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Rather than spending big bucks on autoshow floorspace, Nissan has been touring the Infiniti Essence concept car across America's high-zoot shopping malls for exposure. At each stop, special guests, customers, and dealer VIPS have been invited to preview Infiniti's future design with special interview and photo opportunities, as well as a chance to check out custom-designed Louis Vuitton luggage....
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It is the week ending October 16, and we have browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each....
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So, CNN Money is reporting that Ford is recalling more than 4 million vehicles due to a potential fire hazard that can be created by a faulty cruise control deactivation switch. A friend of mine sent me an email that said " See? This is why people don't buy American. " The recall covers 1995-2003 Windstars, 2000-2003 Excursion diesels, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 F-Super Duty diesels, 1992-2003 Econolines, 1995-2002 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Rangers and 1994 F35 motorhomes. This is the eighth recall that involves a specific faulty switch manufactured by Texas Instruments, and brings the total to more than 16 million Ford vehicles recalled because that switch. The article at CNN Money advises that "Ford drivers should look for warnings of possible imminent fires, including malfunctioning cruise control systems and brake lights and antilock braking system and brake light warnings on the dashboard. The safety agency also said difficulty in getting the vehicle out of the park mode should be treated as a warning." Ford says it has not used that switch in any model years after 2003. It's disappointing that this is what people think...
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Infiniti will launch its first hybrid vehicle when a gasoline-electric M sedan joins the range for the 2012 model year. The redesigned M line goes on sale in spring 2010, with a choice of V-6 and V-8 engines. When it hits the market a year later, the hybrid version will use a 3.5-liter V-6 with an electric motor acting largely in an assistance role. The combination promises improved fuel economy and performance, in the spirit of current Lexus LS600h and Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. The Infiniti M Hybrid will be able to operate solely on electric power in certain conditions. It will use a laminated lithium-ion battery pack. Infiniti claims it will be the same size as other packs, though boast twice the power and better reliability. More details will be released closer to production. Late to the game, trailing Lexus and Mercedes-Benz by years, Infiniti will still likely beat other lux brands to market with a hybrid. See our sneak peek of the 2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 .
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Days after the 2011 Infiniti M made its virtual debut at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Nissan’s luxury division has announced the pricing for the last model year of the current M. (Read: “ Sneak Peek: 2011 Infiniti M .”) The outgoing 2010 M is currently on sale, starting at $45,800. Again, it is available in a choice of 303-horsepower V-6 and 325-horsepower V-8 engines and in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, as well with a selection of available premium, technology and sport packages. To keep things simple, Infiniti has held the line on prices - no changes from 2009 . $45,800 M35 $47,950 M35x AWD $52,150 M45 $54,650 M45x AWD For 2010, the Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System Package is now included only as part of the Premium Package (M45), instead of as a stand-alone option. In addition, all models offer revised exterior and interior color selections and combinations. Read our Infiniti M review .
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Infiniti previewed the 2011 Infiniti M this past week to well-heeled power brokers and automotive cognoscenti at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Rather than make a grand appearance in person, this was a virtual preview showcasing a three-dimensional rendering of the upcoming luxury sedan using cutting-edge technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will make its official public debut later this year. The next-gen Infiniti M promises to heighten both lux and performance over the current, laudable sedan. New technologies include a blind-spot intervention system that can alert the driver and assist in avoiding a hidden vehicle while attempting a lane change. The 2011 M will be offered with V-6 and V-8 engines, as with the current car. The M56 will deliver more than 400 horsepower. European shoppers will also have a choice of a V-6 diesel. The 2011 Infiniti M will go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010. See our review of the current Infiniti M .
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The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall. Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average. The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z. The highest ranked...
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Infiniti has expanded its G line with a convertible model, now on sale starting at $43,850 with a seven-speed automatic transmission. For an additional $50, it can be had with a six-speed manual transmission. Just in time for summer, the G37 is a late 2009 model introduction. The G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop, well-suited to for blue-sky, open-top driving at the push of a button, while being able to transform into a quiet, secure coupe as needed. To heighten the top-down experience, the convertible is fitted with a Bose Open Air Sound System, front seat personal speakers, climate-controlled front seats, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed. Like the coupe and sedan versions, the convertible has a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. In this application, the engine produces 325 horsepower. Of the powertrain, in our sedan review, we wrote: "The 3.7-liter six is comfortably powerful, though the motor’s 328-hp rating sounds higher than it feels under foot. The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and effectively widens the engine’s power band." Major options: Premium package...
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On sale May 29th, the 2009 Infiniti EX35 will start at about $34,000. Targeting the BMW X3 , the EX35 is a sleek, high-tech luxury crossover derived from the superb G37 sedan platform. The standard engine is a 3.5-liter, 297-horspower V-6 with a five-speed transmission, giving the upscale ‘ute a decidedly performance character. In RWD, the EX35 retails for $33,800, with a step-up Journey trim stickering at $35,200. Add AWD and the base price climbs to $36,000, topping out with the Journey AWD at $37,400. To jump-start sales the Around View Monitor package is offered at no charge when purchased with the Bose audio and navigation package. An innovative system, Around View uses four small front, side, and rear-mounted cameras to give the driver a "top-down view" of the outside of the vehicle and help reduce blind spots when parking. Other geek chic includes a Technology Package, with Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning. A late 2009-model-year introduction, the EX35 Base model now features standard leather-appointed seating, RearView...
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Infiniti has released the first image of the upcoming G37 Convertible, the first drop-top variant of the sporty G line. Revealed in conjunction with Infiniti activities at the 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the picture will have to satisfy enthusiasts until the real car debuts at the Los Angeles Auto Show this coming November. Based on the current G37 Coupe, the G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, putting it on equal footing with the BMW 3 Series convertible. On the famed Pebble Beach Golf Course's 18th green, Infiniti did show the following models, each updated for 2009: G37 Sedan featuring a new 3.7-liter, 328-horsepower V-6 engine, available with a new seven-speed automatic transmission. G37x Coupe with a new all-wheel drive variant. M35 with a new 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 303 horsepower and a new seven-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 G37 Coupe and Sedan go on sale in September 2008. The Convertible let’s the sun shine in mid 2009. Read our 2008 Infiniti G37 sedan review .
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On sale June 24, all-new 2009 Infiniti FX luxury crossover SUV pricing will start at $40,950 for the FX35 RWD, step to $42,350 for the FX35 AWD, and reach $56,700 for the FX50 AWD. The 2009 Infiniti FX is available in three models: FX50 AWD with a new 5.0-liter, 390-horsepower DOHC V-8 engine, and the FX35 AWD and FX35 RWD sharing a 3.5-liter, 303-horsepower DOHC V-6. Each engine is paired with a new, standard seven-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled via magnesium paddle shifters. Based on the laudable FM platform, the new FX features an extensive list of available equipment and technology, such as available Continuous Damping Control and rear active steer. The most notable technology suite includes Distance Control Assist (DCA), a system that automatically applies the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, aiding urban driving. Other leading-edge safety systems include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), which provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, and a Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which as the name implies helps keep the vehicle in its travel lane. Like the first-generation FX , the new FX looks...
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All seven family and luxury sedans in the latest crash test group evaluated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) earned a Good rating for occupant protection in frontal crashes. Only one fell short of the top rating in the side crash test, the Kia Optima. However, results for the rear crash test were quite mixed. In all, this group’s performance shows that indeed cars are getting better with each generation, through structural improvements and increased standard safety equipment. All seven of these vehicles included side and side-curtain airbags. “The side impact results represent a huge change from just four years ago,” says Institute Senior Vice President David Zuby. “In 2004 we tested 10 mid-sized moderately priced cars, and all 10 were rated Poor in their standard configurations without side airbags.” In the 2004 tests, only the previous generations of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Chevrolet Malibu earned Good ratings when tested with side airbags, which then were optional equipment. “A major change is that side airbags are standard in every one of the seven mid-sized cars we tested this time around. Auto manufacturers have been moving quickly to make side airbags...
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Infiniti revealed the all-new 2009 FX crossover vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week. An evolution of the original FX, the second-generation model adds to both the sport and luxury sides of the equation, while retaining a familiar form. Based on the Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, the FX increases performance with a new 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter DOHC V-8. The base FX uses a V-6 engine. Infiniti hasn’t released specs for the V-6, though a 3.7-liter engine producing more than 300 horsepower is likely. Both powerplants will be paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. All-wheel drive will be offered. The sporting character is enhanced with four-wheel independent suspension, which can be upgraded with Continuous Damping Control suspension, Rear-Active Steer, and 21-inch aluminum wheels. To balance out all this mechanical temptation, the FX also delivers a wide range of available safety technologies, including: Intelligent Brake Assist provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system to help keep the vehicle in its travel lane. Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a pre...
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