Scoop: Updated Nissan GT-R & new Skyline

It is well known that Nissan is working on an updated GT-R, as the R36 is 4-5 years away, and Skyline successor. Best Car has came up with those two renderings showing how the new cars could look like when entering production. 

All-new Nissan Skyline coming in 2013 - AMG engine likely to be fitted!

The all new Nissan Skyline (earlier post), aka Infiniti G, which is known internally as the V37, will hit the markets in 2013 and according to Japanese Best Car magazine, a V8 may be fitted (113M55), which will be a tuned down version of Merc's engine fitted in a number of AMG models. The power output is expected to be around 360 ps.

A hybrid model will be also introduced, which is going to be coupled to the VQ35HR V6 engine. The fuel efficiency of the hybrid model should be around 20.0 km/L.

Infiniti teases new JX premium crossover!

Infiniti is planning to introduce an all-new luxury crossover badged as JX. A concept will be presented in August and the production version will make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales will start in spring 2012. According to Infiniti, “The all-new Infiniti JX is the 7-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now”.

Merc's upcoming compact models

This post may seem a bit bizarre to many of you, but the compact car segment is a vital one for all manufacturers and especially for luxury brands, since they need strong sales in order to develop their bigger models. So, since I got a copy of the latest Auto Motor und Sport issue yesterday, which has some interesting renderings of Mercedes' new models, I thought it would be nice to share some photos with you.

Lexus has already introduced the CT (earlier post) and I spotted one today. I have to admit that I wasn't really impressed. There is nothing exciting about it at all...

Infiniti on the other hand is more promising with the ETHEREA concept (earlier post) and I believe their new compact model will stand out from the crown, although it won't be easy "stealing" customers from the top three German makes. 

Although the other two German luxury brands are preparing also their rivals, I consider the new Mercs being of a greater interest, since there is a completely new approach and 5 models (A-Class, B-Class, GLC, CLC and CLC Shooting Brake) will be introduced in total. I have to admit that Mercedes had a disappointing lineup for around 10 years, but this has started to change and I am really impressed with the new CLS, E-Class Coupe and SLK.

BMW will introduce the new 1-Series later this year and it will be slightly bigger than the current generation and in terms of design, expect to see an evolution of the current one. Although the new "1er" will certainly be a very nice car to drive, it will look similar to the previous one, plus BMW's interiors have ended up being boring since the same theme is applied over and over again...

In terms of the new Audi A3... don't expect anything great in terms of exterior design. I am big Audi fan, but all the latest models look the same.... A4, A5, A8 (A4 on steroids) etc. Even the new Q3 looks almost identical to the Q5. Nice LEDs though...

All-new Nissan Murano coming in 2013

The next-gen Nissan Murano is scheduled for 2013 and this is an impression of how it may look like. Mitsubishi is also working on the Pajero (aka Shogun) replacement, which is though not a direct competitor.

Scoop on Infiniti's mighty sports car!!! (Part 2)

The latest batch of Japanese magazines arrived on Wednesday and I would like to apologize for the lack of posts during the last week. 

So, the latest BC issue has some info on Infiniti's mighty sports car (earlier post). As already reported, a hybrid powertrain will be fitted capable of producing a total of 600 ps, yet achieving a fuel efficiency of 12.5 km/L!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept revealed at Geneva!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept (earlier post) has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and it re-imagines the compact luxury car for a discerning new generation of younger buyers.

"Etherea is about a new type of luxury," said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit.

"It is for younger buyers who do not want a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car. It is for people who want a car that defines who they are, not who their parents were."

More photos after the jump!

Scoop on Infiniti's mighty sports car!!!

According to BC, Infiniti (aka Nissan Premium Factory) will launch a mighty sports car in 2013 - 2014. Power is likely to come from either a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, or Nissan's twin turbo VQ37VHR 3.7L engine. The power from the petrol engine should be around 440 ps, which will be boosted with an additional power of 160 ps from the electric drive system, thus giving a total of 600 ps!

Best Car Super Scoop Special issue arrived!!!

The BC Super Scoop Special issue has just arrived from Japan, so stay tuned for a lot of news!!!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept previews new compact model

We knew that Infiniti will reveal a concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show previewing its new compact model (earlier post) and rumours suggested also that it will be powered by a Mercedes engine (earlier post). Well, now Infiniti released the first images showing the actual concept car, named ETHEREA, and I have to admit that it looks awesome!!! If you take a close look at the images, you will notice also that it carries the "hybrid" badge.

The really nice thing about ETHEREA is the fact that it's a total fresh approach. Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.

At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements. Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

Now, did I mention that I am really excited about ETHEREA?!

Infiniti confirms reveal of concept previewing new compact model

It's now also official. A concept previewing the new baby Infiniti (earlier post) is indeed going to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show (March 01).

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Baby Infiniti, powered by Mercedes, coming to Geneva Motor Show

A concept previewing the new baby Infiniti (earlier post) is going to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March. According to Autocar's sources in Japan, the new model is going to be a coupe-like three-door hatchback and it is likely to use the platform of the next-gen Megane. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged MB four-cylinder engine, which is likely going to be the 1.8L CGI (DE18LA) one.

Adeyaka Magazine (Infiniti): Quest for Inspiration

Minor changes for Nissan Murano in Japan

Nissan has announced some minor changes for the Murano in Japan, which will be released on February 3, with a slightly changed front grille, new 20" aluminium wheels and a new exterior colour.

In the interior, there are redesigned leather seats and new door trim. Also, driver's visibility has been enhanced by using white fonts on the combi meter. There is iPOD support and the new "Carwinds Navigation" system is available.

Prices start from 2,971,500 ¥ for the 2WD 250XL model and the top-spec 350XV FOUR model cots 4,469,850 ¥.

More photos after the jump!

New Skyline Coupe / Infiniti G Coupe coming in 2012

A while back, Autocar reported that the new Nissan Skyline (earlier post), aka Infiniti G, has already been shown to the management. Now, a Japanse magazine has published the rendering shown, claiming that a hybrid version will be available, along with diesel engines supplied by Mercedes-Benz.

The new model is expected to launched either at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, or at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

[Source: IMP-X's blog]

Nissan Elgrand Rider Premium Concept

One JDM model that I really like is Nissan's Elgrand (エルグランド) and those are some photos of the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept presented at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon.

More photos after the jump!

Nissan presents GT-R RC and LEAF Aero Style Concept at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

As already posted in the past, Nissan has presented a number of concepts at the Tokyo Auto Salon, with the most interesting one being the LEAF Aero Style Concept. Oh, I do like a lot the Elgrand Rider Premium Concept as well... and the lady at the front!

The LEAF Aero Style Concept is fitted with aero parts providing better seperation of air flow and thus improving the flow from the front to the side. To be honest, I would really like to see the aero bits of the LEAF to hit the market! 

Nissan has also launched the NISMO GT-R RC production model race car.

The NISMO GT-R RC is the latest entry to the RC (Racing Competition) line of high performance, production model race cars developed and outfitted by NISMO. The body has been lightened, fitted with slick tires and equipped with safety equipment to ready it for competition use. During the car's development, it was entered in the 2010 SUPER TAIKYU Round 4 at Fuji, where it confirmed its high performance, reliability and durability.

The car runs on a VR38DETT engine that exceeds 357 kw /485 ps in power with over 588 Nm / 60 kgm of torque. To trim body weight, carbon fiber is used for the bumper, hood, trunk lid & rear wing, and the rear window is made of acrylic. Specialized aeroparts boost aerodynamic performance.

Particular attention was given to optimizing overall vehicle balance. The car was outfitted with height adjustable suspension along with large front (410mm) and rear (380 mm) brake rotors.

Safety features include an FIA standards-compliant weld-in roll cage, bucket seat & driver safety harness, fire extinguisher, ATL 120 liter safety fuel cell and air jacks, making your GT-R RC track-ready on delivery for production car races around the world.

The Nissan NISMO GT-R RC is “made to order” and will be sourced directly from NISMO. Its price is 20,790,000 ¥.

More photos after the jump!

A rather unsusual Infiniti G25 from Taiwan

OK, back to cars... although this time I am not so sure if that's a good thing or not... 

According to Infiniti, inspired performance is about seeing power, beauty and style both on and off the road. That's why they invited artist Heidi Taillefer to turn one of a new Infiniti G25 into a... moving piece of art in celebration of the Cirque du Soleil "Varekai" show in Taiwan.

Nissan at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Nissan will showcase in total nine models at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon. Photo of the Leaf concept has already been posted (earlier post) and those are some new photos of all the models to be displayed.

• Leaf Aero Style Concept 
• JUKE Sporty Package (with dealer installed exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets)
• Elgrand Rider Premium Concept (specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance)
• Serena Rider
• March Bolero
• Nissan NISMO GT-R RC (specially developed for circuit driving)
• NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z (engine output is increased to 261kW (355PS), a higher level of sporty handling is realized through special body and suspension tuning and modification of the power steering characteristics. For the exterior, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through use of special body components providing greater downforce and reduced air resistance)
• Elgrand S-tune 
• MOTUL AUTECH GT-R

Infiniti EX (EUDM) to get blind spot warning system

Infiniti's sporting coupe crossover, the EX (aka Nissan Skyline Crossover), is getting a new Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system for 2011. This safety feature, which uses both audible and visual signals to alert the driver for an adjacent vehicle in the blind spot area, is a very helpful safety system and it will be fitted as standard to the top-selling EX GT Premium versions of both V6 petrol and V6 diesel models.

Well, it is not a new technology since Volvo offers it the last few years, but having owned a Volvo with BLIS (this is how Volvo calls it), I have to admit that it's an impressive safety feature and extremely useful for motorcycles approaching the car.

In the case of the EX, each time a vehicle enters the blind spot area, amber lights at the base of the door mirrors start to blink. If the driver activates the indicator, showing an intention to change lanes, the lights are supplemented by a warning sound – further indication of a potentially dangerous situation.

Blind Spot Warning is not the only innovative technology, as EX is offered with other intelligent systems such as Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Prevention.