Autoblog

VIDEO: Drop whatever you're doing and watch Black Lightning trailer

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST

Click above to view the video after the jump

A couple of weeks ago we shared the trailer for a film about a very famous car from behind the Iron Curtain -- the Belgrade Phantom. However, it's been 20 years since the former Soviet Bloc began to disintegrate and frankly, much has changed. For instance, while a Porsche 911 might have been rarer than a UFO on the streets of Moscow in the 1980s, luxury cars of all stripes are essentially par for the course these days. In fact, some Muscovites take luxury sports cars to fantastic heights. Others, well, not so much.

And as happy as we are about the success of the free market in the former worker's paradise, we still have to say that we miss the old Commie cars. They had character. Style. Pizazz. ~~Engine fires.~~ A sort of blue collar, dare we say proletariat, integrity. Like sticking the radiator behind the engine, because that's how the heater works. And who among you doesn't crave a Trabant? Be honest. And what about a Volgo? Specifically, a super Volga that's able to fly around Moscow, get the girl and fight the bad guy in the equally capable but totally evil Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Think we've gone off our meds? Then you haven't made the jump and watched the video. Top tippage Ajmal.

Continue reading VIDEO: Drop whatever you're doing and watch Black Lightning trailer

VIDEO: Drop whatever you're doing and watch Black Lightning trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Russia, Design/Style

Iso Rivolta Marella design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Front-engine rear-drive aluminum chassis, 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, high bang:buck ratio... Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 has got it all. No wonder it's proving to be such a compelling choice for coachbuilders. Reviving the time-honored tradition in re-cloaking Vettes with Italian sheetmetal, the resurgent Stile Bertone used the ZR1 as the basis for the Mantide. And now, a Russian design student has teamed up with rival design house Zagato for another coachbuilt supercar concept based on the ZR1.

The Marella design study revives the Iso Rivolta nameplate, as imagined by one Fedor Stetskevich of the Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts. Commonly known as the Stroganov (yes, you sophisticate, like the beef dish) the university was founded in 1825 and stands as one of Russia's oldest design schools. As you can see, Steskevich collaborated directly with Zagato on the project - which currently exists only as a model - and you can see a lot of resemblance to the Perana Z-One. Beyond that, we'll let the work speak for itself, so have a look in the extensive high-resolution image gallery below and you can leave your thoughts in the Comments below that.

Gallery: Iso Rivolta Marella design study by Fedor Stetskevich & Zagato

[Source: CarDesign.ru via CarScoop]

Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Russia

All Dubai'd out Audi S5 in Moscow - click above image to watch the video

When we were in Frankfurt last week and saw the mirror-finish Audi R8 we thought we were so darn clever because we came up with the phrase, "All Dubai'd out" to describe its shiny, reflective surfaces. A little etymology if you will. The phrase, "All murdered out" has recently entered the car bloggin' lexicon to describe cars that are black-on-black-on-black. In that case, one might say, "Dang, the Brabus Black Baron is all murdered out." And we thought we had a sure fire meme/trope on our hands with "all Dubai'd out." Only we forgot one little thing: Moscow.

Yes, this most certainly is a video of a chrome-look Audi S5 sitting in an underground parking lot. But is it all Dubai'd out, or all Moscow'd out? It's these kind of thoughts that kept us out of the really good schools. Anyhow, the reflective Audi eventually leaves the garage, cruises around Moscow blasting Russian gangsta rap (which is admittedly kinda cool) before stopping to get ogled by some leather jacket wearin', G-Wagon drivin' Russian mobster types. Then, of course by the end, the mirrored S5 can be seen drag racing a solid gold M5. No, really. Full video and poll after the jump.

[Source: Smotra.ru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL]

VIDEO: Mirror-finish Audi S5 in Moscow parking garage [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8: The Ultimate Driving Machine?

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor, Russia

Oligarchical Russian BMW R8 - click above image for high-res gallery

In the pantheon of automotive wrongs, the Slavic hoser behind this "BMW R8" spotted in Moscow is a god. Hang around this car blogging business long enough and you see a lot of terrible things ~~at SEMA~~. But this thing is almost cake-taking. Some of y'all might remember the Bentley badged up as Hyundai from a couple years back -- but that was at least funny. This Audi/BMW is just... weird. For instance, if the guy's being serious, like, why not just buy an M6? They basically cost the exact the same amount. And also, isn't the Audi R8 somewhat more desirable? We're really at a loss as too why anyone would do this. Your thoughts? And a very special thanks to Justin for bringing this... thing to our attention. Shudder.

Gallery: BMW R8

Audi R8: The Ultimate Driving Machine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Lada C-Cross concept

The Moscow Auto Show is underway and Damon's on site with camera in hand. The car you see here is the Lada C-Cross Concept, which looks kinda like a Chinese knock-off of a last-gen Euro Ford Focus with added ground clearance. The C-Cross show car presumably gives a sneak peek at what a future AvtoVAZ car-based crossover might look like, and if we had to guess, a production version probably isn't too far off. We'll pass on it, though. Our hearts and minds forever belong to the Lada Niva, whose old-school looks are like visual comfort food. Plus, something tells us that this C-Cross thing wouldn't do nearly as well underwater.

Gallery: Lada C-Cross

[Source: The Auto Channel]

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Moscow 2008: Lada shows off C-Cross concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008: The Models of Moscow

John Neff — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res galleries of models from Moscow

While Russia's auto industry is certainly not known for the beauty it produces, the country's stock of fashion models seems limitless. Standing next to each vehicle on display at this year's Moscow Motor Show was a maiden who, as you can see in the gallery below, was usually more attractive than the metal against which she was leaning.

Gallery: Moscow 2008: the Models of Moscow

Moscow 2008: The Models of Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bermudavich Triangleski: inordinate number of accidents at Moscow intersection

Noah Joseph — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Click above to see 15 crashes at the Moscow intersection

Every city has at least one: a badly designed intersection with poor visibility that's prone to car accidents. But this one looks like it was laid out by Rasputin. What you see here isn't a snapshot from the set of The Bourne Ultimatum. It's a junction in the increasingly over-populated streets of Moscow where passers-by regularly observe an inordinate amount of crashes. Fortunately, the accidents look like mostly fender-benders, but we'd think that the ~~Supreme Soviet~~ Russian authorities would want to centrally plan a redesign of the intersection, or at least consider revising the signalization, especially since they don't so much have to worry about confounding European armies marching through their capital these days. Until then, more cars are bound to pile up at these crossroads, which you can see from the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Crashes at Moscow intersection

[Source: English Russia via Jalopnik]

Bermudavich Triangleski: inordinate number of accidents at Moscow intersection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis

As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write home about, with power anticipated to come from the same range as found in the new Dacia Logan unveiled by Renault's budget subsidiary just last month. Hard to believe we almost didn't notice this one.

You know the drill: Follow the jump to read the press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery.

Gallery: 2009 Renault Symbol

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow Preview: Lexus to show LS460 AWD

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LS460 AWD.

The Moscow International Auto Show is shaping up to be a serious event. Audi is showing off the RS6 sedan, Mazda is bringing a new crossover concept, Mitsubishi will debut the redesigned Pajero Sport and plan on plenty of Lada love to spread around. Lexus is joining the ranks of other top-tier automakers showing their wares in Moscow with the unveiling of an all-wheel-drive version of its LS460 flagship.

The AWD system fitted to the LS460 is the same found on the LS600h, and includes a Torsen LSD integrated into the rear drive shaft that receives power from the 381 hp, 4.6-liter V8 via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. In normal driving conditions, torque is split 40/60 front-to-rear, with as much as 70 percent of the power being shoveled to the rear wheels depending on conditions.

Russia's affection for stately sedans is one of the reasons that BMW decided to launch the redesigned 7-series in the planet's largest country, and Lexus is obviously trying to tap into one of the world's fastest growing automotive markets with the introduction of the LS460 AWD.

Gallery: Lexus LS460 AWD

Moscow Preview: Lexus to show LS460 AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moscow under seige of auto arsonist

Michael Harley — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

click above for gallery of hot, hot heat

Since last Thursday, more than 20 cars and trucks in the Russian capital of Moscow have been torched by an elusive car arsonist. Each of the fires is started the same way: flammable materials are pulled from a dumpster, stacked under the vehicle's wheel, doused with lighter fluid and then set ablaze. While the arsonist has hit vehicles in five different towns, all are thought to be the work of one individual. According to police, the culprit seems to be drawn towards gray cars (yes, the color), and has completely avoided Russian Ladas, perhaps as a demonstration of national pride. Instead, more expensive luxury imports are the hot targets. Authorities believe the misfit may be a schizophrenic registered at a psychiatric hospital. It sure sounds like a good place to start looking. Thanks for the tip, Andrew V!

Gallery: Moscow Vehicle Arsons

[Source: RAI Novosti, Photos from English Russia]

Moscow under seige of auto arsonist originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW builds big @$$ ad in Moscow

Michael Harley — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW

In terms of sheer size, Russia is the largest country in the world. That must have something to do with this gargantuan advertisement found in Russia... According to the caption, the surface area measures more than 1.5 acres (billboard haters should stop complaining right about now, as it appears we have it pretty good over here).

More interesting than the sheer massiveness of the super-colossal ad are the full-sized BMWs, lights ablaze, mounted sideways as if zooming across the surface. Those aren't base model Bimmers, either -- sharp eyed readers will recognize them as the Z4 M Coupe, M3, M5, and M6. Now, that is what we call an advertising budget! Thanks for the tip, Hank!

Gallery: Russian BMW Billboard

[Source: English Russia]

BMW builds big @$$ ad in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And you thought the Cayenne looked fugly stock...

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Porsche

Click the image above for a gallery... if you dare.

Like driving skills, the unfortunate reality is that good taste doesn't always accompany wealth. There are just too many people out there looking to make the flashiest splash, and it is now confirmed that one more of those yahoos is living in Moscow, Russia. We don't know much about this frightening conversion of a Porsche Cayenne, and we're not sure we really want to. To paraphrase Fiddler on the Roof, we hope and pray the czar keeps this one far away from us.

Thanks (we think) to Graham for the unfortunate tip. If you're a real glutton for punishment, you can hit the gallery below to see the monstrosity from all angles. Just be careful if the driver's backing up while you're checking out the tail and standing in the enormous blind spot, which shouldn't be too big a hindrance on Moscow's busy streets.

[Source: CarsGuru.ru via English Russia]

Gallery: Unfortunate Porsche Cayenne

And you thought the Cayenne looked fugly stock... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dubious pioneer: Russia's first stolen Maybach

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Maybach, Lifestyle

Picture this, you're stuffing your face full of gourmet food, giving your gullet a real workout, and you look up from your plate just in time to see your Maybach speed by. That last bite sticks in your throat, refusing to budge. Whoever absconded with your über-uglified super S-Class boots your driver out the door while rounding a corner. Now would not be a good time to recall that your €530,000 car is insured for a mere €300,000. Whoops. Vikotor Markov was enjoying a meal at the De Marco café when thieves swiped his Maybach 57. While introducing Mr. Chauffeur to Mr. Chlorfoorm is itself a dicey undertaking, Markov's 'Bach is the first to be swiped in Russia. The band of thugs that ambushed the driver and made off with the car is believed to be responsible for multiple luxury car thefts, including a passel of Bentleys. Perhaps it would have been wiser to just take the Metro.

[Source: Luxist]

Dubious pioneer: Russia's first stolen Maybach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi R8 downed in Moscow

Siddharth Raja — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Audi

The Audi R8 isn't even on sale yet in most parts of the globe, but already we've heard of cars going up in flames in Germany and now we have a story about one that's gone amok in downtown Moscow. From the images, it appears the driver lost of control of the car in the wet weather, skidded across onto the median strip and then crashed into a small tree before spinning to a stop. The car must have been traveling at some speed because the crash managed to rip out the car's headlight out, projecting it several meters away onto a small patch of grass.

Every time we see a crashed exotic, we wonder when more car companies will start offering some kind of advanced driver training course as part of the car's purchase. Then again, there's no way to prevent the stupidity that makes someone want to speed in a built-up urban area in the wet. We hope the driver was at least smart enough to have insurance because it appears this R8 will have one very hefty repair bill.

There are plenty more photos at English Russia. Click the "Read link" or either pic shown here to head over. If you're easily saddened by exoticar wreckage, keep a box of Kleenex handy.

[Source: English Russia]

Audi R8 downed in Moscow originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rod Millen takes Transsyberia Rally 2007

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, SUV, Porsche

Rod Millen has another trophy for the cabinet. Along with co-driver Richard Kelsey, he took first in the Rally Transsyberia which ran the 7,100 kilometers from Moscow, Russia to Ulan Bataar, Mongolia. As Team North America 2, they were driving one of 26 special Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia rally cars, which were factory-prepared with many of the mods privateers fitted to the SUV that won last year's edition.

Going against 21 other teams that included drivers like Walter Röhrl and Armin Schwartz, Millen and Kelsey had the race wrapped up before the last stage. The Cayenne S Transsyberia benefits from Porsche Traction Management with a transverse lock, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control with a Special Offroad Mode, Porsche Active Suspension Management, and a snorkel. Millen called it the greatest challenge of his motorsports career. Porsche took the top three places, and six of the top ten.

[Source: Porsche]

Gallery: Images from Transsyberia Rally 2007

Gallery: Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia

Rod Millen takes Transsyberia Rally 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That is one sharp Maserati

John Neff — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Maserati

click above pic to view additional images of this one-of-a-kind "Shattered Glass" Maserati Quattroporte

They say that the beauty of art is in the eye of the beholder, and we're torn between thinking the work of Italian artist Luca Pancrazzi shown here is jaw-dropping cool or tear-shedding sad. C'mon, it's a Maserati Quattroporte covered with 1,763 lbs. of shattered glass - truly a sight one does not see every day. But it's also an exquisite Italian luxury sedan sacrificed at the alter of modern art. The piece currently sits outside the Moscow Museum of Modern Art and welcomes guests to the second Moscow Art Biennale that runs from March 1st through April 1st.

[Source: Domusweb via CarScoop]

Gallery: Luca Pancrazzi "Shattered Glass" Maserati Quattroporte

That is one sharp Maserati originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diabolical directions: How to make a left in Moscow and other interesting intersections

John Neff — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:38:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Every city in the world has at least one intersection that its residents avoid at all costs. My commute back in college, for instance, included a seven-way intersection that contained no right angles. We can all thank our lucky stars, however, that we don't live in Moscow and have to make a left turn from Rosanov Street onto Khoroshev to get where we're going. In order to complete the manuever a driver must go through approximately nine right turns and two left turns that involve swirling around, under and through various other intersections (follow the red arrows above). The sad part is that when you sally up to the initial intersection that marks the starting line of your adventure, Khoroshev is just one little left and a small traffic violation away. Tack on an extra 15 minutes, however, if you want to make a left within the bounds of Russian law. The Rosanov/Khoroshev intersection is just one of many crazy crossroads that are compiled on this wikipedia page. Here's hoping you don't encounter one on your way home from Grandma's house this weekend.

[Source: Thrillingwonder.blogspot.com]

Diabolical directions: How to make a left in Moscow and other interesting intersections originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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From Russia with Love: GAZ Tiger-2 debuts at Moscow Motor Show

John Neff — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Misc. Auto Shows

Gregory from CarDesign.ru tipped us off that Russian automaker GAZ unveiled a preproduction version of its Tiger-2 SUV at the Moscow Motor Show recently. The Tiger-2 looks very HUMMER-esque in profile, but has a face only a Russian drunk on vodka could love. And, are those... plastic wheel covers? The tigger is powered by a 190-hp diesel motor, which can actually get this mountain going 100 mph, but no more. The interior resembles the original HUMMER H1 with its obnoxiously wide central tunnel, but passengers will supposedly be treated to a smooth ride and plenty of comfort and convenience features.

With all the talk about when the Chinese will be flooding the U.S. market with inexpensive vehicles, one wonders if Russia's economy will ever be able to support the global aspirations of a native automaker like GAZ. Kinda makes you go... hmmm.

(More pictures after the jump)

[Source: CarDesign.ru]

Continue reading From Russia with Love: GAZ Tiger-2 debuts at Moscow Motor Show

From Russia with Love: GAZ Tiger-2 debuts at Moscow Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Sep 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beach beauties in Moscow lead to boosted cars

John Neff — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The last thing you expect when exiting your vehicle to witness a group of women stripping down and washing each other on the beach is for someone to jack your car, but that's exactly what dozens of Russian motorists encountered recently in Moscow thanks to a creative group of car thieves. The heist involved three attractive women who would stage their show at Balashikh Beach in Moscow. When hapless drivers would stop and get out of their cars to ogle, a gang of miscreants would swoop in and boost the cars. The girls then exited stage left to a waiting van.

In related news, 25 percent of Russian drivers admit to having had sex while driving, so are we really surprised?

[Source: 4Car]

Beach beauties in Moscow lead to boosted cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti launches in Russia

Alex Nunez — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Crossover, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows

Infiniti is at this year's Moscow International Auto show, marking the launch of Nissan's luxury brand in Russia. When word first broke back in March, the only details we knew were that there would be two dealers in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. Now, however, we have the rest of the story.

Potential customers visiting the stand will learn that when sales begin in the fall, the first vehicles available will be the FX crossover and the M sedan. Both engine options (V6 and V8) will be available for each. The second wave of products will include the redesigned '07 G35 sedan and the ginormous QX56 SUV.

Also on display is the Infiniti Coupe Concept, which Infiniti's press release states "hints at the future," but we get the picture: they'll get the G35 Coupe, too. When all is said and done, Russia will have access to the entire Infiniti lineup.

The other news out of Moscow is that Infiniti has chosen Switzerland as the site of it's new European HQ. The Euro nerve center will be located in the town of Rolle outside Geneva.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti launches in Russia

Infiniti launches in Russia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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