The 2011 Infiniti QX56 went on display in the Middle East and some stealthy soul caught a couple of close-up pics from the front and rear three-quarter. It’s a much smoother vehicle than the one it replaces, ditching the arcs for hard angles. It also sheds finicky styling cues like the current vehicle’s slightly contorted C-pillar arrangement, going for an uninterrupted window line rimmed by a chrome strip. Head on, though, it’s grille-tastic.

Body elements like flaring arches are more integrated, and the chrome strip running down the side has been omitted. The rear is an FX-ified version of the new Nissan Patrol, and the package rides on anice set of Infiniti’s trademark wheels. We aren’t sure if it will turn the QX56’s sales numbers around, but stranger things have happened… Hat tip to Drew

Source Autoblog

If you distill Monterey’s week-long extravaganza into a single word, it’s “luxury.” Sybaritic pleasures are the order du jour in and around Pebble, so Infiniti’s decision to reveal the 2011 M on the Monterey Peninsula is a clear indication of the brand’s interminable pursuit of recognition and respect in the world of up-market automobiles.

Infiniti is well aware that becoming a major player in the segment doesn’t begin and end with creating a dynamically engaging and aesthetically pleasing entry-level luxury sedan and coupe. It’s got to go big – or at least bigger – filling a niche that falls somewhere between the BMW 5 Series/Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 7 Series/S-Class.

Taking all the right cues from the Essence concept, the all-new M successfully distills the organic shapes and angular creases of its conceptual forbearer into a traditional sports sedan shape. The front fascia’s engorged maw blends well with the aggressive headlamps and curvaceous lower valence, and while things are somewhat subdued in profile, the real action starts with the shapely swage line beginning in the middle of the rear door and sweeping back into the Jaguar-esque tail lamps and pinched rump. The exterior’s sinuous lines carry over to the inside, with a duo of convex interior compartments accentuated by a smattering of wood and aluminum. There’s also some new technology, including a unique take on the blind spot intervention system that actually helps the driver back into his original lane if another car is detected alongside.

We’re hoping to snag more details when we take a look at Infiniti’s “virtual M” tonight, where the automaker is employing a bespoke “video mapping” system to display the M’s details and colors onto a full-scale model of the sedan. Infiniti’s third-generation flagship is set to go on sale in 32 markets in the spring of 2010 and will be available in either V6 M37 trim or a 400-hp V8-powered M56 variant. Full details in the press release below the fold.

PRESS RELEASE

2011 Infiniti M Makes Virtual Debut at Concours d’Elegance

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2009) – Infiniti today provided an advanced look at the all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This is the third generation of Infiniti’s popular M and the first to be sold across all of Infiniti’s 32 markets around the world, including Western Europe.

Like the current Infiniti M, the next-generation design will be offered with V8 and V6 engines. The 2011 M models will be designated the Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37 respectively, reflecting their more powerful, larger displacement engines. The M56 V8 is expected to offer more than 400 horsepower. For Western Europe, the M56 will be replaced by a V6 performance diesel.

The 2011 Infiniti M also features a completely redesigned body, with authentic sports sedan proportions and evocative new styling with a low front end and deeply sculpted fenders inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car. The new M interior promises to be pure Infiniti, highlighted by the use of innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. Despite improved performance from the new engine lineup, fuel consumption will be reduced.

In addition, the 2011 M will continue Infiniti’s technology innovation leadership with a blind spot intervention system. This industry-first system is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.

The 2011 Infiniti M, which is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010, was revealed through a unique “video mapping” process – in which a “virtual M” was created on a 3D form. It is the world’s first “virtual only” (no physical vehicle) automotive application of this cutting-edge technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will make its official public debut later this year.

Source Autoblog

In a recent interview with CAR Magazine, Shiro Nakamura, design director for Nissan and Infiniti, took the UK publication around the Infiniti Essence concept, which made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

Nakamura said that the concept was given the green light in 2007, way before Carlos Ghosn and Nakamura arrived and decided to make Infiniti a real premium brand. He said that the Essence had a very big influence on how the current Infiniti model lineup looks.

Of course at this point you’re probably wondering if Infiniti has any plans to offer a production version of the Essence. Unfortunately, Nakamura says: “Essence is just a concept, we are not sure we are ready to build that type of vehicle yet. But it does show our future commitment. A coupe gives more freedom to express design and emotion – much better than a sedan.’”

He said that Infiniti is using the Essence to influence future models from the luxury automaker.

“We are adding even more to the line-up than we have today. Unfortunately, I cannot say which type of cars are coming, but we are definitely expanding from where we are today. Particularly in Europe, it’s difficult to win. And globally, we are not really at the level we want to be.”

Well, we really hope Infiniti eventually gets around to offering a production version of this beautiful concept.

Source Egmcartech

Two photographs of the new Infiniti G37 Convertible were released. The G37 is the roadster version of Nissan’s new 3-series fighter. The car will be formally shown at the 2008 Los Angeles motor show.

Infiniti G37 Specs:

Four-seater shares the coupes 316bhp 3.7-liter V6, and it will be available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto transmission.

Nissan has announced that it will stop producing the Quest minivan, Armada full-size SUV and its Infiniti sibling the QX56 when the Mississippi factory they’re made in switches to building commercial vehicles in early 2010.

The company has not said if it will build future versions of the slow-sellers. The only word from Nissan is that final decisions have not been made, but there is the “intention” to build them.

“When we get to the end of each vehicle’s cycle, we look at the market,” a spokesperson said. Sounds to us like company speak that Nissan will not build new versions of the three. If it actually announced that fact today, though, it could impact sales of the 2009 models that will still be built and sold on new-car lots.

All three vehicles were either aging in their segment or poor performers, so seeing them go probably won’t hurt Nissan, which has seen better success with new smaller offerings like the Versa and the Rogue compact SUV.

The new less-powerful version of the 2009 FX50 will be designated as the “FX35″ meaning it will have a VQ35HR engine and not the expected 3.7-liter 330 Horsepower G37 Coupe engine.

As reported by Michael Harley:

It is official. The all-new 2009 FX50 will not share the showroom floor with a rumored “FX37.” Instead, Infiniti has chosen to keep the less-powerful sibling designated as the “FX35.” That means the engine is the award-winning VQ35HR right out of the Infiniti G35 sedan — not the sweet 3.7-liter 330-hp gem from the G37 Coupe. Under the hood of the FX, the slightly smaller six-cylinder is rated at 303 hp (down just a few horses from the sedan’s rating of 306 hp). The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 will be mated to a standard 7-speed automatic with Nissan’s Adaptive Shift Control (those trick magnesium paddle shifters are optional).

Like the outgoing FX35 it replaces, the 2009 model will be available in two versions: FX35 and FX35 AWD. The all-wheel-drive model is equipped with Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) AWD system, which is standard on the FX50. According to Infiniti, the new 2009 FX goes on sale at Infiniti dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in June 2008. Thanks for the heads-up Brad!

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti FX50

[Source: Nissan North America]

At a glance: 2009 FX50 and FX35

The all-new, second-generation Infiniti FX is a radical expression of sport and utility – offering exceptional levels of power, refinement and driving exhilaration. Created as a fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with head-turning styling and an advanced sporty platform, the new FX is a showcase of Infiniti’s design and technology leadership.

Along with an aerodynamic, rigid yet lightweight body structure and sporty FM platform, the new FX features a extensive list of available equipment and technology designed to create an exhilarating and rewarding driving experience, including a choice of a new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event & Lift) or 303-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6. Each engine is paired with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The new FX is also offered with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes, along with available Continuous Damping Control (CDC)®, Rear Active Steer, Intelligent Brake Assist and 21-inch super lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei.

Inside, the new FX interior provides a warm, modern, inviting environment highlighted by a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive controls, available sport seating and advanced audio, navigation and technology ranging from an 11-speaker Bose®-developed audio system to Infiniti Intelligent Key, available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range) and available Around View Monitor system.

The new FX offers two industry-first safety technologies: Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), which provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking; Distance Control Assist (DCA), which reduces the burden of driving in heavy traffic by intuitively helping to release the throttle and apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Also available is a Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which helps keep the vehicle in its travel lane.

The all-new FX will be available in three models: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8, FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6 and FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6. The new 2009 FX goes on sale at Infiniti dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in June 2008.

Highlights of the 2009 Infiniti FX include:

Body

• A fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with short front and rear overhangs, low center of gravity, aggressive stance and available 21-inch wheels and tires
• Polished, assertive styling, featuring a dark chrome grille, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moonroof
• Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
• Standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights with automatic-on feature, integrated fog lights; aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights
• New, distinctive functional side air vents, which reduce front end lift by five percent
• Lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors
• Chrome window moldings and door handles; available aluminum roof rails
• Power folding, heated body-colored power adjustable outside sideview mirrors with puddle lamps and available reverse synchronization
• Speed-sensitive windshield wipers with new aerodynamic flat blade wiper design, low-profile wiper arms; available rain-sensing function
• Dual outlet exhaust with tailpipe finishers
• Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat paint finish)
• Offered in eight exterior colors
• 0.35 coefficient of drag (FX35)

Engine, Driveline and Platform

• Front engine/rear-wheel drive (FX35 RWD) or all-wheel drive (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD)
• VK50VE 32-valve 5.0-liter DOHC V8 with advanced Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, producing 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (FX50)
• VQ35HR 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6, producing 303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (FX35)
• New 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and Downshift Rev Matching
• Available solid magnesium paddle shifters
• ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) AWD system (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD)
• Snow-Mode function (shifts throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions once activated by driver for enhanced traction)
• Built on Infiniti’s FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, specially designed and configured for use on FX
• Front-to-rear weight distribution: FX50 AWD 54/46, FX35 AWD 53/47, FX35 RWD 52/48

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Refined 4-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link designs, extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, lightweight compact steel rear subframe
• Dual Flow Path™ shock absorbers with rebound springs
• Available Continuous Damping Control (CDC)® with driver-selectable “Auto” and “Sport” settings (FX50 Sport Package)
• Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
• Power-assisted twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
• Available Rear Active Steer for increased responsiveness and handling (FX50 Sport Package)
• 4-wheel power-assisted vented brakes; 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA), available Preview Braking
• Aluminum-alloy 4-piston front/2-piston rear (opposed piston) calipers (FX50)
• Available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range)
• Standard painted silver 18-inch split-5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 all-season tires (FX35)
• Available metallic finish 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/50R20 all-season tires (FX35)
• Super-lightweight 9.5Jx21 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei with 265/45R21 all-season tires or available W-rated high-performance summer tires (FX50)

Interior Features

• Cockpit-like styling with standard leather-appointed seating
• Available quilted leather-appointed seating
• Personalized driver and passenger comfort zones with dual-zone front climate control HVAC system
• Superior ingress and egress with low step-in height and easy-access seat height
• Power-adjustable 10-way driver’s seat, available manual thigh support with power bolster adjustment
• Available 2-Position Driver’s Memory Seat system (standard on FX50)
• 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, available manual thigh support
• Automatic driving position system – coordinates steering wheel and mirror position as seat is adjusted
• Available climate-controlled heating and cooling front seats (standard FX50, optional FX35)
• Three-spoke, perforated leather-wrapped, sport-style steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio controls, available power tilt/telescope feature (standard on FX50)
• Manually reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• 12-point sequential Welcome Lighting system
• White/violet Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges
• Standard 7.0-inch (FX35) or 8.0-inch (FX50) color information display
• Signature Infiniti analog clock
• Available aluminum pedals (standard FX50, optional FX35)
• Genuine hand-stained Maple wood and piano black trim (standard on FX50, optional on FX35)
• Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ ionizer
• Auto up/down front windows, available auto up/down rear windows
• Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
• 11-speaker Bose® Premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer, Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter (DAC), mp3-CD playback, auxiliary input jack and steering wheel audio controls
• Infiniti Hard Drive (HDD) Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (requires active XM® subscription, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with Interface System for iPod®, Compact Flash slot and Voice Recognition system
• XM® Satellite Radio (requires active XM® subscription, sold separately)
• Standard RearView Monitor
• Available innovative Around View Monitor system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce blind spots when parking
• Available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System (standard on FX50)
• Available solid-construction cargo area cover, cargo net (standard on FX50)
• Four 12-volt power points, dual front and rear cupholders, locking glove compartment
• Available Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System, 9.0-inch flip-down console-mounted rear monitor, DVD player mounted in front center console, two wireless headphones, remote control
• Three available interior colors: Wheat, Graphite, Java

Safety and Security

• Available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning
• Available Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
• Available Distance Control Assist (DCA)
• Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
• Dual-stage front supplemental air bags with passenger seat occupant classification system and seat belt sensor
• Seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted curtain air bags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection
• 3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; ALR/ELR in all passenger seating positions (driver ELR only)
• Available Pre-Crash Seat Belts
• Seat belt reminder system (front)
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system in rear outboard seating positions, (upper tether for all rear seating positions)
• Front-seat Active Head Restraints
• Child safety rear door locks and power window lock-out button
• Energy-absorbing steering column
• Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
• First aid kit and tool kit
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System and Vehicle Security System
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), cancel switch

Models and Manufacturing

• Available in three well-equipped models: FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD and FX35 RWD
• Assembled by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in Tochigi, Japan

Originally by Michael Harley from Autoblog on March 21, 2008, 8:02am