Autoblog

The credit crunch is affecting sales for every auto manufacturer. Toyota dropped a major bombshell when it announced that it would offer zero-percent financing on 11 of its models, and did it again by extending that promotion through the end of November. BMW followed suit and has begun offering 0.9-percent financing on every single one of its vehicles, proving that higher-end luxury marques are not immune to the downturn in sales. Now, it's Infiniti's turn. As part of its year-end sales drive, Nissan's upmarket division will be offering no-interest financing on all remaining 2008 models for up to 36 months through Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. The automaker surely hopes these incentives will spur sales, which were down about 30% last month when compared to last year. Time to go out and get yourself a deal on that new EX.

[Source: Reuters]

We still have to wait a few more weeks for the official unveiling of the Infiniti G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show. But in the meantime, Infiniti has announced a Premier Bloomingdale's-only version which will be limited to just 200 copies. Sharing the same mechanicals as the regular production version (3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 hp), the Bloomingdale's model will be differentiated by its dark Platinum Graphite paint over Monaco Red leather upholstery. Special 19-inch wheels and a new grille complete the exterior package, while inside a touchscreen nav and Bose Open Air sound system will come standard on the LE. The Bloomingdale's Premiere model goes on sale November 10th, but pricing has yet to be disclosed.

We've heard this particular rumor before, but despite Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's denials that a four-door GT-R is in the works, AutoExpress cracks open the taps once more, citing its usual "sources in Japan." But there's a twist.

According to the British rumormongers, the Infiniti-badged GT-R will be stretched to accommodate the extra set of doors, making the wheelbase longer and giving it a more comfortable ride. However, the GT-R's twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 won't be used. Instead, the FX50's 5.0-liter V8 will be mated to the same all-wheel-drive system and rear-mounted twin-clutch gearbox as its Nissan counterpart. Output is pegged at 420 hp with a 0-60 time of five seconds and a top speed of 170 mph.

While we're suitably skeptical about any mention of a four-door GT-R, this could be the long-rumored replacement for Infiniti's Q, taking the fight to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe

Infiniti recently invited us to Napa, California to show off its 2009 model lineup, and while they didn't bring the all-new G37 Convertible (we'll be at the Los Angeles Auto Show to report on that one), they did hand us the keys to the new all-wheel drive G37x coupe and the more-powerful 2009 G37 S sedan. Does all-wheel drive make a slot car out of the coupe? Does a larger engine transform the sedan? Read on for our full impressions after the jump.

Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

From the second we learned of the G37 Coupe, we immediately wanted to know when the larger, more powerful 3.7L V6 would find its way under the hood of the sedan. The answer to that question is the 2009 model year, and even though the new powerplant provides a class-leading 328 ponies mated to an all-new seven speed automatic transmission, it won't break the bank much more than the last model. Pricing for the new G37 Sedan starts at $33,250, which is $1,000 more than the 2008 model but still more affordable than the Infiniti's main competition in the entry luxury market.

The G37 Coupe returns for 2009 with the same sexy lines from last year, but has added the new standard seven-speed automatic and available AWD to make the G37x. The two extra cogs helps to raise the price of entry to $35,900, which is $1,000 more than the 2008 model. AWD brings the price of entry for the G37x to $38,700.

The seven-speed automatic has Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), but if automated manual shifting isn't your thing, a six-speed manual gear box is available for both the coupe and sedan. Each are now available in four trim levels for the first time: the G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. Pricing for the upcoming G37 convertible has not been announced, but we should learn more during its unveiling at the 2008 LA Auto Show next month. Thanks for the tip, Justin!



[Source: Infiniti]

Nissan is recalling 200,000 vehicles due to a faulty sensor system that could affect the car's passenger sid airbag. The problem is described as an issue with an electrical component that could interfere with the sensor system, which could then prevent the side airbag from deploying in certain circumstances. We gather from the report on Recall.gov that the sensor telling the car whether or not someone's riding shotgun could malfunction, and in the event of a crash the car could assume no one's sitting there at not deploy the passenger airbag. Most of the vehicles affected are 2007 or 2008 Nissan Altimas, tallying over 140,000 units of that model in all. Other models affected include '07 and '08 examples of the Infiniti EX35, G35 Sedan, G37 coupe and the Nissan 350Z, Rogue and Murano. The Japanese automaker claims that there have been no injuries as a result of the defect, but apparently it was deemed significant enough to pay for a recall and be safe today rather than sorry tomorrow. Owners of an affected Nissan vehicle can call 1-800-647-7261 and Infiniti owners can dial 1-800-662-6200 for more information, as dealers are able to test the system and replace the passenger-side seat cushion where the offending hardware is located.

[Source: Detroit News, Recalls.gov]

The Infiniti EX is a perfectly good little CUV with G37-inspired looks and sharp reflexes that keep it near the front of the cute 'ute segment in most reviews. Apparently that hasn't been enough to attract buyers. Or more precisely, the buyers who have been showing up at Infiniti dealers haven't been the kind of people that the company was actually marketing to. Where the advertising for the EX up to this point has been directed towards sedan buyers, and particularly couples or single women, a lot of families are actually looking considering it and, like ourselves, are complaining about the lack of back seat legroom and cargo room. Infiniti has taken those complaints to heart and is planning a few changes for the 2010 model that will increase room in both of those areas, though it hasn't said exactly how it will squeeze the extra cubic inches out of the vehicle's finite amount of interior space. Additionally, Infiniti will work with its dealers to help better pitch the EX to prospective buyers. An example of that is making content like the family-friendly Around View Monitor available in more trim levels. Hopefully it will help boost EX sales beyond the expected 15,000 units for this year, though we wouldn't get our hopes up in this market.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

We slid behind the wheel of the 2009 Infiniti M35 S last week in Napa, California. It was a quick jaunt, but we wanted to try out the newly revised powerplant under the hood. Yes, even thought the nomenclature remains the same, the Japanese automaker has swapped out the mass of aluminum up front for something a bit more updated and powerful. Find out how the 2009 Infiniti M35 S did after the jump.

Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.

A second teaser shot for the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible has found its way onto the web, and the timing couldn't be better considering the debut of the Lexus IS250C today at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Both cars will be setting their sites on the BMW 335i convertible, and the G37 'vert will be packing a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 in its holster when the time comes. Other features include a three-piece folding hardtopIts and a seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as a completely redesigned rear end to accommodate the new roof. The G37 Convertible's official debut isn't until the LA Auto Show in November, at which time we'll get to fully see how the G37 Coupe translates into a convertible. Until then, check out the teasers in our gallery below.


[Source: Motor Authority]

We've just gotten confirmation that Infiniti will equip its European FX series crossover with the 330 hp, 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) and it's slated to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Infiniti has decided to only offer the 3.7-liter V6 on its range of vehicles abroad, and there are no plans to bring the FX37 Stateside.

Infiniti's crossover will be available in both FX37 GT and FX37S versions, with 0-60 times in the 6.8-second range and a top speed of 145 mph. Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloys, Scratch Shield paint, all-wheel-drive, xenon headlamps and a seven-speed automatic gearbox controlled via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The FX37S comes equipped with 21-inch wheels, sports seats and Continuous Damping Control.