Infiniti Prototype 10 Concept Reviews

The sport and luxury division of Nissan has so far faced a tough battle winning over buyers from long-established brands including Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. But new boss Fintan Knight thinks a halo model and technology may be future keys to success.Knight began his career in the automotive industry with BMW in Australia 20 years ago before holding senior marketing and management positions with Lamborghini and Audi in Europe.Appointed to the top job at Infiniti just a matter of weeks ago, he’s told AOL Cars that he believes the brand is lacking a break-out model. "I think we need something aspirational at the top of the range," he says.And Knight sees an opportunity to win over buyers with technology, saying he believes the German manufacturers aren’t giving the ‘iPhone generation’ what they want. Germans get in their cars and treat them as transport. They need to be functional in their eyes.They don't use email, Twitter or iPhones. That's why they never really work for buyers who want that. Our cars have to interface with drivers. They should take over for you in certain areas."Knight also believes the brand needs to expand its current six model line-up to include a small car to compete with the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. "I don't think we'll challenge them in terms of volumes but it needs to be an alternative premium offering for buyers."And when quizzed on his opinion of arch-rivals Lexus – "I am not convinced that they have the right plan.” He said.Joel Helmes is the editor of the Behind the Wheel radio program, heard on more than 150 stations around Australia, and www.behindthewheel.com.au.

Here's the thing…Why would you buy one of these cars when you could have a Nissan 370Z for less? They're essentially the same car under the skin with the same 3.7-litre V6 providing the oomph, but the Zed gets a bit more power.There's no denying the desirability of the iconic Zed, now in its second generation but the Infiniti is still something of an unknown quantity (at least with this badge).VALUEPriced from $75,900 (or $83,500 for the better equipped G37 S Premium model that we drove), the coupe is a nice bit of gear. The interior is finished in full leather and it is better equipped than the Zed, but not by much.One major point of difference between the two cars is that G37 actually has a back seat, albeit a small one. There's not much legroom nor much headroom back there, but it will do at a pinch.Standard features include leather, climate air, push button start, swivel bi-xenons, 30Gb navi system, 7-inch touch screen and 11-speaker Bose sound system with 10Gb hard drive. The S adds sport seats, sports suspension, 4-wheel active steer, viscous limited-slip diff and opposed-piston sports brakes, along with larger 19-inch alloys.It all sounds pretty good but bear in mind that you can pick up an imported, late model Skyline coupe with just about delivery kilometres for half the cost.TECHNOLOGYIt has two doors and a boot whereas the two-seat Zed has two doors and a hatch. The G37 actually sits on a 30cm longer wheelbase, but it's track is slightly narrower front and rear. The 3.7 litre petrol V6 produces 235kW of power at 7000 revs and 360Nm of torque at 5200 revs, compared with the Zed's 245kW/363Nm and is paired with a seven-speed auto, with drive to rear wheels.There's sport mode and downshift rev matching, along with steering column mounted change paddles. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 5.9 seconds, compared with the Zed's unofficial 5.4 seconds (it's over 200kg lighter). Fuel consumption for the coupe is rated at 10.5 litres/100km (we were getting 13.6 litres/100km after about 400km).DESIGNThe G37's look is fairly staid compared with the bright colours and lightning bolt design of the Zed's lights. As a technology and performance wannabe, Infiniti would do well to consider more aggressive styling, something spectacularly different that would really get people to sit up and take notice. Just a thought.SAFETYNo problems here. Gets a full five stars for safety in crash tests. There's six airbags along with active front headrests, plus a full gamut of safety systems including electronic stability and traction control.DRIVINGIf you like the Zed, then naturally you're going to like the G37. The V6 is a fantastic engine and delivers the urgent response that's expected from a sports car, making all the right noises in the process.The steering is direct and incredibly responsive, guaranteeing the car will go where you point it.  At the same time the tyres tracked mercilessly on Sydney's streets following every irregularity. The big problem is it looks too much like one of the grey import Skylines that the teenagers all drive. Don't know about you but if I paid big money for a car, I'd want people to know that I was driving the real deal.VERDICTSorry. Like the car but we like the look of the Zed better.Infiniti G37 SPrice: from $83,500Warranty: 4 years roadside assistEngine: 3.7-litre 6-cylinder, 235kW/360NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDThirst: 10.5L/100Km, CO2 246g/km

Although this car is a hybrid it should not be confused with fuel misers like the Toyota Prius. In this case the term hybrid translates into performance and plenty of it, with 268kW of power on tap. Think of the electric motor as a new age turbocharger.VALUEInfiniti is the luxury arm of Nissan -- just as Lexus is to Toyota -- and says it aims to offer something that set it apart from other prestige brands. At $99,900 our M35h GT Premium sedan is the most expensive of the sedans. But, with the S Premium diesel model priced the same, it makes for an interesting choice.The hybrid comes with a swag of luxury appointments like leather, wood grain dash, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, satellite navigation and a hi-end Bose sound system. The standard wheels are smallish 18s with 245/50 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres and an alloy space saver spare is supplied. The 16-speaker Bose system features active noise cancellation just like some headphones.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain consists of a 3.5-litre petrol V6 that puts out 225kW of power and an electric motor with another 50kW, for a combined total of 268kW (and fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km). Maximum torque from the petrol engine is 350Nm, with another 270Nm from the electric motor but a combined torque figure is not provided. It's the same acclaimed 3.5-litre V6 that has seen service in Nissan's 350Z sports car but that has now ben upsized to 3.7 litres. The engine is hooked up to a 7-speed auto that allows the driver to change gears manually, although steering wheel change paddles are absent.DESIGNThe goal is luxury with a sporting bent. If you're in the market for a Benz or a Bimmer, you might want to give this one a look, particularly if you're after something a little different. With drive to the rear wheels the hybrid does the dash from 0-100km/h time of 5.5 secs and is billed as the fastest-accelerating production hybrid in the world.SAFETYIt's designed to get five stars and does so from the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which some might say is a tougher standard than we've got  but as yet it does not have a rating from the Australian NCAP organisation.Suffice to say the car comes with blind spot warning, lane departure prevention, and forward collision warning automatically brakes if a collision is imminent.DRIVINGMove off slowly and the car creeps along in near silent, full electric mode. Apply some pressure to the accelerator and the petrol engine springs to life. Punch the accelerator and it takes off with a satisfying growl from the twin exhausts. This car is a chameleon, a car with two very different personalities. A knob allows the driver to dial in four drive modes: Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow. With each setting the system adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimise performance. It's quiet inside but perhaps not as quiet as a Lexus, and this changed quickly over coarse bitumen that generates quite a bit of tyre noise. We clocked up more than 600km behind the wheel at a rate of 8.8 litres/100km.The steering is light and the car is prone to wander unless the driver's attention remains focused. The active cruise control system can be annoying and the speedometer reading seems conservative. Because of the hybrid battery pack's location behind the back seat the boot is cut short but deep, smaller than you'd expect in a car this size.VERDICTIt's comfortable enough and it's certainly got plenty of get up and go, but does not generate the kind of excitement that is going to make you run out and buy one.Infiniti M35h GT PremiumPrice: from $99,900Warranty: 4 years roadside assist, 100,000kmEngine: 3.5L six-cylinder, 225kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDThirst: 6.9L/100Km, CO2 159g/km

Infiniti will soon start production of a new compact car based on its Etherea concept from 2011. The car, which may be labelled a Q30 in line with Infiniti’s new naming practice, will be built at a Nissan plant in the UK and should be revealed towards the end of next year or in early 2015.Now comes news that a crossover version of the Q30, a potential QX30, is in the works. The key is Infiniti’s decision to base its new Q30 on the platform underpinning the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class, which will have its own crossover version in the form of the GLA Class.The premium compact crossover segment is booming, not only in Australia but in most other developed markets as well. As Motor Trend points out, Infiniti will be able to charge higher prices for the QX30 than it could for the Q30, so this could sway the decision of the brand’s product planners.In addition, Infiniti plans to launch a production version of its LE electric car concept in the U.S. This model will be based on the Nissan Leaf platform and compete in the premium compact sedan segment.www.motorauthority.com 

The hottest slot in luxury motoring is about to get even hotter as Infiniti fires up with a rival to the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.The first Q50 came off the production line in Japan yesterday and plans are in place to have the first Australian cars delivered by November.The Q50 will have a starting price below $60,000, will be powered by a range of engines from a turbocharged four provided by Daimler, and will sidestep its German rivals with a solid emphasis on driving enjoyment.The official introduction of the Q50 comes as Infiniti confirms plans for a major model expansion at both the top and bottom ends of luxury motoring, with a Q70 flagship and a baby model to compete with the Benz A-Class.“The Q50 is coming, absolutely. It's here in quarter four,” Infiniti Cars Australia's spokesman, Peter Fadeyev, tells Carsguide.“It will be our fifth model. And it will be our largest selling model. This will be competing in the most important sector of the Australian luxury car market.”He refuses to even hint on the price points for the Q50 but confirms a range of engines from turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel motors through a 3.7-litre V6 to a hybrid package.But Infiniti is emphasising the sporty feel and technology in the car. “There are a number of technology proof points, including steer-by-wire. Hybrid power is another point of difference, with a direct emphasis on the performance on the car and not just the economy,” Fadeyev says.The Q50 will be loaded with luxury, including two big touch-screen infotainment displays, although there is no news yet on any connectivity plans.Further into the future, a British-built baby is confirmed for 2015 and Infiniti is also expecting an all-electric car - probably in 2016 - based on the Infiniti LE concept car from the New York auto show in 2012.Completion of the first Q50 in Japan includes an aggressive outline of Infiniti's future by the brand's global president, Johan de Nysschen.“We will... introduce models above where the Q70 stops today. In our crossover range, we can imagine significant additions to that lineup as well,” he says.“Other cars on tap include a new compact premium model that will be made at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom starting in 2015.”According to de Nysschen, Infiniti is intending to build a range that covers 90 per cent of the luxury sector - compared with less than 60 per cent now - and more than triple its annual sales from 170,000 in 2012.“I would imagine that, by the end of this decade, we would not only breach the 500,000 mark but the 600,000 mark,” de Nysschen says.This reporter is on Twitter: @paulwardgover 

Infiniti fans have been desperately waiting for a new flagship sedan to take on the likes of the Lexus LS and BMW 7 Series to be announced, and while senior management are aware of the need of such a vehicle, they are considering alternatives to a conventional, full-size luxury sedan.Speaking with Car and Driver, Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen explained that the automaker was considering a model positioned above its Q70 (former M), with something akin to the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class and Audi A7 being a strong possibility.Being a flagship, sales will be limited so to spread costs de Nysschen sees Infiniti developing a second model from the same platform, likely to be a luxurious GT.“I think we need some kind of sexy sports car that might share powertrains and platforms with , but an even more emotional iteration,” de Nysschen said.The Infiniti exec went on to explain that this luxury GT won’t be a production version of the Emerg-E extended-range electric, as Infiniti has decided that a sports car isn’t the best platform for electric tech just yet, but is more likely to be a powerful and comfy tourer along the lines of the Jaguar F-Type.As for powertrains, V6s with forced induction are likely to be picked. Developing new V8 engines has previously been ruled out by de Nysschen, and late last year he confirmed that Infiniti would be launching a car packing a force-fed V6 with up to 410kW.Whatever the outcome, it's clear Infiniti is planning to add a genuine flagship to its lineup, though it looks like we may have to wait some years while the automaker makes up its mind on just what road--or roads--to take.www.motorauthority.com 

The Infiniti M is a large luxury Japanese sedan with a fair dash of sporting prowess. Though aimed at the American market it’s starting to make waves in the sales races in other countries, including Australia.High-tech features abound in the new Infiniti. Some of these electronic aids are used in other premium European and Japanese cars, but are taken to new levels in the Infiniti. There are a huge number of features within the sub models of the Infiniti M range – GT, GT Premium and S Premium. TECHNOLOGYInfiniti M is offered in three models, the Infiniti M37 is powered by a 3.7-litre 235 kW V6 petrol engine; Infiniti M30d uses a 175 kilowatt 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel; and the Infiniti M35h petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain has a 3.5-litre 225 kW petrol V6 and a parallel electric motor that can produce up to 50 kilowatts of power.As is always the way with hybrids, the maximum output isn’t the sum of the two powerplants. In the Infiniti M35h the peak is 268 kW as the petrol and electric motors aren’t both delivering their best output simultaneously.In the way of all electric motors the Infiniti’s produces big torque at low revs, whereas the petrol engine concentrates on mid and upper levels.Every Infiniti M model uses a seven-speed automatic transmission and is driven by its rear wheels. The engine is set well back under the bonnet to achieve good front to rear mass balance.DESIGNStyling leans in the direction of sports sedan, with a low-slung body, high wheel arches and a distinctive radiator grille. We feel the M’s shape is a bit untidy in places, but there’s no doubt that Infinitis stand out from the automotive crowd and that’s vitally important if you’re aiming to attract attention to a new marque, or rather to a revived marque – Infiniti sold a few cars in Australia in the mid 1990s before disappearing off the radar until mid 2012.Sound reduction in the cabin not only has the usual strengthening and noise damping items, but also uses active noise cancelling of the type seen in headphones used by travellers. Working in conjunction with Bose, a longtime expert in the field, Infiniti engineers have managed to further reduce interior noise.A disadvantage of having the engines set well back is that the gearbox intrudes into the cabin, resulting in relatively limited foot width for those in the front seats.SAFETYInfiniti drivers who don’t adjust the car’s outside mirrors correctly are looked after by a blind-spot warning system. Infiniti also tries to look after drivers who aren’t paying attention. If they wander from their lane the Infiniti M will apply the brakes on one side of the car to help steer it out of danger.Other Infiniti safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Pre-Crash Safety Belts (front seats only). Should you still crash the Infiniti M has dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side impact airbags on the front seats, and roof-mounted curtain airbags.Radar cruise control is very simple to engage and seems to read the driver’s mind the moment it’s switched on.DRIVINGThe big Infiniti sports hybrid has immense amounts of torque for climbing hills with ease and overtaking with maximum safety. The engine placement results in excellent handling balance that we really appreciated in the challenging roads on which we reviewed several Infiniti M models.Ride comfort is generally good, though some harsh Aussie roads did let bumps come through at times. To driving enthusiasts this occasional lack of comfort is probably acceptable; passengers may not agree, so it’s wise to take them on your initial personal road tests.Steering is precise and nicely weighted and gives the driver the feel that the car is very much working with them.VERDICTWe have driven several models in the Infiniti M range, including all three power trains, and have come away impressed by their sporting nature.Infiniti MPrice: from $85,900Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel; 3.7-litre V6 petrol; hybrid 3.5- litre V8 petrol plus electric motorOutputs: 175kW and 550N (M30d); 235kW and 360Nm (M37); 268kW combined (M35h)Transmission: seven-speed auto, rear-wheel drive

The Q50 sedan was revealed at the Detroit motor show this week and is a milestone car for Nissan’s luxury brand, with a new look and new naming structure that brings a Q prefix to all Infiniti models.

... to the prestige brand’s presence.The luxury arm of Nissan is the latest entrant in Australia, launching in September with the FX range of SUVs and the M sedans.A G37 coupe and convertible will join the fleet later this month with prices starting at $75,900 for the V6-powered coupe and $87,900 for the hardtop. Infiniti Cars Australia general manager, Kevin Snell, says the duo deliver on the company’s “inspired performance” motto.“The Infiniti G Coupe and Convertible are exciting alternatives to the current crop of luxury sports cars. Their exterior designs set them apart and they deliver a true sports car-style driving experience,” he notes. Both cars are propelled by a 3.7-litre V6 with 235kW/360Nm matched to a seven-speed automatic.Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, dual-zone climate-control, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats, a seven-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, satnav, Bluetooth streaming, a Bose sound systems and a sunroofThe range-topping S premium versions add more interior bling along with upgraded brakes fitted inside 19-inch rims with a tyre pressure monitoring system. The coupe’s sports credentials are boosted by four-wheel steering, a sports suspension tune and a limited-slip differential.The G37 will take on products from Japanese rival Lexus along with the usual German suspects in Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, all of which have less powerful engines for the same price. Infiniti says its design gives buyers a chance to stand out from the angular pack without sacrificing comfort or performance. It also has the best warranty of any prestige brand at four years/100,000km.“These two cars open Infiniti to another vital segment within the Australian luxury car market and expand the scope of our ability to offer luxury car buyers a long-awaited new choice,” Snell says.PRICE COMPARISONModel; Coupe; ConvertibleInfiniti G37; $75,900; $87,900Lexus IS250; N/A; $76,300Audi A5; $66,900; $78,500BMW 325i; $80,850; $94,600Mercedes-Benz C250; $69,900; N/A   

As a motoring journalist I typically drive between 250 and 300 cars every year. Yet there are some out there who drive 10 times as many vehicles as I do, perhaps 20 times. The guys and gals who valet park your car in upmarket hotels are finely tuned to the vehicles they drive and take an interest in anything that’s new to them.So when I rolled up to the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast the other day in a new Infiniti FX the eyes of the guys lit up. To be honest (sorry to all the marketing people at Infiniti) they had no idea what the big SUV was. The badge – showing a road disappearing into infinity – was totally unknown to them. Indeed, though they immediately recognised it as being a prestige vehicle they made a couple of incorrect guesses before I explained that Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota.They loved the looks of the Infiniti FX inside and out, describing it as one of the most stunning vehicles they had seen for a long time. We have to agree with them; unlike other sporting SUVs that are simply standard vehicles with revisions to the body to give it a tougher look, the Infiniti was designed from the start to be a 4WD that was anything but shy.VALUEInfiniti’s big new FX is a genuinely sporting SUV that’s been designed like that from the ground up. With a starting price of around $100,000 it provides very good value in this semi rarefied market segment and we can see it building up strong sales as soon as buyers start to sample its dynamic abilities.TECHNOLOGY - FXsWe tested two Infiniti FXs during a two-week period, one powered by a glorious 5.0-litre petrol V8 that gives it the sort of thrust that’s sure to bring a smile to the face of any keen driver. It not only provides plenty of acceleration but does so with just the right sort of V8 sounds and slightly uneven beat that only a bent-eight can manage.It’s a bit of a gas guzzler in a manner that typical of the breed, though it has to be said that a high-performance SUV using 12 to 15 litres per hundred kilometres in general driving really isn’t all that bad. Interestingly, this is the engine upon which next year’s Nissan V8 Supercar is (loosely) based. Exciting.DESIGN - FXsJust look at the long swooping bonnet with the sort of lowered centre section usually only seen in low slung sports cars; at the sloped rear end styling and the huge wheels and you will soon agree that the shy are retiring had perhaps better look elsewhere.There are disadvantages in any sporting vehicle and the big Infiniti suffers in the cargo area because the long slope of the tail restricts the height of long, tall items. Still that’s not unusual in the latest generation of SUVs. The boot area is long and easy to access through a large tailgate that was power operated in the models we road tested.The interior is as eye catching as the exterior, with the FX having a twin-cockpit area for the two in the front, with a real emphasis on the driving position. During a hot, sticky start to spring up here on the Gold Coast we found the air conditioned front seats to be a real bonus. Seat comfort in front is good with bolsters that give a strong cue to the fact this vehicle is aimed at the sporting driver.Back seat travellers have head and legroom that’s good without exactly being generous, a function of the FX being as more of a tall coupe than a traditional 4WD.TECHNOLOGY - FXThe second week saw us behind the wheel of a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel Infiniti FX. Like all modern diesels the Infiniti unit provides plenty of grunt in the lower to middle ranges, yet is more of a fuel sipper than guzzler. We had no trouble in getting in under eight litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway and even around town sub-10 litre number were the norm.DESIGN - FXBig 21-inch wheels and wide tyres are always going to provide plenty of grip and the suspension is nicely sorted out. Nimble the FX is not, but it does hang on determinedly and is nicely balanced with cornering. There’s some road roar on coarse-chip surfaces but we have hear worse. The complete Infiniti FX range is:FX37 GT 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $83,900FX37 S 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $92,900FX37 S Premium 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $95,900FX30d GT 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $85,900FX30d S 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $94,900FX30d S Premium 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $97,900FX50 S Premium 5.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $114,900Infiniti FXPrice: from $83,900Engine: 3.7-litre petrol 6.0-cyl, 235kW/360NmTransmission: 7-speed autoThirst: 12.1L/100km, CO2 282g/km