Nissan showed off three new safety technologies this week in Japan, all three of which are slated to make their way into various Nissan and Infiniti models in the upcoming years.

The first of these three new technologies is a rear camera multi-sensing system, which is Nissan’s result of evolving its Around View Monitor by adding Blind Spot and Lane Departure warnings with Moving Object Detection. Both Blind Spot and Lane Departure warnings have been integrated into Infiniti models in the past, but their Moving Object Detection is all new and set to come out next year. By using the rearview camera and a new image processing system, Moving Object Detection will do what its name says – detect objects and people, highlighting them with a red box while alerting the driver with audio and dashboard warnings. In the video, Nissan also shows off that it works with a front-mounted camera as well.

The next technology that Nissan previewed might have been taken as a slight jab to Toyota‘s misfortunes with drivers accidentally pushing the accelerator rather than the brake. Their Acceleration Suppression system will use the Around View cameras mounted in the bottom of the side mirrors to detect if a driver is pulling into a parking space. By observing the lines painted on the pavement, the system will also engage its front-sensing radar to determine if a wall or another stationary object is in front of the vehicle. By adding one and one together, the vehicle will know if the driver is unintentionally pushing the accelerator pedal rather than the brake and will automatically apply the brakes. Pretty neat.

Lastly, Nissan showed off what is called the Predictive Forward Collision system that uses a radar-based sensor located on the front bumper. The radar’s range has been extended to detect the second vehicle ahead by looking underneath the vehicle ahead of you. Through some calculations, the system will warn the driver if that vehicle doesn’t brake in time or if the driver in front of you swerves out of the way. Both audio and visual warnings will alert the driver of a possible collision and will even pretension the seat belts.

Check out the videos below, showcasing each of the new safety technologies.

[Source: Autoblog]

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Infiniti‘s Etherea Concept, shown off earlier this year at Geneva, may become a reality thanks to its partnership with Mercedes-Benz. Car and Driver has reports that Infiniti will be using Mercedes-Benz’s A-Class platform to build their own entry-level luxury hatchback, leading to speculation that a production model based on the Etherea Concept is on Infiniti’s to-do list.

But with access to both Nissan and Renault parts, why would Infiniti want to turn to Mercedes? An Infiniti exec spoke about how the new model would be all about luxury, requiring better torsional rigidity, and much better NVH than you would put into a mass brand.

Infiniti won’t just be borrowing and simply using the A-Class platform though, their engineers will be working on setting it apart from the Mercedes. When we’ll actually see this new model is an unknown, but Infiniti could definitely use a little spice and excitement next year.

GALLERY: Infiniti Etherea Concept

[Source: Autoblog]

Back in October, we told you about the Infiniti G37 Art Car and how it was being auctioned off on November 12, with its proceeds going to support the ONE DROP Foundation. An anonymous bidder placed a winning bid of $55,000 for this very special car, and the proceeds will go towards initiatives in developing countries.

The Masquerave event drew 1,200 people and the Art Car was revealed with a dramatic performance choreographed by Cirque du Soleil (ONE DROP is an initiative of Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil).

“We are thrilled to have the support of Infiniti, and the proceeds from this auction will go toward our clean water projects in the third world,” said Lili-Anna Peresa, executive director, ONE DROP.

Created in 2009 to for Infiniti’s 20th anniversary and Cirque du Soleil 25th anniversary, the G37 Art Car was designed by Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer who spent more than 300 hours hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.

Consumer Reports recently compared four luxury sedans in the January issue of the magazine, pitting the Audi A6 against the Infiniti M35h, Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec and Saab 9-5, with the refreshed A6 receiving an overall test score of 93, tying Infiniti’s M37 at the top of the charts. The previous generation A6 had scored a disappointing 79.

For the A6, Consumer Reports raved about how agile, comfortable, quiet and quick the vehicle was. The model tested was a 3.0T Quattro Premium Plus with a supercharged 3.0L powerplant with 310-hp. Consumer Reports was able to get 22-mpg out of the sedan, enjoyed the eight-speed transmission and found braking performance to be very good.

Mercedes-Benz’s E350 BlueTec received top honors for fuel efficiency with 26-mpg, while the M35h received an excellent road test score despite reporting that its power delivery tend to be jerky and abrupt. Consumer Reports also reported that the M35h’s handling and braking wasn’t as brilliant as the M37′s.

Lastly, and probably to no one’s surprise, Saab’s 9-5 was deemed disappointing and seen as a poor value.

Infiniti is preparing a stunning new concept car for the Geneva Auto Show, one that will use both a gasoline engine and electric motor, while taking strong design cues from the stunning Essence concept.

Infiniti says the car is, “being created to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars.” With Infiniti already offering gas and diesel models and plans to bring to market soon an all-electric vehicle, this new concept will look beyond, combining the best attributes of gas and electric technologies.

“This sports car is basically about us thinking what’s next and, I guess, from really two or three perspectives,” says Infiniti Executive Vice President Andy Palmer. “The first, and really obviously, is introducing the technology of range extender. You’ve got the EV, which allows you great performance, but can you do that in a way that is interesting to people that are limited by range? And then there’s the technological challenge of being able to switch between being electric and petrol-driven, so there’s an interesting challenge there.”

In addition, Infiniti says the new concept will look to shape the future designs of the Infiniti brand. And if the Essence concept is any indication, we’re in for a treat.

With the Geneva Auto Show taking place in March, infiniti has promised updates and the car takes shape.

GALLERY: Infiniti Extended Range Sports Car Concept

Model Year 2011-2012 Nissan 370Z sports cars and Infiniti G37 luxury coupes are recalled due to a programming error in the power window switch controller in select vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into Nissan’s auto-reverse power windows, which contains a sensor that can stop and reverse the windows when a blockage is detected, preventing the occupants from having their finger’s pinched. In approximately 1,788 Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 cars built between July 2 to August 29, the auto-reverse power windows might malfunction.

Owners can bring their recalled vehicles to local dealerships for free servicing. For more information, contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 (reference recall campaign number 11V538000) or Nissan at 1800-647-7261 or Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200.

No surprises here as Infiniti unveiled the official IPL G Convertible today at the LA Auto Show. Set to go on sale in spring of 2012, the IPL G Convertible becomes the second vehicle in the Infiniti Performance Line models offering special aerodynamic styling pieces, performance from the IPL-tuned V6, exhaust, suspension, 19-inch IPL wheels, and unique leather interior.

The three-piece retractable hardtop-equipped G features a VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 engine with 343-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 18-hp and 6 lb-ft of torque over the standard G37 Convertible. This is thanks to a retuned ECU (which also brings maximum horsepower output to 7,400-rpm), and a high-flow dual exhaust system.

Unfortunately the IPL G Convertible will only come with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Infiniti’s Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift Drive Sport mode with magnesium paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control. For those that have had the pleasure of enjoying any of Infinit’s G-models with a manual transmission will know why we’re all a little bit disappointed that only an automatic will be offered with the IPL G Convertible.

Suspension upgrades include stiffer springs and Infiniti’s all-new HF-type shock. For brakes, 14-inch rotors are in the front while 13.8-inch rotors are in the rear. 4-piston calipers are paired with the front rotors while the rear gets 2-piston pieces.

On the outside, the IPL G Convertible has a different front bumper design featuring integrated fog lights with black finishers, sculpted side skirts and round chrome exhaust tips. The 19-inch IPL split seven-spoke wheels are done in a graphite finish, paired with W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber.

The IPL G Convertible will be available in two colors, Moonlight White and Malbec Black which can be matched to two interior colors, Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red.

No options will be available for the automatic IPL G Convertible and Infiniti did not announce an MSRP.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible LA Auto Show Unveil

As promised, Infiniti has unveiled its entry into the three-row luxury crossover segment today at the LA Auto Show with the new JX. With the official reveal of the JX, Infiniti has also announced its pricing, setting the JX35 FWD MSRP at $40,450 while the AWD will come in at $41,550. Both vehicles are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine with 265-hp mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport mode.

The Infiniti JX will be on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2012. Blending both luxury and style with Infiniti’s new design language direction, the JX offers superb legroom in all three rows with plenty of cargo space behind the third row. Infiniti engineers also designed an innovative entry to the third row without having to remove the second row child seat.

The JX will also feature Infiniti’s newest technology, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) which will allow the JX to help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX when the transmission is in reverse. The system will even engage the car’s brakes if necessary to help avoid a collision.

As with any other Infiniti, a bevy of options were also announced with the JX: Premium Package ($4,950), Driver Assistance Package ($2,200), Theater Package ($1,700), Deluxe Touring Package ($2,550), Technology Package ($3,100), Roof Rails ($370) and polished 20-inch forged wheels ($1,600).

One of the newest features of the Premium Package that is worth mentioning is Infiniti Connection, which can automatically sync the owner’s schedule through Google Calendar and provide navigation to those appointments. In addition, the system will allow the driver to setup Drive Zone and Speed Alerts, among other multiple functions.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX LA Auto Show Unveil

Click here for AutoGuide’s complete 2011 LA Auto Show Coverage

Infiniti’s FX is clearly evolving to become a real winner, first with the Sebastian Vettel Edition and now world-famous Mercedes-Benz tuner turning their attention to the Japanese crossover. It’s rather surprising to see Lorinser working on a Japanese vehicle, with their portfolio of tuning programs almost strictly covering only Mercedes vehicles.

Even more surprising though is probably how good the package looks on the FX, giving it a clear European-inspired styling to the vehicle. The new front bumper features daytime LED running lights with some really aggressive styling. The rear bumper has also been redesigned along with a roof spoiler that reduces downforce. A pair of new side skirts finish off the styling package while a set of 22-inch wheels were paired with Continental Cross Contact rubber and bolted onto the FX.

Lorinser will also offer bespoke interior upgrades from personalized floor mats to complete leather furnishings. The package will initially launch in Russia with other markets being considered, but it will be shown off at the upcoming Essen Motor Show.

GALLERY: Lorinser Infiniti FX

Infiniti is set for two world debuts at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16th, 2011. Taking center stage at their booth will be the 2013 Infiniti JX crossover and the 2013 IPL G Convertible, the second vehicle in the Infiniti Performance Line.

Up until now, we’ve only seen the JX in concept form when it was revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now we’ll finally see the production luxury crossover, featuring the world’s first Back-up Collision Intervention system and more second and third row legroom than a Cadillac Escalade.

The 2013 IPL G Convertible is set to hit showrooms in spring of 2012 and when we saw the concept, it sported a 3.7L V6 with 348-hp. On the outside, the IPL G Convertible sports 19-inch IPL wheels, a three-piece retractable hardtop and red leather interior contrasting the Malbec Black exterior.

AutoGuide will be live for the official reveals at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Until then, check out our complete preview here.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX Concept

GALLERY: 2013 IPL G Convertible

Red Bull livery. It’s not just for Honda CBRs any more. Not since Infiniti teamed up with the energy drink company’s F1 team last year and Sebastian Vettel won the World Championship for the second year running.

To celebrate the event, Infiniti is giving just 10 customers in the UK the opportunity for a behind the scenes look at the Red Bull Racing UK factory. And all they have to do is buy an Infiniti FX.

Those lucky few will be able to have their FX outfitted in a Red Bull Racing inspired wrap at no extra cost. Infiniti will also be offering the custom wrap to other FX drivers, although exact pricing has not been released.

Infiniti Canada is joining forces with Bearfoot Bistro and Masquerave raise awareness of water-related issues and to help raise funds for ONE DROP’s initiatives in developing countries.

Bearfoot Bistro’s Masquerave is a famous renowned culinary extravaganza that takes place in Whistler on November 12, and Infiniti is donating the Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle that will be auctioned off at the event. Proceeds will go to ONE DROP, a charity launched by Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil.

To celebrate Infiniti’s 20th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of Cirque du Soleil in 2009, the Art Project Vehicle was brought to life. Adorned with Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer’s unique designs, it took more than 300 hours and over one month of hand-painting to fill this striking canvas.

“Celebrating 20 years of Infiniti was an important milestone and we wanted to do something truly unique and representative of the Infiniti brand to commemorate it,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “Both Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil celebrated important anniversaries and it was incredible to be able to collaborate on a unique and special project such as this. We are proud that the car, this work of art, will have further meaning in that it will help support an incredible cause.”

If you’re interested in going to this event, tickets to Masquerave cost $295 plus tax and service, and are available at www.bearfootbistro.com.

You can be part of the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team’s pit crew when you play Infiniti’s first ever social game on Facebook.

Infiniti and Red Bull Racing have teamed up for this new Facebook application called the Infiniti Pit Crew Challenge. Inspired by the competitive fuel that helps drive the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team, this interactive game pits you in a race against the clock to complete a pit stop. You’ll be tested to see if your reflexes and accuracy measure up as you work furiously to get your car back onto the track.

To play the game, all you have to do is like the Infiniti Pit Crew Challenge on Facebook. You’ll then be able to challenge friends and compete against other Infiniti Facebook fans across the world. Who knows – you could be one of the lucky ones to nab one of the top 24 spots on the Global Leaderboard.

If you’re an avid follower of Formula 1, you’d have already known that Sebastien Vettel has won the 2011 Drivers Championship. Even though his F1 car is powered by a Renault engine, it is branded an Infiniti for marketing purposes, as Infiniti only launched in Europe this year.

Starting with the FX Sebastien Vettel edition. First shown as a concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Auto Show, this special vehicle is now rumored to be approved for production. While the looks will pretty much stay intact, it is yet to be seen if the production model will also be limited to a top speed of 186 mph.

While Vettel might be a double world champion, F1 is not big in North America, so this hot FX might not even come to our shores. We hope that it does.

Gallery: Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel

[Source: Autoblog]

Nissan and Mitsubishi continue to cozy up, with the latest announcement including the sharing of Nissan’s newest flagship luxury sedan. Sold in North America as the Infiniti M, Nissan will supply what it dubs the Fuga in its domestic market to Mistubishi. The new Mitsubishi-badged vehicle will go on sale in Japan starting in the summer of 2012.

In addition, both automakers have signed on to work together to bring Mitsubishi’s MINICAB-MiEV (a larger version of the tiny electric car intended for commercial use) to market next year.

This news is the latest development from an agreement that began back in December of 2010 that has also seen Nissan supply its NV vehicles to Mitsubishi as well as a joint-venture to develop minicars for the Japanese market.

Infiniti already claims the new M35h is the world’s quickest hybrid with a 0-62 mph time of 5.5 seconds. Now the Japanese luxury automaker can add one more performance credential to the car’s list: the Guinness World Record for the fastest hybrid.

The certification was given after auto journalist Tim Pollard of CAR Magazine piloted the luxury hybrid sedan down the 1/4 mile drag course at the UK’s Santa Pod strip, setting an average time between the runs of 13.9031. Pollard’s best run clocked just 13.8960, with all trap speeds above 100 mph.

The M35h is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine making 302-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to an electric motor that adds 67-hp more. Plus, with all this performance, Infiniti claims a 27-mpg city rating and 29-mpg highway.

GALLERY: Infiniti M35h Guinness World Record Run

Earlier this week at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Infiniti released teaser sketches of their upcoming Nissan Leaf-based Infiniti electric sedan concept.

As if that wasn’t enough to stir the press, Nissan’s global communications chief Andy Palmer informed the media of an upcoming Infiniti mid-engine electric sports car as well. The car will use many of the technologies found in the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC, which was on display at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. Elements in the Leaf Nismo RC that may be applied include a full carbon fiber tub and a rear-wheel drive layout.

As far as powertrain is concerned, the concept coupe is likely to use a range extender application where although the wheels will be driven by electric motors, a hyper-compact petrol engine will be a source of energy generation (similar to the Chevrolet Volt).

Last but not least, Red Bull Racing, the Formula 1 team sponsored by Infiniti, will likely lend its experience with KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) for the concept’s development as well.

Expect to first see the Infiniti electric sports car concept at the next Geneva Auto Show. The production car is aimed for 2014, released alongside of the upcoming Infiniti electric sedan.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Infiniti will adopt Mercedes-Benz’s small car architecture, used to underpin the front-drive B-Class, as part of the technology sharing agreement signed between the two companies.

Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told Autocar that ”you’d be very surprised if in five or six years that Mercedes and Renault/Nissan had only cooperated on small cars,” signalling a much wider cross-pollination for the two companies. Mercedes engines are expected to be used in the new Infiniti M, while the B-Class platform will underpin a new, small minivan-esque vehicle for Infiniti.

[Source: Autocar]

The teasing starts early as Infiniti takes an opportunity at the Frankfurt Auto Show to hint at the public of a future zero emission luxury vehicle.

This sketch gives us another look at Infiniti’s design movement. First seen in the 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept, the trademark indented surface treatment trailing the quarter window will make its way into more and more future Infiniti models. Most welcomed is the more gradual wedge of the concept’s beltline, allowing for a larger daylight opening, potentially giving the cabin a more airy environment.

Likely to use the technologies found in the Nissan Leaf, Infiniti promises their EV will be “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions…”

This statement is particularly bold as luxury (weight) and high performance (more power) are the two largest obstacles an EV faces in its pursuit of obtaining a practical range for every charge. Still in its development phase, Infiniti aims to officially introduce their EV by 2014.

Sebastian Vettel’s Version of Infiniti‘s FX is now official, packing 414-hp, improved aerodynamics, 21-inch wheels and carbon fiber components giving the FX over 101-lbs in weight savings. The special edition FX was designed to Sebastian Vettel’s vision and built by Infiniti in just six months and is based on the V8 FX50S Premium. And best of all, we’re glad Infiniti and Vettel changed more than just the FX’s good looks on their collaboration.

The aerodynamic changes on Sebastian Vettel’s FX were a result of Infiniti designers and engineers working closely with Vettel and Red Bull Racing personnel. In fact, Red Bull Racing’s RB7 was shipped over to Japan to give Infiniti real life inspiration. The FX sits about 0.8-inch lower than the standard FX, an Essence-inspired grille and sports a carbon fiber rear wing. This results in a 30-percent improvement in the coefficient of lift while the coefficient of drag is 5-percent lower. Carbon is also seen on the splitter, sills, front grille, mirror covers and rear diffusers.

The stylish 21-inch wheels are finished in a black and silver shade, giving the FX a stylish and sporty appearance. For performance, a new exhaust system along with reprogrammed ECU is all it took to free up another 30 or so hp from the factory FX50S. In the inside, more carbon fiber was used on the doors and center console while the steering wheel sports Alcantara and special seats with additional support are covered in black-quilted suede with purple stitching and “SV” logos. A metal plate on the center console features Vettel’s signature.

No word yet if production of this special edition FX will make its way to America.

GALLERY: Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version

Infiniti has teamed up with Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross to design the Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch.

It’s the second timepiece to be released by Infiniti – the first was the special edition BR03-92 Instrument Phantom to celebrate the launch of last year’s Infiniti FX Limited Edition performance crossover. The BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial Stylish takes its cues from both brands and the result is this exclusive timepiece.

Showcased on a matte black dial, the seconds pointer and eighth digit boast a photo-luminescent finish in the same distinct purple color favored by Infiniti. It’s interesting to note that the number eight is a symbol of luck in Asia and also symbolizes the mathematical sign of infinity – not to mention that when you turn it on it on its side, it is also happens to be the automaker’s logo. The glass front casing is made from anti-reflection sapphire crystal and it features automatic mechanical ETA 2982 movement. Turn this watch over to see the engraved Infiniti and Bell & Ross signature on its steel case back.

“The Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial wristwatch is a true celebration of our continued association with Bell & Ross, for which we are very proud,” said Andy Palmer, Infiniti’s Executive Vice President. “The new timepiece effortlessly embodies the unique qualities of both brands to offer discerning customers a rare and highly sought-after addition to their collection.”

There are only going to be 200 of the Limited Edition BR02-8 Infiniti Carbon Case Purple 8 Pro Dial watches available for sale worldwide. You can buy one from any of Infiniti Centres for £3,090 ($4,936).

Ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Infiniti has released a selection of photos of what will be called the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version. Wearing the name of the Formula One World Champion (and current points leader for the 2011 season), the man himself will be on hand to unveil the custom luxury crossover in Frankfurt.

Based on the V8-powered FX50S Premium model, the aerodynamic updates are obvious from the photos, including a new carbon fiber front lip and rear spoiler. Suspension and engine upgrades are also promised as a part of the package, allowing this FX to fulfill Vettel’s wish for a crossover that can drive at speeds of up to 300 km/h (186 mph). Vettel is, after all, from Germany – the land of the autobahn.

Full details will be unveiled in Frankfurt, but in the mean time Infiniti has announced the car’s aerodynamic components are the result of the brand’s F1 partnership with Red Bull Racing.

GALLERY: Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version