Infiniti

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Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition, 2012: Stylish, high-performance SUV gets jolt

When the Infiniti FX was introduced in 2003, the luxury performance SUV was a novel, if strange, idea. Now, nearly every brand has some version of a sporty crossover, which means many drivers are looking for sports car performance with SUV functionality. Although not the sales leader it once was, the Infiniti FX continues to offer unique styling and competitive performance. For its mid-cycle update, Infiniti has given the 2012 FX a mild makeover. Most noticeable is a revised front fascia that gives the FX a decidedly more aggressive appearance. To generate additional interest, Infiniti is also offering a Limited Edition of the FX35. With only 500 available in the U.S., the model features Iridium Blue paint and 21-inch graphite

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Infiniti M Hybrid, 2012: World’s fastest full hybrid combines performance, economy

According to Infiniti, the 2012 M Hybrid luxury sedan features the performance of a V8 engine with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder. If this sounds too good to be true, consider the numbers: Infiniti claims 0 to 60 in well under six seconds, and up to 32 mpg. Could the M Hybrid be the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it, too? The M Hybrid, or M35h, utilizes Infiniti’s new Direct Response Hybrid system, the first hybrid system developed fully in-house by Nissan/Infiniti. The system combines a 302 hp 3.5-liter V6 engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, and a 50 kW electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery. Total output is a notable 360 hp engine with

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Infiniti G37 convertible, 2012: Stylish, efficient, confident coupe

Now in its fourth year, the Infiniti G37 convertible is the newest of the three body styles and is among five Infiniti G Series model trims. Largely unchanged from last year, the 2012 G37 convertible features a good selection of standard features: leather seating, rearview camera, navigation system with hard-drive music storage, XM Satellite Radio with real-time traffic data, an MP3-compatiable sound system and iPod connectivity Among the most efficient features is the door-mounted button to lower the roof. A Bose audio system is an option as is an advanced climate control system. The Weekly Driver Test Drive This is the Infiniti to drive on a country road in warm weather with the top down. But the testing Infiniti G37's

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Volvo, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz dominate 2012 safest cars list

With its auto content, Forbes.com likes lists. Its current offering, like much of its other car content, is subjective — the safest 2012 cars. Infiniti, Mercedes-Benez and Volvo, with three selections, dominate the list. The subjectiveness of the list is not a criticism. It's subjective via the criteria used to make its choices, which, seem like the right criteria. One of the strongest considerations is the designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For 2012, a total of 69 cars, 38 SUVs and three pickups made the non-profit's Top Safety Picks list, including 18 new recipients. To qualify as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, a car must garner top scores for performance in front, side, rollover and rear-end

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Infiniti G37 IPL, 2012: Fast, powerful luxury coupe attracts attention

The Infiniti G Series dates to 1991, with the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) debuting in the fall of 2010 with the 2011 edition of the G37 Coupe. The 2012 edition remains much same. The IPL version of the high performance luxury car features a retuned, more powerful engine, more aggressive body work, new wheels and better handling. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Driving a luxury sports car, even one defined as a "entry level premium coupe," attracts immediate attention. Further attention seemed to follow me during my test week, I think, because of the G37 IPL's exterior color. The color is called Malbec Black. And while Infiniti can call its color what its wants, the color is not black. Rather,

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Infiniti G25, 2012: Solid performance, excellent value

Does an entry-level luxury sedan need 300 horsepower? For almost 10 years, Infiniti has answered "yes" since the popular G sedan has only been available with a high output V6 engine. For 2012, the automaker has changed it mind and is offering the less powerful G25 sedan. As its name suggests, the G25 features a 2.5 L V6 engine that produces 218 horsepower and 187 lb.-ft. torque. This same engine is used in several Infiniti models overseas. And we thus wonder why it has taken Infiniti so long to bring it to the U.S., especially since it is a charming little engine? Although output is more than 100 horespower less than the 3.7 L V6 found in the G37, performance

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Infiniti M, 2012: Luxury hybrid sedan no longer oxymoron

The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid may be the first hybrid that simultaneously features some of most advanced technology in the "green" industry while also eliminating many of the cumbersome traits of the expanding automotive segment. Infiniti, of course, is a luxury brand and the new hybrid M with its plush interior, stylish wood trim and sculpted interior and exterior designs only adds to the manufacturer's reputation. Speed was rarely mentioned in hybrids a few years ago, but now it seems important. And that's another big plus for the Infiniti Hybrid M. With its 360 horsepower engine, the four-door season now holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s fastest accelerating full hybrid. It covers the standing quarter mile in 13.9031

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Infiniti M, 2012 car review

Want something different than, say, a BMW, Mercedes or Cadillac sports sedan? Check out the 20121 Infiniti M. The Infiniti flagship sedan is comparable to handsome, upscale sports sedans from any country. The “M” never sold as well as Nissan’s upscale Infiniti division felt it should have. So the 2011 model was blessed with superior styling, more-powerful engines, advanced safety equipment and a more attractive interior. Sales quickly improved. Changes were so major for 2011 there are few enhancements for 2012. They include a new 18-inch wheel package, combining the previous M56 Sport and Sport Touring packages into a single Sport package — and availability of the Graphite Interior for models with the Deluxe Touring package. The M comes with

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Infiniti G37, 2011 car review

Want something different from the usual sports/luxury sedans? Try the often-overlooked Infiniti G. It’s from Nissan‘s upscale division and compares favorably with other sports/luxury cars. The 2011 G sedan comes as the G37 with a 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 328 horsepower or as the new G25, which has a 2.5-liter V-6 with 218 horsepower. That engine is from Nissan’s Japanese-market Skyline model. The G25 has the same exterior, interior and chassis as the G37, which means it has the same slick body but low front end that can be damaged by high curbs if a driver isn’t careful. The G25 does 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds. That’s hardly crawling, but is nearly two seconds slower to 60 than the thundering

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Infiniti QX56, 2011 car review

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is a completely redesigned and power-loaded edition of Nissan’s largest SUV, which originated in 1997 as a re-badged midsize Nissan Pathfinder. The new QX56 is longer, wider, and lower than the previous model. Its only powertrain teams a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The seven-passenger (or eight passenger with an optional second-row bench seat) is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. It also includes a low-range gear for off-roading. The Weekly Drive For the past seven years, I’ve test-driven more than two dozen vehicles during a 400-mile round trip from Sacramento to the Monterey Peninsula. High speed highway

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Audi, Ford, Lexus on The Weekly Driver's 2010 Best List

Recall was likely the most used word in the automotive industry in 2010. Toyota topped the list of manufacturers’ whose cars were retrieved by the millions with myriad issues. Regardless, of the 20 million recalls. it was another remarkable year for cars. The Hyundai Sonata for the first time in some monthly totals outsold the Honda Accord. The Chevy Camaro returned in 2009 as a 2010 model. Honda introduced the attention-grabbing Crosstour and discontinued the Element. The Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf made their public debuts amid an enormous public relations joust and with the future of hybrid and electric vehicles still largely unclear. The specialty car market was constantly in the news. Premium prices were dished out at auctions

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Infiniti G37 Sedan Journey, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

For 2010, the G Sedan, Infiniti‘s top-selling model, features revised exterior styling, an enhanced interior treatment, upgraded technology features and remains a top player as a near-luxury sports sedan. Most of the enhancements, except for the exterior refinements, are also available on the 2010 G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. Infiniti buyers have four choices — G37 Sedan, G37 Sedan Journey, G37S Sedan Sport 6MT and G37x Sedan AWD. All 2010 G sedans are equipped with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) V6. A 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models except the G37 Sport 6MT, comes with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The G37x Sedan AWD is equipped with an advanced Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system

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Nissan recalling 135,000 Infiniti G35 coupes, sedans with airbags issues

The recall involves G35 coupes from the 2005 to 2007 model years and G35 sedans from the 2005 to 2006 model year. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES Auto Shipping Quote, Car Financing, Car Insurance Quotes, Car Loans, Online Car Insurance, Rental Cars, Used Cars Nissan reports the air bag unit’s wire harness under the front passenger seat could wear down and interrupt the air bag’s signal. In a crash, the air bag may not deploy and could increase the risk of injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Nissan has not yet provided the agency with a plan to fix the vehicles or a timeline of when owners will be notified. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than

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Infiniti G37, 2009: The Weekly Driver Car Review

Last year, Infiniti changed its coupe’s name to G37, a reflection of the car’s newly powered 3.7-liter engine. Now the brand’s sedan and convertible share the same title, and all three have a lot to offer. But it’s the coupe, on several top-10 lists in 2008, that stands out again in 2009. First Impression: How classy! Great exterior color (Amethyst Graphite) interior color (Graphite), beautiful body design, great dark wood interior trim. It looked proud and elegant in the driveway and everywhere else for that matter. The Weekly Driver’s Ratings Acceleration (7) There’s a hint of lag, but then watch out. The new seven-speed automatic transmission (with manual shift mode) accelerates quickly and with plenty of reserve. Hit it hard

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Porsche to Audi, Lexus to BMW: Best (used) luxury cars under $30,000

For the past few years, I’ve become a regular reader of the AOL Autos. Its writers and editors seemingly have a never-ending stream of top-10 lists while approaching the automotive industry with the consumer in mind. The latest AOL Auto offering, written by Kevin Ransom, is the “baker’s dozen” list of best luxury cars for under $30,000. It’s a diverse selection, Porsche to Lincoln, Audi to Lexus. Says Ransom in his introduction: “For some buyers, the used-luxury market is a way of getting into that Lexus, Lincoln, Infiniti or Porsche you always wanted, without laying out $70,000 or $80,000 for something you’re not actually going to live in.” In conjunction with a recent Consumer Reports study, AOL has published its

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Infiniti M45, 2008: Weidel on Wheels

The 2008 M45 has impressive power, sharp exterior features, comfortable seating and a long list of standard features. It’s pricy at $51,850 for the all-wheel drive X model that gets unimpressive gas mileage (14-20 mpg). Yet, the M45 is still priced lower than an upscale SUV and trips to the pumps are less frequent. If you haven’t checked out the M45 in a couple of years, it’s worth a look. Infiniti unveiled the M series in 2003 with the M35 (3.5-liter, V6) and the M45 (4.5-liter, V8). There was nothing wrong with the performance of either one, but both sedans lacked interior space and had conservative styling. That changed three years ago when Infiniti made some much needed alterations and

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