2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

NEWS & REVIEWS Infiniti today unveiled the latest expression of its “Inspired Performance,” the all-new 2009 Infiniti G Convertible, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in North America in the spring of 2009, followed later in other Infiniti markets around the world. “Designed to rejuvenate the spirit, the G Convertible adds an open-air soundtrack to the G’s legendary driving exhilaration,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, speaking before automotive media at the vehicle’s world debut. “This new G has dual beauty – it looks as good with the top up or down – along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open.” The new G Convertible offers a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, which features a unique Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed. Every 2009 G Convertible comes equipped with an advanced 3.7-liter V6 rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS). The G Convertible is offered in two models: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires. Also available is a special, limited production G Convertible Premier Edition, offered exclusively through the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. With only 200 being built, the Premier Edition features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires. Pre-orders for the Premier Edition are being taken now for delivery in 2009. The Infiniti display at the Los Angeles Auto Show also showcases the complete line of 2009 Infiniti vehicles, including the all-new Infiniti G37x Coupe with intelligent all-wheel drive, the new G37 Sedan with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a new, more powerful M35 rear-wheel drive sedan. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2008 Infiniti QX56

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2007 Infiniti Q45

NEWS & REVIEWS Want exclusivity in your luxury sedan? Then Infiniti’s Q45 offers it in spades. The reason? Not too many people buy them. And that’s no fault of the Q; it’s more because when luxury-car buyers get ready to spend $60 grand and up, they tend to want a car that boasts of their spending ability. Lexus LS. BMW 7 Series. Merc S-Class. Jaguar XJ. That, and the fact that Infiniti spends a pittance on marketing it. Pity, because the Q45 Sport is a superb machine. Its turbine-smooth 4.5-liter V-8 puts out a healthy 340 bhp, which can glide this 4,000-pound heavyweight from rest to 60 mph in around six seconds. It handles too, thanks to its stiff platform and its Rear Active Steer rear suspension geometry. Inside, there are few finer places in which to transport four adults in such hedonistic luxury. For $56 grand, it’s a lot of car for the cash. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Infiniti M45

NEWS & REVIEWS Who would have thought that new kid on the block Infiniti— they’ve only been around since 1990—could grab the title of Ultimate Driving Machine away from BMW and its 5 Series (M5 excepted). But the M45 rocket ship has it all—a towering 335-bhp V-8, intuitive five-speed auto, more grip than a tanker full of superglue, and an agility and balance that defines the word “awesome”. This is a car with steering that feels hardwired to your gray matter—no need to steer, just think and it reacts. And its rear-drive chassis telegraphs everything back to the driver as to exactly what’s happening at each wheel. Most racecars don’t give this much feedback. And that big 4.5-liter V-8 is smoother than Pierce Brosnan, more muscular than Rambo, and will rocket you from rest to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Call it M for Magical. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Infiniti G37 COUPE

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2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan

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2007 Infiniti G35

NEWS & REVIEWS It was the original G35 sedan that threw out the first serious challenge to BMW and its legendary 3 Series. Back in 2002, out of nowhere came this rear-drive rocket ship with a 298-bhp engine from the Nissan Z and a six-speed stick, which attacked curves like Kobe attacks the net. The coupe version that came from it is still one of the benchmarks in sports coupe design. For 2007, there’s a new G, which takes the original, and makes it all even better. Think of it as evolution instead of revolution, so styling changes sharpen up the lines, while inside a makeover focuses on improving the quality of materials. You gotta love the new white-on-violet instrument illumination and the textured aluminum-alloy trim with washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper) patterning. Body stiffness has been increased for 2007 and more aluminum components have been added to the suspension to shave weight. It goes on sale in November. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Infiniti FX45

NEWS & REVIEWS Can’t decide if you want a sports car, a hot hatchback, or a go anywhere SUV? Get all three with Infiniti’s funky FX45 crossover. On the streets, its swoopy roof and big 20-inch rims still spins heads. And its 320-bhp 4.5-liter V-8 under full throttle sounds more like an F-16 on takeoff than a luxury four-by-four. It’s quick too; zero-to-60 mph takes just 5.5 seconds—that’s almost half a second faster than Porsche’s Cayenne S. But where the FX really impresses is through the twisty bits. It steers, grips, carves curves, and stops like it really believes it’s a sports car. It also has the bone-jarring ride of a sports car that can loosen dentalwork. Inside, it’s all gorgeous leather and brushed aluminum. Yes, that cascading roofline makes the cabin feel a little cramped and claustrophobic. But it’s a small price to pay for such cool styling. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge

2007 Infiniti EX Concept

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2006 Infiniti M45

NEWS & REVIEWS Out of nowhere comes the sports sedan that grabs the title of “Ultimate Driving Machine” away from BMW 5 Series (M5 excepted). Infiniti’s new M45 Sport rocket ship has it all—a towering 335-bhp V-8, intuitive five-speed auto, more grip than a tanker full of Superglue, and an agility and balance that defines the word “awesome.” This is a car with steering that feels hard-wired to the brain—no need to steer, just think and it reacts. And its rear-drive chassis telegraphs everything back to the driver as to exactly what’s happening at each wheel. Most racecars don’t give this much feedback. And that big 4.5-liter V-8 is smoother than Pierce Brosnan, more muscular than Rambo, and will rocket you from rest to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 5.5 seconds. Yet its cabin is the height of style and luxury. Call it M for magic. PHOTOS: click photos to enlarge