Autoblog

Infiniti takes to Facebook to explain model names, mentions 550-hp flagship

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST

Filed under: Infiniti

Infiniti caused quite a stir this week when it announced that it would be changing its vehicle names so that all of its cars start with Q and all of its crossovers and SUVs start with QX. Many displeased fans and owners took to social media to voice their opinions, and Johan de Nysschen, the new Infiniti boss, responded today with a Facebook post of his own.

In the note, de Nysschen talks about the challenge of product expansions with alphanumeric names that allow for flexibility without encroaching on the trademarked names of other automakers, although we're sure de Nysschen's former colleagues at Audi aren't looking forward to a Q30 or Q50. He also says that as Infiniti grows to become a global brand, the new naming structure - which closely mimics Volvo - is also designed to reduce confusion (just don't tell that to current owners). One thing that de Nysschen assured wouldn't happen is a confusing "X" added to the end of all-wheel-drive model names that would result in names like the Q60X or, even worse, the QX50X.

While we are not looking forward to relearning Infiniti's product lineup, de Nysschen has given us something to look forward to courtesy of a new performance sedan. From the brief explanation of this car, which was used as a key example in explaining the validity of the new names, we learned that the new model will be a performance version of what is now the M sedan, and it will be powered by a "charged induction" 3.0-liter V6 producing more than 550 horsepower. The M's name will become the Q70, but as of right now, it isn't clear if this will be an IPL model or something else.

Scroll down to read de Nysschen's response.

Continue reading Infiniti takes to Facebook to explain model names, mentions 550-hp flagship

Infiniti takes to Facebook to explain model names, mentions 550-hp flagship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #313

Dan Roth — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Truck, Work, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Subaru, Toyota

Infiniti model names, new GM trucks, Ford work vans, Hyundai ratted out on economy, Ward's 10 Best Engines

Episode #313 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about Infiniti's confusing model name re-jiggering, the 2014 General Motors pickups, Ford's new Transit line of vans, reports that a domestic automaker ratted on Hyundai/Kia about fuel economy ratings, and Ward's 2012 list of 10 Best Engines. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #313:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Toyota Prius C
2013 Subaru Legacy
2013 Dodge Durango R/T

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:18:25

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #313

Autoblog Podcast #313 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:29:00 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 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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First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Infiniti, First Drives, Luxury

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

Ask any braniac elementary school student what happened to the dinosaurs, and they'll tell you they turned into birds. While the mechanics are a bit more complicated than a momma T-Rex hatching a brood of yellow finches, modern science would seem to agree with the concept. When we were in school, the common perception was that those massive lizards parted ways with terra firma courtesy of a jumbo-sized meteor smack. Our Earth Science books called it a mass extinction, and they accompanied the definition with helpful illustrations that depicted contemplative Brontosaurus and Triceratops herds looking off into the distance as a chunk of orange sky plummeted toward the horizon.

So you can't really blame us for thinking that the SUV would follow a similar natural path. When fuel prices shot up, many rejoiced at the thought of global body-on-frame extinction. This was the event some had been patiently waiting for since the high-riding people movers first supplanted the minivan as the family cruiser of choice. And while we've certainly seen weaker species succumb to the heat of pressure from more efficient breeds, the strong continue to soldier on, slowly adapting to a world grown hostile to anything big and thirsty. If you believe Infiniti, that's exactly what the 2011 QX56 has done - evolved.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56 overcomes the odds originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #154

Dan Roth — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154

Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Infiniti QX getting the FX treatment

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Infiniti, Luxury

Next-gen Infiniti Qx - Click above for high-res image gallery of spy shots

Based on the gargantuan Nissan Armada, the Infiniti QX56 is one big beast of an SUV. Especially next to the svelte FX, and even more so now that the EX has joined the line-up. Keeping such a goliath of a truck looking fresh is a challenge unto itself, but Nissan's luxury division is apparently working on it.

The biggest thing to hit Tempe since Super Bowl XXX, this QX test mule was spied by one of our intrepid readers while apparently undergoing hot weather testing around the Phoenix suburb. The vehicle in question, as you can see, is wearing heavy camo, but appears to carry the same pronounced grille as the current model, albeit with more angular headlights to mimic its little brothers. The rear end appears to be undergoing a restyling as well, while the C-pillar-mounted rear door handle - a hallmark of Nissan sport-utes in the Pathfinder family - have apparently moved to the more conventional position. That's about all we can surmise about the behemoth hiding underneath that Michelin Man suit, but you can have a look for yourself in the exclusive gallery of spy shots below. Thanks for sending these in, Justin!

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Infiniti QX

Spy Shots: Infiniti QX getting the FX treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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