Motor Authority - blog Category: Infiniti

  • 2011 Infiniti M 'Forest Air' Climate System Controls Odor, Humidity

    2011 Infiniti M 'Forest Air' Climate System Controls Odor, Humidity

    It might seem obvious in hindsight, but the climate control systems in most cars haven't seen many updates since their introduction. Sure, they're more sophisticated, with dual-zone thermostats and automatic operation. But underneath, they're still the same basic systems.

    Not so in the 2011 Infiniti M. While it still offers cooling and heating, it adds to the package with air flow, odor and humidity controls.

    Filtering cabin air isn't anything new--a lot of standard passenger cars do it. But Infiniti's Forest Air sytstem also includes a built-in "Plasmacluster" electronic air purifier to not just filter odors, but to actively seek them out...

    It might seem obvious in hindsight, but the climate control systems in most cars haven't seen many updates since their introduction. Sure, they're more sophisticated, with dual-zone thermostats and automatic operation. But underneath, they're still the same basic systems. Not so in the 2011 Infiniti M. While it still offers cooling and heating, it adds to the package with air flow, odor and humidity controls. Filtering cabin air isn't anything new--a lot of standard passenger cars do it. But Infiniti's Forest Air sytstem also includes a built-in "Plasmacluster" electronic air purifier to not just filter odors, but to actively seek them out and destroy them. Another unique feature of the Forest Air system is the addition of humidity control. Rather than just filling the cabin with warmer or cooler ambient-moisture air, the Forest Air system adjusts humidity to what Infiniti calls optimum levels based on the systems other settings. What exactly constitutes optimum humidity remains to be seen. Finally, the Forest Air system also takes a new approach to moving air around the cabin. Unlike a conventional system's vents, which just pipe air out at a range of velocities, the Forest Air system attempts to create a "gentle breeze." The goal is to provide air circulation that feels natural, rather than feeling like part of an industrial jerky machine. A range of sensors and feedback loops make this complex level of climate control possible, and Infiniti seems very proud of the results. We'll have to withhold judgment until we've experienced it for ourselves, behind the wheel of the 2011 Infiniti M--and we'll bring you the latest as soon as we do. [Infiniti] Read More
  • Infiniti Confirms Electric Luxury Vehicle Plans

    Infiniti Confirms Electric Luxury Vehicle Plans

    So far the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has been surprisingly eventful for hosting so few carmakers. Japan's core of brands has been hard at work releasing new products and concepts. One that almost flew under the radar was Carlos Ghosn's announcement that Infiniti will build a zero-emissions electric vehicle.

    A concept version is already being developed, with an eye toward the production vehicle's design goals of a stylish, compact, yet high-performance all-electric four-seater. Nothing else about the new car has yet been released, but it's not outside the realm of possibility that Nissan's LEAF electric vehicle will share some of its technology...

    So far the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show has been surprisingly eventful for hosting so few carmakers. Japan's core of brands has been hard at work releasing new products and concepts. One that almost flew under the radar was Carlos Ghosn's announcement that Infiniti will build a zero-emissions electric vehicle. A concept version is already being developed, with an eye toward the production vehicle's design goals of a stylish, compact, yet high-performance all-electric four-seater. Nothing else about the new car has yet been released, but it's not outside the realm of possibility that Nissan's LEAF electric vehicle will share some of its technology over to the premium Infiniti brand. External appearances are likely to be very different, however--despite sharing many platforms between the brands, there are markedly different styling and profile characteristics between Nissan and Infiniti products. Do expect there to be a fair bit of styling influence from the Essence concept, as that model is billed as a sort of distillation of the near future of Infiniti design. Rumors of a possible Infiniti-branded Audi A3/BMW 1-series-sized EV began to emerge on Monday, so the announcement wasn't entirely a surprise. Infiniti has also previously announced that it will build a hybrid version of the 2011 M sedan, due in 2012. The newly-announced all-electric compact is expected to make its debut around the same time, though no official dates have been released. [Infiniti] Read More
  • Report: Infiniti Planning Electric 1-Series and A3 Rival

    Report: Infiniti Planning Electric 1-Series and A3 Rival

    The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 better look out as Infiniti is reportedly working on a new entry-level model as a direct competitor to the aforementioned premium compacts. Lexus, too, is working on such a car, which was previewed recently by the 2009 LF-Ch Concept, however, there will be one distinguishing factor that could see the baby Infiniti form its own niche--an all-electric powertrain.

    Such a car from Infiniti would be ideal in strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe, where compact cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers. The move reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel...

    The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 better look out as Infiniti is reportedly working on a new entry-level model as a direct competitor to the aforementioned premium compacts. Lexus, too, is working on such a car, which was previewed recently by the 2009 LF-Ch Concept, however, there will be one distinguishing factor that could see the baby Infiniti form its own niche--an all-electric powertrain. Such a car from Infiniti would be ideal in strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe, where compact cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers. The move reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, a trend Infiniti hopes to capitalize on. Not much is known about the new baby Infiniti but according to a company insider present at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the car will be a compact hatchback that shares its powertrain with the all-electric Nissan Leaf. This means it will feature an electric motor with roughly 107-horsepower and 206-pound-feet of torque running on lithium-ion batteries. "A small electric Infiniti is definitely on the horizon, as are larger electric models too," the insider revealed. Expect to see the car, in both electric and conventional gasoline forms, debut sometime in 2012. [AutoExpress] Read More
  • 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid Confirmed For Production

    2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid Confirmed For Production

    The 2011 Infiniti M was virtually revealed in spectacular fashion at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, but today the company has revealed its plans for its first production hybrid, the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid, putting proof to rumors that have been around since early this year.

    Building on its own internally-developed hybrid system--unlike the Nissan Altima hybrid, a system largely licensed from Toyota--the Infiniti M35 Hybrid promises to be the brand's "cleanest and most economical car" ever. Despite the green intentions, it's still a luxury car, and will also be rear-wheel drive with power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rather...

    The 2011 Infiniti M was virtually revealed in spectacular fashion at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, but today the company has revealed its plans for its first production hybrid, the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid, putting proof to rumors that have been around since early this year. Building on its own internally-developed hybrid system--unlike the Nissan Altima hybrid, a system largely licensed from Toyota--the Infiniti M35 Hybrid promises to be the brand's "cleanest and most economical car" ever. Despite the green intentions, it's still a luxury car, and will also be rear-wheel drive with power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rather than the newer 3.7-liter mill found in other Infiniti and Nissan products. The hybrid drive system promises to boost the V-6's acceleration in "power assist" mode when maximum acceleration is desired, and can also recapture energy when decelerating and braking. Under "certain driving conditions," the M35 Hybrid can also run in EV mode, though whether that will be a higher-speed system like the one found in the Ford Fusion Hybrid or a low-speed-only system like that in Lexus' hybrid luxury sedans hasn't been revealed. Performance, driving range and transmission details will be released at a later date. The battery pack for the car will be made of a new "laminated" lithium-ion battery setup. Infiniti says this layout offers the same size as a traditional battery pack, but stores twice the power while also enhancing cooling performance and reliability. Sales of Infiniti's M models are due to start in early 2010, followed by the M35 Hybrid about 12 months later, in early 2011, as a 2012 model-year car. Read More
  • 2010 Infiniti FX Preview

    2010 Infiniti FX Preview

    Infiniti has announced pricing on the 2010 FX crossover, which goes on sale nationwide this week. The second-generation FX enters its second year of production in 2010, once again featuring a choice of a 390-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 or a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.

    The range starts off with the V-6-powered FX35 with rear-wheel drive, which is priced at $42,400, and is followed by the all-wheel drive FX35 at $43,850 and the FX50 with standard all-wheel drive at $58,400.

    For 2010, changes to FX include standard Bluetooth connectivity, the addition of a standard USB port for iPod and other compatible devices, the addition of a 2.0-GB hard...

    Infiniti has announced pricing on the 2010 FX crossover, which goes on sale nationwide this week. The second-generation FX enters its second year of production in 2010, once again featuring a choice of a 390-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 or a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. The range starts off with the V-6-powered FX35 with rear-wheel drive, which is priced at $42,400, and is followed by the all-wheel drive FX35 at $43,850 and the FX50 with standard all-wheel drive at $58,400. For 2010, changes to FX include standard Bluetooth connectivity, the addition of a standard USB port for iPod and other compatible devices, the addition of a 2.0-GB hard drive to the Bose premium audio system (on vehicles without navigation) and simplified exterior/interior color combinations. The hard drive navigation system has also been enhanced for 2010 with the addition of an in-dash single disc DVD and XM satnav. All models are equipped with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission, double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension and large four-wheel disc brakes. The FX also offers optional 21-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei and solid magnesium paddle shifters are available on the FX50 in the Sport Package. Read More
  • Infiniti Celebrates 20 Years With G37 Coupe Art Car

    Infiniti Celebrates 20 Years With G37 Coupe Art Car

    Last night Infiniti took the covers off a G37 Coupe that was involved in the brand’s Anniversary Art Project Vehicle program at an art event in Toronto, Canada. To commemorate Infiniti's 20th anniversary, Infiniti Canada with international circus group Cirque du Soleil to create a one-of-a-kind G37 Coupe. Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer created the design and spent almost one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.

    Infiniti's partner and inspiration for the G37 Coupe Anniversary design concept, Cirque du Soleil, is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and was also present at the unveiling.

    Heidi Taillefer was one...

    Last night Infiniti took the covers off a G37 Coupe that was involved in the brand’s Anniversary Art Project Vehicle program at an art event in Toronto, Canada. To commemorate Infiniti's 20th anniversary, Infiniti Canada with international circus group Cirque du Soleil to create a one-of-a-kind G37 Coupe. Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer created the design and spent almost one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle. Infiniti's partner and inspiration for the G37 Coupe Anniversary design concept, Cirque du Soleil, is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and was also present at the unveiling. Heidi Taillefer was one of several artists asked to submit a design concept for the exterior of the Infiniti G37 Coupe. No structural changes could be made so the car could remain safe and driveable, and able to be eventually sold. Heidi's inspired design "Ligozzi" was ultimately selected and she spent much of August and early September painting the vehicle. The Anniversary Vehicle will be on tour at various Cirque du Soleil shows and other events over the coming months. The car will eventually be auctioned off for charity. Read More

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