Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Alfa Romeo 8C Road Test

2008 Alfa Romeo 8C Road Test

Test Vehicle: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Coupe

The hardest part of this review is knowing where to start. This car is as rare as hen’s teeth.

There are to be only 500 made of the Alfa Romeo 8C, and only about 50 to make it to the US, so the fact that I am about to drive this is not lost on me. Pictures have circulated on the web and their various tubes for a while of this car, but *sigh* good god, it is jaw dropping in the paint.

If there was a naked woman on the 8C’s bonnet, you’d want her to get off it. Honestly, it’s just ridiculous.

Alfa Romeo 8C Front

Curves everywhere. The body is carbon fiber and is draped over the chassis to create the most delicious shape on the road. Its like Christina Hendricks on wheels, and if you don’t know who that is, Google her (Note by Adnan: Megan Fox on wheels would do the trick too). Christina’s a red head too, so it’s fitting that the red metallic paint accentuates them all, and those wheels look tremendous. Giant circles reminiscent of the wheels on the VW GTi a little.

The way the front centers around the grill is a thing of beauty, with a little circle of white LEDs in the grill.

Alfa Romeo 8C Rear

The rear end reminds me of the old racing Porsches, and the circular rear lights are the perfect touch. I am a little besotted by the looks of this thing as you can probably tell.

It is now my favorite looking car on the road, beating the Aston Martin DB9. I never thought that phrase would ever come out of my mouth…

Alfa Romeo 8C Interior

The interior is also just breathtaking. The leatherwork in the seats alone is something to study, the aluminum on the wheel and the dash, and the long aluminum paddles behind the wheel are in just the right places. The twin cowls on the main gauges separated with a red screen with a number of other supplemental gauges set off the interior beautifully, and the carbon fiber center console just adds to the overall experience. Its a sense of occasion that can barely be explained.

It was the sexiest car I had ever clapped my eyes on…

…and then I started it up.

Holy mother of god, who tuned that exhaust note? That can’t be legal, surely.

Alfa Romeo 8C Centre Console

A throttle blip rendered me speechless for about a minute. There are loud cars that are just too loud, and then there are cars that you could listen to all day. I’ve never heard a rumble like this outside of a pit lane. It is intoxicating. A low rumble, with the 8 cylinder 4.3 liter engine just bellowing down the exhaust pipes with no regard for public safety.

After some time to compose myself, I put this thing in sport mode, put it in gear, and released the little electric handbrake, and off I went.

It felt a little light to start with, but then I got used to it. Accelerating towards the first corner, the noise is off the charts, but its a beautiful noise. I let my foot off the accelerator for a moment, and the exhaust just cracked and popped in a way that reminded me of the Panoz race cars, crack, pop, rumble…what road car makes that noise?! Oh, this one. I don’t care how many miles to the gallon this thing was getting, that noise had me accelerating and lifting off more times than I should. I was probably waking the dead in nearby cemeteries and people within a 5 mile radius, but it was an orchestra. They probably woke, listened to it, and smiled. How can you not?

Aside from the the noise, the gearbox was great. Changes up and down were smooth, lots of power, great acceleration, not as tight around the corners as the Gallardo, but still a level above virtually all other cars on the road. Its a taller car, even though its still a small car, so there is lots of headroom and shoulder room. Good visibility out all round. Seats were comfortable and held you in place really well as it went over dips and through curves.

The brakes were good too, as you would expect on a car like this, but moving your foot from one pedal to the other caused the thunderclaps out of the exhaust, so I sort of forgot about the brakes to be honest with you. The aural rewards were far outweighing the driving experience.

Alfa Romeo 8C Steering Wheel

The team at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo deserve a medal the size of a large dining table for getting this on the road. If this doesn’t get Alfa noticed, then nothing will. An incredible experience. Not the finest drivers car on the road, but if you want to make a statement, this is the one to get, and being one of only 500 will make it an even rarer proposition. I know its basically a Maserati under the skin, but its a totally different animal and improves (if that’s even possible) on the looks of the Gran Turismo.

Hyundai Introduces Equus Long-Wheelbase, Armored Versions

Hyundai Introduces Equus Long-Wheelbase, Armored Versions

The Equus first surfaced around the beginning of this year. At the time, most thought it was a vehicle slated for Hyundai’s home market of South Korea only. Given Hyundai’s relentless drive upward though, it has proved to be much more than that.

Hyundai tested reception of the car in our market by displaying it at the New York Auto Show and placing the car in various Hyundai dealerships around the country.

HyundaiEquusVL500InteriorRearSeatAbove

One thing that should have came through with all the recent vehicles Hyundai has been launching – they aren’t messing around. Most proper luxury sedans in the segment offer two wheelbase lengths available, standard and extended. As such, Hyundai recently let drop images of the the extended wheel-base model of the Equus, dubbed the Equus Limousine, or VL500.

Now the company hasn’t confirmed if it will be coming to the United States or not, but if the past is any guide of the future I’d say there is a good chance. Imagine, it could be like a bargain Maybach! The neat thing though is that Hyundai is even getting into producing armored versions already.

HyundaiEquusVL500DirectSideView

Three armored Hyundai Equus VL500 were built and provided to the Korean Presidential Security Service for use at the G20 summit held in South Korea next year. The three limousines are the first armored cars to be built in the country.

They’re up to snuff too, able to withstand the blast of 15 kilograms of TNT, a level similar to that of Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s armored vehicles. I’m not sure if there will be an armored Equus that is sold to the public, or if they are just made for the country’s leader. Either way, Hyundai is going all-out with the new Equus.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Ferrari announces the F458 Italia Spider

Ferrari F458 Italia Spider

According to the latest reports, it appears that at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari president a.k.a. Luca di Montezemolo announced the new F458 Italia Spider. There is a bad news though: the production version of the F458 Italia Spider, which will feature a stylish soft top, will have to wait a couple of years because, according to its CEO, Ferrari has to recover after the financial crisis. Of course, if you can’t wait the convertible you can choose the new F458 Italia Coupe which will go on sale in January 2010.

Chrysler Brand to Sell Fiat 500 in U.S.

2009_Fiat_500.jpg

Since it's unveiling many people in the U.S. have been hoping that the Fiat 500 would eventually be sold here. Well now that Fiat and Chrysler have hooked up our wish has come true. Its been confirmed that the Fiat 500 will be sold through Chrysler dealerships when it is released and it will be the only Fiat badged model in the U.S.

Chrysler brand CEO and head of sales for all Chrysler Group brands, Peter Fong stated that the Fiat 500 will likely have a dedicated corner in Chrysler showrooms rather than its own retail network like the Mini. Eventually four versions will make it to the U.S., the hatchback, convertible, a wagon and a high-performance version.

The Fiat 500 is expected to be produced at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico facility in late 2010 or early 2011.

Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger to Live on Until Late 2012

2010_chrysler_sebring.jpg
The Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans were pretty much dead under Chrysler's former owner, Cerberus Capital Management, but now that Chrysler has a new owner, the sedans have a new lease on life.

Cerberus had originally planned to kill the Sebring and Avenger at the end of 2010 and close the Sterling Heights, Mich., factory where they are built. The factory could still be closed, but the sedans will continue to be produced until the end of 2012.

The Sebring is slated to get an extensive face-lift in 2011, while the Avenger is slated to get a milder refresh, which may bring it to the market sooner than the Sebring.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

A 5.2 litre V10 behind your ears. A massive 386kW (525bhp) at your feet. And the wind rushing through your hair. Does it get any better? Well, yes, if your new R8 Spyder is a more tasteful colour than the one shown in these pics it quite possibly does. Thankfully, there are 10 other colours to choose from. Apart from that, though, this has to be one of the better hardtop to roofless conversions in some time.

The lightweight cloth top opens at the touch of a button in around 19 seconds, and can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h. Despite the lack of a metal roof, Audi reckon the road noise heard inside is only a smidge louder than in the Coupé.

Even with the light roof, the R8 Spyder is still on the porky side, weighing in at 1720kg. That can’t stop rapid progress, however, with 0-100 being dealt with in just 4.1 seconds. Fast!

But, the real beauty in this car is in its styling and details. There’s a big, big photo gallery after the jump, along with everything you wanted to know about the R8 Spyder in Audi’s press release.

Oh yeah, when you get the photo of the seatbelt and you wonder what that’s about, it is showing the seatbelt mounted microphone that supposedly makes phone calls with the top down a breeze, if you’ll pardon the expression.

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi R8 Spyder

Monday, September 14, 2009

2010 Lincoln MKT gets the ‘Top Safety Pick’

2010 Lincoln MKT

The luxury crossover 2010 Lincoln MKT has just been recognized a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. It doesn’t come as a surprise since Ford installed all of its latest safety gadgets into the already structurally sound car. The 5,000 lb MKT is mechanically identical to the Ford Flex.

The MKT scored a “Good” rating in each category, including structure, injury measures and restraints. Dummy movement was well controlled, according to the IIHS. It said, “After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.” Standard equipment on the Lincoln MKT is based on an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Aside from standard equipment like side curtain airbags, Ford offers optional safety equipment like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Brake Control and a Blind Spot Information system.

Volkswagen E-Up Concept

Vw E-Up Concept

Vw E-Up Concept
Vw E-Up Concept

Vw E-Up Concept

This is the so-called €8500 electric car from Volkswagen. Dubbed E-up, the new car shows us how the ‘car of tomorrow’ will look like and promises to be a real hit in 2011, when it will hit the dealerships. According to the manufacturer, the new car features an 82 hp (60 kW) electric motor capable to offer a range of 130 km and a top speed of 135 km/h. Vw will also offer this car with a new three-cylinder TDI engine but also with the brand new 1.2 TSI engine which will make its debut in the Audi A3 at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Regarding the performances, these are modest of course: 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds and a maximum torque of 210 Nm. The charging time will be around 5 hours but we do expect a fast recharge that will take up to 30 minutes.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

2010 Volvo C30 Gets a Facelift

2010_volvo_c30.jpg
Just like the C70 convertible, Volvo has given the C30 a facelift for the 2010 model year. The revised front end is very similar to the new C70 and the S60 concept.

"The front of the Volvo C30 has become more dramatic and expressive. The angled lines of the front bumper together with the new headlamps, which are drawn offset and up, reinforce the impression of speed and sportiness," says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

In addition to the styling changes, the new C30 also gets new color and wheel options and a new optional sport chassis, which lowers the car 10 mm.

2010 Toyota 4Runner Hit the Web

2010_toyota_4runner_leak.jpg
Toyota has yet to officially release any full photos of the 2010 4Runner, but here are some photos of the body-on-frame SUV that is going to be unveiled in a few weeks.

The fifth generation 4Runner sticks to its body-on-frame roots and gets all-new styling that emphasizes this. The 2010 4Runner will be available with either a 161-hp 4-cyl or a 268-hp V6 engine. The V8 will no longer be offered.

2010 Ford Grand C-Max Pics Leaked

2010_ford_grand_cmax.jpg
At the Frankfurt Motor Show this year Ford is going to show off the new C-Max and the extended version shown here, the Grand C-Max. The new C-Max and Grand C-Max are based on Ford's new global C-platform architecture that will also be the basis for the next Focus. The both models will be powered by a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder.

The 2010 Grand C-Max looks very similar to its smaller sibling, but has been stretched to accommodate three rows of seats. The extra length also adds sliding rear doors, instead of the conventional rear doors on the C-Max.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Bugatti Veyron Top Fastest Car

Bugatti Veyron - editii aniversare
bugatti veyron bleu centenaire


bugatti_veyron_ebay.jpg


Bugatti Veyron Bleu Centenaire


252mph, 1001PS, 16 cylinders, four turbos, 8.0-litres... the Veyron's numbers are staggering. It can hit 60mph in 2.5 seconds thanks to four-wheel-drive traction, shoots to 125mph in 7.3 seconds and reaches 200mph in less than 20. The Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world , with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph top speed).

The obvious question: Why would anyone build such a car? Surely no one sees doing 250 mph on the highway. There can be no commercial logic behind such a crazy machine, even with the Veyron's price tag of one million euros (at the current exchange rate, that's $1.2 million). Not even as a "halo model" -- a reputation booster -- for the VW group that builds it does the Veyron make sense. No Bugatti owner wants it known he's driving a Volkswagen.

Bugatti Veyron Data
Base Price 1,000,000 euros (1,300,000 USD)
Power 1000 hp
Zero to 60 mph 2.5 s
Zero to 100 mph 6 s
Top speed 253 mph (407 km/h)

History

Bugatti Veyron Development of the Veyron began with the 1999 EB 18/4 "Veyron" concept car . Introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show , it was similar in design and appearance to the final Veyron production car. One major difference was the EB 18/4's use of a W18 engine with three banks of six cylinders. The Veyron was designed by Hartmut Warkuss of Volkswagen rather than Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign who had handled the three prior Bugatti concepts.

Development continued throughout 2001 and the EB 16/4 Veyron was promoted to "advanced concept" status. In late 2001 Bugatti announced that the car, officially called the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 , would go into production in 2003. The car experienced significant problems, however. High-speed stability was difficult, with one prototype destroyed in a crash and another spun out during a press demonstration at the Monterey Historics event in Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca . Production of the Veyron was delayed indefinitely.

After the release of the car, it has become known that while each Veyron is being sold for £840,000, the production costs of the car are approximately £5 million per vehicle. As Bugatti, and therefore Volkswagen, are making such a huge loss, it has been likened by influential journalist Jeremy Clarkson to Concorde ; both are largely impractical experiments in technology and ground-breaking performance created just to prove that it could be done. A car the like of the Bugatti Veyron may not be seen in production again for some time to come, if at all.

Technology

Bugatti Veyron  engineThe Veyron features a W16 engine —16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, or the equivalent of two narrow-angle V8 engines mated in a vee configuration. Each cylinder has 4 valves , for a total of 64, but the narrow V8 configuration allows two camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only 4 camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers , and it displaces 8.0 L (7,993 cm³/488 in³) with a square 86 by 86 mm bore and stroke.

The Veyron's 16-cylinder engine is based on the innovative "W" design introduced in the 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The Veyron's version features two 90-degree V8s offset by 15 degrees. The offset allows each cylinder to be placed close to its neighbor, which reduces the total size of the massive 8.0-liter engine. A Formula 1?style dry-sump lubrication system keeps the engine moving smoothly. It's easier to spin many small turbochargers than one or two large ones, so Bugatti employs four turbos to reduce boost lag. The strategy works: The engine creates 922 lb.-ft. of torque at only 2,200 rpm.

inside Bugatti Veyron Putting this power to the ground is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled manual transmission with 7 gear ratios via shifter paddles behind the steering wheel. Or it can be driven by full automatic transmission. The Veyron also features full-time all wheel drive , necessary given the output of the engine. It uses special Michelin PAX System run-flat tires, which had to be designed specifically for the Veyron, and which are capable of running at 402 km/h (253 mph).

The car's wheelbase is 2700 mm (106.3 in). Overall length is 4466 mm (175.8 in). It measures 1998 mm (78.7 in) wide and 1206 mm (47.5 in) tall. Curb weight is expected to reach 4300 lb (1950 kg) with a power to weight ratio of 513.3 hp per ton (metric) or 4.36 lb/hp (SAE).The Bugatti Veyron has a total of 10 radiators .

World Fastest Cars

Number 1 ( 252 mph/407 km/h ) - Bugatti Veyron

fastest car picture252mph, 1001PS, 16 cylinders, four turbos, 8.0-litres... the Veyron's numbers are staggering. It can hit 60mph in 2.5 seconds thanks to four-wheel-drive traction, shoots to 125mph in 7.3 seconds and reaches 200mph in less than 20. The Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world , with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h.There can be no commercial logic behind such a crazy machine, even with the Veyron's price tag of one million euros more...

Number 2 ( 242 mph/395 km/h ) - Koenigsegg CCR

second car pictureKoenigsegg's design seeks to give an interpretation of strength and flowing motion. The body of a Koenigsegg is formed for one ultimate purpose - speed.The surfaces are shaped to perfectly aerodynamic, an appearance that does not deceive. All aspects of this machine serve its one fundamental objective. But the whale delivers a sense of power that you can't find in its rivals either. Because of the targeted top speed, the body is designed to be so smooth that it has a very low drag coefficient of 0.30 more...

Number 3 ( 240.14 mph/392 km/h) - McLaren F1

third car pictureThe McLaren F1 was the first production to use a complete carbon fiber chassis and body. Such lightweight construction, combined with the BMW S70/2, 620 horsepower engine, helped the McLaren achieve 240.14mph in its XP5 pre-production trim.The engine is a 6.1 litre quad-cam, 48-valve V12 which produces no less than 627 bph and a top speed of 231 mph.Some other features are the intelligent brake cooling and Ground-Plane Shear'suspension geometry'

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG PictureMercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG GalleryMercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG ImageMercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz GLK

Mercedes-Benz GLK PictureMercedes-Benz GLK
Mercedes-Benz GLK GalleryMercedes-Benz GLK
Mercedes-Benz GLK Image

Monday, September 7, 2009

2010 Infiniti QX56

The 2010 Infiniti QX56 continues to offer an outstanding combination of refinement, roominess, advanced technology and power – providing maximum utility and all-season versatility in a stylish, fully equipped full-size luxury SUV. It is available in two-wheel drive (2WD) or with the Infiniti All-Mode 4WD® system.

2010 Infiniti QX56: Anchored by an advanced drivetrain, featuring a high-strength steel frame and standard 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque2010 Infiniti QX56: Anchored by an advanced drivetrain, featuring a high-strength steel frame and standard 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque

The QX's sophisticated body design is marked by a distinctive chrome “waterfall” style grille, High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights, Infiniti-style LED taillights, power sliding moonroof and power-operated rear liftgate.

Inside, the exceptionally roomy QX interior features class-leading 2nd row legroom and seating for up to eight with the optional 2nd row split bench seat. Occupants are treated to an array of standard and available technology and luxury equipment, including leather-appointed seating, an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), 12-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and power-folding 60/40 split 3rd row bench seat.

Optional features include a Technology Package with Intelligent Cruise Control and front Sonar System for parking; and an Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System (MES) with DVD player, 8-inch color screen, two wireless headphones and remote controller. A Tow Package (standard on QX56 4WD) is also optional on QX56 2WD.

2010 Infiniti QX562010 Infiniti QX56

The QX’s 4-wheel independent suspension includes an auto-leveling rear suspension. Maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped) is rated at up to 9,000 pounds. A refined 5-speed automatic transmission with tow mode, 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes and 9-spoke 20-inch chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels are standard on both 2WD and 4WD models.

Highlights of the 2010 Infiniti QX56 include:

Exterior
• Long wheelbase (123.2”) and a highly manageable overall length (206.9”)
• Full body-type front fascia with auto on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights and halogen fog lights
• Signature Infiniti “waterfall” style chrome grille
• Integrated rear body-color fascia with Infiniti-style LED taillights
• Chrome door handles, color-keyed running boards, integrated body side cladding
• Standard one-touch power sliding moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade
• Power-folding heated sideview mirrors with power adjust, integrated turn signals, puddle lamps and driver’s side electrochromatic auto-dimming feature
• Power-operated flip-out rear quarter windows, rear privacy glass
• Standard power-operated rear liftgate with flip-up manual opening rear glass
• Skidplates for oil pan, transfer case and fuel tank (4WD models only)
• Rearview Monitor with rear sonar system
• Body-color front and rear splash guards (optional on 2WD), chrome tailpipe finisher
• Five available exterior colors: Tuscan Pearl, Silver Indulgence, Silver Graphite, Liquid Onyx, and Deep Garnet

Engine and Driveline
• Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive configurations
• Advanced 5.6-liter DOHC V8 producing 320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 393 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 RPM
• Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, 6-bolt main bearing caps and single-stage timing chain
• Standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes and gated floor shifter for enhanced shift control when towing
• Fully boxed, high-strength steel F-Alpha frame
• Infiniti All-Mode 4WD® system with 2WD/AUTO/4HI/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case (4WD models)
• 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity on 2WD (8,900-pound capacity on 4WD) when properly equipped
• Heavy-duty battery

Suspension, Steering and Braking
• Double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Independent double-wishbone rear suspension with stabilizer bar and standard auto-leveling system
• Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
• Standard 9-spoke 20-inch chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin P275/60R20 all-season tires

2010 Infiniti QX562010 Infiniti QX56

Interior Features
• Roomy, full-feature luxury interior
• Standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen and XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Navigation System includes lane guidance and 3D building graphics
• 12-speaker (including subwoofer, amplifier and 3rd row speakers) Bose® Premium Audio System with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive for digital music storage and playback, steering wheel audio controls and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately)
• Standard Infiniti Intelligent Key
• Available Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System with DVD player, 8.0-inch flip-down color screen, two wireless headphones and remote controller
• 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, including 2-way power lumbar support
• 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with fold-down function
• Standard Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces (all three rows), thick Tuscano carpeting and genuine wood trim
• 1st and 2nd row heated seats
• Standard fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with integrated armrest, tip-up easy-entry for 3rd row and removable 2nd row center console with cupholders
• Available fold-flat 2nd row split bench seat
• Standard power-folding 60/40 split 3rd row bench seat
• Memory system for driver’s seat, pedals, steering wheel and side mirrors
• Front lockable center console
• Full-length overhead console with lights for each passenger
• Heated steering wheel with illuminated steering wheel controls
• Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and Infiniti analog clock
• Dual-zone front Automatic Temperature Control
• Rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct
• Standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Available Intelligent Cruise Control
• Four 12-volt power outlets
• Infiniti Voice Recognition
• HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• One-touch auto up/down power windows

Safety and Security
Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensors
• Standard roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows
• Standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
• 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
• 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center positions
• Front seat Active Head Restraints
• LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system
• Child safety rear door locks
• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Active Brake Limited-Slip
• Vehicle Security System and Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System
• Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with warning display
• Power door locks with automatic locking feature

2009 Infiniti EX35

2009 Infiniti EX35 Combines Sports Coupe Style and Performance with Sedan Convenience and SUV Cargo Area

The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is one of those rare vehicles that is both exception and exceptional. Like its legendary stablemate, the dramatic Infiniti FX, the EX combines an inspiring blend of style and performance, power and fuel efficiency, refinement and aggressiveness, intimacy and exhibitionism.

2009 Infiniti EX35: A luxury crossover that is uniquely personal, yet turns heads when unleashed among the tide of less refined and less innovative competitors2009 Infiniti EX35: A luxury crossover that is uniquely personal, yet turns heads when unleashed among the tide of less refined and less innovative competitors

“The EX perfectly expresses the Infiniti philosophy of ‘Inspired Performance’ with its sports coupe style and sedan/SUV convenience,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “For example, its 297-horsepower V6 offers more power than its closest competitors, along with better fuel economy. And with the revised content for 2009, EX is even stronger this year than last – which, among other accolades, saw it named the ‘Highest Rated Premium Vehicle in Initial Quality’* by J.D. Power and Associates.”

The EX is rewarding and reinvigorating – and refined for the new model year with additional standard equipment and revised optional package content. For 2009, the second year of EX production, the EX35 Base model now features standard leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, rear HVAC vents and polished aluminum roof rails. The EX35 Journey model adds a standard 6-disc CD autochanger, power tilt/telescoping steering column, coat hanger on the driver’s headrest and Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control.

New or revised packages include an Around View Monitor (AVM) Package, which utilizes four small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to give the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of the vehicle and help reduce blind spots when parking.

Other available packages include the Technology Package, with an advanced Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning; a Premium Package; a Bose® & Navigation Package; and an 18-inch Wheel Package.

2009 Infiniti EX352009 Infiniti EX35

Coupe-Inspired Exterior, Elegant Interior

The EX35’s layout combines the look and feel of a luxury coupe and an SUV’s flexibility. Its sporty proportions, including a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline, gives the EX excellent around town maneuverability – while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.

EX’s exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available xenon headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust tips, an available power tilt/sliding moonroof with one-touch activation and standard roof rails. EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver’s side-view mirror as part of the hospitality lighting concept.

Eight exterior colors are offered: Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Scarlet Silver, Tidewater, Blue Slate and Dark Currant – each incorporating Scratch Shield, a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint, which is designed to maintain its gloss-level over time.

Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX was conceived to offer a reinvigorating and engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The driver-focused “wave-inspired” cabin layout features an Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel, easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console and Infiniti-signature analog clock.

The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for music storage and playback. Other technology systems include an available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

The EX interior is offered with standard leather-appointed seating surfaces, available in four colors – Graphite, Stone, Wheat and Chestnut. The EX Base models features aluminum trim, while EX Journey models offer aluminum trim. There is also a leather and aluminum shift knob, and leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio and cruise control. An 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support and a 4-way power passenger’s seat are standard. A driver’s seat memory system is also offered, along with available heated front seats and 8-way power front passenger’s seat. Also available is a 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from the front or the hatch area).

The EX’s available Bose® Premium Audio System includes a Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC, 11 speakers (including 2 subwoofers), AM/FM/CD in-dash changer and Interface System for iPod®. The advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, included with the Bose® audio system as part of the Bose® & Navigation Package, features Voice Recognition (VR) for HVAC, audio and navigation and XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information (XM® subscription required, sold separately).

Advanced Platform and Powertrain

Under the EX35’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti performance technology. Its FM platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Sedan.

Every 2009 Infiniti EX35 comes standard with a fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, rated at 297 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.

EX fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg City/24 mpg Highway for the rear-wheel drive models and 16 mpg City/23 mpg Highway for EX all-wheel drive models.

Superb handling is provided by a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

2009 Infiniti EX352009 Infiniti EX35

Steering and braking systems include vehicle speed-sensitive power-assisted steering and power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) with Preview Braking is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include standard 17-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R17 all-season tires or optional 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 all-season tires.

The 2009 EX is also offered with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. EX35 AWD models feature Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which is also utilized on the Infiniti M, FX and G. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

Standard EX35 safety equipment includes the Infiniti Advanced Air Bag

System (AABS) with dual stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification system; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side-impact and rollover supplemental air bags for front and rear seat outboard occupant head protection; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for the rear outboard seating positions. The 2009 EX also features advanced Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment.

Models and Packages

The 2009 Infiniti EX35 is available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey and EX35 AWD Journey. EX35 Journey models include power slide/tilt moonroof with one-touch activation, auto-dimming inside mirror with electronic compass, auto on/off headlights, 6CD autochanger, power tilt/telescoping steering column, heated front seats, coat hanger on headrest, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC), heated outside mirrors and wood interior trim.

EX Journey models are also available with a Premium Package, which adds a memory and position synchronization system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors; 8-way power front passenger’s seat; 2-way driver’s seat power lumbar support; xenon headlights with AFS, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver; premium stitching on the meter hood; and power remote rear seat.

“The Infiniti EX is an extraordinary vehicle, providing a personal reward for those who drive and own it,” said Poore. “With power and agility available on demand, it’s a perfect fit for buyers looking to add a little excitement in their everyday lives.”