– G Coupe Derivative is First in a New Line of Vehicles Crafted for High Performance -

 MISSISSAUGA, ON (August. 12, 2010) – Infiniti today announced its rumored specialty-performance vehicle collection, the Infiniti Performance LineÔ, with the world debut of the dramatic new 348-horsepower IPL G Coupe.  The announcement was made at an exclusive event at the 60^th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.  The 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe, the first production vehicle in the new Infiniti Performance Line, is set to join the Infiniti lineup of performance luxury vehicles at Infiniti retailers across Canada in March, 2011.

“The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, offers a new level of premium performance for Infiniti vehicles, focusing not just on engine power and acceleration, but on redefining total vehicle performance,” said Wendy Durward, Director, Infiniti Canada. “IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line.  The 2011 IPL G Coupe is just the first of what we expect to be a range of IPL performance vehicles in the future.”

Infiniti Performance Line vehicles are targeted at buyers seeking performance luxury vehicles that express a greater degree of individual style.  The limited production IPL vehicles begin with Infiniti’s legendary emotional design and Japanese craftsmanship – and then heighten the luxury and performance levels through modifications to the exterior, interior, engine tuning and suspension.

“IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance,” said Durward. “IPL brings all the elements together, styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling.  It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”

IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging.  The IPL emblem is designed to reinforce the strong message and spirit of IPL.  The letter “I” features a red insert representing sporty spirit, while the Infiniti-violet “shadow” behind the letter appears like an Infiniti flag to indicate the brand’s Inspired Performance promise.

About the IPL G Coupe

The 2011 IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti G Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle.  The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips.  Each part is shaped to accent the G Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling.   Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires, the IPL G Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude.  The IPL G Coupe is offered in just two exterior colours: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

The IPL G Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two colour treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission).  All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Other standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose^Ò premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof (these items are optionally available on non-IPL G Coupe models).

The IPL G Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning.  Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes.  The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note.  The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a base G Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.

The IPL G Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm).  To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity.  As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

“When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel.  The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases,” said Durward.  “The sound is clean and inspiring, adding to the fun-to-drive sensation provided by the 348 horsepower under the hood.”

Equally inspiring is the IPL G Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort.  The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while removing uncomfortable vibrations.  Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the base G Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%.  Shock tuning has also been adjusted to reach a new premium performance standard.

The IPL G Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

2011 IPL G Coupe Key Features and Specs

About IPL

IPL, the Infiniti Performance Line, promises unique performance attributes and exclusive designs, providing a new level of premium performance in Infiniti vehicles.

For additional photos, please visit www.media.infiniti.ca

ABOUT INFINITI

Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles designed to inspire at every turn, including the G37 sports coupe, convertible and sedan, M37/56 luxury performance sedan, EX personal luxury crossover, FX premium crossover SUV and the QX full-size luxury SUV. More information about Infiniti and the Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.infiniti.ca.

Updated: May 28, 2010

http://autos.winnipegfreepress.com/index.php?action=news&step=article&id=2616

Enlarge Image 

2011 Infiniti M sedan is a showcase for sophisticated driver technologies.

 

The new 2011 Infiniti M sedan may be an impressive expression of flowing, sensuous design, but it is also a showcase for sophisticated technologies.

Many of these user-focused technologies interact with the driver to help them drive the vehicle better. Here are some of them and what they can do for drivers.

Infiniti Drive is a four-mode, driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping. Turn the knob on the console to Sport, Standard, Eco or Snow modes to help optimize vehicle performance. Sport mode provides more aggressive shifts and more responsive throttle application, including quick downshifts during brake application. It really is a Sport mode. The Standard mode provides a more relaxed, economical driving style, and Snow mode starts the vehicle out in a higher gear and with less torque to reduce wheel spin. Eco mode is all about driving economically. Acceleration is slower, transmission shifts occur at lower speeds and fuel economy is maximized. Eco mode also activates the optional Eco Pedal.

Eco Pedal provides driver feedback to encourage economical driving. Press the accelerator pedal to accelerate and the driver will feel a point of higher resistance indicating where excess fuel will be used. The amount of pedal resistance can be personalized with the dash display and the driver can push through the resistance point if fast acceleration or power is needed, but for the best fuel economy, drive the vehicle below the resistance point.

Many of the user-focused technologies are part of Infiniti’s Safety Shield philosophy. Safety Shield is a visualized series of zones or risk areas around the vehicle that vary in distance from the vehicle. Each zone uses technologies to help improve vehicle safety.

In the furthest zone, where a risk has not yet appeared, Intelligent Cruise Control uses radar technology to keep the vehicle at safe, preset distances from other vehicles in front. The available Distance Assist Control system helps the driver release the throttle and apply brakes in traffic situations where frequent applications are required.

In the next closer zone, a risk has appeared and the technology helps the driver move back to the first zone. Here, the Blind Spot Warning system uses radar to detect vehicles driving in your blind spot and illuminates a warning light on the door near the outside mirror to alert the driver. Turn the signal light on and the system will flash the light and also sound an audible warning.

Infiniti has added to the system performance with the introduction of a world-first Blind Spot Intervention system, which nudges the steering wheel to move the vehicle back to the centre of the lane if the vehicle moves towards another vehicle driving in the blind spot. The system activates individual wheel brakes to move the vehicle to the desired location.

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems are also part of this zone. Using camera recognition of lane boundaries, the system will assist drivers to return to the centre of the lane if the vehicle wanders out of position.

Zone 3 is closer yet and an area where a collision may occur. Brake Assist with Preview automatically pressurizes the brake system in anticipation of an emergency brake application so that stopping distances are reduced.

Zone 4 is very close to the vehicle — an area where a collision may be unavoidable. Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning can apply the brakes automatically while warning the driver of a serious safety concern. By slowing the vehicle, injuries and vehicle damage are reduced.

Zone 5 is the vehicle itself. A collision has occurred and now vehicle safety systems such as airbags, active head rests, seatbelt retractors and vehicle crumple zones help protect occupants. With all the technology in the Infiniti M, Safety Shield zone 5 should never have to occur.

Some user-focused technologies in the M improve passenger comfort. Active Noise Control, reduces undesirable engine harmonics, providing a quieter cabin by analyzing low-frequency interior noise and producing a cancelling sound wave through the Bose audio speaker system. You don’t have to have the audio on for it to work. The Forest Air..¢ system selection on the climate-control panel varies fan speeds to produce gentle and varied “breezes” in the passenger compartment and automatically recirculates and filters the air if it detects unpleasant odours outside.

These are only some of the technologies found in the 2011 Infiniti M that make driving safer and more comfortable.

Jim Kerr is an experienced mechanic, instructor and member of the Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada.

kerr.jim@sasktel.net

by Zach Bowman (RSS feed) on May 20th 2010 at 11:58AM

2011 Infiniti QX56 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ask any braniac elementary school student what happened to the dinosaurs, and they’ll tell you they turned into birds. While the mechanics are a bit more complicated than a momma T-Rex hatching a brood of yellow finches, modern science would seem to agree with the concept. When we were in school, the common perception was that those massive lizards parted ways with terra firma courtesy of a jumbo-sized meteor smack. Our Earth Science books called it a mass extinction, and they accompanied the definition with helpful illustrations that depicted contemplative Brontosaurus and Triceratops herds looking off into the distance as a chunk of orange sky plummeted toward the horizon.

So you can’t really blame us for thinking that the SUV would follow a similar natural path. When fuel prices shot up, many rejoiced at the thought of global body-on-frame extinction. This was the event some had been patiently waiting for since the high-riding people movers first supplanted the minivan as the family cruiser of choice. And while we’ve certainly seen weaker species succumb to the heat of pressure from more efficient breeds, the strong continue to soldier on, slowly adapting to a world grown hostile to anything big and thirsty. If you believe Infiniti, that’s exactly what the 2011 QX56 has done – evolved.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti QX56

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright ©2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Ask Infiniti why they bothered to build a third generation QX at all, and they’ll politely tell you that the average buyer is one of the youngest and most affluent luxury vehicle consumers out there. The average guy or gal with a QX56 fob in their pocket is 45 years old – a full seven years younger than the national average for all luxury owners – and the luxury arm from Nissan says that its SUV is a sort of brand gateway drug that will have buyers returning to showrooms for years to come.

Instead of abandoning the dwindling large SUV segment altogether, the company has given its flagship QX56 a whole new set of bones. The truck is now based on the globe-crushing Nissan Patrol instead of the Nissan Armada platform, and as such, the dimensions have stayed fairly uniform every which way but up. The new generation bears a nearly identical track compared to the 2010 model, though the truck is three inches shorter thanks to a revised roof rack system. Even so, headroom remains unimpeded.

This isn’t a segment that embraces shrinkage, so it’s safe to assume that jaws won’t drop when consumers discover that this big-boy SUV retains the same waist size. What is surprising is that Infiniti has let the truck’s styling evolve into something that fits alongside its G and M siblings. The hard lines of the Armada DNA have been replaced with a calmer aesthetic thanks to a host of gentle curves and arches. Up front, the old blingtastic grille has been swept into a familial “double arch” design that’s more cohesive with the rest of the vehicle. The QX56 still holds onto its low-mounted headlights from the last generation, though they’ve morphed into a much sleeker, form-fitting shape. In photos, the SUV may resemble everyone’s favorite white whale, but the look is surprisingly cohesive in the flesh.

From the side, your eye is immediately drawn to those fender vents. The pieces are one part wince, one part engineered awesome, but all Pep Boys. At least the driver’s side inlet is actually functional and operates as the intake point for the engine, but the passenger-side chrome is there simply for symmetry’s sake. We’re not quite sure what we would have preferred to show up in their place, but the vents look like an afterthought borrowed from the Buick parts bin.

If you believe Infiniti, the interior in the QX56 was inspired by the inside of an executive jet. We’d love to be able say whether or not that’s a fair comparison, but honestly, we’ve never gotten within whiffing distance of a private aircraft’s leather chairs. We can say that should you ever find yourself fortunate enough to be skimming the skies in a multimillion-dollar airliner, we hope the cabin is as nice as what you find in the new Infiniti bruiser. The front seats are a kind of infinitely-adjustable guilty pleasure. Even at this price point, manufacturers like Cadillac have no problem supplying you with leather-dipped versions of the same thrones found in lesser trucks, but the buckets in the Infiniti are as comfortable as can be.

Infiniti has all but banished hard plastics from the cabin in favor of plenty of leather and other soft touch goodies. The center stack is trimmed in the same plush hide as the seats, complete with excellent stitching. A smoked burlwood of some exotic origin fills the spaces between the vehicle controls, and a handful of chrome accents crop up in all the right places. You won’t find any design-shockers on the dash, but everything is easy to access and the controls don’t require a computer science degree to navigate.

One of the most useful features onboard is the company’s Around View Monitor, a bit of tech that’s been popping up in Infiniti models for the past couple of years. The system uses a total of five cameras to help you figure out exactly where the QX56 is in relation to objects around it. If it sounds like a useless piece of kit, we suggest hopping on down to your closest Infiniti dealership for a demonstration. It makes short work of parking lots, detritus-laden garages and towing a trailer in tight spaces.

The QX56 is an eight-passenger craft thanks, in part, to a second row comprised of two buckets and a console instead of the standard bench. Infiniti managed to stretch the second-row leg room to a hefty 41 inches, besting its closest competitor, the Mercedes-Benz GL450, by a full inch and a half. Even with Kareem Abdul Jabar in the pilot’s seat, there’s plenty of room in the second row for the long-legged. For 2011, the SUV also boasts a slick new power folding seat on the passenger side. Push a button and the unit collapses to make ingress and egress a snap for passengers in the third row.

Speaking of the way-back seats, Infiniti has worked in a new power mechanism that can fold the third row flat to make room for additional cargo. The unit isn’t exactly lightening quick, but it beats the pants off of fiddling with tethers, levers and locks. The third row also comes equipped with a power reclining feature that goes a long way toward making the seats more habitable for well-fed adults. We still wouldn’t want to spend more than an hour back there, but the space should be more than enough for kids up to tween age.

All in all, the interior is well executed no matter where you’re sitting. Though, we aren’t entirely without gripe. We would’ve enjoyed more user-friendly steering wheel controls, as the cruise is operated by no less than five buttons and toggles, and the slew of switchgear is somewhat overwhelming as you’re driving along at speed. Likewise, Infiniti has chosen to nestle the adjustments for the side-view mirrors near the driver’s left knee instead of on the door panel. We found ourselves rocking back and forth like Dustin Hoffman in Rainman as we tried to find a visibility sweet-spot.

Get past the side-view mirror woes and into traffic, and it quickly becomes clear just how much work went into bringing the third-generation QX56 to life. By moving to the truck to the Nissan Patrol platform, the company managed to slim the curb weight by a healthy 161 pounds. Couple that to a 5.6-liter, direct-injection V8 with 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, and the new SUV has no problem getting out of its own way.

Infiniti says that other than the displacement, the engine shares nothing with the lump in the 2010 QX. Despite the additional 80 horsepower and 20 lb-ft, the new powerplant serves up 14 percent better fuel economy, according to the EPA. That means drivers can expect close to 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway – not entirely impressive, but you then again, you can’t tow 8,500 pounds with a Toyota Prius.

Those fuel-economy numbers are partially due to the fact that Infiniti threw an extra three gears into the QX transmission, resulting in an all-new seven-speed unit that keeps the big V8 breathing easy at highway speeds. The 2011 model also boasts a revised four-wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, all of the engine’s power is directed toward the rear wheels, though up to 50 percent of the grunt can be ushered to the front as necessary. The driver can still lock the system in a 50/50 split via a four-high button, and four-low will still pull you through the really nasty stuff should you ever venture off of your pea-gravel driveway.

Abandoning the Armada platform in favor of Patrol guts had another benefit for Infiniti engineers: stiffness. The company boasts that the new high-rider has less body roll than most luxury sedans thanks in part to a 26 percent increase in torsional rigidity in both the body and frame. Less flex is good, even if you never plan on shuffling the big QX56 through a slalom. Those buyers willing to lay down the extra $5,800 for the Deluxe Touring Package will also enjoy what Infiniti calls the Hydraulic Body Motion Control System – essentially two fluid reservoirs front and rear that send liquid from one side to another to reduce roll and vibration. Trust us when we say it makes a huge difference on how the SUV behaves on the road.

The numbers all talk a pretty good talk, and for the most part, their sum means that the QX56 drives more like a big sedan than a lumbering brute. Power from that reworked V8 is more than ample, and when you give the truck the spurs, it responds with capable speed and a flurry of seamless shifts. Thanks in part to its lower overall height, stability feels greatly improved over the old Armada-based QX, and you find yourself carrying more speed through tight corners than should be possible. We would have liked to have seen more communicative steering in a vehicle of this size, though – the steering wheel offers next to no feedback and was overly sensitive, resulting in lane wandering of the worst variety. Likewise, the brakes, while plenty powerful, are controlled by a less-than-confidence-inspiring pedal. We don’t expect racecar characteristics here, but a little firmness never hurts.

For our money, if the luxury SUV genus is to survive for our posterity, it might as well look like the QX56. For 2011, the truck’s engineers have managed to give the creation the camouflage it needs to survive in a world dominated by new breeds of crossover, all while keeping the base price identical to the 2010 model – the new Q starts at $56,700 for the two-wheel drive model. It’s more comfortable, more controllable, more efficient and more powerful than its ancestors. There may come a day when the QX mutates from the body-on-frame beast we have come to know and love into a more svelte unibody design, but we hope we aren’t around to see it.

by Damon Lavrinc (RSS feed) on May 24th 2010 at 7:23PM

Infiniti Performance Line teaser – Click above for high-res image

Hot on the heels of the recent revelation that Infiniti is working on a duo of new G-based vehicles slated to debut at this year’s Pebble Beach extravaganza, we’ve come across a trademark filing by Nissan North America for “IPL.” What’s IPL you ask? Infiniti Performance Line, a new catalog of in-house developed upgrades which – according to the filing – will include everything from air filters to cat-back exhaust systems, and – more intriguingly – “automotive engine parts, namely turbochargers and superchargers.”

The approach is likely to be similar to how NISMO develops and markets parts for Nissan or, more accurately, Lexus’ launch of its F-Sport performance line.

This new line of performance parts will likely be unveiled this August in Pebble Beach and be fitted to the G37 coupe. How extensive the modifications are remains to be seen, but as previously reported, one of the models set to debut will be “performance oriented,” and if forced induction is part of the package, we’re anxiously awaiting our rendezvous with the modded coupe this summer.

Past and Future of Infiniti Design

The Q45’s large front badge epitomized another Infiniti design principle: Japanese craftsmanship. The badge’s elegant shape and intricate background detailing resembled a fine piece of handcrafted luxury jewelry. Even the Infiniti symbol, an oval shape with two lines converging into the horizon, is drawn from the Japanese ceramic tradition known as ‘Shippo-yaki.” The badge itself sat between the wide, horizontal headlights with the cooling airflow for the engine compartment drawn from under the front bumper – emphasizing the remarkable engineering and attention to aerodynamics that marked the Q45 as a vehicle ahead of its competitors. This original Q design, while controversial at the time, will likely go down in history as a landmark vehicle, as well as the foundation for the breakthrough Infiniti designs that have been created in the two decades that followed.

In the years that followed, Infiniti produced a number of excellent vehicles, but none that had the visual impact of the original Q45. These were driver’s cars, though not memorable in terms of breakthrough design. As the new century arrived, that was about to change, Project Design Director Takashi Nakajima, overseeing design for the Infiniti line, says, “Infiniti is a marque for people who passionately love driving. Our design goal is to bring that idea into concrete form.“ A new model defining Infiniti’s driving-pleasure destiny was born in 2001: the Infiniti G35 sport sedan. Replacing the Maxima-based front-wheel drive Infiniti I35, this new G was destined to become an instant performance and design classic – from its Front-Midship (FM) platform shared with the iconic Nissan Z to its muscular rear-wheel drive sports styling, “This project began with our determination to produce something new for us: a premium high-performance sedan that would be appreciated around the world. We reviewed the packaging from the ground up and worked closely with the development division. The result was a framework featuring a long wheelbase, short overhang and larger wheels,” said Product Chief Designer Hiroshi Hasegawa. “Design features like the front fenders, which we called ‘catamaran fenders,’ marked by rising lines that seem to be embracing the large wheels, and human-touch surfaces belying the inorganic nature of steel, created a new identity for Infiniti that has been passed down to all subsequent models.” The G’s success in the marketplace was immediate. The major American car enthusiast magazines deemed it the first worthy competitor to the revered BMW 3-series and it was named Motor Trend “2003 Car of the Year” and one of Car and Driver’s “10 Best” (2003 and 2004). A G35 Sport Coupe followed to even greater acclaim for both its sensuous design and balanced, world-class performance.

G35 Sedan

The Infiniti G series built on this original approach in its second generation, the G37. The design started with three key concepts: dynamism, emphasizing sportiness; modern warmth, expressing flesh-and-blood life and sensuality, inheriting the human touch of the original Infiniti; and its Japanese DNA, expressing undeniable craftsmanship.

Hasegawa adds, “We emphasized body volume and rhythmic lines to express that this is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) car. By sensuality, I mean sex appeal in the Japanese or Eastern sense, not equivalent to Western ‘sexiness.’ A good example of craftsmanship can be seen in the surface treatment of the aluminum interior finish panels. Inspired by traditional Japanese papers, we developed a pattern that expresses handmade craft.” Looking back, Nakajima says, “The success of the G series established the Infiniti brand and clearly defined its design flavor.”

The inception of the G series clarified Infiniti design principles, and they were put into words so the designers could share them. “To distinguish us from premium U.S. and European marques, we thought about what makes our products Japanese. We expressed the design values of Infiniti in three Kanji symbols: tsuya, ikioi, and sei. Tsuya or Adeyaka, as I mentioned before, is the Eastern version of sexuality, Ikioi is the power of nature, and Sei is craft, rooted in Japanese tradition. We see these as deep Japanese values,” says Nakajima. “From ancient times, nature has sparked awe in Japanese people. Nature is sometimes gentle, and at other times shows its wild and powerful aspects. We value this power in nature.”

“As shorthand for these values, we selected keywords, ‘Dynamic Adeyaka,’ and shared them internally,” he explains. “Because words alone cannot communicate these values, we sometimes use visual aids and accessories to evoke images for the team to share with each other.”

Infiniti Design

The future of Infiniti design is crystallized in the Essence concept car, which was first unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and has been on display at influential design forums and auto shows around the world since then. Planned to celebrate Infiniti’s 20^th anniversary, the Essence fully embodies the sport-coupe concept, expressing dynamism and sensuality through and through. Starting with essential FR proportions characterized by the long nose and short deck, we dynamically expressed the special beauty and stability of the FR configuration, with its side character lines used to illustrate the strength of waves, and stretched fenders to embrace the large wheels.

Product Chief Designer Mamoru Aoki says, “The low grille and side body lines evoke a leopard or cheetah crouching to pounce.” The Essence concept is Japanese to the core. “The double arches that distinguish the Infiniti grille and interiors were inspired by the reflection of the Meganebashi bridge (a double-arched bridge that looks like eyeglasses) in the water beneath it. For the side air intakes, we took a hint from ‘Kanzashi’ (an ornamental hair pin), and for the C-pillar curve we were inspired by an asymmetric stylized crescent from the armor of famous samurai Masamune Date,” he says. Some of these new design elements are already in play for the new Infiniti M series, which is set for release in spring 2010. Aoki, who also worked on this model, says, “The distinctive stance of the FR configuration is expressed in the brush stroke headlamps, the grille lower than the lamps, the stretched fenders and particularly the powerful character line in the rear expressing wave-like flexibility. This is another result of our efforts to communicate the dynamism of rear-wheel drive, like a big cat springing into a run.” To epitomize Japanese craftsmanship, White Ash wood trim with silver-powder finisher was used in the interior. This involves a special process in which craftsmen carefully imprint pure silver powder onto wood-grain panels, creating a gorgeous, profound and modern texture.

Takashi Nakajima Project Design Director Joined Nissan in 1982. Dealt in models including 300ZX(Z32),

Sunny/Pulsar(N14).Left the company in 1998 to work at satellite studio in Turin. Returned to Nissan in 2002, and served as a chief designer of Bluebird Sylphy (G10), first generation Teana and Tiida. Appointed current position to oversee design for Infiniti models. Infiniti’s consistent design values illustrate what the car consistently offers the driver: superb dynamism, joy in driving and Japanese precision. “Infiniti is a brand with integrity, for passionate drivers who pursue the joy of driving. We want our designs to make the driver feel at a glance that they can hardly wait to get in and press the accelerator,” says Senior Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura.

Hiroshi Hasegawa Product Chief Designer Joined Nissan in 1982. Took charge in Sunny/Pulsar(N14), Cedric/Gloria(Y32), Silvia(S15), etc. Became current position in 2000, and served as chief designer for GT-R and Infiniti G(V35 and V36).

Mamoru Aoki Product Chief Designer Joined Nissan in 1981 to deal with first generation Primera, 180SX/240SX, Maxima, Atlima, etc. After assignment at the studio in Europe, became Product Chief Designer for such models as 350Z(Z33), Infiniti FX(2nd gen.), and M(1st and 2^nd gen.).

Wasabi Sabi on Taylor Avenue was the venue for the introduction of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M this past Wednesday evening. Birchwood Infiniti Nissan sales manager Daniel Adelman reports that about 100 guests turned out to view the new models and enjoy the sushi and refreshments.

The Infiniti M, Adelman notes, is available in either the M37 model with a 3.7-litre V6 engine or the M56 version with its 5.6L V8 direct injection engine. Both feature all-wheel drive; rear-wheel drive is available for the M56 model as part of the Sport package.

“The M has been completely redesigned,” Adelman says. “It’s a true sport sedan.”

The styling — with low front end and sculpted fenders — is modelled on Infiniti’s Essence concept car, he notes. “The M’s stance is like a cheetah in motion,” he adds.

“The interior is pure Infiniti,” Adelman says. “The M has a beautiful, spacious cabin, a Forest air conditioning system that filters out pollen and other irritants, superb audio, and leather seating. Semi-analine leather is an option with the Deluxe Touring and Technology package.

“It’s almost like being in your own living room.”

One new safety feature is the Blind Spot Intervention System, which detects cars coming up along side you when you are attempting to change lanes. The system will pull your vehicle back into your current lane should it detect another car in the next lane.

The Adaptive Control system allows you to drive in different modes depending on your mood and the road conditions.

The Eco-Mode system improves fuel economy by warning the driver to ease up when he pressing too hard on the accelerator.

The base price for the new M37 starts at $54,900 (plus freight and pdi). The fully-loaded M with V8 engine sells for $73,800.

Adelman reports that Infiniti sales have been “robust.”

“We tied our record for yearly sales last year,” he says, “and this year, we are on pace to exceed that record.”

He credits Birchwood Infiniti’s success to “competitive leasing and finance rates” as well as to a 72 per cent customer retention rate — the highest rate among Infiniti dealers in Canada.

“We treat our customers right,” he says.

By: Steven Cole Smith

Updated: March 26, 2010

LIKE the design or not — and in 2003, many didn’t — the Infiniti FX sport-ute and its slightly more conservative cousin, the Nissan Murano, set a styling standard for SUVs that still influences new models, such as the new Acura ZDX and 2011 Kia Sorrento.

Yesterday, Consumer Reports released highlights of its upcoming Annual Auto Issue.  The magazine, which hits newsstands on March 2, reveals its Top 10 Picks of the Year along with many other automotive ratings. Among the Top Picks is the Nissan Altima, named top Family Sedan, and theInfiniti G37, named top Sporty Sedan.

The Nissan Altima bested perennial winner Honda Accord in its category, and was recognized by the magazine for “… improved gas mileage and for the first time provides standard ESC (electronic stability control) in all trim lines. It offers an appealing balance of comfort and performance, while getting some of the best fuel economy in its class.” The Altima is manufactured by Nissan in Canton, Miss., and Smyrna, Tenn., and powered by an engine built by the Nissan team in Decherd, Tenn.

Winning its category of Sporty Sedan for the fourth year in a row, the Infiniti G37 is recognized byConsumer Reports as “… one of the highest-rated sedans we’ve tested, with a score of 95 out of 100. It provides an appealing combination of agile handling, blistering acceleration, a refined powertrain, a fairly comfortable ride, and a high-quality, luxurious interior.”

“To have the G37 achieve “Top Pick” status again, and also adding Nissan’s top-selling Altima to this list, moves us closer to our vision of becoming the most trusted, growing car company in the Americas,” said Kevin Martin, vice president, Total Customer Satisfaction.  “Our Strategic Priority of Top-Level Product Quality will be achieved by a unified team moving together, with all members focusing on our customers.”

Automaker Report Cards

In addition to Top Picks for vehicles, the Annual Auto Issue of Consumer Reports features Automaker Report Cards. Nissan tied for fourth place among automakers – maintaining a score of 72 that also was received by the company last year (Honda and Subaru received the highest score of 77).  Nissan now shows 95 percent of tested vehicles as “Recommended,” the highest of any automaker.

Best New-Car Value List

New to the Annual Auto Issue is the “Best New-Car Value List.” To determine which cars are best values, Consumer Reports looked at a combination of performance, utility, and reliability for the money, considering total owner costs over the first five years.  The better a car performs on Consumer Reports’road tests and reliability ratings and the less it costs to own, the greater its value. The Infiniti M35 (RWD) was named to the “Best Value Luxury Sedans” list.

Additional highlights from the issue are available at www.consumerreports.org