Autoblog

Infiniti JX35 QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hybrid, Crossover, Infiniti, Luxury

The next Q-ified Infiniti will be making its debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, the QX60 - the crossover formerly known as JX35. And while there aren't many changes to the crossover in terms of design or function, the big news is that Infiniti will be revealing a production hybrid powertrain option for its seven-passenger luxury/utility vehicle.

Unlike the hybrid powertrain in Infiniti's M35h gasoline-electric sedan, the QX60 will use a new system which couples a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine with a 15-kilowatt electric motor, running to the wheels via continuously variable transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the QX60 Hybrid will be available, and Infiniti says that the more efficient CUV should be good for around 26 miles per gallon combined - an improvement of five mpg over the current JX35 with its 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. And because the compact lithium-ion battery will be housed underneath the third row seat, we're told that the hybrid model will still have the same passenger and cargo capacity of the non-hybrid crossover.

This will be the first three-row hybrid CUV (from a premium brand, anyway) offered in the US market, and wrapping it up in a luxury package makes a lot of sense to us, since it could be a good way of cajoling customers into absorbing the extra cost of the more expensive powertrain. (Keyword in that sentence: CUV. After all, the Cadillac Escalade is still currently available as a two-mode hybrid for the 2013 model year.) Infiniti has not released official pricing figures, but says that the hybrid model will represent a roughly $3,000 premium over the standard QX60.

We'll have the full details in just a few weeks. For now, take a glance below for Infiniti's official press release.

Continue reading Infiniti ~~JX35~~ QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut

Infiniti ~~JX35~~ QX60 Hybrid confirmed for New York debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Luxury

Oh boy, this is about to get confusing with a capital Q.

Infiniti has just announced a brand-new scheme that calls for completely new model names across its entire lineup of vehicles. Making things even more difficult will be the fact that all coupes, convertible and sedans will get a Q prefix while all crossovers and SUVs will be prefixed with QX.

Further muddying the waters, previous engine displacement monikers will be replaced by a double-digit number "representing hierarchy within the range." Put less simply, the slot in the lineup currently held by the G Sedan will be called Q50 while the G Coupe and Convertible will be called Q60. Q70 will replace the M Sedan at the top of the automaker's lineup of cars.

On the truck side, the range-topping QX is now the QX80. Sitting below is the QX70, which was formerly the FX, then the QX60 that used to be the JX and finally the QX50, which was but is no longer the EX. Qonfused yet?

Getting back to the G... excuse us, Q50, this is the new sedan that Infiniti had previously announced would be debuting at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Best we can tell, this is a replacement for the old G Sedan, and it will sit below the currently available G Coupe and G Convertible, which will be renamed Q60.

The Q50 will be the first model from Infiniti to fall into the new Q-based naming convention, with the rest of the automaker's lineup falling into place as 2014 models are announced. Infiniti said on a conference call that this move was necessary as the brand branches out beyond the United States.

"This strategic change reflects Infiniti's desire for clarity and cohesiveness," says the press release, which you can read below. Hopefully, that will clear everything up for you...

Continue reading Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti moving away from V8 power

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

According to Motoring.com.au, Infiniti will slowly be killing off its naturally aspirated V8 powerplants. The report comes after the Australian site spoke with Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's global president, who stated that eight-cylinder engines are not in the product plans for any new vehicles currently on the drawing board.

"I am afraid (U.S.) CAFE regulations and emission regulations around the world make the development of V8s as part of a new family of engines almost impossible," reiterated Andy Palmer, executive vice president for Nissan. That said, Palmer later told the Australian site that having a V8 in its lineup does not dictate overall performance. "F1 has gone V6 for example. You can get the performance out of a V6 or an I4 and you can get the fuel consumption out of it." Moving forward, Infiniti will likely switch to boosted four- and six-cylinder powertrains that will offer comparable V8 performance with better overall fuel economy.

This certainly isn't a new trend in the automotive world. Many automakers are ditching V8 engines for more efficient V6 powerplants. Audi, for example, has replaced the vast majority of its 4.2-liter V8 engines with 3.0-liter supercharged V6 units in just the last couple of years. And on a larger scale, Ford is enjoying lots of success with its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 under the hood of its once V8-only F-150 pickup.

Here in the United States, Infiniti uses a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood of the FX50 and employs a larger 5.6-liter V8 in the M56 sedan and QX56 SUV. The report does not say if these V8-killing plans will also affect the Nissan lineup, which currently utilizes eight-cylinder engines in the Armada SUV, Titan pickup and NV commercial van.

Infiniti moving away from V8 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:44:00 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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2012 Infiniti QX56 [w/video]

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

Go Big Or Go Home

I did something terrible the other day. I drove to the hardware store and bought incandescent light bulbs. I stood there in the aisle for a few extra minutes, staring at the compact fluorescents mocking me in their "be green" packaging, thinking about the several burned out incandescent bulbs in my basement and wondering how long the new ones I held in my hand might last. Better grab another box, just to be sure - government mandate has incandescents being phased out starting in January. I kept from making eye contact with the cashier while I paid and slunk out to my car.

So I'm a hypocrite, a self-professed environmentalist who can't even do this one simple thing to save the planet. But I am just not interested in spending a weekend replacing all the dimmer switches throughout the lower level of my house, and compact fluorescents don't work in those fixtures.

Which brings us to the 2012 Infiniti QX56. From a certain perspective, this 16-mile-per-gallon, V8-powered, body-on-frame SUV is an incandescent light bulb - a holdover from last decade, before the enactment of necessarily draconian fuel economy standards. But as my esteemed colleague Zach Bowman wrote in his First Drive of the QX, "you can't tow 8,500 pounds with a Toyota Prius." Neither can you fit a driver and up to seven passengers into one, not even the new Prius V.

I'd like to point to the technological marvel that solves the fuel-efficient family tow rig conundrum, but the solutions available right now are limited. We'll get to those alternatives presently, but for now, let's agree that new technology has a way of only solving part of the problem. So in this case, if you want to tow big stuff and you've got a big enough brood that you need three rows of seats - and you're ready and willing to spend big cash - the QX is as good as it's going to get.

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti QX56 [w/video]

2012 Infiniti QX56 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #254

Dan Roth — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Ford, Honda, Saab, Toyota

Ford and Consumer Reports, Honda Civic refresh, Toyota FT-86 details, Saab's latest sale and new 9-3 rumors

Episode #254 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, with Chris, Dan and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert crewing the show this week. Topics include Ford and its response to criticism about its PowerShift transmission and MyFordTouch. We also cover the Toyota FT-86 now that specs have been leaked, rumors of an accelerated refresh program for the much-criticized 2012 Honda Civic and the latest in the ongoing saga of Saab. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #254:

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Infiniti QX56
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2012 Toyota Camry

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:09:21

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Autoblog Podcast #254 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Infiniti, Nissan

The line at the door for the recall party is getting longer. Nissan has just showed up and it needs to bring in 2.14 million vehicles around the world, making it the automaker's third largest recall of all-time. The issue lies with a faulty ignition relay that could cause the engine to stall or fail to restart. The fix is reported to take less than 25 minutes, and involves swapping out the faulty ignition relay for a new one.

This recall affects vehicles built around the world, from August 2003 to July 2006. Japan serves up the bulk of the recalled vehicles, with 835,000 units needing to come back in. The U.S. and Canada are not far behind, recalling 762,000 cars between them. The vehicles include a wide gamut of Nissan product, from subcompacts like the Micra and Cube up to larger cars and trucks such as the Titan and Infiniti QX.

Nissan joins an ever expanding list of automakers reporting recent recalls. BMW recently took the first step in admitting they have a problem, by recalling N54-equipped vehicles. Chrysler and Volvo vehicles have had power steering issues. Some Ram trucks went out with incorrectly labeled weight and seating stickers. Honda and Toyota used a parts supplier who was dealing in faulty brake master cylinders. The list goes on and on.

[Sources: AOL Autos]

Reports: Nissan to repair 2.14 million vehicles in its 3rd biggest recall ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:52:00 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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New York 2010: 2011 Infiniti QX56 priced identical to 2010 model at $56,700

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:18:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Japan, Infiniti, Luxury

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

After a quite entertaining piece of both gravity and physiology-defying strangeness from some smiley Cirque de Soleil performers (Infiniti is the official sponsor of Cirque de Soleil), Infiniti's product boss Carlos Tavares took the wraps off the all-new QX56. Based not on the Nissan Armada chassis (like the previous QX56) but instead on the heavy-duty Patrol, the new QX56 is a large, eight passenger "5-Star Luxury" body on frame SUV. That said, Infiniti managed to shed over 100 pound of flab compared to the 2010 QX56.

Speaking of the 2010 iteration, the previous QX56 is roundly regarded as one of the most awkward and ungainly looking luxo-barges, well, ever. In fact, if we were to put together a museum exhibit about the uncontrolled and obnoxious wild excesses of the just-ended SUV craze, the old QX would get top billing right next to a Hummer H2 and the Cadillac Escalade EXT. The new QX56 changes all that. It's world's better looking. We'd even go so far as to state that it has a certain Middle Eastern chic to it. Put it like this: if you had to cruise around your kingdom checking oil wells what would you rather be driving?

Infiniti is billing the QX56 as an eight-passenger private jet. Mr. Tavares must have said the word "luxury" a dozen times in his ten-minute presentation. Judging by our time with the all-new 2011 M37 and M56, we can declare then when they want to, Infiniti is fully capable of building a world-class interior. In the 2011 QX56, even the third-row reclines. Oh, they've also seen fit to stuff seven-inch color displays into the backs of the front head rests.

Hardware-wise, the QX56 is a body-on-frame full-size SUV sporting the same 5.6-liter variable-timing, direct-injection V8 as the M56, although in QX-trim it "only" makes 400 horsepower. However, while Infiniti had no official word on torque, they did explain the new QX56 can tow 8,500 pounds. And the big boy's seven-speed automatic allows it to get an almost, kinda respectable 20 mpg on the highway.

Most noteworthy is the inclusion of a Hydraulic Body Motion Control system that Infiniti claims reduces body roll by 40%. It uses an X-corner fluid distribution system (similar to how the Audi RS4 is suspended) that moves suspension fluid from the left front damper to the right rear, and vice-versa. Infiniti also claims the system is so effective that new QX56 has less body roll than the BMW 5 Series. Either way, the QX56 goes on this sale this summer, starting at the exact same price as the old one, $56,700. Make the jump to read the press release.

Gallery: New York 2010: Infiniti QX56

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti QX56

Continue reading New York 2010: 2011 Infiniti QX56 priced identical to 2010 model at $56,700

New York 2010: 2011 Infiniti QX56 priced identical to 2010 model at $56,700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned 2010 Infiniti G and 2011 QX joining M in LA

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Infiniti, Luxury

Although Nissan and Infiniti won't have an official presence at next week's LA Auto Show, the luxury marque will unveil its 2011 M sedan at an event the night before the show and plans to webcast the proceedings at 7:00 pm PST on December 1.

Joining the thoroughly redesigned M on stage will be the updated 2010 Infiniti G and the oft-spied the 2011 Infiniti QX. Although official details haven't been released for either model, a set of promo shots have already leaked out, showing a slightly reworked fascia equipped with a few organic creases, new foglamp surrounds and a tweaked grille. The QX receives a similar, although much more elaborate redesign, with a bulging hood, acres of chrome and a canted D-pillar.

Powertrain and equipment details haven't been released yet, but expect all the information to be revealed in one week's time.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Infiniti QX

[Source: Infiniti, The Infiniti Source]

Redesigned 2010 Infiniti G and 2011 QX joining M in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 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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Infiniti sales up 183 percent in UAE

Chris Paukert — Mon, 29 May 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Infiniti, Nissan, Earnings/Financials

Sales for Nissan's upscale Infiniti division in the United Arab Emirates skyrocketed in the first quarter, up 183 percent year-over year. Of course, total sales over the same period were just 552 units, but there's reason for optimism: sales have more than doubled each year for the past couple of years (the brand was re-launched in the region in 2004), and the advent of the new M in the marketplace is expected to continue the trend.

Check out the brand's Middle East website here.

[Sources: Gulf News; Infiniti]

Infiniti sales up 183 percent in UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 May 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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