Infiniti confirmed that its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, which are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide. The Infiniti M35 hybrid is expected to arrive about 12 months later as a 2012 model. It is Infiniti’s first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti’s history.
Realizing the high performance/low emissions promise of the recent Infiniti Essence concept car, the M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti’s appeal. The M35 Hybrid is based on the all-new M, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009.
The M35 Hybrid maintains a high performance luxury sedan profile, overlaying it with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car, while delivering driving flair to please any enthusiast – complete with charismatic V6 and rear-wheel drive handling.
Infiniti’s hybrid system, developed solely within Infiniti’s parent group, is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The result of this configuration, where all components act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the “direct responses” that the engineers sought.
The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The M Hybrid can also run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions, furthering fuel efficiency and optimizing energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions. Details of driving range, performance and transmission will be released later.
As expected of Infiniti, several new technologies are introduced in the new M35 Hybrid, including a “laminated” lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power. Lamination enhances the pack’s cooling performance, while temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.
The M35 Hybrid joins conventional engine-equipped 2011 M versions – including a new high-performance diesel V6 for Western Europe – as the first Ms to be sold across all of Infiniti’s world markets, currently 33 countries. All of the new-generation Infiniti M models are on target to beat their predecessors on fuel consumption and emissions – despite across-the-board performance improvements – thanks to a range of efficiency-enhancing measures.
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The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the 2010 Infiniti M remain unchanged from the previous model year:
M35 $45,800
M35x AWD $47,950
M45 $52,150
M45x AWD $54,650
Infiniti M35 models feature a 303-horsepower DOHC V6 with a 7-speed automatic transmission for M35 and 5-speed automatic for the all-wheel drive M35x. Infiniti M45 models utilize a 325-horsepower DOHC V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. Every 2010 Infiniti M comes equipped with a long list of standard luxury amenities, including leather-appointed seating, Infiniti Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and premium audio. A special Sport Package (rear-wheel drive models only) adds a higher level of sporty performance and style, with an advanced Rear Active Steer system, sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels and tires and unique body treatments.
The 2010 M remains a showcase of Infiniti’s advanced technology, including available Intelligent Cruise Control and the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, an advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic® (XM® subscription required, sold separately).
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.
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Infiniti 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.
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NNA INFORMATION
- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 58,298 units, compared with last June’s sales of 75,847 units, marked a decrease of 23.1 percent.
- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This June had 25 selling days, and June 2008 had 24 selling days.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 51,994 units in June compared with 66,543 units sold in June 2008, a 21.9 percent decrease.
- Maxima sales for June totaled 4,560 vehicles, a 71.1 percent increase over sales of 2,656 in June 2008.
- Sales of the 370Z rose 11.3 percent in June 2009 compared with the same month last year.
- June was the first full sales month for cube® with 2,137 units.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
- Infiniti sales for June were 6,304 units, down from 9,304 units a year ago, a decline of 32.3 percent. The all-new G Convertible went on sale June 18.
- Sales of the Infiniti QX56 rose 28.2 percent in June 2009 compared with a year earlier.
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Tom Holcomb of Irving, Texas has been identified as the very first customer to purchase a G Convertible from Grubbs Infiniti and Infiniti has high expectations that many other consumers will follow his lead. Holcomb purchased one of the Premier Editions of the G Convertible which was first offered through the Bloomingdale’s holiday catalog.
“The new G37 Convertible is a great addition to the Infiniti G line that has already earned such prestigious accolades as Car and Driver’s ’10 Best Cars’ in 2009,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti. “It adds all of the excitement of open-air motoring without compromising the G’s legendary performance and signature styling. This new G Convertible is one more compelling reason for buyers to put Infiniti at the top of their consideration lists.”
Infiniti G Convertible Details:
The first-ever G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop engineered to deliver styling that looks as good with the top up as down. The exclusive convertible-focused interior offers standard leather-appointed seats and is available with a Bose® Open Air Sound System with Bose® front seat personal speakers, climate-controlled front seats with heating and cooling feature, and an Advanced Climate Control System that not only adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed, but actively cleans the air when the top is closed.
The new G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – offering buyers the same high levels of performance as the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, along with the wide-open exhilaration of top-down driving.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $43,850 for the G37 Convertible and $43,900 for the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.
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The first-ever G Convertible features a three-piece power retractable hardtop engineered to deliver styling that looks as good with the top up as down. The exclusive convertible-focused interior offers standard leather-appointed seats and is available 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.
The new G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission – offering buyers the same high levels of performance as the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, along with the wide-open exhilaration of top-down driving.
“The new G37 Convertible is a seductive addition to the G line that has already earned such prestigious accolades as Car and Driver’s ’10 Best Cars’ in 2009,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “It adds all of the excitement of open-air motoring without compromising the G’s legendary performance and signature styling. This new G Convertible is one more compelling reason for buyers to put Infiniti at the top of their consideration lists. ”
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“Since its introduction, the Infiniti EX has been a showcase of cutting edge technology, including the advanced Around View Monitor, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Intelligent Brake Assist,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “We want to make sure that every EX buyer has a chance to experience the best of Infiniti’s inspired technology by offering the various packages at great values.”
The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models, each equipped with a standard 297-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6, 5-speed automatic transmission and a long list of luxury features. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Infiniti EX35 RWD is $33,800 and $35,200 for the Infiniti EX35 RWD Journey. The Infiniti EX35 AWD is priced at $36,000, while the Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey is $37,400.*
About the 2009 EX35
For 2009, the EX receives new standard equipment and revised package content. For example, the EX35 Base model now features standard leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, rear HVAC vents and roof rails. The EX35 Journey model adds a standard 6-disc CD autochanger, power tilt/telescoping steering column, coat hanger on the driver’s headrest and dual-zone automatic temperature control.
New or revised packages include an Around View Monitor (AVM) Package, which utilizes 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; and 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. Other packages include a Bose® and Navigation Package and an 18-inch Wheel Package.
The 2009 Infiniti EX continues to offer an engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring, with a long list of available features including available premium audio systems and a power-folding 2nd row seat.
And, like every Infiniti model, the 2009 EX35 also emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, combining a refined 3.5-liter V6 engine, standard 5-speed automatic transmission and available intelligent all-wheel drive.
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Infiniti today announced pricing on the 2010 Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV, which is on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The QX56 is available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, both equipped with a standard 320-horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, leather-appointed seating and a long list of luxury and technology features. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Infiniti QX56 2WD is $56,050 and $59,150 for the Infiniti QX56 4WD.
The 2010 Infiniti QX56 continues to offer an outstanding combination of refinement, roominess, advanced technology and power – providing maximum utility and all-season versatility in a stylish, fully equipped full-size luxury SUV. The QX is anchored by an advanced drivetrain, featuring a high-strength steel frame and standard 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque. Its sophisticated body design is marked by a distinctive chrome “waterfall” style grille, High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, Infiniti-style LED taillights, power sliding moonroof and power-operated rear liftgate.
Inside, the exceptionally roomy QX interior features class-leading 2nd row legroom and seating for up to eight with the optional 2nd row split bench seat. Occupants are treated to an array of standard and available technology and luxury equipment, including leather-appointed seating, an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), 12-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and power-folding 60/40 split 3rd row bench seat.
Optional features include a Technology Package with Intelligent Cruise Control and front Sonar System for parking; and an Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System (MES) with DVD player, 8-inch color screen, two wireless headphones and remote controller. A Tow Package (standard on QX56 4WD) is also optional on QX56 2WD.
The QX’s 4-wheel independent suspension includes an auto-leveling rear suspension. Maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped) is rated at up to 9,000 pounds. A 5-speed automatic transmission with tow mode, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes and 9-spoke 20-inch chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels are standard on both 2WD and 4WD models.
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NNA INFORMATION
- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti in April totaled 47,190 units, compared with last April’s sales of 75,855 units, a decrease of 37.8 percent.
- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This April had 26 selling days, and April 2008 had 26 selling days.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 42,258 units in April compared with 66,318 units sold in April 2008, a decrease of 36.3 percent.
- April sales of the Nissan Z sports car totaled 1,561 units in April, a 29.2 percent increase from a year ago.
- Maxima sales of 3,901 in April were 62.7 percent higher than April 2008 sales of 2,398 cars.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
- Infiniti sales for April totaled 4,932 units, down from 9,537 units a year ago, a decline of 48.3 percent.
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NNA INFORMATION
- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 66,634 units, compared with last March’s sales of 106,921 units, marked a decrease of 37.7 percent.
- Combined Nissan and Infiniti volume for the 2008 fiscal year was 856,372 units, down 19.1 percent versus last year’s 1,059,002 units.
- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This March had 25 selling days, and March 2008 had 26 selling days.
NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 59,392 units in March compared with 93,100 units sold in March 2008, a 36.2 percent decrease.
- Sales of the iconic Z sports car totaled 1,632 units in March, a 24.8 percent increase from a year ago.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
- Infiniti sales for March were 7,242 units, down from 13,821 units a year ago, a decline of 47.6 percent.
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Nissan
Pat Doody, regional vice president, Nissan Southeast Region, is named director, Market Representation-Operations, based in Franklin.
Wally Burchfield, regional vice president, Nissan Northwest Region, is named regional vice president, Nissan Midwest Region, based in Aurora, Ill.
Fred Adcock, regional vice president, Nissan Mid-Atlantic Region, is appointed regional vice president, Nissan Southeast Region, based in Atlanta.
In their new roles, Doody, Burchfield and Adcock will report to Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.
Infiniti
Jack Wilkerson, regional vice president, Infiniti South Region, is named director, Infiniti Sales Operations and Network Development, based in Franklin.
Eric Anderson, regional vice president, Nissan North-Central Region (now Midwest Region), is named regional vice president, Infiniti West Region, in Costa Mesa, Calif.
Wilkerson and Anderson will report to Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit.
Additionally, the following executives will retire from Nissan:
Scott Fessenden, regional vice president, Infiniti West Region, will retire from Nissan. Scott has spent 27 years with Nissan, working in a variety of corporate and field positions, including Sales and Marketing assignments for both Nissan and Infiniti.
Wayne Adair, regional vice president, Infiniti Central Region, will also retire. Wayne joined the company in 1984 and held various regional and national Sales and Marketing positions during his Nissan career.
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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.
Essence Practicality: A Very Specially Made Solution
The team behind Essence harked back to an early motoring era to find the right solution for carrying luggage. The result is as classy as luggage ever gets, surprisingly practical and dreamily romantic. It also re-establishes the historic ties between a carmaker and one of the best-known names in luxury goods – Louis Vuitton. Vuitton first worked with a coachbuilder – the famous Kellner Company – in 1908, equipping one of their early luxury limousines with a set of bespoke luggage. Other coachbuilders quickly beat a path to Vuitton’s door in Paris. Made-to-measure Vuitton trunks were an integral feature of some of the greatest cars of the first part of the 20th century.
The collaboration between Infiniti and Vuitton revives the idea of a set of the highest quality luggage made to fit exactly a car’s trunk area. In Essence, there are three rigid pieces: a matched pair of slender briefcases atop a large trunk. All are made in the new Damier Graphite canvas and feature sleekly integrated handles and an overall design in harmony with the car itself. In addition, a button on the key fob electrically opens the trunk lid, allowing the trunk floor to slide silently rearwards.
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NISSAN HIGHLIGHTS
- Nissan vehicles saw sales of 46,769 units in January compared with 67,961 units sold in January 2008, a 31.2 percent decrease.
- The all-new 2009 370Z, Nissan’s performance icon which went on sale in January, is off to a strong start with sales of 1,280 units, an increase of 47.0 percent versus prior-year levels.
- The compact and versatile Rogue crossover saw sales of 5,802 units, an increase of 6.8 percent from January 2008.
INFINITI HIGHLIGHTS
- Infiniti sales for January were 7,115 units, down from 8,644 a year ago, a decline of 17.7 percent.
- Infiniti’s crossovers experienced a strong January, with sales of the EX up 12.5 percent over the prior year with 776 units, and sales of the FX up 74.9 percent, at 1,417 units.
NNA INFORMATION
- Combined sales for Nissan and Infiniti of 53,884 units, compared with last January’s sales of 76,605 units, marked a decrease of 29.7 percent.
- To ensure consistency in our global sales reporting, Nissan North America calculates monthly variances on a straight-percentage basis, unadjusted for the number of selling days in the month. This January had 26 selling days, and January 2008 had 25 selling days.
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com.
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Infiniti 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.
Infiniti’s Limited Engagement Winter Event typically begins in December, but its start has been brought forward to let luxury-car buyers know now that they don’t have to compromise their purchases, and that financing is readily available at Infiniti retailers.
“We know there is still a demand for the luxury and performance of Infiniti automobiles, but with the negative consumer news of late, consumer perception is there’s no financing available,” said Ben Poore, vice president of marketing for Infiniti. “With Infiniti’s Limited Engagement Winter Event, we’re spreading the word that Infiniti has the cars buyers want, with the financing and lease options they need.”
Poore also noted that while some automakers have held back, Infiniti continues to offer leasing as an alternative to traditional financing. In fact, during the Limited Engagement Winter Event, customers can lease the 2008 Infiniti G Sedan for $349 per month and the 2008 Infiniti G Coupe or Infiniti EX for $399 monthly.
While Infiniti retailers have details on these 39-month lease offers, the cars nicely equipped, with features such as Bose® premium audio with iPod® interface, a power moonroof and dual-zone climate control.
“No matter what lease or financing plan buyers choose during the Infiniti Limited Engagement Winter Event, they will receive the Total Ownership Experience® that has become synonymous with Infiniti,” said Poore. “From premium services such as a complementary Infiniti Service Loan Car to 24-hour Infiniti Roadside Assistance, it’s no wonder Infiniti is ranked as the number one luxury brand in vehicle satisfaction by AutoPacific.”
Infiniti’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program is another option to get the full Infiniti experience. With the CPO program, buyers can get pre-owned value, combined with the confidence of knowing their vehicle has been thoroughly checked, prepped and approved by an authorized Infiniti retailer, is backed by warranty coverage, and has the same individualized service and programs that define the Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience.
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G sports coupe and sedan, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and QX full-size SUV. The all-new Infiniti G Convertible makes its global debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 19 and goes on sale in Spring 2009. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.Infiniti.com.
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Infiniti announced pricing on the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan and Infiniti G37 Coupe, which go on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide on November 5, 2008. Both the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe receive extensive revisions for the new model year:
- G37 Sedan features a new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology
- G37 Coupe adds a new all-wheel drive model, the Infiniti G37x Coupe AWD, with the advanced ATESSA E-TS™ intelligent all-wheel drive system
- Both G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe also offer a new 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
- Both offer standard Scratch Shield paint
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan with 7-speed automatic transmission starts at $33,250. The 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe with 7-speed automatic transmission is $35,900, with the new G37x Coupe AWD priced at $38,700. Four models are available for both Sedan and Coupe, including Sport models with 6-speed manual transmissions.
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