To celebrate 20 years since it first began selling cars, Nissan’s Infiniti luxury division has announced 20th Anniversary Editions of the brand’s most popular model, the G. These special editions models get an ultra-premium Graphite Shadow paint with Monaco Red leather interior. The Coupe and Convertible come with Red-toned Maple accenting and the two Sedan models have the new Shodo-finish aluminum trim. All models come equipped with the Premium and Navigation packages, which include such items as heated and cooled seats, summer high performance tires, a blacked-out front grille, new side skirts, mode aggressive front and rear fascias and a standard rear spoiler on both the coupe and sedan.

Just 350 20th Anniversary Edition models will be made for the Sedan, while 200 each will be offered for both the Coupe and Convertible trim. Pricing is set at $43,350 for the Sedan and $43,550 for the AWD Sedan, while the Coupe is priced at $50,550 and the Convertible at $54,900. All models will be available at dealerships in mid-April.

GALLERY: Infiniti G37 20th Anniversary Edition

Official release after the jump:

With Infiniti having just joined the European marketplace in recent years, the luxury arm of Nissan is looking to make a big impression by introducing fuel efficient diesel models, as well as the brand’s first ever hybrid.

The M35 Hybrid is based on the new M platform and uses the previous generation’s 3.5-liter V6. This engine is then paired with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and Infiniti’s 7-speed automatic transmission to deliver rear-drive performance, with improved fuel economy. While no engine or fuel economy numbers are available, the 3.5-liter V6 likely makes about 300-hp, while the electric motor adds 67-hp and 199 ft-lbs of torque.

As mentioned, no fuel economy numbers are available, but we should see a marked improvement over the new M37’s 18/26 (city/highway) rating.

Infiniti will bring the M35 Hybrid to market by the Spring of 2011.

GALLERY: Infiniti M35 Hybrid

Official release after the jump:

Infiniti made a last minute decision to show its products at the Chicago Auto Show and so it took some searching to find the brands new 2011 M model tucked away in a back corner. But it was worth the hunt. Infiniti actually showed the car to us at a private event during the LA Auto Show, but the car’s Chicago Auto Show debut will be its first public appearance.

For 2011 the M will be offered as both an M37 and M56 model, each of which will be offered in either RWD or AWD. Like the G37, the M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 270 ft-lbs of torque. As for the M56, it gets a massive 5.6-liter mill with an impressive 420-hp and 417 ft-lbs of torque. In total, the new top-level M gets 95-hp and 81 ft-lbs of torque over its predecessor, the M45.

Those looking for even more sport can opt for a Sport Package (RWD only), that comes with 20-inch wheels, a sport tuned suspension, larger brake rotors with 4-piston front calipers and two-piston rears, 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) steering, as well as a sport steering wheel, pedals and shift knob. Specific to the Sport Package are special double-piston shocks that deliver a ride that is both comfortable and stable. There’s even a unique front fascia.

Both engines come with Infiniti’s 7-speed sport automatic transmission, allowing the M56 to get even better fuel economy than the old M45.

As for the car’s size, it is larger than the outgoing M, measuring roughly half an inch longer at 194.7 inches, 2-inches wider at 72.6 inches. It is also roughly half an inch lower at 59.1 inches to help keep the car’s center of gravity low.

One of the most exciting features on the new M is Infiniti Drive that allows a driver to choose between four settings of throttle pressure and transmission shift points. There’s also an Active Tracing Control system that adjusts engine power and braking at all four wheels for optimum performance. Safety items include Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention that helps bring the car back towards the center of the lane. There’s also an Eco Pedal feature that, when selected, uses green and yellow lights on the instrument panel to give the driver feedback on his or her driving, while also giving feedback through the gas pedal, pushing back to alert the driver when they are operating the vehicle inefficiently. Infiniti says that in testing this simple method has lead to improved fuel economy of five to 10 percent.

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M56

While the media was given a sneak peak at the all-new 2011 Infiniti  M37 and M56 models at a private event a few months back, the cars will be on public display for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show. After dropping out of most auto shows last year, skipping LA and then Detroit at the start of 2010, Infiniti and parent company Nissan made an 11th hour decision to attend the Chicago show.

For 2011 the M will be offered as both an M37 and M56, with both models being either RWD or AWD. Like the G37, the M37 is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 270 ft-lbs of torque. As for the M56, it gets a massive 5.6-liter mill with an impressive 420-hp and 417 ft-lbs of torque. In total, the new top-level M gets 95-hp and 81 ft-lbs of torque over its predecessor, the M45.

Those looking for even more sport can opt for a Sport Package (RWD only), that comes with 20-inch wheels, a sport tuned suspension, larger brake rotors with 4-piston front calipers and two-piston rears, 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) steering, as well as a sport steering wheel, pedals and shift knob. Specific to the Sport Package are special double-piston shocks that deliver a ride that is both comfortable and stable. There’s even a unique front fascia.

Both engines come with Infiniti’s 7-speed sport automatic transmission, allowing the M56 to get even better fuel economy than the old M45.

As for the car’s size, it is larger than the outgoing M, measuring roughly half an inch longer at 194.7 inches, 2-inches wider at 72.6 inches. It is also roughly half an inch lower at 59.1 inches to help keep the car’s center of gravity low.

One of the most exciting features on the new M is Infiniti Drive that allows a driver to choose between four settings of throttle pressure and transmission shift points. There’s also an Active Tracing Control system that adjusts engine power and braking at all four wheels for optimum performance. Safety items include Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention that helps bring the car back towards the center of the lane. There’s also an Eco Pedal feature that, when selected, uses green and yellow lights on the instrument panel to give the driver feedback on his or her driving, while also giving feedback through the gas pedal, pushing back to alert the driver when they are operating the vehicle inefficiently. Infiniti says that in testing this simple method has lead to improved fuel economy of five to 10 percent.

AutoGuide’s live 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage begins Wednesday, February 10th. See it here.

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M37

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M56

With companies like Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Lexus all looking down-market, it’s no surprise that Infiniti is exploring its future and its expansion possibilities with a new entry-level model. What is surprising, however, is news that an entry-level Infiniti may in fact be a front-drive model.

According to Larry Dominique, Nissan North America’s VP for product planning, Infiniti is considering a new model, or whole family of vehicles, based on a new front-drive platform. When Nissan first introduced the Infiniti brand to North America it did offer front-drive models like the G20 (based on the Japanese market Nissan Primera) and the I30 (based on the Maxima). Nissan soon abandoned that aproach, however, to focus on more traditional rear-drive models.

Dominique believes that many buyers don’t know or care if their vehicle is front drive, rear-drive or AWD, pointing to the success Acura has had with the TSX and TL. “Those buyers are OK with it,” he said in an interview with Automotive News. “I think we could deliver Infiniti off a different platform and deliver the experience Infiniti customers expect.”

In addition to this new model, Infiniti is also reported to be introducing a more entry-level G25 model, using a 2.5-liter V6 to take on cars like the BMW 328i.

While we can’t say we’re not worried about what could come out of this, considering Infiniti’s success in taking on the BMW 3 Series with its usually more powerful and less expensive G models, we have to admit that were intrigued. Who knows, perhaps an entry-level coupe (like the Acura RSX) could be in the products plans.

[Source: Automotive News]

Nissan has confirmed that after missing out on a long list of auto shows, it is preparing for the New York Auto Show in late March. The company is launching eight new models in the next 12 months and has announced that the new QX56 full-sized luxury SUV (pictured in spy photos above) from the brand’s Infiniti arm will bow at the Big Apple show.

This will also be the first time Infiniti will show the all-new M37 and M56, as well as the facelifted 2010 Infinti G37. There is even a strong possibility that the new G25 model, powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6, will arrive in New York.

Nissan is expected to showcase new products as well, likely showing the Juke compact crossover, that will first debut at the Geneva Auto Show in early March.

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti QX56 Spy Photos

Official release after the jump:

Later this year, Infiniti will launch a turbocharged 2.5-liter version of its G sedan. This new model will directly target entry-level luxury competitors like the BMW 328i, Lexus IS250 and AudiA4 2.0T.

The Infiniti G25 (G25t?) will use the 2.5-liter V6 currently found in the Japanese-market Infiniti G, which is known as the Skyline. In Japan, the non-turbocharged 2.5-liter motor makes 210-hp and 195 ft-lbs o torque, meaning that a turbocharged version should produce closer to 250-hp. This would put it ahead of the competition in terms of power and offer more attractive fuel economy, not to mention a more attainable price.

Currently only a G25 sedan is planned and there is no word on if Infinti will offer the new engine in its coupe and convertible models.

The Infiniti G25 is expected to arrive this Fall.

[Source: InsideLine]

Nissan’s next generation of the iconic GT-R may be a hybrid sports car. According to a report in Japan’s Best Car magazine, the R36 GT-R could use a 440-hp gasoline engine mated to a 160-hp electric motor. This would allow the car to output as much as 600-hp in some modes, while attaining impressive fuel economy in another mode.

To us this sounds a lot like the Infiniti Essence Concept (below), which debuted earlier this year at the Geneva Auto Show and has continued to captivate the automotive world since. It is powered by a 440-hp twin-turbo direct-injection 3.7-liter V6 engine and an electric motor to make roughly 600-hp. And just recently Infiniti execs admitted that there is still a possibility that the Essence could make it to dealerships in the future. Perhaps it was an early look at the next GT-R.

[Source: BestCar via Motor Trend]

After previous reports had suggested Infiniti’s stunning Essence concept would never be any more than a shinny piece of auto show metal, word has now emerged that the luxury automaker may turn this fantasy into a reality.

According to a report in Motor Trend, one Infiniti executive, Shiro Nakamura, once again referred to the hybrid supercar as ,” only a showpiece… for now.” This exciting news was then reiterated by another exec, Ben Poore, who said that based off of the car’s incredible reception, the company is still considering a production model and that no final decision either way has been made.

Infiniti has yet to confirm if it will show the car at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but it will be on display at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Canada in February, as well as at the Montreal International Auto Show in January, suggesting that Nissan’s luxury arm continues to probe the market to see if there is a demand. We hope there is!

GALLERY: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

hile on the subject of product updates, Infiniti’s brass was keen to drop a few more nuggets on us. Among them is a major redesign of the QX56 full-size SUV coming next summer. Poore says it will still be body-on-frame and retain the same towing capacity, but will be almost unrecognizable compared to the current vehicle. Also coming in the relatively near future is a pure electric vehicle, though Poore wouldn’t say much more than that it will be a performance-oriented luxury sedan. Another Infiniti exec, Shiro Nakamura, casually mentioned that the show-stopping Essence concept is “only a showpiece…for now.” Poore tells Motor Trend that reaction to the concept has been phenomenal and that the company is studying the possibility of a production model, but no decision has been made yet.

Choosing to forgo the pomp and circumstance (not to mention the price) of the LA Auto Show, Infiniti unveiled a mid-cycle refresh of the G37 sports sedan alongside the all new 2011 M37 and M56. The G wasn’t exactly looking dated, but as the most important product in Infiniti’s lineup, the company didn’t want to risk falling behind.

The updates for 2010 do not include any engine or transmission modifications, which would have been nice, but we have to admit the G doesn’t really need improving in that area. That being said, the car retains its 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, with the choice of either a 7-speed automatic or six-speed manual.

Outside the car gets a typically modest mid-cycle refresh with a new front fascia and front grille with separate fog lights. There is also a new rear bumper deign. In addition, G37S Sport 6MT models equipped with the Sport Package get a new and unique front fascia, grille and side skirts.

Inside there are several updates as well, with new gauges and an LCD screen display that is mostly white in order to not only make it easier to see, but to provide a more cohesive interior design. Models with the 7-seed automatic transmission get a new center console and the “Washi” aluminum trim has been replaced by “Shodo” aluminum trim. Infiniti has also chosen to make the Wheat and Stone leather interior colors even lighter. A new Graphite leather is also available for 2010 as is a new Maple wood trim.

Additional interior upgrades were made in the technology department with an upgraded version of the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, which now includes XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather, as well as Streaming Bluetooth Audio and a Zagat Restaurant Guide. In addition, Infiniti’s RearView Monitor is now standard on most models, while Intelligent Cruise Control is now available on the G.

Several changes have also been made to the different option packages available.

GALLERY: 2010 Infiniti G37

Official release after the jump: