2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept

Auto Car | 2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept | When Nissan’s Infiniti wing announced the launch of the coupe concept in 2006, many pundits within the performance car industry announced that this signaled the start of a new era for this often lauded “niche” market for the company, who had before then lagged behind their Japanese competitors such as Lexus and Acura, from Toyota and Honda correspondingly.

Regarded as a natural extension of the highly popular and successful Nissan 350Z, the four seater 2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept was launched to be a best seller.
The sleek lined design from the Nissan Technical Center in Atsugi Japan, with some design innovations drawn from deep into 21st century.

The car stood out not only by virtue of its design, accented by a combination of both polished and brushed aluminum on its accented double arch grills as well as the G35’s rear spoiler and sills. An overkill feature of the car’s design was its oversized 20” wheels made from an aluminum alloy, painted to tie in with the car’s overall color scheme, as well as an aluminum front grill and spoiler combining to give the car a low and wide look. To add to the cars sleek lines were the highly innovative inset door handles and the side mirrors housing which contained cameras instead of mirrors to add even more mystery and drama to the G35’s dramatic design effect.

Also made to stand out on the 2+2 Coupe Concept’s design was the Nissan standard led headlights and taillights in a typical L shaped design as well as a full length glass roof.

The 2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept’s interior was no less dramatic, comprising some interesting control innovations such as a now standard “double wave” instrument panel. The cockpits’ finish is in an aluminum trim based around the traditional Japanese paper effect known as “Washi”. There is real hint of drama in the G35’s full length center console, as well as a 7” inch color information display panel. Audio controls are integrated into the car’s steering wheel, with twin speakers built into each of the front two seats just for the thrill.

Although it was soon after upgraded in the later models, power to the Infiniti Coupe was provided through the company’s 3.5 liter VQ35DE engine, as utilized in many of the more recent Nissan vehicles. The engine boast an output ranging from 228 to 298 hp/t features forged steel connecting rods, a one-piece cast camshaft, and Nissan's nylon intake manifold technology.

More of a design statement than a performance car, the 2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept was a relative success and paved the way for the introduction of later models that were produced as road cars with considerable success.

Source : www.sport-cars.org

2006 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

Auto Car | 2006 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe | The Infiniti G35 coupe, since its introduction in 2003, has offered sports coupe lovers a powerful, rear-wheel drive performer ? one that combines a racing-inspired platform and advanced technology, all draped under a sensuous, aerodynamic body. For the 2006 model year, the G35 coupe continues to add refinements, including available Rear Active Steer; new bi-xenon headlights and revised taillights; additions to the Premium Package, including available Intelligent Key system and Bluetooth? Hands-Free Phone System, a new exterior color; and new Sport Package styling features, including unique front fascia and side sills and revised optional rear spoiler.

The rear-wheel drive G35 coupe is powered by an advanced, 280-horsepower* V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching. The G35 coupe is also available with 6-speed manual transmission delivering 298 horsepower. The G35 coupe?s performance is enhanced by a 4-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components and highly aerodynamic styling.

The G35 coupe is aimed at the true car enthusiast. Its advanced 5-speed automatic transmission features a manual mode function with Downshift Rev Matching, which revs the engine with each downshift to provide better response for the driver. Also available is a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Infiniti?s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard on every G35 coupe.

The foundation for all models is the G35?s standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, producing 280 horsepower on automatic transmission-equipped models and 298 horsepower on the G35 Coupe 6MT. The advanced engine design, part of the award-winning VQ engine series, includes a long list of advanced systems, including a continuously variable valve timing control system, a ?noiseless? timing chain for silent operation, a structurally reinforced aluminum engine block and an electronically controlled ?drive-by-wire? throttle system. It also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.

For 2006, the G35 coupe is again offered with a standard, advanced 4-wheel multi-link suspension design with extensive use of aluminum-alloy components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporate special ?ripple control? shock absorber technology for responsive yet comfortable ride and handling.

The front suspension design minimizes alignment changes through use of two separate lower links and a long upper link. The rear design separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center to help reduce suspension friction and reduce the wind-up motion of the axle on acceleration.

The suspension tuning of the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package (standard on the G35 Coupe 6MT) is more aggressive than the G35 Coupe model, with stiffer spring and shocks and larger diameter stabilizer bars.

The handling and stability of the 2006 G35 coupe is further optimized by an available, new Infiniti Rear Active Steer system. Unlike passive rear steering systems, this design features motor-driven control. This system helps improve the vehicle?s handling performance by adjusting the rear suspension geometry according to steering input and vehicle speed.

The system?s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspension lower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined with luxury stability and ride quality. The Rear Active Steer system was first introduced on the 2006 Infiniti M45 and M35 Sport models. It is available on the 2006 G35 Coupe 6MT models with Premium Package and G35 coupe models with Sport and Premium Packages.

In addition, the Rear Active Steer Package adds an enhanced vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering system with a 15.1:1 steering gear ratio.

The 2006 G35 coupe also benefits from its use of the innovative FM (for Front Mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle. This results in a nearly optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 54:46, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners. The FM platform also positions its large diameter wheels and tires out near the corners of the vehicle, providing an extra measure of handling stability.

The G35 Coupe is equipped with standard 6-spoke, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and P225/50VR17 tires up front with P235/50VR17 tires in the rear. Also offered are 7-spoke, 18-inch titanium-finish wheels and high-performance tires.

The G35 Coupe 6MT and Sport-Tuned Suspension Package equipped models offer 5-spoke, 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/40YR19 tires in front and P245/40YR19 tires in the rear. The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package also adds a standard Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD). All G35 coupes feature a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

Standard braking system components include 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with large rotors, along with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The exterior of the 2006 G35 coupe offers styling that is both sporty and elegant. It features new projector-beam bi-xenon headlights, integrated fog lights, revised LED tail lamps, and body-color, dual power, heated, remote-controlled outside mirrors. An Aero Package is available, with a revised rear spoiler and rear side air diffusers. Also offered on all models is a dual sliding glass sunroof with one-touch open/close operation.

The Sport Package adds a unique front fascia and side sills for 2006.

The G35 coupe shares the G35 sedan?s long 112.2-inch wheelbase but is several inches shorter in overall length (182.2 inches versus 186.9) and height (54.8 inches versus 57.7). With its performance-oriented chassis, wider wheel openings and fenders, the G35 coupe is also slightly wider than the sedan (71.5 inches versus 69.0).

A new exterior color is available for 2006 ? Liquid Platinum.

The G35 coupe?s 4-passenger interior is equally attractive, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with an Infiniti level of luxury and design detail.

The use of real aluminum on the center console and dashboard areas provides an added degree of authenticity and optional Rosewood trim adds a warmer feel for those who desire it.

Leather-appointed seats (with heated front seats) are standard. The sport-contoured front bucket seats are 8-way power adjustable for the driver and 4-way power adjustable for the passenger. A power walk-in feature allows access to the rear seats. The rear seatback folds down for added cargo flexibility.

An in-dash 6-disc CD changer, with mp3 capability, is standard, while a digital Bose? premium audio system with eight speakers and a DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System with 7.0-inch wide power retractable monitor are optional. New for 2006, the Premium Package for G35 Coupe 6MT models adds Bluetooth? Hands-Free Phone System and driver?s seat and steering wheel memory. The G35 Coupe model adds driver?s entry/exit assist to the Premium Package. A new Premium Package with Intelligent Key is available on G35 Coupe models.

Other interior amenities include an Infiniti signature analog clock, Fine Vision electro-fluorescent gauge illumination and driver and passenger one-touch up/down power windows and door locks, tilt and telescoping steering, to name just a few.

From a safety standpoint, every 2006 G35 coupe comes with a standard Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and RF occupant classification sensor, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver?s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

The G35 coupe?s FM platform Zone Body construction is designed to help protect occupants in a collision by efficiently absorbing crash energy through use of front and rear crushable zones. In a high-speed frontal collision, for example, the crushable zone crumples while the engine is designed to move under the occupant compartment. This has the effect of expanding the crushable zone, thereby helping to reduce the deceleration g-force and simultaneously helping to minimize cabin deformation, especially in the lower leg area.

In offset impacts, a strong body construction is needed to decrease the amount of cabin deformation. Other features also contribute to improved occupant safety, including the breakaway construction of the propeller shaft (connected with the engine-drop function) and the double-wall construction of the bulkhead.

Source : www.infinitihelp.com

First Drive: 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Auto Car | First Drive: 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe | The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is a fully updated version of the G35 coupe that put Infiniti on the map as a serious player in the market for premium sporting coupes. There's a new engine, new front suspension, updated styling both inside and out, and slightly altered dimensions.

The real news is the power plant, which received an increase in displacement to 3.7 liters thanks to a 4.6mm increase in stroke. Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) now alters valve timing and lift on the intake valves. Compression is increased from 10.6:1 to 11.0:1. These tweaks combine to increase output to a projected 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. That's 30 hp more and 30 lb-ft less torque than BMW's 335i coupe. It represents an improvement of 55 hp and 2 lb-ft over the current G35 coupe's 3.5-liter V6.

Transmission options include a five-speed automatic, which is shared with the G35 sedan but includes a new calibration and modified torque converter characteristics. It also comes with shift paddles behind the steering wheel. Alternatively, there's a six-speed manual that is modified from the sedan to reduce vibration. Its clutch is also refined for smoother engagement. The test car we drove, however, featured the G model's five-speed automatic transmission.

The basis for the G37 is Nissan's revised FM (Front Midship) platform, which now boasts a 36-percent increase in rigidity over the G35 coupe. The front double-wishbone suspension now has a single, lower ball joint instead of the previous double ball-joint arrangement in order to reduce steering kickback. Rear suspension remains a multilink setup.

When the G37 is equipped with a sport package (as was our test car), it will feature the largest-diameter brake rotors in the segment. Fourteen-inch rotors are stopped by four-piston (two per side) front calipers. The rear setup will include fractionally smaller 13.8-inch rotors and conventional single-action two-piston calipers. In dynamic bench tests, the larger front rotors helped reduce brake temperatures by 100 F compared to the G35's sport-package brakes, which should translate directly to better fade resistance.

Four-wheel active steering (4WAS) steers the rear wheels up to 1 degree based on input from an array of sensors, and it will be available on coupes with the Premium Package. Adding in small amounts of rear steering effectively changes the overall steering ratio between 12:1 and 20:1. Rear steering is currently a $1,500 option on the 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan, so we expect a similar price structure for the coupe.

The coupe's proportions remain the same, but there are significant detail tweaks that differentiate the newer, more muscular G. The grille now features Infiniti's signature double arch, the headlights and taillights are L-shaped and the rear deck incorporates an integral spoiler. There's also a distinct character line running the length of both sides of the hood.

Dimensionally the G coupe remains low and wide. Overall length is up about one inch while width and height change only 0.2 and 0.1 inch, respectively. The wheelbase is still 112.2 inches — considerably longer than both the BMW 335i and Lexus IS 350 sedan.

Anyone comfortable with the current G35 will feel right at home in the G37. Most of the hardware looks to have been lifted directly from the 2007 G35 sedan, including the seats, shift lever and steering wheel. The basic layout is the same as well, with a rounded door panel melding into the dash. Aluminum trim is plentiful — from the doors to the pedals with the Sport Package. And there's the Infiniti-signature oval analog clock built into the dash.

The instrument panel still moves up and down as the steering wheel's tilt is adjusted, but the magnesium shift paddles (right for upshifts, left for downshifts) do not turn with the wheel. The steering wheel on the Sport Package car we drove included audio, cruise control and Bluetooth buttons and had a satisfyingly fat leather-wrapped rim.

The sport seats still use an asymmetrical design with a small bolster in the middle of the driver seat and adjustable thigh extensions. The seat adjustment controls have moved from the side of the center console to more conventional placement on the outside of the seat bottom cushion.

From the first corner driven in anger, it's easy to sense the G37's focus. There's firmer damping and better body control than in the BMW 335i. More impressive is the steering, which offers a perfect compromise of surface feel, steering effort and feedback. This makes the G37 more intuitive and better behaved at the cornering limit than the BMW — and the car we drove hadn't even been fitted with the optional four-wheel steering.

The engine, despite its longer stroke, retains the 7,500-rpm redline of the G35 sedan and makes genuinely usable power at high rpm. In tight corners the G's viscous limited-slip differential puts power down consistently through 245/40ZR19 rear rubber. Infiniti staggers the tires so the front gets smaller 225/40ZR19 tires. Both the 19-inch wheels and limited-slip differential are exclusive to the Sport Package.

It's clear when driving hard that Nissan is keenly aware its competition has upped the bar. The improvements to the G37 are shrewdly focused in areas which help the G compare favorably in exactly the conditions we were given to test the cars — on a racetrack. With the Sport Package comes stiffer springs, more aggressive dampers and larger antiroll bars. We'll withhold judgment about the G's ability to adapt to real-world driving as brilliantly as BMW's 3 Series until we're able to drive them both on the street.

One area in which we know the G falls short is the shift lever for the automatic transmission, which must be toggled forward for upshifts and backward for downshifts — the opposite of BMW practice. We've always liked pulling back on the lever to trigger the next higher gear as acceleration drives us into the seat, as if we were shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. Pushing forward on the lever to downshift under braking is similarly intuitive.

Of course, if you use the shift paddles, none of this matters. Downshifts are executed with a perfect rpm match — a rare and impressive achievement in a transmission with a torque converter.

The question remains whether the G37 Sport will match the acceleration of the BMW 335i, which hits 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds and trounces the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at almost 106 mph. Our seat-of-the-pants assessment says that the G37 isn't quite up to that task, due mostly to its torque deficit, fewer gears (the Bimmer has a six-speed automatic) and heavier estimated weight (3,682 pounds vs. 3,571 pounds).

But anytime the going gets twisty and you're driving in the upper reaches of the power band, the G will leave the 3 Series in its wake with better top-end punch and a more performance-focused chassis.

Source : www.insideline.com

2009 CRD Nissan Infiniti FX Concept

Auto Car | 2009 CRD Nissan Infiniti FX Concept | Innovative newly developed products and the just-in-time production of special vehicle series have been the domain of Car Research & Development (CRD) since 1988. CRD is a company in the BRABUS® Group and works predominantly for the international automotive industry and its national importers. The company’s list of references includes such renowned brands as Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, KIA, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Opel, Range Rover, Saab, SsangYong, Subaru and Toyota.

The services of the company range from market analysis to designing and engineering special models and accessories programs to flexible just-in-time production of special model series. Depending on customer preferences CRD can manufacture the products in its own plant in Bottrop or deliver directly to the assembly lines, or the vehicle preparation centers (PDIs) at the importers‘ ports of destination.

The full-service company draws upon a team of highly motivated engineers, designers and marketing specialists who develop successful products that take the latest market trends and legal requirements into consideration.

The CRD engineers and designers utilize state-of-the-art CAD technology in all their projects. Models are built in closely guarded secure areas with access only for authorized personnel. The same security measures are in place for the state-of-the-art workshop where the prototypes are built and where the finished models are digitized for manufacturing the required tools and dies.

CRD has the latest production facilities at its disposal and provides storage space for more than 1,000 vehicles, guarded 24 hours a day. The CRD logistics center manages the smooth transport of vehicles to the customers’ distribution centers or directly to the respective authorized dealers.

For the development of complete engines or performance kits including all necessary testing and calibrating procedures CRD uses latest-generation stationary and dynamic test benches.

Another CRD specialty is the company-own proving ground that features among others a skid pad, a shake test track with Belgian Block cobblestone and a certified configurable noise measuring track. This makes CRD also an ideal partner for the ECE homologation of a wide range of vehicles that we conduct for automobile manufacturers from around the world.

At the Frankfurt International Auto Show IAA 2009 the engineering, design and marketing firm is present with its own stand hall 5. From here CRD will make and maintain contact to other exhibiting automobile manufacturers and importers.

Conversations with consumers and car dealers serve as extensive on-site market research to examine zeitgeist and consumers’ expectations.

In March 2008 the premium brand Infiniti celebrated its market launch in Europe. Now Infiniti presents a concept car made by CRD. The concept car comes with two different engines. The FX37S is powered by a 3.7-liter (226 cu. in.) V6 engine that produces 320 hp (316 bhp) / 235.5 kW. Carrying the FX50S badge it is powered by a 5.0-liter (305 cu. in.) V8 engine with 390 hp (385 bhp) / 287 kW. This “Limited Edition” concept car of the Infiniti FX celebrates its world debut on the CRD stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009.

These five-door models are available in black or white and set themselves apart with special 21-inch turbine-design light-alloy wheels. The wheels, front grille, side air inlets in the front fenders and the roof carrier are all painted gray.

CRD lends the Infiniti FX concept car a sporty luxurious interior. The upper part of the dashboard as well as the upper parts of all four door panels are covered with the finest leather in the company upholstery shop. Brown seams create a classy contrast to the black leather and complement the perfectly matched dark-brown surface structure of the CRD carbon fiber interior trim.

A- and B-pillars as well as the entire headliner are covered with color-coordinated Alcantara.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

2009 Infiniti Essence Concept

Auto Car | 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept | One of the hands-down sexiest cars at this years edition of the Geneva Motor Show was touting some green credentials beneath its curvaceous metal skin. The Infiniti Essence concept, meant to signify the, well, essence of all that is Infiniti, celebrates the luxury marque's past and gives us hints of its future. At first glance, the styling appears to reflect European influences but we're assured that it's flow is inspired by Japanese calligraphy, its details from traditional Japanese items such as a hair pin used while a kimono is worn called the "kanzashi."

As impressive as the Essence looks, what's more important are the bits that power this hybrid. Yes, it's a hybrid, and the innovative system it incorporates will likely be impleted in an Infiniti next year. It borrows the 3D electric motor concept from the wheels of the bubblicious Nissan Pivo and places its 369 lb-ft of torque between the transmission and the 434 horses supplied by an efficient gas-powered, twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.7-liter DOHC V6. The result of all that tech is the ability to electrically glide between the traffic lights and, in theory at least, burn a modest 29.4 mpg while having 592 powerful horses underfoot and available if the "need" arises. This engineering exercise should translate quite nicely when transferred to a more prudent vehicle. Check out the sweet visuals in the galleries below, hit the jump for full press release and essential stats.

The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world's most demanding car enthusiasts – this is the Infiniti Essence. Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand's future. The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 592-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive gasoline/electric hybrid coupe.

The Essence Concept showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And, by steering Infiniti's guiding principle of "Inspired Performance" into the luxury super-coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti's place among the world's most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

Essence Overview

* A front-engined, two-seat, 592-horsepower, rear-wheel drive luxury coupe concept measuring 185 inches long
* A preview of Infiniti's gasoline/electric hybrid drivetrain – capable of high speeds when conditions allow, zero emissions where they don't
* Fresh design language to influence future production models
* New safety technology, including Back-up Collision Prevention
* Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
* "New luxury" meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship
* Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximize trans-continental capability


Essence Exterior Design: "Dynamic Adeyaka"
With breathtaking good looks and perfect proportions, Essence exerts a powerful pull on all those who love cars. It looks like a driver's car, one that would be right at home on the world's grandest motoring routes, yet Essence is not an aggressive sports car.

Infiniti's "Dynamic Adeyaka" attitude ensures Essence is single-minded, but also inviting, sophisticated and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions. The designers' aim was to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language in a shape that the 20-year-old marque has never before attempted. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate. Essence speaks of power but not intimidation.

The hood, as expected of an Infiniti, is long and the rear deck short. Together with a flowing "wave" profile between muscular front and rear wheel arches, Essence at first appears to be in the classic sports car mold – but there is nothing retro about Essence. The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. The rear section also features complex surfacing with concave "scoops" that flow down the rear pillars from one of Essence's most distinctive design cues: a C-shaped kink to the side windows' trailing edge. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.

One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the "kanzash," a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Essence represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.

Essence's front is characterised by Infiniti's signature double-arch grille, set at an angle that suggests the car is about to leap forward. There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 185-inch-long car (15.4 feet) appear anything but big in the flesh.

At the front, as over the rest of the car, Essence eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The grille is framed by subtle strips of stainless steel but there's little other trim and no other grilles or intakes, not even fog lights. The door handles are slivers of push buttons flush with the body, while even the rearview mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars. More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front, the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the trunk opening and framing the spoiler, which appears to have been pushed out from within the car.

Essence Interior Design: Driver-Focused
A driver's car demands the perfect driver's cabin. Essence's interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on giving the driver a feeling of absolute control – while the passenger area is dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to Essence. The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the center of the dashboard. The driver's side is themed black, the passenger's "cocoon" an earthy red.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel, chronometer-style dials, bright red engine start button, and short, alloy-topped gear selector announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. Other interior features include larger gear change paddle shifters behind the wheel and a signature Infiniti analog clock. With the materials used – leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware – the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth. Essence's interior promotes a sense of well being which is key to the Infiniti driving experience.

Essence Drivetrain: Power With Responsibility
Essence's drivetrain is designed to meet the highest expectations of owners by delivering the one thing everyone expects of an Infiniti – sheer driving pleasure. In Essence, that pleasure is taken to new heights, at the same time as previewing an innovative green hybrid engine. Essence is unusual even in the rarefied atmosphere of the world's fastest road cars by being able to call on a mighty 592 horsepower.

Like the design, the performance is designed to be sophisticated and unobtrusive – performance with a human touch. The hybrid system is a logical extension of Infiniti parent group's groundbreaking green commitments. It offers power with efficiency, and high performance with zero-emissions running, by combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. These can work independently or together as a "parallel" hybrid system. In congested urban areas, the electric motor alone is all that is needed for Essence to glide silently between stoplights, with no tailpipe emissions. When the traffic clears, Essence responds with a highway performance that few cars could match. In "power assist" mode the full 592 horsepower is unleashed with both gasoline and electric power working together.

A key difference over some other hybrid systems is that both the V6 and the electric motor feed their power only to the rear wheels. Infiniti's 3.7-liter DOHC V6 gasoline engine is fitted with twin turbochargers and a new, efficient direct-injection fuel system, boosting power to 434 horsepower.

Essence previews a new type of electric motor, called 3D Motor, that was designed to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets. For use in the Essence, the motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 158 horsepower, drawing power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the trunk area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

Optimized energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches, which "switch in" the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter, further enhancing responsiveness and driving pleasure.

Essence Safety: A Collision-Free Future
On a global level, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies. Essence previews some of the next-generation safety features that will ensure Infiniti cars remain among the safest on the road, adding two new technologies to the Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems that are available in today's production Infinitis. Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.

With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver's intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically. The warning system and pre-emptive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.

Source : green.autoblog.com

2009 Infiniti G Convertible

Auto Car | 2009 Infiniti G Convertible | Infiniti today unveiled the latest expression of its “Inspired Performance,” the all-new 2009 Infiniti G Convertible, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in North America in the spring of 2009, followed later in other Infiniti markets around the world.

“Designed to rejuvenate the spirit, the G Convertible adds an open-air soundtrack to the G’s legendary driving exhilaration,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, speaking before automotive media at the vehicle’s world debut. “This new G has dual beauty – it looks as good with the top up or down – along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open.”

The new G Convertible offers a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, which features a unique Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

Every 2009 G Convertible comes equipped with an advanced 3.7-liter V6 rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

The G Convertible is offered in two models: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.

Also available is a special, limited production G Convertible Premier Edition, offered exclusively through the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. With only 200 being built, the Premier Edition features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires. Pre-orders for the Premier Edition are being taken now for delivery in 2009.

The Infiniti display at the Los Angeles Auto Show also showcases the complete line of 2009 Infiniti vehicles, including the all-new Infiniti G37x Coupe with intelligent all-wheel drive, the new G37 Sedan with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a new, more powerful M35 rear-wheel drive sedan.

About Infiniti

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles designed to inspire at every turn, including the G sports coupe and sedan, M luxury performance sedan, EX personal luxury crossover, FX premium crossover SUV and the QX full-size luxury SUV. More information about Infiniti and the Total Ownership Experience® can be found at Infiniti.com.

Source : www.rsportscars.com

2011 Infiniti G Coupe IPL

Auto Car | 2011 Infiniti G Coupe IPL | Infiniti announced t on starting your own business at home tuning in August 2010. IPL or Infiniti Performance Line, seems to provide a visual and performance of small amendments to the existing lineup of vehicles. The first model of the vehicle line IPL is G37 Coupe , now reborn as the 2011 Infiniti G Coupe IPL and available seven-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic.

What is already know this, that power upgrade(18 in total, 348 hp), styling tweaks(except 19-inch wheels in the IPL, two exterior color choices and violent images), and upgrades Interior(new sport seats with thicker supports.) What we do not know, was the price – until now. Infiniti announced that the MSRP on the IPL G Coupe will start at $47,950 for the manual and $49,850 for the automatic.

This is not a small amount of money on a car that is not a very sporty than the standard G37. 2010 Infiniti G37 coupe starts at $36,050, while the G37 Sport 6MT prices starting at $40,400. Both models are fun to drive through the configuration of rear-wheel drive and 330 hp 3.7-liter VQ37HR V6. IPL gives a stronger suspension, exhaust and steering so it would be very interesting in the queue and no-IPL IPL G coupe canyon back-to-back runs. We will hold off on making an opinion until our butts a little bit of time sitting.

If you are already thinking the IPL is not worth the cost, it might be something else in the 2011 Infiniti G lineup, which may raise curiosity. Regular Class coupe and convertible are dealing with an increase of just $150 for each available finishes, with the exception 6MT Sport which climbs $2.000(Base-$36,200, Travel-$37,650, AWD-39, $300 and Sport 6MT-42, 400 dollars) because of the the fact that the navigation package is now standard equipment.

The new limited edition convertible starts $56,750 and more exclusive materials, like leather interior Red Monaco. You will find some press releases waiting for you after the jump .

IPL (Indianapolis Power Light) in the automotive world will now be known as an acronym for Infiniti’s newly formed performance division, “Infiniti Performance Line” and the G Coupe will be its first production model.

It will debut tomorrow evening at a special event at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and goes on sale only in the States in December.

Infiniti IPL G Coupe comes with a more dramatic bodykit (which either looks a lot like, or is the already available five-piece aero kit) with new front and rear fascias, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. There’s also a set of new 19-inch seven-spoke graphite-finish alloys in low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires.

The car will be available exclusively with a choice of two exterior colors, Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black.

Interior offers only two color treatments, Graphite and Monaco Red. Other highlights include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe benefits from a tweaked engine with a recalibrated ECU and a new high-flow exhaust system pushing output from 330-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, to 348HP and 276 lb-ft. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox with short-throw shifter or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Other fiddled around with the G37’s suspension bits, also receives a sportier-tuned steering wheel system and larger brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear), along with the firm’s Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Infiniti IPL G Coupe Key Features and Specs

    * IPL-tuned 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ37HR V6

    * 348 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm

    * 276 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm

    * IPL-tuned high-flow dual exhaust

    * Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or 7-speed automatic transmission with solid magnesium paddle shifters

    * IPL-tuned performance suspension with independent front double wishbone / independent rear multi-link, front and rear stabilizer bars

    * 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels (19×8.5″ front / 19×9″ rear)

    * P225/45R19 front / P245/40R19 rear W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer tires

    * 14.7:1 sport-tuned steering gear

    * 4-wheel ventilated disc sport brakes with aluminum-alloy 4-piston opposed front brake calipers / 2-piston opposed rear calipers

    * Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD)-IPL aerodynamics with front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler

    * Unique IPL emblem

    * IPL engine cover

    * Red-stitched sport front seats and steering wheel

    * Aluminum pedals and footrest

    * Interior colors: Monaco Red Leather and Graphite Leather

    * Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose premium audio system

    * Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Restaurant Guide and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive

    * RearView Monitor

    * Rear Sonar System

    * Moonroof

    * Exterior colors: Malbec Black and Graphite Shadow

Source : 3042.net.ru

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M

Auto Car | First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M | It might be lacking the stage, the lights, and Simon Cowell’s vee-neck shirts, but the world of automobiles is strangely similar to television’s biggest show. American Idol judges are famous for pointing out that if you sing a Whitney Houston song, you had better, as the saying goes, bring it. Likewise, if you build a car to compete with the very best, it will be compared to the very best.

These days, every automotive yardstick, like it or not, seems to have a BMW badge on it, so this Infiniti will be judged against the 5-series. The Bimmer is a tough act to follow, but we were never shy in singing the last-generation Infiniti M’s praises, and frankly, it deserved better than the modest success it enjoyed against its German rivals. And now there’s a new M to battle it out with the new 5-series, the new Mercedes-Benz E-class, and a relatively new Acura TL.

The new BMW 5-series packed on some inches and pounds, but the size and weight of new M have remained approximately the same. Although the two cars are now roughly equal in size, the Infiniti is still a step behind BMW in engine technology. The M’s engines use throttleless valve-lift systems (VVEL) to help boost efficiency, just like BMW’s last-generation Valvetronic engines. Infiniti engines rely on monster displacement, though—rather than turbo boost like the newest generation of BMW engines—to produce bigger doses of power. The M’s V-6 engine grows to 3.7 liters in the base car, which is now called the M37. The V-6 generates 330 hp, which is 5 hp more than last year’s 4.5-liter V-8, so in this case, moving down from an M45 means you actually move up in horsepower.

And speaking of moving up, the M45 becomes the M56, and it features an all-new, direct-injected 5.6-liter brute of a V-8 that belts out 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. That’s a gain of 95 hp and 81 lb-ft to a car that was no slouch to begin with. Infiniti doesn’t estimate acceleration numbers, but ask the V-8 to sing some high notes and you might just see 60 mph in less than five seconds. Two additional gears in the transmission—it now has seven forward gears—assist both acceleration and fuel economy. Despite its enormous power gains, the rear-wheel-drive M56 gets an extra 5 mpg on the EPA highway cycle versus the M45. Both the V-6 and the V-8 can be mated with all-wheel drive.

The M’s generous trunk and cabin are about the same size as in last year’s model, but the cabin is more elegant than ever. Thankfully, the old car’s wet-dog smell is gone, and someone finally got the lawyer to drop the useless paragraph of legalese that appeared every time you wanted to access the navigation system—which, by the way, continues to be among the easiest to use, with your choice of dial, touchscreen, or speech inputs. The M37 in these photos features an optional deluxe touring package, which is dressed up with hand-finished, white ash wood sprinkled with (get this!) actual silver powder. It may sound a little Liberace, but it’s actually quite subtle. 

 

And pretty gorgeous The seats are both more supportive and more comfortable, and the rear seat is particularly plush, with a great view out. The cabin is quieter than before but still noisier than we hoped. Impact noise comes through loud and clear, and there’s a rush of wind around the A-pillars that becomes intrusive as you near triple-digit speeds, which, especially in the M56, are very easy to achieve. Brake feel is superb, with either the standard setup or the sport package’s upgraded anchors. We have nothing but praise for the M’s handling, which, like before, is characterized by beautiful balance and superb body control. The steering is less communicative than we’d like, but it remains precise and predictable, even with optional active four-wheel steering—something even BMW doesn’t always get right.

The M remains among the leaders in active safety technologies, with the industry’s first blind spot intervention (BSI) system added to its repertoire of driver aids. BSI gently nudges you back should you try to make a lane change with another car hidden in your blind spot. In a quick test of the system, it worked unobtrusively but is easily overridden or turned off should you be in the mood to pit-maneuver yourself into someone else’s car. We think it’s great. BSI, that is, not the suicidal pit maneuver.

When choosing an M, you might think that the V-6’s more-than-sufficient power would render it the easy choice, but there’s one problem: even the M’s standard active noise cancellation system can’t come close to drowning out the vviibbrraattiioonnss coming from the VQ-series V-6. Once the world’s standard for V-6 engines, the VQ is now near the bottom where NVH is concerned. Singing alongside the glass-smooth in-line sixes and quiet, balanced-shafted V-6s in this segment, the VQ sounds and feels out of place. And since the V-8 carries only the slightest of fuel-economy penalties (only 1 or 2 mpg), we think it’s the M to have.

The Infiniti M56 is one top performer among a rarefied set of highly capable competitors but so, too, was its predecessor. However, success at the dealership, like triumph on the Idol stage, ultimately becomes a contest of popularity rather than just raw talent. Maybe this time, the M’s more dramatic styling will finally earn it the public recognition and votes that it deserves.

source : www.automobilemag.com