Infiniti EV sedan coming in 2013

Infiniti is already working on a compact model (earlier post) and also, on an EV sedan. The latter is sceduled to go on sale in 2013. 

According to managing director Shiro Nakamura, the sketch shown above is a very good indication of what to expect to see on the streets. The final design is going to be decided in the middle of 2011.

[Source: Response]

New Infiniti G / Skyline (スカイライン) shown to management

The new Nissan Skyline (earlier post), aka Infiniti G, has been already shown to the management according to Autocar's sources. The car is said to feature a “dramatic” use of LED strip lights at its front end and a near production-ready concept could be revealed at the 2011 Tokyo motor show or 2012 Detroit motor show, ahead of its 2012 production date.

Murano CrossCabriolet: Just some thoughts...

To be honest, I don't like SUVs and neither cabriolets, but somehow I do like the Murano CrossCabriolet (earlier post). For sure, it takes some balls to bring a car like that in production and although it's a niche market, I really hope that it will be successful. Sadly, this model won't really come in Europe and thus, I will never be able to see it in person...

For sure at the LA Auto Show, out of all Japanese manufacturers, Nissan had the best presense. A wicked prototype, the world's first AWD crossover convertible, my favourite sports car on sale at the moment, best coverage via Twitter... what else can someone ask...?!

Nissan has a great lineup in Japan and the US, while in Europe it's a different case. It tries to penetrate the market by discovering new segments, which is not a bad thing, but some of its "standard" models are rather disappointing (e.g. current Tiida and new Micra).

Infiniti M35h (Fuga Hybrid) with standard VSP tech in Europe

The Infiniti M35h (earlier post), aka Nissan Fuga Hybrid in Japan - 日産フーガ ハイブリッド, will become the world's first hybrid to feature an audible pedestrian warning system as standard when it goes on sale in six months’ time in Europe. 

"The new Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system – is computer controlled and links an in-car sound synthesiser with a speaker built in to the front bumper. It automatically works from start-up to 30 km/h, cutting back in at 25 km/h as the vehicle slows.

Instead of just a single tone, a range of high-low sounds at different volume levels was chosen after an extensive research programme to find the most effective, but least intrusive, noise. The team developing the system in Infiniti’s parent group worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists studying areas from pedestrian behavioural patterns to noise pollution.
The result is a sine-wave sound that extends from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz. It is a range readily audible to all age groups while avoiding a sound range (around 1,000Hz) that would add unnecessary noise to the environment.

Unveiling of Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet!!!

Prices start at $46,390! Niche product you see...

Oh, by the way... this is the 100th post! I would like to thank every single reader :-)

[Sources: Twitter & Autoblog]

Nissan models to be unveiled at LA Auto Show

Nissan has already released a shot of the new Murano CrossCabriolet (earlier post) and we have already seen the new USDM Quest (R42H), which will share its platform with the new Elgrand (エルグランド) codenamed E52.

Of course, the updated GT-R (earlier post), along with the production version of Leaf, will be there but there is more... as Nissan will also display the Ellure Concept! The only thing known about this concept is the fact that it's a sedan and Nissan has described it this way in official press materials:

"Nissan's dramatic new-value sedan exploration, the Nissan Ellure, is designed to bring a higher level of progressive and distinctive expression to the segment – adding passion and emotion to traditional sedan efficiency."

I guess we will soon find out what's all about...

Infiniti announces LE collector’s "Essence Sculpture"

I guess you remember the stunning Infiniti prototype called Essence. Well, the actual car is not going into production, at least at the moment, but Infiniti has announced that a Limited Edition collector’s “Essence Sculpture” will do so. Made from solid resin, penned by the vehicle’s original Infiniti designer, and supervised by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, the beautiful ornaments will be restricted to 300 individually numbered units worldwide.

And there is more...  Louis Vuitton craftsmen have designed an original Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite design case to serve as a high quality, transport and presentation case for the first Essence Sculpture that will be on display at the global Headquarters of Infiniti in Japan!

Infiniti working on compact model

According to Autocar, Infiniti's compact car project is well under way and it will previewed as a concept at the upcoming Geneva motor show. The car could then be revealed in production form next autumn, at either the Frankfurt or Tokyo motor show.

It’s likely to be based on a front-drive platform sourced from the next-gen A-class as part of a tie-up between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan alliance. A model like that is essential for Infiniti's lineup in order to boost sales in Europe.

Infiniti will also get a fully electric model based on the Nissan Leaf. The car will be launched in 2013 and it will come to the U.S. market.

Minor updates for Nissan Skyline Coupe and Crossover

Nissan has updated in Japan the Skyline Coupe (aka Infiniti G Coupe) and the Skyline Crossover (aka Infiniti EX). The changes are minor and for the Skyline Coupe (earlier post) include a different front bumper, with a sportier design, and a new alloy wheel design. Also, two new colours have been added, a shining blue (シャイニングブルー) and a dark metal grey (ダークメタルグレー), with the total number of available exterior colours now being seven.

In terms of the updates for the Skyline Crossover, those are limited only to the exterior colour selection, where the dark metal grey has been added and also, a ceramic blue (セラミックブルー) and a framboise red (フランボワーズレッド) are also available. The total number of exterior colours has now gone up to six.

First official shot of Nissan's Murano CrossCabriolet

I really like the Nissan Murano, which is part of Nissan's Premium Factory range in Japan, but I never believed that a cabriolet version would go into production. It seemed so strange to me. Anyway, the new Murano CrossCabriolet is real and it will be presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show with sales starting in the US at the beginning of 2011. No plans for Europe yet and nothing has been said for Japan either.

According to Nissan, "The world’s first all-wheel drive crossover convertible, delivers the open-air exhilaration of a convertible while extending the versatility of the Murano in exciting new ways. With room for four adults, space for golf bags or luggage (even with the top down), and a premium level interior, the Murano CrossCabriolet represents a breakthrough in concept and design. Set to go on sale in early 2011."

Nissan tweaks Fairlady Z (370Z)

Nissan will do some minor changes on the Fairlady Z (370Z) in Japan. Changes will include two new exterior colours, a new A/C dial switch and a new shift indicator on the auto models.

The Nismo version will get more significant enhancements as the power will go up by 19 hp, while better tuned dampers and improved reinforced parts designed by Yamaha will be fitted. 

[Source: Nihon Car]

New Infiniti G (Skyline) Coupe coming...!

If you think that Japanese automakers are only focused on green cars, then think again. The Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) will expand and one of the first steps will be the introduction of the new Infiniti G Coupe (known as Skyline Coupe in Japan).

[Source: Best Car magazine]

Nissan releases new Fuga Hybrid in Japan

Nissan announced today the launch of the new Nissan Fuga Hybrid (known as Infiniti M35h outside Japan), which goes on sale November 2nd at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan.

The new Fuga Hybrid adopts Nissan's original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system named 'Intelligent Dual Clutch Control', connecting the high-response electric motor and the 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine directly to the transmission, without the use of a traditional torque converter. One of the two clutches completely disconnects the motor from the engine, realizing a quiet and highly efficient EV mode. Compared to traditional hybrid systems, the electric motor driving range is expanded for high-speed driving (up to over 100km/h on a level highway) and the EV mode is frequently applied.

The Fuga Hybrid's sport performance feel is enhanced by the use of double-piston shock absorbers, and the first-ever application of both the advanced Electro-hydraulic Power Steering system and Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system.

Pirces range from 5,775,000 ¥ to 6,300,000 ¥.

Main Features of Nissan Fuga Hybrid
● Exterior

• 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with chrome color coating
• Available in a choice of seven body colors, including a new Eternal Snow White (a special Titanium Metallic color with Scratch Shield)

● Mechanism and equipment

• Nissan original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system, 'Intelligent Dual Clutch Control'
• High-output lithium-ion battery with a quick charge/discharge function
• Advanced 'HM34' electric motor with maximum power output of 50kW（68PS） and maximum torque of 270N・m（27.5kgf・m）
• Special engine for hybrid 'VQ35HR' with maximum power of 225kW（306PS）/6800rpm and maximum torque of 350N・m（35.7kgf・m）/5000rpm）
• Electronic 7-speed hybrid transmission with manual shift mode

Some more Nissan scale models ordered

Updated on Nov 02 

The "Nissan Fairlady Z 240ZG (HS30)" model was replaced by a Fairlady Z Z432R (PS30SB) model

Life continues and so are my orders for new scale models! This time I focused on Nissan Fairlady models, along with a couple of Skylines and a Pulsar GTI-R model. The latter one will be available next year, but I was lucky enough to be able to place a pre-order.

• Nissan Fairlady Z Z432R (PS30SB) – Orange by Kyosho
• Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZR (HZ31) – Crystal White by Kyosho
• Nissan Fairlady 300ZX Twin Turbo (Z32) 1992 Kanagawa Police by Hikoseven
• Nissan Fairlady Z (Z33) NISMO version 2007 – White by Ebbro
• Nissan Skyline Turbo C Fuji 1000km 1983 No.11 by Tomytec
• Nissan Skyline (HR31) No.23 1987 Inter Tec by Kyosho 
• Nissan Pulsar GTI-R 1991 Test version by Lumyno