Infiniti hopes to use the Kuraza in the same manner as the Triant, a past concept: as a look into the future. Just as the Triant presaged the production FX, the Kuraza is a nod toward future Infiniti SUV interiors. It is meant to exemplify the gracefulness and precision of Japanese culture. This includes a philosophy that offers all six occupants equal space and amenities and a combination of “traditional Japanese design cues, extensive use of natural materials, and modern technology” in one environment. Notably, all passengers also get their own doors. The front- and middle-row doors are conventional, while third-row doors open suicide-style.

Externally, the Kuraza has a stepped roof, huge 23-inch wheels, automatically retracting running boards, and loads of glass above all occupants. The driver and front passenger get their own panels, while rear occupants are treated to a single, huge pane. The boxy, yet somehow curvaceous, shape was clearly dictated, however, by the desire of the design team to create a truly people-friendly interior. In other words, this concept was designed from the inside out.

A look at the passenger compartment reveals a center console running the entire length of the vehicle, an abbreviated, semi-circle steering wheel, and enough wood to deforest a small national park. While the full-length console is undeniably stylish, we hope the idea dies with the concept, given its impracticality in a real-world sport-utility vehicle. Sections do, however, swing out of the way to allow for side-to-side pass-through. The ecru-colored leather seats are meant to echo the shape of the traditional Japanese kimono and the large vertical screen that occupies the center stack is programmed to display changing images of nature in addition to important information.

Here’s a set of photos I took after the Infiniti Kuraza’s introduction in January of 2005, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Comfort is the Key

Infiniti designed the Kuraza with passenger comfort in mind, with stadium seating for two in each of the three rows and a stepped-up roof line above rear passengers.

Third row seating is accessed through an extra set of wide, rear-hinged doors, and the absence of a pillar between the second and third row makes the opening for rear seating even larger.

The Kuraza offers its passengers a panoramic view of the outside through large windows with wrap-around rear glass and three overhead glass roof panels. At night, the roof area is defined by subtle overhead lighting.

Kojii Nagano, the product design director who headed the Kuraza design team, offered the press his thoughts about a portion of the team’s design objectives:

“Kuraza, like a beautiful guest room in a fine home, is not designed to be used everyday. It is intended as a social space for six adult friends, such as couples meeting at a resort and heading out together for a special dinner. Therefore it doesn’t need all of the usual utility features, including cupholders, excess luggage space, storage compartments and individual DVD monitors.”

The world debut of two exciting performance luxury vehicles – the FX45 premium crossover SUV and the innovative Triant concept – marked the highlights of Infiniti’s press conference today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Infiniti Vice President and General Manager Mark McNabb also announced Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the FX45 of $44,225 and $35,700 for the V6-equipped FX35 ($34,200 for the RWD FX35). The FX45 goes on sale at 162 Infiniti dealerships nationwide beginning January 24 2003.

The FX45 is the fourth all-new Infiniti product introduced in less than 12 months, following the recent launches of the Motor Trend Car of the Year G35 sport sedan and G35 sport coupe and the introduction of the all-new M45 performance sedan.

Infiniti experienced the highest sales month in its 13-year history this past November following the introduction of the G35 sport coupe. ‘Infiniti continues to bring to the market new, powerful, innovative products,’ said McNabb. ‘The strength and depth of Nissan’s recovery efforts ensure that Infiniti will continue to be a leader in performance, luxury and technology – as demonstrated today with the new FX45 and Triant concept.’

Triant concept

The dramatic Triant concept, which made its world debut at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, captures the spirit of Infiniti and recent innovative designs such as the FX45 and G35 – sporty, luxurious and highly personal. As an exploration of a new market niche, the Triant concept is designed to fit active lifestyles. It offers a combination of performance, luxury and practicality with a high level of both on-road and off-road capabilities.

Triant’s styling offers the look and feel of a classic sports coupe, with a long, elegant hood, sharply sloped windshield and hatchback and oversize wheelwells stuffed with large wheels and tires. It also features wide, power-assisted gullwing doors and headlights that ‘guide’ the beam around turns with the aid of digital mapping data and GPS technology.

Inside, the Triant’s 2+2 cabin features an innovative sliding rear seatback that nearly doubles the cargo area when not in use, voice-based control of some cockpit features such as phone, navigation and audio systems, and a careful blending of natural and high-tech materials that redefines performance luxury amenities.

Body
· All-new, aggressive sports coupe body with long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track
· Dynamic, elegant styling with long hood and rear hatchback roof design
· Infiniti signature ‘double arches’ front grille and rear license plate finisher
· Wide, electrically operated gullwing doors, opening to a clearance height of almost seven feet
· Door opening sensor system to avoid hitting people or obstructions when doors open or close
· AFS headlight system with high beams which swing up to 15 degrees and low beams which swing up to 30 degrees in corners
· Dramatic Liquid Mercury paint treatment

Engine, Driveline and Suspension
· 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine (based on Nissan’s award-winning VQ engine series)
· 5-speed automatic transmission
· ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system
· Front engine/all-wheel drive
· 4-wheel multi-link suspension
· Adjustable height suspension with 2.0 inches of adjustability (0.8 inches higher for enhanced off-pavement ground clearance, 1.2 inches lower for easier ingress/egress and highway driving)
· 8.5×19-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels with 255/55R19 tires

Interior Features
· Body-contoured front seats with carbon fiber sheet and metal finish frame
· Sliding rear seats that more than double rear cargo volume when fully retracted (19.7-inch track length)
· Three security storage compartments incorporated into rear seat structure
· Carbon-fiber electrically sliding center console cover
· Retractable 7.0-inch LCD information center display with integrated navigation system
· Surround sound speaker system with central subwoofer and headliner-mounted tweeters
· Door-mounted atmospheric lighting panels and welcome lighting mounted in the aluminum kickplates
· Rear deck-mounted lockable

Infiniti’s latest advanced concept vehicle, the Triant, made its world debut at Detroit’s 2003 North American International Auto Show on a stage shared with a former Infiniti concept-turned-production-vehicle, the 2003 Infiniti FX45 premium crossover SUV. Like the all-new FX45, the Triant is designed to provide an innovative combination of sportiness, luxury features and all-wheel drive performance in a highly personal, dramatically styled package.

The Triant’s exterior was designed as a modern interpretation of classic sporting vehicles – vehicles that expressed driving pleasure through a deeply rooted sense of beauty and elegance. Triant creates a similar feeling in a SUV through a fusion of authentic sports coupe styling and the latest in automotive technology with an emotional, Japanese-influenced design flavor.

The Triant’s doors are a wide gullwing design, stretching over five-and-a-half feet in length and opening to nearly seven feet in height. The doors, which are electrically operated and assisted by six gas cylinders each, feature lightweight aluminum construction and a special door opening sensing system which helps avoid hitting people or objects when the doors open or close. Like the gullwing side doors, the large rear hatch swings widely open, offering exceptional access to the flexible cargo area.

The inner reaches of the Triant concept’s 2+2 cabin are equally intriguing, combining flexibility for active lifestyles with an Infiniti attention to enhancing the driving experience. It was designed with the understanding that all the unspoken ‘elements’ that combine to make an interior – such as the form, details, materials, textures, lights and atmosphere – should reflect the personality of both the vehicle and the brand. For Triant, the interpretation of the ‘Infiniti feeling’ is expressed in its comfort, quality, modernity and authentic Japanese undertones.

Though a fully capable SUV – with its height-adjustable suspension and SUV-like approach and departure angles – the Triant concept delivers on-road performance to match its sport coupe-like appearance.

At the heart of the Triant is a compact yet powerful 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. An advanced ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system provides all-climate driving ability, while the 4-wheel independent suspension combines a comfortable ride with secure road holding. The suspension also can be raised 0.8 inches for off-pavement use and lowered 1.2 inches for highway driving.

As the latest addition to the Infiniti lineup of performance-oriented front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedans, the all-new 2003 M45 is positioned between the flagship Q45 ? with which it shares many major powertrain components, including the highly acclaimed 4.5-liter V8 engine ? and the new Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan. The M45 performance sport sedan comes standard with class-leading V8 performance and a long list of world-class amenities, with a price competitive with other competitors? 6-cylinder models.

The design of the M45 is highly distinctive, both inside and out. The exterior offers a strong, integrated appearance, as if carved from one piece of stone,? said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. ?The interior places a priority on progressive technology. It combines comfort for passengers and control for the driver and comes standard with the Q45?s popular Vehicle Information System with large, multi-function LCD screen.?

The M45 goes on sale at 158 Infiniti dealers nationwide in October 2002, with pricing expected to start in the low $40,000 range.
Luxury That Performs

One of the most attractive features of the new M45 is found under the hood. Standard on all models is an aluminum-alloy, double overhead-cam, 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. Controlling this powerplant is a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Other performance features include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which helps improve vehicle stability during understeer, oversteer or adverse road conditions, an integral Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BA) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering.

The M45’s aggressive handling, outstanding stability and responsive steering are provided by an independent strut suspension with coil springs in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. Standard 18-inch wheels and 235/45WR18 high performance tires contribute to the crisp performance and responsive chassis capability.
Distinctive Exterior Design

The M45?s exterior design offers distinction and differentiation from other products available in the market. The front end is enhanced by an aggressive front grille, with wide black chrome horizontal bars, which flow into the sporty, high-intensity discharge xenon headlight design.

Viewed from the side, the silhouette forms a dynamic wedge shape running from the front to the rear. A long 110.2-inch wheelbase contributes to a luxurious yet sporty attitude, while maintaining a personal, comfortable driving space inside.

The rear styling offers a simple yet sporty form, with swept back C-pillar, tapered rear appearance and highly visible combination lamps. Other exterior features include body-colored side molding and chrome door handles.

Even with sharp focus on performance, the M45 presents an interior that is pure Infiniti. The new M45?s fully appointed interior provides rewarding comfort for both driver and passenger.

The luxurious, sport contoured front bucket seats are finished with soft, Infiniti-exclusive ?Sojourner? leather seating surfaces. A 10-way power adjustable driver?s seat and 4-way power passenger seat are standard on every M45. In addition, optional Climate Controlled Seats (CCS?) are offered, which significantly enhance driver and passenger comfort in virtually all climatic conditions by offering both heating and cooling functions.

The interior also features genuine Bird?s Eye Maple wood trim with a smoke graphite color and a performance-oriented four-dial instrument cluster, complete with amber lighting that silhouettes the gauges. The M45?s high tech luxury amenities include an optional DVD-based navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control system that maintains driver-selected following distances and the state-of-the-art Infiniti Voice Recognition System from the Q45.

A 225-watt Bose? premium digital audio system with 7 speakers, AM/FM stereo cassette and 6-disc CD changer comes standard, along with audio steering wheel controls. The M45 audio system is fully compatible with the latest satellite radio technology (available through Infiniti retailers). Every M45 also comes equipped with an automatic dual-zone temperature control with ambient temperature display, illuminated entry/exit system, rear console mounted air conditioning vents and rear heater ducts, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Infiniti signature analog clock and much more.

All M45 models also feature dual stage front supplemental air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, front and rear curtain side impact supplemental air bags and active head restraints for the front seats.

Passive safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones with hood buckling creases and safety stops, body side reinforcements and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat retention system in outboard rear seating positions.

Setting it apart from other vehicles in the mid-luxury segment, the M45 is infused with an array of luxury features normally only seen in high-end flagship models like the Q45. The M45’s standard premium features include items such as dual-zone automatic temperature controls, xenon headlamps, multi-functional Vehicle Information System with large LCD screen, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Sojourner Luxury Leather seating surfaces and Bose? premium audio system.

The 2003 M45 will be offered with several equipment packages. The Comfort and Convenience Package includes memory seats, electrochromic mirrors, heated outside mirrors, reverse tilt down mirror, HomeLink? Universal Transceiver, full-size spare and direct reading tire pressure monitor. The fully loaded Technology Package comes with the Infiniti Navigation System, upgraded LCD display screen and Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses lasers to sense vehicles ahead and adjust speed to maintain a selected following distance. Climate Control Seats, sunroof and Infiniti Voice Recognition system are added with the Premium Package, which also is available with chrome wheels.

Three stand-alone factory options are also available: sunroof, all-season tires (at no additional charge) and premium natural-color Maple wood trim and shifter knob.

Layout:
Front-engine / rear-wheel-drive

Weight (lbs):
Curb weight: 3,851
Weight distribution: 54/46
GVWR: 4,830

Standard Engine:
4,494cc Inline-6; aluminum head / aluminum block
DOHC 4-valves/cyl.; variable valve timing
Bore & stroke: 93.0 x 82.7 mm; compression ratio: 10.5:1
340 hp @ 6,400 rpm / 333 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel Capacity:
21.1 gallon fuel tank

Standard Transmission:
5-speed automatic
Ratios: 3.54:1, 2.26:1, 1.47:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1
Final drive: 3.13:1

Steering:
Rack & pinion; speed-sensitive power assist
Turning circle (ft): 40.0

Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Rear: Multi-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar

Brakes:
4-wheel ABS, electronic brake distribution, ESP, brake-assist
Front: 11.4 x 1.1 in. power-assisted ventilated discs
Rear: 11.5 x 0.6 in. power-assisted ventilated d

The Infiniti EX35, with its seductive, coupe-inspired design and luxurious interior, is a preview of the all-new Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover SUV. The EX35 also showcases two innovative systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world. The AVM system utilizes front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking, while the LDP system takes Infiniti’s currently available Lane Departure Warning System into a new dimension of safety by actively using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane.

Like every Infiniti model, the EX35 also emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, combining V6 power, a 5-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The EX35 exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including the double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. The most striking exterior design element of the EX Concept is its dramatic liquid crystal full-length glass roof panel that is able to change from transparent to translucent via input from a special touch sensor system.

Inside, the EX Concept’s rich, leather-appointed and aluminum-alloy trimmed interior offers plenty of passenger luxury – with deep, supportive seats and an ambient lighting.
Infiniti relentlessly pursues a sporty image as much as Lexus claims to relentlessly pursue, well, you know what. So it surprised us somewhat that Infiniti chose the stodgy ol’ Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to unveil—officially, anyway—what is arguably its sportiest ute yet: the G35-based EX35 crossover. Think of it as a G35 wagon. Or a mini FX35. We see a spiritual descendant of the 1980 AMC Eagle wagon built upon one of the world’s most prolific and capable platforms and stuffed with a swank interior.

Infiniti calls the EX35 “a fusion of coupe and sport-utility vehicle,” which means, essentially, that it’s a ute you can’t put much stuff inside. Or, as Infiniti might rather we said, it’s a sport-utility that’s heavier on sport than utility—something the big-brother FX35 and FX45 have always have been. And in case you’ve been living under a rock recently, this “sport-uselessity” trend is only poised to continue (next up: the BMW X6).

Another Member of the “FM-ily”

At least the EX35 should be enjoyable to drive. Most of what you’ll find under its curvaceous skin—including its 3.5-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission (with requisite rev-matching on downshifts)—is closely related to the other FM-platform-based Infinitis, the G35 and M35 sedans and the FX35 SUV. In this application, the V-6 makes 290 horsepower. Base models get rear-wheel drive and 17-inch wheels, but all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels are upgrades we expect many people to make.

Tight, Yet Fashionable Inside

Thanks to its low roofline, the EX35 feels decidedly snug inside compared with competitors like the BMW X3, although the actual interior width is impressive. Materials appear to be on par with the class leaders, and the design is familiar to anyone who has spent a stint inside any of its FM-platform brethren. Infiniti worked hard to lower the cargo floor to enhance practicality, but nonetheless the steeply sloping D-pillar may require you to trade the EX for your neighbor’s buddy’s Explorer for those Saturday afternoon Home Depot splurges.

The EX35 will be available in two trim levels: base and Journey, the latter being the better equipped of the two with standard leather seating, front and rear sonar parking aids, and power folding rear seats. Like other Infinitis, the EX35 will be chock-full of available technology, including a hard-drive-based infotainment system with 11 Bose speakers, adaptive cruise control with predictive braking, an active lane-departure prevention system that uses the stability control system (i.e.: individual brakes) to keep the vehicle in its lane, and our favorite, self-healing paint. Creepy.

Has the Eagle Finally Landed?

In essence, the EX35 is the most carlike SUV yet, not counting the aforementioned AMC Eagle. But whereas the Eagle looked bad and drove worse, the EX35 looks good and promises to drive even better. When it hits showrooms in winter of 2007 with prices starting in the mid $30Ks, we’ll find out if the public believes it’s an idea whose time has finally come, or if it’s an eagle that has not yet landed.

The halls are empty now. The offices quiet. The window blinds drawn. After 40-odd years of daily hustle and bustle, Nissan’s headquarters in Gardena, California, sits idle, a “For Sale” sign staked in the front yard, the company name yanked from the building’s facade. All mail has been forwarded to Nashville, Tennessee.

Yes, the company’s corporate move to the home of country music is complete, but the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan is a product of Nissan’s Southern California workforce. In fact, it’s the last Infiniti product to be executed in its entirety by those sun-loving surf bums, and it’s a good one.

Five trim levels are offered: G35, G35 Journey, G35x AWD, G35 Sport and G35 Sport with a six-speed manual transmission. Infiniti says the G35 Sport automatic, like our rear-drive test car, will make it the second most popular of the five models. The all-wheel-drive G35x gets a larger piece of the pie because it’s popular in the Northeast, while only 10 percent will buy the manual gearbox.

All five models are powered by the same all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6. It’s the fourth generation of the 24-valve, double-overhead-cam VQ35 engine, which honestly, we didn’t think Nissan could improve on. Wrong again. This engine now revs higher, makes more power and uses less fuel.

Approximately 80 percent of the engine’s parts are new, including the block, which has been made stronger. Nissan’s white lab coats also added electromagnetic variable valve timing to the exhaust valves, a higher compression ratio and true dual exhaust. But the coolest new gizmo under the G’s aluminum hood is the engine’s symmetric twin ram air intake system, which uses two throttle bodies and routes the incoming air around rather than through or over the radiator. Nissan says the system helps reduce airflow resistance by 18 percent and increases horsepower by 3 at 60 mph.

Now the engine lights up the spec box with 306 horsepower at 6800 rpm, 268 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm, a 7500-rpm redline and an EPA rating of 19 city and 26 highway when backed by the five-speed automatic. That makes the G35 more powerful than nearly all of its six-cylinder rivals, including the BMW 330i, Audi A4 3.2 and Mercedes-Benz C350. The Lexus IS 350 also packs 306 hp, but it makes more torque, 277 lb-ft, at a lower 4800 rpm; and according to the EPA, it gets better mileage (21 city/28 highway).

As you would expect from the above paragraph, the G35 blows all 12 doors off its German rivals, while the Lexus matches the Infiniti’s performance. Our tester tore up the track with a scorching 0-60-mph run of 5.6 seconds and a quarter-mile performance of 13.9 seconds at 102 mph. The last 330i we tested, which had a six-speed manual, was nearly a second slower in each test.

In the age of the six-, seven- and now eight-speed automatics, the Infiniti’s transmission, with only five forward gears, may seem behind the times. But the five-speed’s proper gearing, attentive action and ability to match revs perfectly when manually downshifted makes the transmission a standout and the perfect choice for this very capable sport sedan. It delivers all of the hard-driving advantages of BMW’s complex sequential manual gearbox (SMG) without any of that transmission’s drivability issues.

Those manual gearchanges can be made with the well-placed shifter or steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, which are cast from lightweight magnesium and covered with a delicate swatch of leather. The paddles are extra large and conveniently placed, but they don’t turn with the wheel as they do in the BMW M5.

The magnesium paddle shifters are standard on the G35 Sport, along with drilled aluminum pedals, sport seats with thigh extensions and driver’s power bolster adjustments, a sport steering wheel with specially colored stitching, 18-inch wheels and tires, a unique front fascia, a viscous limited-slip differential, and unique tuning for the car’s electronic stability system. Options exclusive to the Sport models are a four-wheel active steer system, which our test car had, and a clumsy rear spoiler, which it thankfully did not.

Infiniti says the four-wheel active steer (FWAS) system (which activates at 25 mph) improves the vehicle’s handling by adjusting the toe of the rear suspension up to one degree based on steering input and vehicle speed. At the same time, a planetary gearset that’s been added to the steering shaft varies the steering ratio between 12.0:1 and 18.5:1. We would like to say the system works but not having track tested a car without the system, it’s hard to know.

Testing a car with four-wheel active steer versus a car without it probably wouldn’t prove anything anyway. When you order FWAS, the sedan’s suspension is stiffened beyond the G35 Sport’s standard settings, so any difference in handling could be due to the active steer system or the differences in suspension tuning. Or both.

One thing’s for sure. The suspension tuning on the G35 Sport, which is firmer than the suspension on the other three trim levels, is just too firm. The car’s new 40-percent-stiffer chassis allowed for such aggressive suspension tuning, and Infiniti’s chassis engineers took the bait. Order four-wheel active steer and the ride becomes downright teeth chattering. We expect Infiniti will be getting some hate mail from Sport owners in the rough-road states.

Nobody but BMW owners will complain about the G35’s handling. Front-end grip borders on the remarkable, while body control and balance are superb. At the track it circled the skid pad with 0.85g of lateral acceleration and slipped through the slalom at 67.1 mph — both a cat’s whisker under the performance of the BMW 330i.

Wheelbase is the same 112.2 inches as last year, but the front and rear tracks have been widened 0.7 inch in front and 0.9 inch in the rear. The four-wheel independent suspension also received some revision up front, with a new single-pivot double-wishbone design which replaces the previous model’s two lower links. Infiniti also staggered the car’s tire sizes for the first time (225/50R18 in front, 245/45R18 at the rear).

Our only dynamic-handling complaint has to do with the G’s steering. Ratio and feedback are right on, but the vehicle’s speed-sensitive steering assist needs a little sorting. When the vehicle speed is changing rapidly up and down — like when you’re charging a mountain road — changes in the assist are too radical and too slow to come, which can give the steering an artificial, video-game quality.

The brakes, on the other hand, are flawless. Sport models get larger 13-inch rotors front and back, and they stop this big sedan with little trouble. Fade is not an issue, pedal feel is excellent and stops from 60 mph take just 112 feet.

Designed and still built in Japan, the 2007 G35 is essentially the same size as last year’s model. Length is up half an inch, while the car is just 0.8 inch wider and 0.5 inch lower. Weight is up just 48 pounds.

It’s also the same size on the inside, with a few minor exceptions. Rear-seat headroom has been shaved a bit, while there’s a little more knee room thanks to a more careful carving of the door panels. Five still fit, but rear passengers shouldn’t be much taller than 6 feet. Another change was the loss of the G’s reclining rear seat, which was unique to the class. (We’re told it was dumped for weight savings.) Trunk space is unchanged at 13.5 cubic feet.

Perhaps the new G’s most meaningful improvement over its predecessor is its interior design, which has certainly taken several steps up in ergonomics, materials quality and ambience. Infiniti calls the décor “modern warmth.” Real aluminum trim is not only standard, it has been textured to resemble a fine, handmade Japanese paper called Washi. The effect works, but when combined with our tester car’s black leather, the décor is more Raider Nation than modern warmth. African Rosewood trim is optional on non-Sport models.

Option packages on our tester included the Premium Package, which added a sunroof; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; memory for the driver seat, mirrors and steering wheel; Bluetooth; heated front seats; auto up-down rear windows; and a 10-speaker Bose audio system Infiniti calls “Studio On Wheels.” Our test car did not have the optional Intelligent Cruise Control, adaptive front lighting, a rearview monitor, or the navigation system which features XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information.

It’s all wrapped in an evolutionary two-box design that’s more aggressive than the shape it replaces, but also a little fussy in its details. Misses include a contrived chrome lip spoiler and overwrought grille bars, made to look like the twisted blades of samurai swords. Hits include the dual chrome exhaust tips, lower greenhouse and the pull-type door handles. Love it or like it, it’s no doubt recognizable as the new G35, so it works.

It was the 2003 G35 sedan and coupe that made Infiniti a player in the luxury market. After 13 years of rocks and trees and retagged Maximas, Nissan’s luxury division found its stride. Last year, Infiniti sold 121,000 vehicles, 55,000 of which wore the G35 badge.

You’d have to be loopy to mess with that kind of success, and Infiniti hasn’t. The 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan, which will hit dealers in November (the 2008 G35 Coupe will reach dealers next summer), is very much the same car as its predecessor, only better. Think G35 2.0.

Infiniti has left the car’s size, layout and winning combination of luxury, performance and price essentially unchanged, while improving every aspect of the vehicle. A neat trick, one that has earned the gang a few rowdy nights at the Grand Ol’ Opry, and one that will keep the G35 on the top rung of the midsize-performance-luxury-sedan market.

Infiniti G35 Sport Wagon

Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., unveiled Infiniti’s arrival in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show 2008. The official launch is scheduled in the autumn of 2008 and will be phased over a two year period as Infiniti rolls out its operations across 21 European countries. Infiniti Europe’s headquarters are based in Rolle, Switzerland.

All current Infiniti coupes, sedans and crossovers are based on the Nissan FM platform. The center of the engine is placed behind the front wheels. This placement makes weight distribution more even, which is intended to improve braking, acceleration, and handling. It also reduces the polar moment of inertia. The only exception is the QX56 full-size SUV, which rides on the Nissan F-Alpha platform.

Infiniti’s model name designation includes one letter for coupés and sedans (two letters for SUVs) and a number reflecting engine displacement. For example, the QX56 is an SUV featuring a 5.6 L engine. An exception to this was the QX4 SUV, which featured a 3.3 L engine (1997-2000) and later a 3.5 L engine (2001-2003). An ‘x’ following the engine displacement of Infiniti sedans denotes an all wheel drive model (e.g. Infiniti G35x) while ’s’ denotes a sport package model on the G35 sedan, M series sedans, and G37 Coupe.

History

1989: The beginning

The Infiniti brand was introduced in the United States in 1989. Its purpose back then, as it is now, was to create and sell premium vehicles in the United States that wouldn’t have otherwise fit in with Nissan’s more mainstream image. Not by coincidence, Infiniti was created around the same time as Japanese rivals Toyota and Honda’s luxury brands, Lexus and Acura respectively, were introduced in the U.S. The brand’s sales were disappointing, a fact many attribute to some of Infiniti’s poorly received advertising at the time. The company’s initial campaign aimed to bring about brand awareness with Zen-influenced spots that focused on nature. However, the ads didn’t show the actual cars, and many believe this omission did no favors for a company that was hoping to have buyers recognize and clamor for its vehicles. Better advertising and the introduction of award-winning models eventually made Infiniti a contender in the luxury vehicle segment of the American market. Since 1989, sales have consistently grown. The company’s logo is a stylized highway infinitely heading towards a distant horizon, as well as a modified infinity symbol.

Infiniti began to take part of the luxury market mostly thanks to its popular Q45. The vehicle included a class-leading (at the time) 278 hp (207 kW) V8 engine, four wheel steering, the first active suspension system offered on a motor vehicle, and numerous interior luxury appointments. These made it competitive against the German imports like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which by the time of Infiniti’s release had overtaken Cadillac and Lincoln in dominating the luxury segment of the American market.

Launched alongside the Q45 sedan in 1990, the 2-door M30 coupe was able to hold steady but relatively weak sales during its three production years. The M30 was basically an “Americanized” version of the Japanese Nissan Leopard F31, built mainly to compete with the Acura Legend coupe. As stated above, the M30 could only muster out relatively weak sales during its production life ranging from 1990 to 1992. Unlike the Nissan Leopard, the M30 was available with only one engine choice; the 162 horsepower (121 kW) Nissan VG30E “V6 3000″, and one transmission, the Nissan RE4R01A 4-speed automatic with electronic overdrive. This small amount of power was not enough to propel the rear-wheel drive, 3,333 lb (1,512 kg) M30 fast enough. Whilst the Q45 sold very well, the M30 sold rather slowly, but was able to fend off the Acura Legend well. Although the M30 did not exactly appeal much to the American market due to its 80s-like styling and underpowered engine, it easily excelled past its competitors in terms of luxury, reliability, and overall comfort. In 1991, a convertible M30 joined the lineup, but its life was rather shortlived. Sadly, in 1992, only two years after being introduced to the American market, Infiniti was forced to discontinue the M30 after experiencing lackluster sales. Today, although considered the rarest Infiniti ever produced, some knowledable enthusiasts refer to the M30 as the model that, although faded away, tried its best to make Infiniti happy.

The third vehicle in Infiniti’s lineup was the entry-level G20, based on the Nissan Primera, which debuted in 1991.

Mid 1990’s

In 1997, Infiniti released the QX4, a modified and more luxurious version of the Nissan Pathfinder, making Infiniti the first maker (apart from SUV specialists, Jeep and Land Rover) to offer a mid-sized luxury SUV – predating the release of the Lexus RX 300, Acura MDX and the Mercedes-Benz ML320. Like a traditional SUV, it was based on a truck platform, which gave it a competitive edge against the aforementioned competitors for its off-roading abilities.

By the late 1990s, however, Infiniti was consistently behind Lexus and Acura in sales, due to Nissan’s struggling financial situation. The Q45 had retreated considerably from its focused, taut rendition of an executive sedan, having become a barely recognizable, ponderously-handling sedan that earned the nickname “The Japanese Lincoln.” In 1999, Infiniti reintroduced the G20, a compact sporty sedan whose production was halted for 1997 and 1998. The G20 was marketed as a competitor to European luxury sport coupes such as the BMW 3-series but, with an underpowered four cylinder engine and compact size, it fell short. Also at dealers the G20 was marketed primarily to the wrong demographic middle-aged professional women, and as such was not as popular new as its actual main competition, the similarly-priced Acura Integra. Plus with dealership marketing to Infiniti’s other offerings, the Maxima-based I30 and the jellybean-shaped J30 never garnered large followings, and the company, bereft of an image or a following, floundered.

2000’s

By 2000, Infiniti was facing extinction. The company rededicated itself to developing a dynamic and powerful line-up of sporty luxury cars. Car and Driver reported that Infiniti executives invited members of the motoring press to a meeting where they “swore never again to take their eyes off BMW.” Although this effort began with a completely redesigned Q45 flagship for the 2002 model year, it was the G35 that turned sales around for Infiniti in 2003. A sports sedan far exceeding the capabilities of its Nissan Primera-based predecessor (the G20), the Nissan Skyline-based G35 became an instant hit, named Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2003. The release of the sport-tuned FX35/45 crossover that same year piggybacked on the G35’s success. The FX used the same components under the skin as the G35 sport coupe and was designed for American tastes. It combined sports-car handling and performance with station wagon-like versatility and all-weather capability. After a few years, a number of manufacturers began making similarly-styled vehicles, so Infiniti reclassified the FX as a Crossover utilty vehicle (CUV). In 2004, Infiniti added an all-wheel drive version of the G35 sports sedan in an effort to sway buyers from similar all-wheel drive sports sedans from competitors Audi and BMW.

Infiniti’s sales and reputation continue to rise as Carlos Ghosn follows through on his vision to break Infiniti away from its Nissan roots. The G35 series helped re-define Infiniti as the “Japanese BMW”, an image it continues to cultivate. This reputation has been enhanced by the FX35/FX45 SUV, and the redesigned M35/M45 for the 2006 model year. The M35/M45 has already garnered impressive acclaim from the automotive press, winning an eight-car comparison test in Car and Driver and also named the best luxury sedan in Consumer Reports. The M45 model featured the same engine as the flagship Q45, and its success prompted Infiniti to remove the Q45 from its lineup for the first time ever in 2007, at which time the M45 became the flagship model.

For the 2007 model year a redesigned version of the G35 sedan was introduced, followed in 2008 by a new version of the company’s G coupe, the G37. The coupe was first unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. Also released in 2008 is the new Infiniti EX35 compact crossover, which is Infiniti’s entrance into the compact luxury crossover market. The EX shares the G35’s 3.5 liter, 306 hp (228 kW), V6 engine. Competitors are the BMX X3, Land Rover LR2, and Acura RDX.

Infiniti Europe was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008 and will start sales in many European markets from Autumn 2008.

Four models will be offered in Europe initially, starting with the next generation of the iconic Infiniti FX50. The FX50 is a performance crossover powered by a new 390-horsepower 5.0 liter 32-valve V8 engine with Infiniti’s advanced Variable Valve Lift & Event (VVEL) technology. It competes directly with the likes of Mercedes M-Class, BMW X5, Lexus RX, Audi Q7, Porsche’s Cayenne and the Range Rover Sport.

Infiniti will also be entering the competitive European market for premium sedans with the second generation Infiniti G37, powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine which is expected to take on the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and the Lexus IS. The Infiniti G37 Coupe will share much of the same hardware as its sedan counterpart but its dynamic styling is designed to appeal to a completely different buyer who would normally consider the BMW 3 series Coupe, Mercedes CLK-class, Audi A5 or the Lexus SC 430.

Infiniti will also be offering the Infiniti EX37 compact crossover which has a luxury interior, commanding driving position and all-wheel traction. The EX37 is the first production vehicle in the world to benefit from the advanced Around View monitor (AVM) system that gives the driver a bird’s eye view of the vehicle while parking. It will also feature the unique ‘self-healing’ Anti-Scratch Advanced Paint (ASAP). The EX is marketed in the same premium segment as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GL-Class.[

The Triant’s exterior was designed as a modern interpretation of classic sporting vehicles – vehicles that expressed driving pleasure through a deeply rooted sense of beauty and elegance. Triant creates a similar feeling in a SUV through a fusion of authentic sports coupe styling and the latest in automotive technology with an emotional, Japanese-influenced design flavor.

The Triant’s doors are a wide gullwing design, stretching over five-and-a-half feet in length and opening to nearly seven feet in height. The doors, which are electrically operated and assisted by six gas cylinders each, feature lightweight aluminum construction and a special door opening sensing system which helps avoid hitting people or objects when the doors open or close. Like the gullwing side doors, the large rear hatch swings widely open, offering exceptional access to the flexible cargo area.

The inner reaches of the Triant concept’s 2+2 cabin are equally intriguing, combining flexibility for active lifestyles with an Infiniti attention to enhancing the driving experience. It was designed with the understanding that all the unspoken ‘elements’ that combine to make an interior – such as the form, details, materials, textures, lights and atmosphere – should reflect the personality of both the vehicle and the brand. For Triant, the interpretation of the ‘Infiniti feeling’ is expressed in its comfort, quality, modernity and authentic Japanese undertones.

Though a fully capable SUV – with its height-adjustable suspension and SUV-like approach and departure angles – the Triant concept delivers on-road performance to match its sport coupe-like appearance.

At the heart of the Triant is a compact yet powerful 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. An advanced ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system provides all-climate driving ability, while the 4-wheel independent suspension combines a comfortable ride with secure road holding. The suspension also can be raised 0.8 inches for off-pavement use and lowered 1.2 inches for highway driving.

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold in two models: the FX35 and the FX45. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti’s mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor. It was released at the same time as its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90. It shares the same platform as the Nissan 350Z, whereas the similarly-sized Nissan Murano is based on the Nissan Altima platform.

With the FX45 crossover, Infiniti sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality, though the size of the platform and sloping rear end limits cargo space. The FX45’s 4.5 L V8 generates 320 hp (235 kW), and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a manual-shift mode. ATTESA E-TS All wheel drive is standard. The FX45 has a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 uses a 3.5 L V6.

The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The updates included leather seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel, and a rear view camera with a color screen. The FX45 featured additional upgrades, including a 320 hp (239 kW) V8 engine, a standard sunroof, a Bluetooth system, and aluminum roof rails. The taillights were also changed from red to clear.

Engines:

* 4.5 L VK45DE V8

Performance (FX45)[citation needed]

* 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
* 0-100 mph: 17.6 seconds
* 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds at 95.1 mph
* 300 ft Skidpad: .89
* Top Speed: 137 mph

With the FX45 crossover, Infiniti sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX45’s 4.5 L V8 generates 315 hp (235 kW) and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a manual-shift mode. ATTESA E-TS All wheel drive is standard, and the FX45 has a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 uses a 3.5 L V6.

The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The FX35 now has leather seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and a rear view camera with a color screen standard. The FX45’s V8 engine was also uprated to 320 hp (239 kW) and it gets a standard sunroof, Bluetooth system, rear view camera with a color screen, and aluminum roof rails.