6 and V8 variants while netting roughly the same fuel economy numbers. If Infiniti can keep the new sedan's price down, consumers in this segment will be smart to add the M to their shopping lists. Click through the jump to read Infiniti's official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan

Infiniti releases EPA mileage figures for 2011 M sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Porsche Panamera with body kit by Wald International - Click above for image gallery

Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.

Included in Wald's plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they'd have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol' alloys. Check 'em out for yourself below.

Gallery: Wald International luxury sedan body kits

[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]

Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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