Car Throttle

Infiniti, like Nissan, has got big things in store for the Los Angeles International Show. The new M35 hybrid will be introduced, along new models like the 2011 G25 and performance model the IPL G Coupe. Infiniti's popular EX crossover is also getting updated for 2011, as it starts to roll into dealerships. As the model is fairly new, it isn't a significant - more like tweaks here and there on a successful formula. The biggest change would be the EX's transmission. Last year, the EX was behind the pack with a five-speed automatic. For 2011, it leapfrogs them, adding two gear ratios with a 7-speed unit. The exterior changes consist of three new colors and the addition of standard 18-inch (up from 17) alloy wheels across the

While it is perhaps been overlooked, Nissan has been doing extremely well for itself in the United States market. The brand has posted growth for 10 straight months. Quite impressive. To capitalize on that, the brand is launching a new "Innovation for All" marketing campaign. That claim has been bolstered by vehicles like the LEAF. In addition, lots of new products are on the way, headed for the Los Angeles International Auto Show. It includes the much-speculated about Nissan Murano Convertible, dubbed CrossCabriolet. Pretty crazy that a manufacturer has the guts to introduce a product like this. We applaud bold moves like that! Introduction of the CrossCabriolet has been confirmed by Nissan, with a press release stating: " Murano CrossCabriolet, the world's first all-wheel drive crossover convertible (how's that

Cadillac and Infiniti have been increasingly aiming for their German competition as of late. The CTS and M, as mid-size models, are both crucial to each of their respective manufacturers in achieving that goal. Safety is a highly important aspect for customers when purchasing a new vehicle, and all luxury manufacturers aim to score well (and usually do). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced that the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M are Top Picks for 2010. This in particular is a pretty impressive new entry for Infiniti, showing the brand has really advanced in the area of safety. The CTS has been picked for this award before, showing continued excellence. The Top Pick status comes after passing new, more stringent roof testing standards. The CTS

Infiniti is doing well for itself lately, expanding the lineup and introducing lucrative new models like the mid-size M. For now, that car will serve as the brand's flagship. There is also talk about a proper M coupe as well as a four-door coupe model to compete against the Audi A7 Sportback and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Infiniti is also making moves at the other end of the spectrum however, introducing a new engine and lower price tag model for the G lineup. Back in January, Edmunds Inside Line was the outlet to first confirm the introduction of a G with a smaller V-6. We've heard some rumors that the G lineup would be getting four-cylinder engines sourced from Mercedes. So far, that hasn't happened. We like the idea

I'm an unabashed fan of Infiniti. They seem to "get" what enthusiasts want much more than their two primary competitors, namely Acura and Lexus.  All three of these Japanese-brand luxury channels have been slinging their wares in the 'states for 20+years now, but while Lexus continues to bark up the "I'm too rich for a Buick" tree and Acura continues to make cars that are - how do I put this nicely - difficult to look at, Infiniti is busy cranking out gorgeous cars on balanced rear wheel drive chassis with massive snarly engines and tons of horsepower for reasonable prices. What they haven't had, until now, is an AMG or M-style performance division.  But when you consider that their cars accelerate faster and handle better than

It seems like it was only yesterday we were talking about Infiniti's unique introduction of the new M at Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance. But, it wasn't, and the 2010 show is coming up fast. It looks like Infiniti is planning to make significant introductions at the show yet again. The show normally isn't used for introductions from major manufacturers. It really does makes sense though, given the clientele and amount of media coverage. Smart thinking, Infiniti. Inside Line has recently reported on the possibility of a M-Coupe from Infiniti. The brand is increasingly ambitious and has high hopes for the new M lineup. Especially with the lack of a flagship vehicle, a range-topping luxury coupe could be an important image builder for the brand. Following that, Autoblog's

In terms of alternatives for those looking for something just other than a standard gas-engine vehicle, the market is dominated with hybrids. No full-electric or extended-range electric vehicles are being sold from the major manufacturers. However, that is about to change soon. As everyone has been hearing about for ages, General Motors is preparing to introduce it's Volt next year. Meanwhile, Nissan has been conducting a big campaign for it's new LEAF electric vehicle. Nissan's plan is similar to the way many thought GM should do with the Volt - the car will quickly spawn an Infiniti variant to give the luxury brand a leg up on its competition, increase economies of scale and provide for more profits due to a higher price tag. However, the process wasn't easy. Infiniti

Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Nissan are not three companies you normally see together. However, that has changed - yesterday, as speculated, the companies announced a new partnership for engines and vehicle joint development. It was commenced by each purchasing a small 3.1 percent stake in the other conpany. And they say politics makes strange bedfellows! We're wondering the strategic logic behind this, and this bit of news about the Infiniti lineup is just one of the implications of this far-reaching deal. Word has broke right on this news right from the top (courtesy of Automotive News - subscription required) - Renault-Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn. He said that the Infiniti's popular BMW-fighting lineup, the G, will be receiving Mercedes four-cylinder engines sometime in the future. The deal comes as part of the company's

The Infiniti Q45 luxury sedan had a long run, from 1990 to 2006, but it hasn't really been missed since it left the market. It never was a particularly successful product for Infiniti. We think the reasons are because the rest of the Infiniti lineup wasn't really up to par. Now, things have changed - drastically. The G reinvigorated Infiniti and it has been on the ascendancy ever since. When importation of the Q was stopped in 2006, Infiniti said a new model was coming. Now they seem to be changing their tune. Infiniti's VP of global business Toru Saito said in an interview with Automotive News that the 2011 M sedan will “play a flagship role” for the brand for the forseeable future. This comes in part from the

The Nissan LEAF electric car has made a big splash - it is a big commitment to full-electric vehicles by a large automaker. It is only fitting then that Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, would be getting one as well. Every luxury brand is eager to get it on the eco-conscious market and be a leader in the area. Now an all-new production model has been confirmed from to be coming from Infiniti at the Geneva Auto Show. With the Infiniti QX (based on the Nissan Patrol) being debuted at the New York International Auto Show, many are speculating the announcement at Geneva could be the LEAF-based electric-car. That is just speculation though as we haven't heard anything on it from Infiniti - it could be an unrelated