Autoblog

2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump

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

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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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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VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Videos, Nissan, Luxury

Nissan Fuga - Click above to watch the video after the break

You will soon be watching video of the Nissan Fuga running around a glorious rode somewhere empty and scenic. What's a Fuga? Well, here in the United States we'd call the Fuga the 2011 Infiniti M with tiny wheels. Regardless, the video gives you a 98% complete glimpse of what the new 5-Series fighter from Infiniti will look like in motion. And we think you'll agree, it looks good. Even with that Nissan badge and no sound whatsoever.

In fact, we could see Nissan bringing the Fuga over our way with a Maxima badge slapped on the trunk. Not only won't "Fuga" translate well in America, but ever since the Altima got all grown up (i.e. VQ'd), the once mighty Maxima has become sort of a directionless afterthought. But with both the mountain-leaping GT-R and iconic Z giving the Nissan brand oodles of performance credibility, wouldn't a rear-wheel drive flag(ish)ship sedan make some sense? Anyhow, that ain't happening - ever - so enjoy a preview of the all-new Infiniti M after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road

VIDEO: Nissan Fuga officially, silently takes to the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti

2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

After several years of selling small volumes of its Altima sedan using Toyota's hybrid drive system, Nissan is finally ready to roll out its first gas-electric model using technology developed in-house. The first model to be so equipped will be the new Fuga sedan, a car sold in North America as the Infiniti M.

Unlike the electronic CVT systems used by Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Nissan has opted to configure its system using a conventional automatic transmission - in this case, a seven-speed unit. The electric drive is provided by a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. A pair of electronically controlled clutches sit on either side of the motor allowing the engine or the engine/motor combination to be completely de-coupled from the transmission.

According to Nissan, the motor has an output of 50 kW (67 horsepower) and 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) of torque, and the system is able to propel the Fuga/M electrically at speeds of up 62 mph. The engine is a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's renowned VQ V6 modified to run with an Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.

Koichi Hayasaki, senior manager of Nissan's hybrid program, tells us that the final numbers on the engine output as well as the net combined output won't be released until sometime in 2010. As is the way these days, energy storage needs are handled by a lithium ion battery pack using the same kind of modules that are going into the LEAF EV.

The Infiniti M hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid to arrive in Japan late 2010, U.S. in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive

Chris Paukert — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan

2010 Nissan Fuga - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always thought that Infiniti's current M35/M45 sedan deserved greater consideration from American consumers than it has typically received. With a strong VQ-series powerplant and entertaining rear-wheel drive handling, there has always been a lot to like from behind the wheel, but its restrained styling has seemingly always failed to convey the sort of emotion delivered by the driving experience. Thankfully, judging by its just-introduced Nissan Fuga twin here at the Tokyo Motor Show, anonymous styling figures to be less of an Achilles heel going forward.

Powered in the Japanese market by a pair of VQ-series V6 engines displacing 2.5-liters and 3.7-liters respectively (power figures have not been disclosed), the real emphasis for the next-gen model appears to be on advanced safety and creature comfort technology. We're hoping this focus doesn't result in compromised dynamics, but we are very curious to sample such bits of electronic wizardry as Nissan's "Forest AC" that includes a breeze setting and an aroma atomizer, to say nothing of "Intelligent Pedal," a new system that can actually make braking decisions based on data from the sat-nav unit. In our experience, bearing in mind how often the map data has been wrong in a given vehicle's GPS system, we hope that the system doesn't randomly lock up the binders for a phantom hairpin - especially with someone following a bit too closely behind.

Either way, when the Fuga comes to North America next year, we expect it to once again be powered by either the larger of the two VQ-series V6s or a V8 engine. A hybrid model will hit Japan next autumn, and we hear it's also coming Stateside.

Check out the Infiniti M Fuga's newly voluptuous curves in our high-res gallery below and the official release after the jump.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Nissan Fuga

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga appears more 'M'pressive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Japan, Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

2010 Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M35 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like Infiniti is getting more serious about taking on Lexus. Back in August we saw the M get "virtually revealed" at Pebble Beach. We've also been following the tale of the upcoming JDM-only new Nissan Fuga, a car which is virtually identical to Infiniti's M. Then of course Inside Line dropped the M-bomb when they published pics of both the M56 and M37x after their secret pre-production test drive. Meaning we know there's going to be a 400+ hp 5.6-liter V8 M56, a VQ engined M37 (with around 330 hp -- as much or more than the V8 in the outgoing M45 makes) and M37x (x = AWD). There's also a diesel M aimed at Europe. But today we learn there is another.

Specifically, there will be a M35 Hybrid. This will be the first hybrid Infiniti and it's aimed squarely at slow selling Lexus GS400h. Infiniti claims that the hybrid parts will "add to" and not "take away from" the driving experience. As such, there's a Nissan-developed single motor and a twin clutch hooked up to the same output shaft as the engine. This should result in an uninterrupted power flow to the transmission no matter which mode the hybrid system is in. There's also a "laminated" lithium-ion battery that not only stores twice as much power as nickel-metal hydride units, but cools more quickly because of the "lamination." Look for the M35 Hybrid to hit dealers around this time next year as a 2012 model, and a full reveal of the car later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, where's the new Q?

Gallery: Nissan Fuga Hybrid (Infiniti M35 Hybrid)

[Source: Nissan]

Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti's "swoopy anger" design language has made it to the M line, and InsideLine got some seat time in the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive, M56 and the six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive M37x. The M56 is, of course, the monster of the two and kinda looks it. The black hue and 20-inch wheels makes all the difference on the outside, giving the 400+ horsepower V8 sedan the sporting chops to make you go "Hmmm." The interior continues the curves, and the contrasting color scheme appears to create a very rewarding three-dimensional cabin.

The M37x is reportedly worth about 325 hp, and will end up being the middle in the range, just above a rear-wheel-drive model below it. Seven-speed autos will get the power to the ground in every model. Edmunds wasn't allowed to give driving impressions, but they did get lots of photos, so head on over to get a good look at the next M.

[Source: Straight Line]

2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M Teaser - Click above for a high-res image

On Friday, August 14th at 9:30 PM EST, Infiniti will take the virtual wraps off the next generation M at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and if you can't make the trip out to California to see the new sedan in all its 3D glory, Infiniti will be broadcasting the reveal live on its Future Vehicles site.

Typical of recent Infiniti teasers, the sketch above doesn't divulge much, but we expect a more swooping, organic design compared to the current M, taking cues from the recently reshaped G and FX series, along with a few elements cribbed from Infiniti Design Director Shiro Nakamura's most recent masterwork, the Infiniti Essence concept.

We'll be on hand to provide live images of Infiniti's innovative "virtual M" reveal next week, and you can get a reminder about the streamed unveiling by signing up here.

Continue reading Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut

Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Nissan

For the last century, automotive engineers have worked diligently to send Charles Darwin's concept of natural selection into obsolescence. It appears that we're inching closer to the time when any fool with a pulse may be able to climb behind the wheel of car and traverse a series of curves looking much more like the white-helmeted mystery driver from Top Gear than Captain Slow. The new Nissan Fuga (known here as the Infiniti M), debuting this fall at the Tokyo Motor Show, will feature fresh technology including new driver assistance systems.

In this case, Infiniti has integrated the GPS navigation system (hope those satellites hang in there) with the M's electronic stability control. As always, ESC uses inertial sensors to detect what the car is actually doing and compares that information to the actual driver inputs to see if they match. If not (i.e. understeer or oversteer) the brakes are individually applied at each wheel and engine torque may be reduced to help make the car go where the driver intended.

The GPS integration allows the system to detect where the road is going ahead and further manipulate the car, while alerting the driver to slow down by pushing the throttle back against his or her footn. Maybe it's all just a part of Nissan's master plan to save trees by preventing cars from being wrapped around them. Or perhaps we're just seeing the evolution of the Idiocracy. You can read the official PR from Nissan after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig

New Nissan driver-assist tech helps the James May in you find his inner Stig originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Technology, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

2008 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Used to be if an automaker wanted to unveil a new product, the car in question had to, you know... actually be there. But Infiniti will take advantage of new technologies to bridge the gap between virtual and reality at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it intends to give the public a preview of its next-generation M sedan.

Rather than rolling in the car itself, Infiniti will use "virtual video mapping" to project the car's details onto a clay model that will give the effect of seeing the car in the flesh in advance of the production model's anticipated debut in December. The public will be able to watch the event from home as well thanks to a a webcast on Infiniti's website, giving Nissan's luxury division all the exposure without the frantic preparation. Think it'll work out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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