Infiniti cars

2011 Infiniti G Convertible

Like with all the other G models in Infiniti’s line-up, the Convertible model is entering the 2011 model year with a few updates, including a new Limited Edition model. The 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible goes on sale at a price of $44,500 and the Sport 6MT version at $48,950. The Limited Edition Infiniti G Convertible, with unique content and exclusive Monaco Red leather-appointed interior is priced at $56,750.

The 2011 G Convertible gets a revised front fascia design (Sport and non-Sport) with fog lights moved from inside the headlight to the lower fascia area, revised 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs and two new exterior colors – Lapis Blue and Malbec Black. In addition, the Navigation Package is now standard on the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.

The Limited Edition model is distinguished by solid magnesium paddle shifters, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, summer performance tires, Sport brakes, Sport-tuned steering gear, front fascia, side sills, Midnight Black grille, exclusive red leather-appointed interior, Climate-controlled front seats, driver’s seat power lumbar support, unique maple accents with red tone, aluminum pedals and footrest.

Press release after the jump.

2011 Infiniti EX

With a history of only three years, the Infiniti EX is entering the 2011 model year with a new 7-Speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloy wheels, and other refinements. The 2011 Infiniti will be offered in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey and EX35 AWD Journey, with prices ranging from $34,150 to $37,750.

Under the hood there is a VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine rated at 297 HP and 253 lb-ft of torque and mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, DS mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control. This new transmission replaced the old 5-speed tranny and offers improved fuel economy.

Also new for 2011 is a new white color scheme for gauges and LCD instrument display and three new exterior colors: Arctic Blue, Midnight Garnet, and Graphite Shadow. Other features include standard 18-inch wheels and tires, RearView Monitor, premium audio system, power-up folding 2nd row seat, Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

Press release after the jump.

Hyundai prepares to take on Lexus and Infiniti

During a recent interview, Hyundai’s UK managing director, Tony Whitehorn, announced that the company plans to introduce a new Genesis range that will take on models from Infiniti and Lexus. The new range will include a sporty coupe, executive saloon, and luxury limousine. The Genesis will become a stand alone brand with a unique identity giving the premium cars "more credibility".

"Lexus did a great job in the states, but it never really took off in Europe to the same extent," said Whitehorn. "But the premium route is certainly an interesting one and it’s one that could work for us with the Genesis brand in the UK."

The current Hyundai Coupe is a sports car rival to the Nissan 370Z and features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or 3.8-liter V6. The Genesis Saloon is a rival to the Mercedes E-Class and the Equus takes on the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class.

The new Genesis range will arrive sometime in 2012.

Infiniti plans new sports car based on the Essence concept

Just slightly ahead of the electric sports car explosion came Infiniti’s Essence concept unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Deciding that it was high time to stop treading water on the beautiful concept, Infiniti has made serious plans to produce a new sports car that will be inspired by this same concept. It’s unclear as to whether this new vehicle will carry the same hybrid powertrain as the concept - a 592 hp petrol-electric hybrid engine - but just the fact that we will get a sports car that looks like the Essence is enough for now. The unfortunate news in this matter is that Infiniti isn’t expecting to produce the car for a few years because of other vehicles they are deeming a priority at the present time.

What is supposedly more important than a new sports car? Apparently, Infiniti is focusing on a new compact car that will compete with models like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, as well as a luxury electric hatchback based on the Nissan Leaf. The future compact model will be a front-drive model and could even use a Mercedes platform, following the recent strategic tie-up between Daimler and Nissan-Renault.

It’s funny, we wrote that last paragraph and all we read was, "Blah, blah, blah! We want to see the Essence!"

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

Infiniti today announced today the new Performance Line (IPL) and the first model in this new line: the IPL G Coupe. IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging. The IPL emblem is designed to reinforce the strong message and spirit of IPL. The letter “I” features a red insert representing sporty spirit, while the Infiniti-violet “shadow” behind the letter appears like an Infiniti flag to indicate the brand’s Inspired Performance promise.

The new IPL G Coupe is powered by an advanced VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 348 HP and 276 lb-ft of torque. The new model will be distinguished by a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, but also exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels. It will be offered in just two exterior colors: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

On the interior the car gets 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. The interior will also get two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red.

Updated 09/28/2010: Infiniti today announced U.S. pricing on the new 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, which is set to go on sale December 10th at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The IPL G Coupe with an automatic transmission is priced at $49,850 and the 6MT version at $47,950.

Press release after the jump.

Infiniti reveals sketches of 2013 luxury EV

Rumors of an electric Infiniti started back in 2009, but today the company has finally unveiled a sketch of its first electric vehicle and confirmed that it will be launched in 2013. The Infiniti’s electric car will be based on the Nissan Leaf platform, but it will be more luxury oriented and will also deliver better performance. It is already known that it will be a four-seater model, perfect for every-day use.

Since Infiniti’s model will be based off of the Nissan Leaf then we can only assume it will carry the same technology under its hood. The Leaf features laminated lithium ion cells that are capable of delivering over 90 kW. The battery pack sends it stored energy to the Leaf’s front mounted electric drive motor that only outputs 80 of those kilowatts for a maximum output of 107 HP.

The sketch was shown by Infiniti’s Senior Vice President, Mr Andy Palmer, during a ceremony held to mark the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London. The electric car is said to be befitting of the brand’s promise of “Inspired Performance”.

2011 Infiniti FX

The SUV market may be slowly, very slowly, shrinking as more and more people decide that smaller, more efficient models are the way to go, and Infiniti seems to have noticed. The Japanese company revealed details on the FX luxury SUV and with those details came news of a price decrease for the mid-sized SUV. The FX50’s price saw a decrease of $2,600 USD and the FX35 model got reduced by $1,250 USD. Both received a few updates for the new year as well. For 2011, the FX will be offered in three trim levels: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8 - $56,400, FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6 - $43,050, and FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6 - $41,600.

The 2011 FX will be offered with two engines: a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine rated at 390 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque and a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with 303 HP and 262 lb-ft of torque.

Infiniti will offer only five option packages: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, different for the FX35 and FX50, Sport Package (FX50 only), Technology Package (FX50 and FX35). Safety features found on every 2011 FX include a seat belt reminder system; standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS); dual-stage front supplemental air bags with occupant classification and seat belt sensors; seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection.

Press release after the jump.

2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Cabrio Concept

After the IPL G Coupe, Infinti will come at Paris Auto Show with the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept. Depending on people’s reaction on the concept Infiniti will decide if the IPL models will also make it to Europe.

The IPL G Cabrio Concept comes painted in new Malbec Black – a pearlescent black paint with red hints combined with a Monaco Red leather interior. The IPL program includes 19-inch split-rim 7-spoke graphite-finish alloy wheels, a new bumper section, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, a body-color bootlid spoiler and of course a lowered body. The interior will get black lacquer on the center console, the dashboard area above the glove box and doors adorned with KACCHU, the name given to the armour used by Japan’s feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages.

Under the hood there is a 3.7-liter V6 engine with an output of 338 HP and 374 Nm of torque. This will sprint the concept from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds, while top speed is 167 mph.

Press release after the jump.

Autumn Convertibles: 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Take a trip back, if you’re able, to a few weeks ago when we reviewed the Lexus IS250C. In that review we made the claim that the IS250C was a major step up from the old SC, which we hate with the same passion as Republicans hate Democrats.

While Lexus had years to realize their SC mistake, Infiniti had nothing. The company hadn’t had a convertible since 1992 with the M30. Starting from scratch might be saying a tad much, as the G37 was built with a hardtop in mind. That being said, taking the top off a car, even if it was designed to have it done, isn’t an easy task to accomplish.

With all these different factors in mind, we took out the new 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible, with the sport package, out for a week of driving around town. Did the newest Japanese hardtop live up to big veteran Lexus?

Hit the jump to find out.

Infiniti wants more hybrid models

The M35 Hybrid is not the only hybrid model Infiniti will offer to its customers. Automotive News reports that three months before unveiling its first hybrid vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Infiniti is already contemplating other models that could use the hybrid powertrain.

This hybrid powertrain is actually the first system made by Nissan themselves. Before anything can be said, there are hybrid Altimas in the States, but those powertrains are created by Toyota. Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti promises that this new hybrid system will deliver "V-6 power at four-cylinder fuel economy levels" and Larry Dominque, Nissan North America’s vice president of product planning, claims that the new hybrid system was designed to fit all of Infiniti’s rear-wheel-drive models.

The M35 Hybrid is powered by a gas/electric power train system that combines a naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter V6 and an efficient electric motor. The electric motor acts as both a propulsion unit, boosting the V6 with a “power assist” mode when the pedal is pushed to the metal and also as a generator to power the vehicle’s accessories and improve the engine’s efficiency. It should be arriving in showrooms in the second quarter of 2011.