egmCarTech » Infiniti M

Video: Infiniti M Hybrid ‘The Duel’ commercial shows it whopping the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid’s ass

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:03 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

In Sept. 2011, the new 360-hp Infiniti M Hybrid set the Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest hybrid by running the standing quarter mile in 13.9031 seconds. Infiniti is now banking on that move with a new commercial released yesterday called ‘The Duel.’

The commercial shows the Infiniti M35h Hybrid going head-to-head with the 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid.

“‘The Duel’ is an exciting way to remind everyone that the Infiniti M Hybrid is the world’s fastest accelerating full-hybrid with 360 horsepower and 32 miles per gallon,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “At Infiniti, we believe that luxury should always thrill and inspire.”

Refresher: The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be powered by a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. Together the system makes 360-hp. The first-clutch is installed between the V6 engine and the electric motor, which Infiniti says allows for a more responsive drive. Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid, which will carry a lithium-ion battery pack, has the ability to run solely on electric-power under certain driving conditions. 0 to 62 mph comes in 5.5 seconds with an EPA-rated fuel-economy of 27/32 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

Nissan, Mitsubishi confirm plans to share Fuga, MINICAB-MiEV

admin — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:06:01 +0000

Following reports earlier this week Nissan and Mitsubishi have confirmed that the two companies have agreed to expand the scope of their OEM supply agreements in the Japanese market.

Nissan confirmed that it will provide the Fuga sedan to Mitsubishi Motors starting from summer 2012.

“The two companies have started deliberations on the provision of Mitsubishi Motors’ MINICAB-MiEV commercial mini EV to Nissan in fiscal year 2012,” the automakers said in a statement. “The two new OEM project agreements are part of the core agreement signed in December 2010 to expand cooperation between the two companies.”

- By: Omar Rana

Mitsubishi to get rebadged Infiniti M in Japan, may be the Diamante

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:11:48 +0000

Mitsubishi Motors, a brand that is rarely discussed if we’re not talking about the Lancer Evolution X, is getting a new flagship sedan that could be the successor to the Diamante sedan that was shelved in 2004.

Under a new agreement with Nissan, Mitsubishi will start selling a rebadged version of the Nissan Fuga sedan, known to us as the Infiniti M in the United States, in Japan next summer.

Mitsubishi said that it has no plans to sell the vehicles in other region and what the company plans on calling it or what the sales target will be.

What will Nissan get in return? As a part of the new agreement, Mitsubishi will supply Nissan its Minicab-MiEV all-electric commercial minivan.

Nissan has also agreed to provide its NV200 Vanette compact van to Mitsubishi.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid sets Guinness World Record for fastest hybrid car

admin — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:17:32 +0000

The Infiniti M Hybrid has officially become the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid. How official? Guinness World Record official. Driven by journalist Tim Pollard and overseen by Guinness World Records, the 360-horsepower gas/electric Infiniti M Hybrid covered the standing quarter mile in 13.9031 seconds (an average of all runs).

The car used during the test was a standard production model. The tests were recorded on Aug. 23, 2011 at the UK Santa Pod Raceway, home of the FIA European Drag Racing Championships.

Infiniti says that performance of the Infiniti M puts it on par with performance heroes like the 1982 Lamborghini Countach1 and within a few tenths of some Porsches, Ferraris and Aston Martins.

“The Infiniti M35h proves that hybrids can be fast as well as frugal,” said Tim Pollard, associate editor of the UK’s CAR Magazine. “At Santa Pod you could feel the instant torque of the electric motor away from standstill – the car just leapt off the line. I did try changing gears manually, but it was fastest left in automatic. That was when we achieved the fastest single run of 13.8960 seconds. But what impressed most was the Infiniti M’s duality of purpose: it might be quick, but it’s also comfy and very easy to drive. It felt like it could do these runs all week long.”

- By: Omar Rana

Video: Infiniti M35h Hybrid Nurburgring race, Vettel vs. Webber

admin — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:15:43 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

Meet the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid – the 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid sedan. To celebrate the launch of European sales for the model, Infiniti put its brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel, in a new M35h and his team mate Mark Webber in a M37 S Premium and set them loose on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Yes, it’s a race.

Both tackled 13 miles and 73 bends of the most iconic and most demanding racetrack in the world. But who wins the race? Well, we don’t want to ruin it for you.

Hit the jump to check out the video.

- By: Omar Rana

What does Infiniti plan on introducing within the next 5 years?

admin — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:55:46 +0000

Infiniti and parent company Nissan has just unveiled its newest international “Midterm Plan Announcement,” which translates into about 12 new Infiniti and Nissan models will be introduced in the next five years. Nissan has promised to introduce a new vehicle every six weeks for the next six years. But what about Infiniti?

Starting with the most concrete plan, spy photos of Infiniti’s newest full-sized crossover have been floating around the Internetz for quite some time. Projected for a full release later this year with a launch date pegged either near the end of 2011 or early 2012, the new “JX” three-row crossover will most likely go against the likes of the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX460.

Next on the docket is a front-wheel drive hatchback that is projected to be pinned directly against the Audi A3. We caught a glimpse of this model as it took the form of the 2011 Etherea Concept at this past year’s Geneva Motor Show. The expected release debate for the Etherea is sometime during 2013 and 2014.

And of course, with everyone else jumping on the electric car bandwagon, Infiniti too will be launching an electric vehicle based on the parent company’s Nissan LEAF.

Additionally, because the E90/E92 BMW 3-Series is on its way out that means the proverbial 3-Series beater, the Infiniti G will be approaching its due date as well. All forms of the G—the sedan, coupe and convertible—are expected to return but rumor has it that the manual transmission may not make a return appearance. Let us hope that this is not true.

And lastly, although Infiniti’s old flagship, the Q, was significantly overlooked due to poor marketing, the fact of the matter was that it was very much a solid competitor to the BMW 5-Series. Because Infiniti moved up market, we have the Infiniti M acting as the direct runner-up to the BMW 5-Series. That leaves room for Infiniti to make another “Q” flagship to battle the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8 industry standards. But the “Q” flagship isn’t just the only possibility, especially since Infiniti has yet to release any details of one in the works. The other possibility is a replacement model for the EX crossover, which has been struggling to sell. So altogether, Infiniti’s next model could be any of the above, or something else completely different, or maybe a combination. An Infiniti Lexus LFA competitor would certainly make for an interesting proposition.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER

Confirmed: Infiniti M25 not coming to the United States

admin — Thu, 26 May 2011 22:42:10 +0000

As lame as it may sound, it seems like it would be a smart move for Infiniti to bring its M25 sedan powered by a 2.5-liter VQ25VHR M25 to the United States. A 4,000 pound sedan with a smaller-displacement engine, with a cheaper price tag and higher fuel-economy could compete well with the likes of the BMW 528i.

Whatever way you want to put it, it ain’t happening. A source inside Nissan has confirmed with Inside Line that the Infiniti M25 combination isn’t right for the U.S. market.

In Japan, the Infiniti M25 comes with a 2.5L V6 unit making 218-hp with a maximum torque of 217 lb-ft.

Guess we’ll just have to stick with the Infiniti G25.

Click here to read our first driving impressions on the 2011 Infiniti M.

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 / 2011 Infiniti M56:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Straightline

Video: Fifth Gear reviews the Infiniti M30d

admin — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:25 +0000

While diesel sales are on the rise in the United States, Americans are still a bit hesitant when it comes to shopping diesels – which is why we miss out on such impressive diesel models like the Infiniti M30d, currently on sale in the UK.

Powered by a 3.0L V6 diesel making 234-hp with a maximum torque of 405 lb-ft. That allows the Infiniti M30d to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, fuel-economy comes in at 22.8/40 mpg (city/highway) or 31 mpg combined.

Check out Fifth Gear’s review of the Infiniti M30d after the jump.

Click here to read our first driving impressions on the 2011 Infiniti M.

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 / 2011 Infiniti M56:

- By: Omar Rana

Video: Infiniti challenges notion of hybrids with new Infiniti M Hybrid commercial

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:46:56 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

In a new ad campaign for the Infiniti M Hybrid, the brand challenges the conventional notion of what a hybrid can be, Infiniti takes us on a journey through the history of hybrids, starting over 100 years ago with the invention of the first hybrid car in 1888, to the hybrid patent in 1909, through the hybrids of the ‘70s and on to hybrids today – directly challenging the notion that you can’t have great performance, good looks and great fuel economy.

“The new Infiniti M Hybrid provides the same level of luxury and performance as the rest of our lineup and builds on the strengths Infiniti has always been known for,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “Style, luxury and performance will always be the cornerstone of everything Infiniti does.”

Click here for more news on the Infiniti M Hybrid.

Refresher: The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be powered by a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. The first-clutch is installed between the V6 engine and the electric motor, which Infiniti says allows for a more responsive drive. Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid, which will carry a lithium-ion battery pack, has the ability to run solely on electric-power under certain driving conditions. Official fuel-economy rating comes in at 27/32 mpg (city/highway).

- By: Omar Rana

Tsunami in Japan damages 2,300 Nissan, Infiniti vehicles

admin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:52:12 +0000

2011 Infiniti M

The tsunami triggered by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan has damaged at least 2,300 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles awaiting shipment to United States and Japan dealerships. The cars, which included 1,300 Infiniti M, EX and FX models on the way to North America, were parked at two coastal loading points when the giant tsunami swept through.

Photos of the damage at one point show hundreds of brand new Nissan and Infiniti vehicles piled on top of one another and scattered like Hot Wheels. Television footage also showed many of the Infiniti models engulfed in fire.

The damaged cars also included a small number of Nissan 370Z sports car, Nissan said.

All the cars mentioned above are made at Nissan’s Infiniti assembly plant in nearby Tochigi.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2012 Infiniti M 35h Hybrid price starts at $53,700

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:40:04 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

Infiniti has officially announced the pricing on the 2012 Infiniti M 35h Hybrid, which will go on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide on March 16. Prices for the 2012 Infiniti M 35h Hybrid will start at $53,700 and when compared to its closest rival in our eyes, the $58,050 2011 Lexus GS Hybrid, that’s not a bad deal at all.

“We’re excited to be able to bring in the new Infiniti M Hybrid – with its exceptional blend of power, efficiency, style, luxury and technology – at an M.S.R.P. of under $54,000,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “Competitively priced, though with little real direct competition, we expect the M Hybrid to continue the strong sales momentum the new Infiniti M Sedan has been experiencing since its launch in the 2011 model year.”

Click here for more news on the Infiniti M Hybrid.

- By: Omar Rana

2012 Infiniti M 35h Hybrid gets EPA rated fuel-economy rating of 29 mpg combined

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:03:50 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid has received its official EPA (Environment Protection Agency) fuel-economy rating prior to going on sale nationwide in Spring 2011. The 2012 Infiniti M35h officially averages 27/32 mpg (city/highway) with a combined fuel-economy rated at 29 mpg.

Prices for the 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid will be announced closer to launch date.

- By: Omar Rana

Report: Mitsubishi to sell rebadged Infiniti M as the Diamante

admin — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:22:16 +0000

2004 Mitsubishi Diamante

Let’s just call this a rumor for now but it is reported that Mitsubishi is considering bringing back the Diamante sedan. Published reports say that Mitsubishi plans to sell a rebadged version of the Infiniti M in Japan to fill a long-running gap in its premium offerings.

However, in an interview last month, Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko denied that the company would leverage OEM manufacturing deals to beef up its U.S. lineup. That also goes for large luxury cars, he said. Masuko went on to say that Mitsubishi is shifting its focus to small cars since its bigger ones don’t sell well.

The Mitsubishi Diamante sales peaked in 1993 at 25,267 units and dipped below 10,000 before the company decided to kill it in 2004. Development on the Diamante was frozen in mid-2000 due to financial woes.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year short-list announced

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:19:29 +0000

2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year

The following is a short-list of all the model being considered for the 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year. On December 16, three finalists from each category will be announced, with the winner getting its fame and award at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

As you can probably see from the list Ford, General Motors and Hyundai / Kia lead the list.

The winner will be chosen by a pool of 50 U.S. and Canadian automotive journalists from various publications.

Hit the jump for the full list and let us know your choice in the comments section below.

2011 North American Car of the Year:

North American Truck of the Year:

- By: Omar Rana

Infiniti announces price increase on 2011 M37, 2011 M56

admin — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 20:18:10 +0000

2011 Infiniti M56

Infiniti announced today that it will be increasing the prices on the 2011 Infiniti M luxury sedans, which went on sale last March. The price increase of $250 USD for M37 models and $350 USD for M56 models is effective immediately.

New MSRP for the 2011 Infiniti M:

Model	Engine/Transmission	MSRP
Infiniti M37	3.7-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic	$46,500 USD
Infiniti M37x AWD	3.7-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic	$48,650 USD
Infiniti M56	5.6-liter V8 / 7-speed automatic	$57,900 USD
Infiniti M65x AWD	5.6-liter V8 / 7-speed automatic	$60,400 USD

Click here for our first driving impressions on the 2011 Infiniti M.

Refresher: The 2011 Infiniti M is available in M37 and M56 model designations, both offered with rear-wheel-drive or Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system. Power for the 2011 Infiniti M37 comes from a 3.7L V6 engine making 330-hp, while the 2011 M56 is powered by a 5.6L V8 engine making 420-hp.

First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 / 2011 Infiniti M56:

- By: Zain Haq

2010 LA Preview: 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid to be unveiled in LA

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 05:05:23 +0000

Gallery - 13 images

Infiniti confirmed today that it will debut the 2012 M35 Hybrid at the 2010 LA Auto Show in November

“The M Hybrid, based on the popular Infiniti M sedan, promises V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel economy ““ without compromising driving excitement or trunk space,” Nissan said in a statement. “It will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2011.”

The new Infiniti G25 Sedan and the 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe will also join the 2012 M Hybrid at the LA Auto Show.

Click here to read our review on the 2011 Infiniti M.

- By: Omar Rana

Report: Infiniti considering more hybrids on top of M35 Hybrid

admin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:57:07 +0000

Infiniti’s first production hybrid vehicle will hit the market in spring 2011 with the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid. Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid will make its world debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show in November.

As Infiniti prepares for the unveiling of the M35 Hybrid, engineers at the Nissan luxury brand are already planning other hybrid models. No word on exactly which hybrids Infiniti is planning but it is reported that the company is currently studying which other models in its lineup could use a hybrid powertrain.

Poore said that the Infiniti M35 Hybrid will deliver “V6 power at 4-cylinder fuel-economy levels.”

Click here to read our review on the 2011 Infiniti M.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

IIHS gives 2011 Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M good ratings in rollover test

admin — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:46:47 +0000

2011 Infiniti M37

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced yesterday that the 2011 Cadillac CTS and 2011 Infiniti M37/M56 earned the top rating of good in roof strength tests that assess how well vehicles would protect occupants in rollover accidents.

In comparison, the Lexus GS and Audi A6, both tested as 2010 models, are rated acceptable, and the Acura RL, also a 2010 model year vehicle, is rated marginal for rollover protection.

“After the latest roof strength tests, the CTS and M37/M56 also earn the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award with good ratings in all 4 Institute safety evaluations, and electronic stability control, which research shows can help drivers stay out of crashes altogether,” IIHS said in a statement.

“The test results show that manufacturers are moving quickly to improve the rollover safety of their newest designs,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The Institute evaluates rollover protection using a roof strength test. In this test a metal plate is pushed against one corner of a vehicle’s roof at a constant speed. The maximum force sustained by the roof before 5 inches of crush is compared to the vehicle’s weight to find the strength-to-weight ratio. This is a good assessment of vehicle structural protection in rollover crashes. Good rated vehicles have roofs that can withstand a force equal to at least 4 times the vehicle’s weight.

- By: Omar Rana