Showing posts with label Infiniti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infiniti. Show all posts

Friday, July 9, 2010

Infiniti FX37, 2009

Infiniti FX37, 2009






A genuine fusion of sports car and SUV, the Infiniti FX37's dramatic styling - shared with the Infiniti FX50 - sets it apart from the crowd. Built on Infiniti's FM (front-midships) platform, the Infiniti FX37 blends sports car proportions with the character of a 4x4. That means a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like roofline, with the stance and strength of an SUV.
Engine
The Infiniti FX37 is powered by the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine delivering 320PS at 7,000 rpm and a healthy 360Nm of torque (comparable figures for the V8 FX50 are 390PS and 500Nm).

A member of the multi-award winning VQ engine family, the all-aluminium 24-valve twin cam unit features a bed-plate construction. A technique that has been used in motor racing for many years, the resulting two-part construction of the cylinder block is more rigid than a single piece casting.

It is a configuration that signifies a high-performance sporting engine designed for the highest strength and reliability. Other benefits include reduced vibration levels and higher engine speeds to be reached consistently without damage.

The engine, which is fully Euro 5 compliant, incorporates VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology to optimise efficiency and, in turn, the balance between power, response, fuel efficiency and emissions. VVEL continually alters valve lift and therefore the quantity of air in the combustion chamber. The result is a more powerful combustion phase increasing torque and power.

Precise mapping of the ECU, meanwhile, helps the engine provide a progressive 'swell' of power and torque, providing a 'building wave' of acceleration rather than a peaky power delivery.

Infiniti FX37 comes with a new seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) as standard providing a wider spread of transmission ratios for improved fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking.

Shift points are tuned to keep the engine in the largest part of the torque curve, ensuring there is always a healthy reserve when the driver wants to overtake. The linked ASC system switches between three different programs depending on input from the major control systems throughout the car. Manual shifts can be made via paddle shifts mounted behind the steering wheel.

Chassis
Suspension design is fully independent and uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a subframe behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, Infiniti FX37 combines agility with exceptional ride comfort.

In keeping with its crossover role, Infiniti FX37 features Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) four-wheel drive technology. The system uses an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch for smooth starts, greater grip and better manoeuvrability on slippery surfaces without compromising the vehicle's rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads. Torque distribution is anything from 50:50 up to 0:100, front to rear. Unlike permanent 4x4 systems, which can deaden the steering feel and dull the driving dynamics, the electromagnetic torque transfer at the heart of ATTESA E-TS intelligent 4WD's system permits an element of oversteer for a more sporting drive.

When Infiniti FX37 accelerates from a standing start, ATTESA E-TS system provides power to all four wheels. Once up to speed, if the system's sensors detect that all-wheel drive is not needed, up to 100 percent of the power is sent to the rear wheels. This rear-bias offers better handling balance and improved fuel efficiency.

In common with the entire Infiniti range, Infiniti FX37 has been fine tuned for European road conditions. As well as revised settings for the suspension and steering and enhanced NVH protection, Infiniti FX37 has been given bigger brakes better to cope with Europe's higher average speeds. This, in turn, has allowed 20-inch alloy wheels to be fitted as standard.

Styling
An all-new design, the latest generation FX range adopts Infiniti's signature double-arch grille and 'double wave' frontal styling. The profile is dominated by a strong shoulder-line set off by functional side vents behind the front wheels while the swooping roofline is topped by roof rails, which are fitted as standard. At the rear, distinctive LED taillights wrap around the side of the vehicle.

Helping to contribute to a low overall weight, all four doors are made from aluminium.

The interior provides a driver-oriented cockpit combined with a luxuriously sophisticated passenger compartment. Natural materials including wood and quilted leather can be found throughout while the dashboard features the Infiniti signature double-wave design. Three interior colour schemes are offered: black plus duo-tone beige and grey or brown and black. Power adjustable front seats are ventilated for the ultimate in comfort at all times.

Equipment
Other items of standard equipment include Intelligent Key with keyless go, and Bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) which automatically controls the aim and patterns of the headlights, based on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed (the headlights can swivel headlights up to 17 degrees).

An extensive equipment list also includes an electric sunroof, rear privacy glass, front fog lamps, light and rain sensors and a total of six airbags - front side and curtain.

The Infiniti FX37 comes standard with a rear view parking camera and display, full telephone communication via Bluetooth, an in-dash six-disc CD changer plus an Aux-In socket for mp3 players complete the package.

In common with other Infiniti models, FX37 has the advanced 'Scratch Shield' paint. A special highly elastic resin has been combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint's flexibility to produce 'self healing' characteristics.

There are two major option packs: Sport and Multimedia. The Sport pack includes active Continuous Damping Control system with electronically controlled shock absorbers that continuously alter the damping settings to provide optimal ride and handling.

The pack also incorporates sports seats with inflatable cushions for added bolster and upper body support and 21-inch alloy wheels. Visual differences include smoked headlamps, black roof lining and the availability of black trim finishers inside the cabin.

The multimedia pack is based around a top-end Bose 11 speaker audio system and the latest satellite navigation system with voice recognition featuring an 8-inch full colour display on which it can display Bird View navigation and real time traffic information.

Infiniti's Around View Monitor which uses small cameras mounted at the front, rear and on the sides of the vehicle to project an all-round view of potential obstacles.

Infiniti FX35, 2009

Infiniti FX35, 2009






The all-new, second-generation Infiniti FX is a radical expression of sport and utility - offering exceptional levels of power, refinement and driving exhilaration. Created as a fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with head-turning styling and an advanced sporty platform, the new FX is a showcase of Infiniti's design and technology leadership.

Along with an aerodynamic, rigid yet lightweight body structure and sporty FM platform, the new FX features a extensive list of available equipment and technology designed to create an exhilarating and rewarding driving experience, including a choice of a new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event & Lift) or 303-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6. Each engine is paired with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The new FX is also offered with available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes, along with available Continuous Damping Control (CDC), Rear Active Steer, Intelligent Brake Assist and 21-inch super lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei.

The new FX interior provides a warm, modern, inviting environment highlighted by a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive controls, available sport seating and advanced audio, navigation and technology ranging from an 11-speaker Bose-developed audio system to Infiniti Intelligent Key, available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range) and available Around View Monitor system.

The new FX offers two industry-first safety technologies: Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), which provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking; Distance Control Assist (DCA), which reduces the burden of driving in heavy traffic by intuitively helping to release the throttle and apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Also available is a Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which helps keep the vehicle in its travel lane.

The all-new FX will be available in three models: Infiniti FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8, Infiniti FX35 AWD with 3.5-liter V6 and Infiniti FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6. The new 2009 FX goes on sale at Infiniti dealers in the United States and Canada beginning in June 2008.

Highlights of the 2009 Infiniti FX:
Body
* A fusion of luxury, performance and SUV utility, with short front and rear overhangs, low center of gravity, aggressive stance and available 21-inch wheels and tires
* Polished, assertive styling, featuring a dark chrome grille, double wave hood, strong front-to-rear shoulder line, integrated rear spoiler, power sliding moonroof
* Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)
* Standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional projector headlights with automatic-on feature, integrated fog lights; aerodynamically designed rear LED taillights
* New, distinctive functional side air vents, which reduce front end lift by five percent
* Lightweight aluminum-alloy hood and doors
* Chrome window moldings and door handles; available aluminum roof rails
* Power folding, heated body-colored power adjustable outside sideview mirrors with puddle lamps and available reverse synchronization
* Speed-sensitive windshield wipers with new aerodynamic flat blade wiper design, low-profile wiper arms; available rain-sensing function
* Dual outlet exhaust with tailpipe finishers
* Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat paint finish)
* Offered in eight exterior colors
* 0.35 coefficient of drag (Infiniti FX35)

Engine, Driveline and Platform
* Front engine/rear-wheel drive (Infiniti FX35 RWD) or all-wheel drive (FX50 AWD, FX35 AWD)
* VK50VE 32-valve 5.0-liter DOHC V8 with advanced Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, producing 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque (FX50)
* VQ35HR 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6, producing 303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque (Infiniti FX35)
* New 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and Downshift Rev Matching
* Available solid magnesium paddle shifters
* ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) AWD system (FX50 AWD, Infiniti FX35 AWD)
* Snow-Mode function (shifts throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions once activated by driver for enhanced traction)
* Built on Infiniti's FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, specially designed and configured for use on FX
* Front-to-rear weight distribution: FX50 AWD 54/46, FX35 AWD 53/47, FX35 RWD 52/48

Suspension, Steering and Braking
* Refined 4-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link designs, extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, lightweight compact steel rear subframe
* Dual Flow Path shock absorbers with rebound springs
* Available Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with driver-selectable "Auto" and "Sport" settings (FX50 Sport Package)
* Large diameter front and rear stabilizer bars
* Power-assisted twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
* Available Rear Active Steer for increased responsiveness and handling (FX50 Sport Package)
* 4-wheel power-assisted vented brakes; 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA), available Preview Braking
* Aluminum-alloy 4-piston front/2-piston rear (opposed piston) calipers (FX50)
* Available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range)
* Standard painted silver 18-inch split-5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 all-season tires (Infiniti FX35)
* Available metallic finish 20-inch 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/50R20 all-season tires (Infiniti FX35)
* Super-lightweight 9.5Jx21 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels designed by Enkei with 265/45R21 all-season tires or available W-rated high-performance summer tires (FX50)

Interior Features
* Cockpit-like styling with standard leather-appointed seating
* Available quilted leather-appointed seating
* Personalized driver and passenger comfort zones with dual-zone front climate control HVAC system
* Superior ingress and egress with low step-in height and easy-access seat height
* Power-adjustable 10-way driver's seat, available manual thigh support with power bolster adjustment
* Available 2-Position Driver's Memory Seat system (standard on FX50)
* 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, available manual thigh support
* Automatic driving position system - coordinates steering wheel and mirror position as seat is adjusted
* Available climate-controlled heating and cooling front seats (standard FX50, optional Infiniti FX35)
* Three-spoke, perforated leather-wrapped, sport-style steering wheel with integrated cruise control and audio controls, available power tilt/telescope feature (standard on FX50)
* Manually reclining 60/40 split-folding rear seat
* 12-point sequential Welcome Lighting system
* White/violet Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges
* Standard 7.0-inch (FX35) or 8.0-inch (FX50) color information display
* Signature Infiniti analog clock
* Available aluminum pedals (standard FX50, optional FX35)
* Genuine hand-stained Maple wood and piano black trim (standard on FX50, optional on FX35)
* Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster ionizer
* Auto up/down front windows, available auto up/down rear windows
* Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
* 11-speaker Bose Premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer, Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter (DAC), mp3-CD playback, auxiliary input jack and steering wheel audio controls
* Infiniti Hard Drive (HDD) Navigation System with XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information (requires active XM subscription, sold separately), 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with Interface System for iPod, Compact Flash slot and Voice Recognition system
* XM Satellite Radio (requires active XM subscription, sold separately)
* Standard RearView Monitor
* Available innovative Around View Monitor system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce blind spots when parking
* Available Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System (standard on FX50)
* Available solid-construction cargo area cover, cargo net (standard on FX50)
* Four 12-volt power points, dual front and rear cupholders, locking glove compartment
* Available Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System, 9.0-inch flip-down console-mounted rear monitor, DVD player mounted in front center console, two wireless headphones, remote control
* Three available interior colors: Wheat, Graphite, Java

Safety and Security
* Available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning
* Available Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
* Available Distance Control Assist (DCA)
* Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS)
* Dual-stage front supplemental air bags with passenger seat occupant classification system and seat belt sensor
* Seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted curtain air bags for enhanced outboard seat occupant head protection
* 3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters; ALR/ELR in all passenger seating positions (driver ELR only)
* Available Pre-Crash Seat Belts
* Seat belt reminder system (front)
* Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system in rear outboard seating positions, (upper tether for all rear seating positions)
* Front-seat Active Head Restraints
* Child safety rear door locks and power window lock-out button
* Energy-absorbing steering column
* Zone Body Construction with front and rear crumple zones
* First aid kit and tool kit
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System and Vehicle Security System
* Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), cancel switch.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Infiniti G37 Coupe

Infiniti G37 Coupe

The Infiniti G37 Coupé offers dramatic performance in a thoroughly seductive shape. Although sharing a great deal of hardware with the Infiniti G37 Sedan, the Coupé is designed to appeal to different buyer.

The dynamic styling allied to its obvious performance potential will appeal to successful individuals who appreciate beautiful design and enjoy driving.

There are three versions of the Infiniti G37 Coupé on offer - the well equipped G37 Coupé, the more luxurious GT version with leather upholstery, and the sport-oriented S version with 4-Wheel Active Steer system, a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) and sports suspension settings among other changes.

Exterior styling
A long bonnet, short overhangs and dramatically raked roof line give the Infiniti G37 Coupé a silhouette that sets it apart from rival products based more heavily on their saloon counterparts.

Designed as a modern sports car without compromise, the Infiniti G37 Coupé has elegant and sophisticated proportions allied to an expressive, curving shoulder-line to give a feeling of movement even when stationary. The shorter and lower roofline also helps accentuate the Coupé's low centre of gravity and gives a clear indication that this is essentially a rear-wheel-drive car.

Curving 'character' lines at the front of the car mimic the lines of the front wings and help give the Coupé a more athletic and aggressive stance, while the wave-style aluminium bonnet incorporates a natural power dome to accentuate the potency of what lies beneath.

Interior environment
The Infiniti G37 Coupé provides a sporting cockpit environment for the driver and a luxuriously open space for its passengers. The dashboard and centre console, complete with seven-inch colour display, adopts Infiniti design DNA with a 'double wave' upper section linked to a central vertical spine for a feeling of solidity. Textured aluminium trim inserts can be found on the centre console, the instrument binnacle and the door panels.

Its gracefully curved door trims have been inspired by traditional Japanese ceremonial swords, while the trim inserts are modelled on Japanese Washi handmade paper. Other signature Infiniti features are the elegant analogue clock on the dashboard and purple backlighting of instruments and controls.
Thanks to its long wheelbase, there is room in the rear compartment for two adults with easy ingress and egress provided by the wide opening doors and the electric fold and slide front seats. The practicality and loading capacity of Infiniti G37 Coupé is further improved by the folding rear seats

The Engine and powertrain
Infiniti's latest 3.7-litre V6 is a potent, high revving, 24-valve twin cam unit producing 235 kW at 7,000 rpm (320 PS) and an impressive 360 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Constructed from lightweight aluminium, the engine features a two-part bed-plate construction which is more rigid than a single piece casting for reduced vibration levels. It also permits sustained use at higher revs: the V6 is red-lined at 7,500rpm.

The VQ37 unit features VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology to optimise efficiency and, in turn, the balance between power, response, fuel efficiency and emissions.

By continually altering valve lift and therefore the quantity of air in the combustion chamber it provides a more powerful combustion phase to increase torque and power. Best of all, as the valves control the intake rather than a conventional butterfly, response to throttle inputs is immediate. VVEL improves fuel economy and lowers emissions compared to standard valve lift systems.

Precise mapping of the ECU, meanwhile, helps the engine provide a progressive 'swell' of power and torque, providing a 'building wave' of acceleration rather than a peaky power delivery.

It delivers a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) taking 5.8 seconds (on M/T version). Fuel economy over the combined cycle is 10.5 l/100kms (26.9 mpg) while the Coupé has a CO2 figure of 249 g/km. The engine is fully compliant with Euro 5 emission level requirements.

In keeping with the performance profile of the Coupé, Infiniti engineers have developed a special aural soundtrack for the car. Equal length tubular exhaust manifolds and a symmetrical exhaust and silencer system have allowed the engineers to create a linear sound with a good balance between low and high frequency notes.

As well as a smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission, the Infiniti G37 Coupé is available with a new seven-speed automatic option with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Chassis and driving dynamics

The Infiniti G37 Coupé uses the second-generation version of Infiniti's FM platform. The 'front midship' engine location sees the compact V6 mounted in the front of the car, but as low and as far back as possible, with most of the block behind the front axle line. The result lowers the centre of gravity and helps to deliver the optimum front to rear weight distribution.

The fully independent suspension uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. A double wishbone set up at the front and a subframe-mounted multi-link arrangement at the rear allied to an extremely rigid body shell, gives the Infiniti G37 Coupé agile handling perfectly in keeping with its performance potential.

All versions of Infiniti G37 Coupé come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), while the power-assisted four-wheel vented disc brakes have a four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) as standard.

To enhance the braking feel, the Infiniti G37 Coupé uses a 'link-design' pedal which becomes progressively firmer as g-forces and vehicle speed increases. As a result, the driver has a more direct sensation of the forces acting on the car as he brakes from high speed, as well as the benefit of increased assistance. At lower speeds the brake is easier to operate but with more travel relative to assistance.

The power steering system is a vehicle-speed-sensing type with a twin-orifice structure, which provides optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds.
The sports oriented G37S version has a number of chassis changes in keeping with its sharper profile. The principal enhancement is the addition of the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system which helps improve handling performance still further by varying the front steering ratio and adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.
Other standard features of the G37S include a Viscous Limited Slip Differential, recalibrated suspension settings and an enhanced braking system with four piston front brakes and two piston rears.

Standard and optional equipment
The Infiniti G37 Coupé has a full complement of user friendly - and above all, useful - standard equipment, plus options for those who want to make even more of a statement.
Standard features include the intelligent I-key with smart access and push button starter, a six-disc, seven-speaker audio system with an RCA AUX-in jack socket for MP3 players. Bluetooth phone connectivity and cruise control with speed limiter can all be operated via switches on the leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.

Other standard features include power seats (with eight way adjustment on the driver's side and four way for the passenger), aluminium pedals and footrest, auto-dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and integrated fog lamps. For the perfect driving position, the binnacle is attached not to the dashboard but to the steering column itself, and moves with the wheel when the latter is adjusted for reach and rake.

The Adaptive Front-light System (AFS) and "Scratch Shield" paint are also standard. Bi-Xenon headlamps are linked to steering inputs and automatically follow the path of the front wheels to provide a wide spread of light around corners and on winding roads. "Scratch Shield" paint incorporates a special highly elastic resin within the conventional clearcoat to increase the paint's flexibility. A car painted with "Scratch Shield" paint can exhibit up to five times fewer scratches that a conventional clearcoat when exposed to the same conditions.

In addition to its chassis and dynamic changes, the G37S adds a sports seat with manual thigh extension for the driver. The seats themselves are upholstered with leather as well as heated and have 14-way power adjustment (driver) and 8-way power adjustment (passenger). There's a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard, plus 19-inch alloy sports wheels.

The major option is the new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium paddle shifters, enabling drivers to shift the transmission without releasing their hands from the steering wheel. With its additional forward gear, the new automatic transmission has a wider spread of ratios which benefits both fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking. Shift points are tuned to keep the engine in the largest part of the torque curve, ensuring there is always a healthy reserve when the driver wants to overtake. The linked Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) system switches between three different programs depending on input from the major control systems throughout the car.

Other options include Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) which uses brake, throttle and laser sensors to help maintain a set distance between the Infiniti G37 Coupé and the car in front. In automatic transmission versions, the software reduces driver's workload even more allowing ICC to work from 0km/h to 180 km/h thanks to the "Full Speed Range" feature. An integral part of the ICC option for A/T models, the Intelligent Brake Assist system analyses closing speeds to a vehicle ahead helping reduce damage caused by a rear-end collision. If the driver must take immediate action to avoid a collision, the system sounds a warning to prompt driver action or can even activate the brakes to decelerate the vehicle.

A custom-engineered Bose® sound system sets a new standard for stereo performance in a car. Its 11 high-performance speakers provide crisp musical detail, with impactful low notes bringing G Coupé owners closer to the power and emotion of a live concert performance. To achieve this, Bose® engineers used proprietary digital signal processing and multiple channels of custom equalization to help tune the sound specifically for the vehicle. The Bose® sound system is available as part of a Multimedia pack with also incorporates a DVD navigation system with voice recognition and a rear-view parking camera. Final options include an electric glass sunroof, metallic paint and a temporary spare wheel (replacing standard tyre repair kit), while a subtle African Rosewood trim interior is available on the G37 GT.

The Safety
High levels of passive safety were a priority at the design stage. As a result, the Infiniti G37 Coupé has a full complement of six airbags, with dual-stage front airbags, seat belt sensors and passenger seat occupancy sensor. The front seats incorporate hip and thorax bags, while there are front-to-rear curtain airbags for protection in a side impact.

The standard is a pop-up bonnet, designed to offer greater crash protection for pedestrians. In the event of a collision, a small pyrotechnic charge raises the trailing edge of the bonnet close the lower edge of the windscreen. This creates a larger buffer between the bonnet and the top of the engine, providing a more yielding surface which in turn helps to reduce potential injuries.

The Quality
Infiniti is synonymous with vehicle quality, and that's something that doesn't happen by accident.
On the Tochigi production line in Japan every vehicle - not just every tenth - is laser scanned to ensure that panel gaps are within prescribed limits.





Friday, December 5, 2008

Infiniti Essence Concept.

Essence Concept.

The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world's most demanding car enthusiasts... this is the Infiniti Essence Concept.

Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Infiniti Essence Concept is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand's future.

The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. What Infiniti Essence Concept is not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself.

This concept embodies Infiniti's core values as an inspiration for the future as much a celebration of the past. Infiniti Essence Concept showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And by steering Infiniti's guiding principle of "Inspired Performance" into the super-performance, super-luxury coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti's place among the world's most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

DESIGN: DYNAMIC ADEYAKA

With breathtaking good looks and perfect proportions, Infiniti Essence Concept exerts a powerful pull on all those who love cars. It looks like a driver's car, one that would be right at home spearing down the world's grandest motoring routes.

But Infiniti Essence Concept is no aggressive sports car. Infiniti's "Dynamic Adeyaka" attitude ensures Essence is single-minded, but also inviting, sophisticated and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions.

The designers' aim was to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language in a shape that the 20-year-old marque has never before attempted. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate. Infiniti Essence Concept speaks of power but not intimidation.

The bonnet is, as you would expect of an Infiniti, long, and the rear deck short. Together with a flowing "wave" profile between muscular front and rear wheelarches, Infiniti Essence Concept at first appears to be in the classic sports car mould. But there is nothing retro about Essence.

The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. Imagine juxtaposing flowing water with the stark outline of a canyon landscape.

The rear section also features complex surfacing with concave "scoops" that flow down the rear pillars from one of Infiniti Essence Concept's most distinctive design cues: a C-shaped kink to the side windows' trailing edge. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.

One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the "kanzashi", a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Infiniti Essence Concept represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.

Essence's front is characterised by Infiniti's signature double-arch grille, set at an angle that suggests the car is about to leap forward. There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 4.7m-long car appear anything but big in the flesh.

The grille is framed by subtle strips of stainless steel but there's little other trim and no other grilles or intakes, not even foglights. At the front as over the rest of the car, Infiniti Essence Concept eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The door handles are slithers of push buttons flush with the body while even rear-view mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars.

More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the boot opening and framing the vestigial spoiler. Edged by more stainless steel, the spoiler appears to have been pushed out from within the car.

The windscreen flows back into a full glass roof that then tapers down towards the boot opening - making just one more memorable view of a car that doesn't have a wrong angle to it.

On design, Infiniti Essence Concept is simple and amazingly complex, classical and totally dynamic all at the same time. Most of all as the epitome of "dynamic adeyaka" it boasts massive presence. Once seen, never forgotten.

INTERIOR: DRIVER-FOCUSED

For a driver's car, the perfect driver's cabin. Essence's interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on the job in hand: to give the person behind the wheel a feeling of absolute control. And yet all this driver focus goes hand in hand with a passenger area dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to the Japanese people, and also to Infiniti Essence Concept.

The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the centre of the dashboard. The result is two very distinct cocoons. The driver's side is themed black, the passenger's "cocoon" an earthy red.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel and chronometer-style dials announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. There are no gimmicks or sci-fi solutions here, just single-minded dedication to driving. Witness the technical nature of the displays, the short, alloy-topped gear selector and, just in front of it another finger-flick away, the bright red engine start button.

The car wraps itself around the driver who can quickly relax with the Infiniti trademarks of supportive seat and perfect driving position. There are more Infiniti cues such as the big gearchange paddle shifters behind the wheel and the analogue clock in the centre of the dash.

Infiniti designers believe the best functionality works behind the scenes, appearing only when needed. They call this "hidden tech", and it's the key to the functional minimalism that dominates the control layout. By not baffling drivers with buttons or overburdening them with information, Infiniti Essence Concept offers a sense of well-being to everyone, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying the energizing driving experience.

With the materials used - leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware - the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth. Attention to detail is such that even the leather seams on the seat backs differ from left side to right side. Why? So they can accurately reflect the way Japanese men and women tie their kimonos.

Essence's interior promotes a sense of well-being which is key to the Infiniti driving experience.

DRIVETRAIN: POWER WITH RESPONSIBILITY

Infiniti Essence Concept's drivetrain is designed to meet the highest expectations of owners by delivering the one thing everyone expects of an Infiniti - sheer driving pleasure. In Infiniti Essence Concept that pleasure is taken to new heights, at the same time as previewing an innovative green hybrid engine.

Infiniti Essence Concept is unusual even in the rarefied atmosphere of the world's fastest road cars by being able to call on a mighty 600PS (592bhp). The power guarantees high performance responses on any road, in any situation. Infiniti Essence Concept is not, however, an intimidating sports racer. Like the design, the performance is designed to be sophisticated and unobtrusive - performance with a human touch.

The hybrid system is a logical extension of Infiniti parent group's groundbreaking green commitments. It offers power with efficiency, and high performance with zero-emissions running, by combining a petrol engine with an electric motor. These can work independently or together as a "parallel" hybrid system.

In congested urban areas, the electric motor alone is all that is needed for Infiniti Essence Concept to glide silently between stoplights, with no tailpipe emissions.

When the traffic clears, Essence responds with a highway performance that few cars could match. In "power assist" mode the full 600PS is unleashed with both petrol and electric power working together.

A key difference over some other hybrid systems is that both the V6 and the electric motor feed their power only to the rear wheels. Performance is more linear, response is crisper - and driving pleasure further enhanced - as a result.

Infiniti's familiar 3.7-litre V6 gasoline engine is fitted with twin turbochargers, boosting power to 440PS (434bhp). A new direct-injection fuel system ensures the engine works more efficiently than ever in Infiniti Essence Concept.

Infiniti Essence Concept previews a new type of electric motor, called 3D Motor, that was designed to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets.

In Infiniti Essence Concept, the motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 160PS (158bhp), drawing power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

Optimized energy useage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches which "switch in" the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter, further enhancing responsiveness and driving pleasure.

SAFETY: A COLLISION-FREE FUTURE

On a global level, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies.

Infiniti Essence Concept previews some of the next-generation safety features that will ensure Infiniti cars remain among the safest on the road. Chief among them is a "Safety Shield" that goes a long way towards the Infiniti engineers' dream of a collision-free car.

The Safety Shield adds two new technologies to the Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems that are available in today's production Infinitis. Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.

With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver's intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically.

The warning system and pre-emptive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.

PRACTICALITY: A VERY BESPOKE SOLUTION

The team behind Infiniti Essence Concept harked back to an early motoring era to find the right solution for carrying luggage. The result is as classy as luggage ever gets, surprisingly practical and dreamily romantic. It also re-establishes the historic ties between a carmaker and one of the best-known names in luxury goods - Louis Vuitton.

Vuitton first worked with a coachbuilder - the famous Kellner company - in 1908, equipping one of their early luxury limousines with a set of bespoke luggage. Other coachbuilders quickly beat a path to Vuitton's door in Paris. Made-to-measure Vuitton trunks were an integral feature of some of the greatest cars of the first part of the 20th century.

The collaboration between Infiniti and Vuitton revives the idea of a set of the highest quality luggage made to fit exactly a car's boot area. In Infiniti Essence Concept there are three rigid pieces: a matched pair of slender briefcases atop a large trunk. All are made in the new Damier Graphite canvas and feature sleekly integrated handles and an overall design in harmony with the car itself.

There is hi-tech, too. A button on the key fob electrically opens the boot lid, allowing the boot floor to slide silently rearwards. This is one boot an owner will never have to struggle to access.

In a nod at tradition, the cases even bear the initials of their owner - SN, standing for Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President of Design.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

* Petrol Engine
o Config/No of cyls: V6
o Fuel type: Petrol
o Capacity: 3.7 l
o Power: 440 PS (434 bhp)
* Electric engine
o Type: laminated lithium-ion battery
o Battery layout: Lower trunk area
o Power: 160 PS (158 bhp)
o Torque: 500 Nm
* Performance
o Driven wheels: Rear-wheel drive
o Combined fuel economy: 8 l/100km (est)
o CO2 emission: 190g/km (est)
* Dimensions
o Number of seats: 2
o Overall Length: 4720 mm
o Overall Width: 1960 mm
o Overall Height: 1310 mm
o Wheelbase: 2800 mm
o Wheel size: 22"
o Front Overhang: 880 mm
o Rear Overhang: 1040 mm