New 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid Rated at 29 mpg Combined

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) fuel economy figures for Infiniti's all-new M35h are finally out. According to the government agency, the Japanese brand's first-ever hybrid model returns an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg on the combined cycle.

For comparison, the conventional M37 with a 330HP 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg City and 26 mpg Highway, while the M56 that is powered by a 420HP 5.6-liter V8, at 16 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway.

The M35h's drivetrain pairs a 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine with 306HP to a 50 kW [68HP] electric motor for a system net output of 360 horsepower. Both the gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti says the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan can reach 62mph (100km/) from standstill in 5.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

According to the Japanese automaker, the M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph for a distance of up to 1.2 miles at a time.

U.S. sales of the 2012 M35h will start this spring.

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Geneva Preshow: Infiniti Outlines New Concept for Entry-Level Model

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Infiniti will show a new hatchback model powered by Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines as part of the Daimler and Renault-Nissan deal signed in April 2010, but given the reference to Mr. Palmer's statement at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London, an EV hatchback concept sounds more likely.

On a side note, even though Infiniti did not give us a name for the Geneva Salon concept, the images were saved as "Eftheria", which could be the name of the study.

We will follow the story and bring you any new information as soon as we get it.

Infiniti Press Release:

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Fast forward to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show where at 12:15 CET on March 1, 2011, Infiniti will present its next Inspired Performance: a concept car that will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future.

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Infiniti Details European-Spec M35h Hybrid Sedan

Infiniti has released preliminary specs and performance figures for the European market version of its M35h hybrid sedan, due to arrive in dealerships this spring. Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the Japanese maker’s first hybrid model weighs less than its diesel-powered M30d sibling and returns 6.9 lt/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the combined cycle. However, customers will have to make do with a smaller boot, measuring just 350 liters.

The hybrid sedan's powertrain comprises a 306HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission and a 68HP (50kW) electric motor. The combined output is 364HP, good enough to accelerate the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

In electric-only mode, the M35h is capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph, with Infiniti stating that in real-world testing, the car can be driven in this mode for as much as 50% of the time on mixed routes. To further improve the powertrain’s efficiency, the M35h also comes with regenerative brakes.

To warn pedestrians and the visually impaired while in electric-only mode, the hybrid sedan is fitted with the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system, which emits a non-intrusive sound that varies pitch and volume at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph).

Infiniti said European-wide pricing will be announced before the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in early March.

By Csaba Daradics

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No Really, this is a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider and it's Powered by a Subaru Turbo Boxer!

Don't let the Nissan 350Z snout and the Infiniti G35 Coupe (JDM Nissan Skyline V35) rear end design fool you; the glitzy painted roadster model you're gawking at is in fact a JDM Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider - possibly a third generation model. But before you try to digest all that info let us quickly add that Paint Star's Tokyo Auto Salon project car also hides a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine under its 350Z-shaped hood. See the rest of the photos in our image gallery after the break.

Photos: Phil Alex / Carscoop

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Infiniti Launches Limited Edition EX30d Black Premium in Europe, Throws in Special VIP Pass

A new special edition version of the diesel-powered EX30d crossover has joined Infiniti's European lineup. Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of the firm's European markets, with all buyers receiving a special VIP membership to a selection of high-class hotels and restaurants, usually available only by invitation.

All examples are finished in an exclusive for the EX Malbec Black paint. Other features include 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, polished aluminium roof rails, Bose sound system, graphite leather interior and, aluminium and black lacquer trims.

The EX30d Black Premium is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel delivering 238-horsepower and 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque. Matted to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) with 224 g/km of CO2.

As part of the package, all buyers will receive a two-year membership in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Club 5C. According to the company, with this VIP pass owners will be "looked after more like house guests than hotel customers." In addition, each of the special EXs comes with a Lys d'Argent, valid for a double room for one night, dinner with drinks and breakfast for two people in one of more than 200 Relais & Châteaux hotels around the world.

The EX Black Premium is available to order now, with pricing in the UK starting from £45,671.

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2011 Infiniti EX Pricing and Details

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 gets some updates for the new model year, including a new seven-speed automatic transmission which replaces the previous five-speed transmission. Infiniti has also announced a $350 price hike. The base 2011 EX35 RWD starts at $35,025, including an $875 destination charge.

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 is now equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission that offers an improved fuel economy for the AWD model and increased performance. Also in the standard list of the 2011 Infiniti EX35 they include 18-inch wheels and tires, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control and various new exterior colors.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine developing 297 HP, the 2011 Infiniti EX price starts at 34,150 USD for the base model which is RWD while the all-wheel-drive Journey version starts at 37,750 USD.

The list of available features and technology includes RearView Monitor, premium audio system, power-up folding 2nd row seat, Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

Inside, there’s a new white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display, standard dual zone climate control and an advanced blind spot warning system in the available Technology Package.




Press Release


2011 Infiniti EX35 Features New 7-Speed Automatic, 18-inch Alloy Wheels and Other Refinements

– Blind Spot Warning System, 19-inch Wheels Also Available for New Model Year –

Infiniti today announced the release of the revised 2011 Infiniti EX crossover SUV, which is on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. Major revisions for 2011 include:

• New 7-speed automatic transmission (previously 5-speed) for improved fuel economy (AWD) and performance
• Standard 18-inch wheels and tires (previously 17-inch)
• New white color scheme for gauges and LCD instrument display
• Standard Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (previously on Journey models only)
• Three new exterior colors: Arctic Blue, Midnight Garnet and Graphite Shadow

• Moonlight White exterior color now available with Chestnut interior
• Revised Premium Package combines previous Bose® and Around View® Monitor Packages
• Previous Premium Package becomes the Deluxe Touring Package
• 19-inch wheels and tires added as part of the Deluxe Touring Package
• Advanced Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system added to the Technology Package

The 2011 Infiniti EX continues to offer a sculpted exterior design matched with an engaging interior environment with standard leather-appointed seating. All models come equipped with an advanced 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and the new 7-speed automatic transmission. Also available is Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

The EX’s long list of available features and technology includes RearView Monitor, premium audio system, power-up folding 2nd row seat, Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

2011 Infiniti EX Pricing
The 2011 Infiniti EX is available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey and EX35 AWD Journey. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* are:

Model Engine/Transmission MSRP
EX35 RWD 3.5-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic $34,150 USD
EX35 Journey RWD 3.5-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic $36,350 USD
EX35 AWD 3.5-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic $35,550 USD
EX35 Journey AWD 3.5-liter V6 / 7-speed automatic $37,750 USD

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.