IMPUL gets their work on the V37 Skyline (Q50)

Nissan specialist, IMPUL, finally got their mojos to work on their latest tuning project using the Nissan V37 Skyline (Infiniti Q50) as the base. Although release schedules aren't announced as of press time, the V37 Skyline tuning program from IMPUL comes with an array of aero kit upgrades and IMPUL has put a price tag each.

The The front bumper with daytime running lamps on it starts at 145,000 Japanese Yen (around $1,450), the side steps costs 95,000 Japanese Yen (around $950), the rear half costs 85,000 Japanese Yen (around $850), and the rear spoiler costs 95,000 Japanese Yen (around $950). Have them all and this full kit will cost you 400,000 Japanese Yen (around $4,000).

IMPUL will also offer an OHLINS SUPER SHOCK suspension, priced at 338,000 Yen (excluding tax), which IMPUL said that it offers great cornering stability.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/V37_SKYLINE.html

Forza Motorsport 5: Skyline Eau Rouge

Last time, I tried out the Infiniti Q50S on Forza Motorsport 5 and while the Infiniti Q50 is a localized version of the Nissan Skyline V37 but with the 3.7L V6 VVEL engine in it, it still handles like a sportscar. The secret weapon to handle the Q50 with precision and accuracy lies to its Direct Adaptive Steering and I believed to be much more effective than those less-communicative power steering cars. It sure is fun to have one but I wish this Skyline to be more Skyline than this Skyline but luckily, they're ahead of me.

What lies beneath the shadows is called the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, it's a concept car based on the Q50 that I just drove earlier but this is a preview of the high-performance model that delivers a serious threat to the Europeans.

 

It looks like the Q50 but because this is a high-performance take on the said saloon, it incorporates Formula One inspiration to its aerodynamics, perhaps no wonder it was heavily inspired by Sebastian Vettel's championship-winning F1 car. Eau Rouge is named after a vicious corner from Spa-Francorchamps, the venue for the Belgian Grand Prix and because the elevation's very vicious even for a skilled veteran, perhaps no wonder why they decided to call it the Eau Rouge for this car.

This car was revealed at the 2014 NAIAS but only the outside view because what lies under the bonnet, it's everyone's guess. No one really knows what powered the Eau Rouge even though it claims to possess over 500HP of power right until to the 2014 Geneva Motor Show where it was revealed that it was powered by the same VR38DETT engine from the Nissan R35 GT-R. Just what I thought, the Skyline just can't get even more Skyline-er.

 

The 3.8L V6 Twin Turbo engine on the "Skyline Eau Rouge" develops over 560HP of power and 442lb-ft of torque while connected to a seven-speed double clutch gearbox. It can do 0-60mph in less than four seconds and a top speed of almost 180mph. Plus, it comes with Infiniti's Intelligent AWD that takes great care of power and traction while adapting to the changing road conditions. It automatically sends up to 50% of the power to the front for better traction while the rear wheels gain most of the power for better road performance when four-wheel drive is not necessary.

The result of this Intelligent AWD complete with its signature Direct Adaptive Steering is a car that not only stands out in the corners, it licks it like ice cream, and even when you place this to the Top Gear Test Track, the Q50 bravely survives without warning.

 

The Nissan GT-R is once fabled as the car that can humiliate the best of the West but I reckoned that because the Q50 Eau Rouge is the V37 Skyline with the heart and soul of the Nissan GT-R, I have a theory that it will do the same against its Western opposition and I tried it. Not only the Eau Rouge can deliver a serious threat to the executive saloons but high-powered cars of it class can get smacked by it...well, some of it, really.



Time now for a real challenge and to find out just how good is the Eau Rouge is, it's time to pack some bags and move out from the Top Gear Track because the Q50 Eau Rouge takes on Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.



So, with the track featuring the namesake corner, can the Q50 Eau Rouge brave through the perils of Spa? I tried it round the track and my response is a big proud yes. The Q50 Eau Rouge is a brave saloon that braves through one of the toughest racetracks in Grand Prix history. Legend has it that there are some racing drivers that are not brave enough to survive Eau Rouge at the start but it's worth the thrill...



Spa-Francorchamps is a racetrack where ace drivers from all parts of the world gathered at this grand stage where they put all of their driving skills to the test. There are no affiliations or ranks that can hinder them as the only main rule in this racetrack is to survive.

Not only Formula One has their Belgian GP set here but also the WEC where racing drivers have to survive 24 hours racing endlessly on this track until the winner and the survivor is named. There are numerous motorsports held here but I can't tell what are those because of time constraints.

If you were looking for a racetrack that is surely the equivalent of The Round Table, sadly, this isn't it because there are so many expert-level racetracks that can suit their qualifications but since Spa-Francorchamps is so expert-level, you may consider this your Round Table for you and the other knights of the Round Table.



But still, the Q50 Eau Rouge found its own reason to battle on the track like this because the Q50 Eau Rouge was born to be more of a lethal weapon on the road and track if Nissan's Carlos Ghosn gives the green light for this.



So, conclusion time. The Q50 Eau Rouge really is a GT-R in a Skyline suit even though this is a V37 Skyline with the engine from the R35 GT-R but thanks to this engine as well as its F1-inspired aerodynamics and the Intelligent AWD, the Q50 Eau Rouge really triggers a serious threat to the Europeans. Sadly because this is a concept car, the Q50 Eau Rouge is not for sale and it's not street legal like most concept cars do...well, some of it.

Despite being a concept, the feedback is extremely high because if this GT-R-injected Skyline V37 approves for production, I would be longing to have one in my whole life.

Forza Motorsport 5: It's the V37 Skyline!*

*Well, sort of. It may look like the latest V37 Nissan Skyline sedan but when you open its hood, instead, you will be greeted by a 3.7L V6 VVEL engine carried from its previous model instead of...well, you know...so clearly that looks like a Nissan Skyline but doesn't feel like one because what this is is the export version of the V37 Skyline, the Infiniti Q50.



Despite the difference, this is the first I have ever got my shot to drive the latest premium midsize saloon from Nissan's Infiniti division now that it was recently added to the Forza 5 car list via this month's content update. It's been an honor to get behind the wheel of the V37 Skyline even though it has a completely different engine and made for export markets, especially North America.



So, what's all about the Q50? You know? The Americanized or globalized or localized, whatever you may call it, version of the V37 Nissan Skyline?

Revealed at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the Q50 is the successor to the V36 Skyline-based G37 saloon and it's the first to incorporate Infiniti's new naming scheme where saloon models bear the Q letter while sport utilities bear the QX letters.

Went on sale in America in the second half of 2013, the Q50 is available in 3.7L V6 petrol and 3.5L V6 hybrid powerplants. It comes with the world's firsts such as Direct Adaptive Steering which delivers precise handling and quickly communicates road surface feedback to the driver and the Predictive Forward Collision Warning that detects possible collisions ahead and triggers and alert to the driver with a visual warning and audible buzzer.

The Infiniti Q50 is sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline V37 but Japan-spec models come with the 3.5L V6 hybrid and the Mercedes-Benz-derived 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine.



Having spent five minutes driving this premium midsize saloon, I can surely say that the world's first Direct Adaptive Steering on the Q50S really handles like it should unlike those power steering that you expect in most cars like the Lexus GS. It's as precise as locking-on the target and thanks to the Direct Adaptive Steering, this Q50S could be one of the best handling cars I have ever driven on FM5 and when I put this sports saloon on the Top Gear Track and faced in corners like Chicago, Hammerhead, Follow-Through, and Gambon, the Q50 precisely glides through the corners with clinical precision with some minor mistakes when not focused. It's okay though because this Q50 is so easy to drive even at the hands of a rookie.



I know that the 3.7L V6 engine may have 328HP of power for the Q50S but with such handling mojos rigged to it, the Q50 will keep me longing for days and not only that, you can drift one of these, which of course, why would you want to?



So, what can I say about this car? Well, it may not be the V37 Skyline I was hoped for but I am very humbled to drive the latest version and its strength lies to its handling capabilities thanks to its Direct Adaptive Steering. Luxury never felt so liberating...

Impul gives Nissan's Cima Y51 hybrid saloon a workout

The Cima Y51, which is a long-wheelbased version of the Nissan Fuga (formerly Infiniti M, now called Infiniti Q70), received some styling upgrades courtesy of Nissan specialist, Impul. Although it is a luxury hybrid saloon that is well focused on being a luxury saloon, this Impul-modified version makes it more of a luxury saloon...minus the luxury...on the outside.

The front bumper comes with some LED lighting on it and it costs 165,000 Japanese Yen for it while a rear bumper costs 105,000 Yen, a rear spoiler costs 60,000 Yen, and a set of sports ducts costs 48,000 Yen. Aside from the aero kit, Impul will provide available bespoke rims, suspension upgrades, mufflers, and other accessories for reasonable prices.

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/HGY51_CIMA.html

Skyline 200GT-t - A Nissan Skyline with a Mercedes-Benz engine

2015 Nissan Skyline 200GT-t

Previewed from Geneva, now available to order in Japan, and coming soon worldwide as the Infiniti Q50, the Nissan Skyline (V37) now comes with the much-awaited 2.0L turbo engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz. This isn't a joke. This is the real deal, it's a Nissan Skyline with a Mercedes-Benz engine in it! Honest!

The Mercedes-Benz derived M274 engine that powers
this Nissan Skyline

Called the 200GT-t, this new Skyline variant is set to replace the old 2.5L V6 model of the outgoing V36 Skyline. The old V36 Skyline's 2.5L V6 engine produces 225PS of power output but for the M274 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine, it produces a lesser 211PS of power output. A Skyline with a Mercedes-Benz sourced turbo engine maybe have less power than the outgoing 2.5L V6 engine but because this is turbo, I believe that it can make up for its personal shortcomings. Remember what I told you about this?

The Skyline 200GT-t is equipped with a 7-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode operated via paddle shifters and as for fuel economy, the 200GT-t has 13.6km/L as calculated by Japan's JC08 mode standards. That's 2.2km/L more than the 2.5L V6 engine it replaces. When compared to its rival, the Lexus IS250, that's about 2km/L more! How did they do that?

Sales of the 200GT-t variant starts at the 5th of June, 2014, and it's priced at 3,834,000 Japanese Yen (around $39,000) up to 4,568,400 Japanese Yen (around $46,000) for the Type SP model.

URL: http://www.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/

Source: http://autoc-one.jp/news/1770243/

The Skyline Eau Rouge concept and the upcoming Skyline 2.0T

Two months ago at the 2014 North American International Auto Show, Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, showcased a bewildering concept saloon car based on last year's Q50 (better known to you and I as the V37 Skyline) and based on how it looks, this concept car maybe more of Japan's M3 killer, something to give high-performance European saloon a run for their money.

2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept

The Eau Rouge Concept, named after a corner from Spa-Francorchamps, is the result of what happens when you give the Skyline the spirit of a Formula One racer and it comes with a bespoke carbon fiber aerodynamics, making it lower and wider. Infiniti's Johan de Nysschen said that if they made this car, he would expect that this hot Q50/Skyline to produce over 500HP of power and 600lb/ft of torque.

It showed up but no one knows what kind of engine that powers it until at the recent 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Skyline Eau Rouge comes with an uprooted version of the 3.8L V6 engine sourced from the GT-R. Thanks to the GT-R engine, it develops over 560HP of power and 442lb-ft of torque while connected to a seven-speed double clutch gearbox.

I tell you what, if that hot Q50 or Skyline went into production in the near future, I bet that the Eau Rouge is definitely Japan's answer to the latest BMW M3 F80 saloon but because this is a concept, best to dream on.

2014 Nissan Skyline

Aside from the Skyline Eau Rouge concept getting a turbo engine, it looks like they did previewed an upcoming, entry-level version of the Infiniti Q50 or Skyline V37, only this time it comes with a 2.0L Turbo engine which, in theory, it could replace the outgoing model's 2.5 V6 engine. The old V36 Skyline's 2.5L V6 engine produces 222HP of power output but for this 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder engine coming to a Q50 or Skyline near you, it produces a lesser 208HP of power output. A Skyline with a Mercedes-Benz sourced turbo engine maybe have less power than the outgoing 2.5L V6 engine but because this is turbo, I believe that it can make up for its personal shortcomings. Some say, the 2.0L turbo variant of the Infiniti Q50 or Nissan Skyline V37 will be rolling out worldwide this fall.

As of now, the latest Nissan Skyline (launched in November 2013, on sale last February 2014) is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine connected to an electric motor and a Li-ion battery. In other words, it's a hybrid but it's connected to a 7-speed DCT gearbox that delivers maximum torque and a more sportier drive. The one thing I find it confusing is why the new Skyline wears Infiniti badges all over but still called it a Skyline for anonymous reasons. Don't ask but it's all Nissan's idea.

Nissan Skyline V37

2014 Nissan Skyline

Welcome everyone to the new Nissan Skyline and when I say new, I mean, it's REALLY new.

This is the 13th-generation of one of Nissan's legendary names and for almost six decades, the Skyline legend has been the pinnacle of the Nissan history. There has been numerous tales regarding one of the oldest Japanese car names in its existence but for the brand new, 13th-generation Skyline, the legend puts a new spin because why? On the front, it has an Infiniti emblem on it while on the back, there's no logo on it. Just the garnish that says SKYLINE spelled out on it. Quite a bizarre feat, isn't it?

So what's new in the 13th Skyline even though the front now has an Infiniti badge on it? It has a new Direct Adaptive Steering which delivers precise handling and quickly communicates road surface feedback to the driver. There's also the Active Lane Control which uses a camera to detect direction of the vehicle based on the lane markers to help fine-tune the tire angle and steering reaction force. Also, it comes with the world's first Predictive Forward Collision Warning that detects possible collisions ahead and triggers and alert to the driver with a visual warning and audible buzzer.

There's more because in the past, bigger engines usually meant to be more power but for today's trends; bigger isn't better so when the engineers created the new Skyline, the big twist is that the brand new Skyline is now a hybrid but not what you expected to be because the hybrid system was derived from the flagship Fuga and Cima. It's a 3.5L V6 engine connected to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, making the new V37 Skyline delivering 364PS of power, that's more than the old model's 3.7L V6 engine it replaces and then there's the 7-speed Intelligent Dual Clutch Control hybrid transmission that delivers maximum torque and a more sportier drive than the CVTs most hybrids commonly have.

2014 Nissan Skyline interior

2014 Nissan Skyline interior

Inside, the new Skyline features dual monitors mounted on the dashboard which makes a certain yuppie feel more of a techie. It also comes with a proper wood trim inspired by the traditional Urushi painting technique called "Fuki-urushi" and "Kacchu". The added craftsmanship to the new interior truly adds a nice touch to this luxury sports saloon and once more, it even has increased rear knee room which is 20mm more than the previous model.

2014 Nissan Skyline

On normal roads, the Skyline feels more luxurious and the ride feels more like its European rivals. However, most of the improvements do come with the price and the new Skyline costs from around 4,496,100 yen to 5,537,700 yen, including consumption tax, and it goes on sale late February 2014 at Nissan dealers throughout Japan, meaning you have to wait longer for this new model.

But still, the Nissan Skyline has long been a rival to the Lexus IS but since it's much more sportier and more responsive to drive than its rival, the Lexus IS 300h, I find this to be more enjoyable but there's a catch; with the 3.5L V6 hybrid powerplant and the 7-speed gearbox, fuel economy is 18.4km/L, that's less than what the IS 300h had but let's remember, the IS 300h is less powerful and less exciting than this. As a matter of fact, the new V37 Skyline always love to feel at home at a more crowded part of Japan. This car is a game changer in its own right. You can enjoy driving one at a winding road without leaving you all the drama that caused you the hassle.

Despite donning the Infiniti badge, the new model still retains the good Skyline name, even though the new model do really made a huge spin in the Skyline history.

Available colors: Hagane Blue, Premium Brown, Crystal White Pearl, Garnet Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Metal Grey, Radiant Red, and Super Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Company

Infiniti Q50

The Infiniti G, the car that was known to be Infiniti's answer to the Lexus IS as well as its German rivals like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. So far, there has been numerous people interested in this car despite the fact that the G in the Infiniti range was just an Stateside version of the Japanese car we all love, the Nissan Skyline. Last year, with Infiniti proposed their new naming scheme that has all cars start with Q and QX, the first car to implement Infiniti's new naming scheme was this...

2014 Infiniti Q50

This is the Infiniti Q50. It costs 36,700 US Dollars and on paper, Infiniti's answer to the Lexus IS and the Germans is starting to get even more clever than its replacement. First and foremost, it is available in either a high-performance 328HP 3.7L V6 carried over from its G37 predecessor and for the first time ever, a hybrid powerplant that incorporates the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control as seen on the Infiniti M35h. The combined output of 360HP of power channeled from its 3.5-liter V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control is just one thing why the hybrids of Infiniti aren't like any other hybrids you'd expect. You would expect this to be dull and boring just like any other hybrids I know but for this one, it isn't. Despite its hybrid powerplant, the Q50 sure knows how to behave like its Euro enemies and I had to say that this is worth a try against the petrol-powered Lexus IS350. Thumbs up though.

2014 Infiniti Q50 interior

2014 Infiniti Q50 interior

The drama isn't just the powertrain of the Q50 because on the inside, it's as cutting-edge as your Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the craftsmanship isn't just limited on the outside because every nooks and crannies of the Q50 is well-mannered and it took several resources such as leathers, fabrics, metals and glass. It's also come with two screens just like what 2013's Hondas and Acuras got but this isn't because on the top, this is what I called the display zone and on the bottom, this is what I called the command zone because on the bottom, the driver can choose whatever apps it offered from its hard drive just a few fingers away and that's iPad stuff if you know what I mean.

Don't forget that even though you can have either a 3.7L V6 or a 3.5L V6 hybrid in which it has more than the former I told, the Q50 is available in either a rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Oh yeah, if my pick was the rear-wheel drive, I wonder what is like to handle this? Well, the answer, you can. Even if you act like a Brainiac, you can corner this car and get out alive because of its clever suspension system. It's a good thing it doesn't act like the Germans or the Lexus IS or the Toyota Crown but that's just the tip of the iceberg because there's this world's first Direct Adaptive Steering technology which allows independent control of the Q50's tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. Well, that's new.

2014 Infiniti Q50

The G37 is probably the hardest act to follow but the all new 2014 Infiniti Q50 really pulled it off quickly like a magician pulling a rabbit out of the hat. It drives well, it looks well, and it doesn't lost most of its J-dorama quirkiness. It has some of the elements that its Japanese rivals like the Toyota Crown and the Lexus IS can't. This sedan, well I was gonna say another kind of culture shock, has still got its gentleman manner hidden beneath the heart of the bravest warrior. Cars like the Crown and the IS is still just a bit of a drama nowadays even when they put smaller engines and hybrid powerplants in the name of JC08 fuel economy but for this one, it still has the right elements. It's amazing that for this Q50, it tries to show that the only thing more sexier than that is taking a peek at teenage girls in their racing swimsuit rather than the rather nonsense stuff about a swimming club with boys in their biceps. It's a sure fire thing that with this Q50, something so wrong feel so right all along with it.

IMPUL made a body kit for the Infintii FX?!

IMPUL Infiniti FX

Wait a minute...how did it get here? You know that there is no Infiniti in Japan and this...the Infiniti FX...seems that Japan is also part of the smuggling fiasco here and those crooks in Japan did smuggle some some American cars that are not offered there, eh? You dirty smugglers...

If you're Japanese and if you've smuggled one of these, take note because IMPUL will provide a body kit to your smuggled Infiniti FX.

The front bumper costs 155,400 Yen, the Side Step costs 84,000 Yen, the Rear Half Spoiler costs 73,500 Yen and the Rear wing costs 63,000 Yen. There's also an available 189,000 Yen IMPUL Blast II Muffler as well but be warned. You don't want Japanese cops to notice your smuggled car though...

Innit though...Why would they accept a smuggled ride?

URL: http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/S51_FX50.html

Rumor: Next Nissan Skyline to have turbocharged engine?

Nissan Skyline Coupe (V36)

Recently, I've just picked up a rumor from a website that the next generation Nissan Skyline (Infiniti G) would have its engines downsized.

A website car-research.jp told that for this latest rumor, the 13th generation Skyline (due next year) would be downsized and have its 3.7L V6 engine be thrown away and be replaced by a turbocharged 3-litre engine. We don't know that but here's the full scoop:

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジン候補、ハイブリッド見送りの可能性

V37スカイラインに搭載されるエンジンをめぐって多くのタイプが候補に挙げられている。より上級なエンジンから見ていくと、まずフーガと共通のV6 3.5Lハイブリッドがある。ただ前述の通り、V37スカイラインはフーガと相当近いボディデザインになることが予測され、差別化のためスカイラインにはハイブリッドが設定されないという話もある。現時点では採用の可能性は50%といったところだろう。

次に考えられるのが、V6 3.0Lターボである。V37開発当初から重視されていたダウンサイジングターボエンジンで型式はVQ30VDT。現行V36スカイラインの3.5Lモデルに置き換わる燃費性能の高い新開発エンジンである。気がかりなのは、日産がベンツ（ダイムラー社）とV6エンジンについての業務提携を発表してから、このVQ30VDTエンジンの話題が少なくなっていることだ。日産の自社開発が中断している可能性も指摘されている。

そして、メイングレードとして考えられているのが、V6 3.0Lの新型エンジンである。これは日産開発のもので従来のVQ系エンジンと比較して大幅に燃費性能を向上させたエンジンになりそうだ。

さらに、エントリーグレードとして直4ターボモデルが後追い投入されるだろう。これはベンツとの共同開発エンジンで、先日のレポートでお伝えした次期シルビアへの搭載も想定されているものである。ただし、このエンジンは排気量がいくらになるのか明確な情報が出ていない。1.8～2.4L程度とされているが、小さな排気量が選ばれた場合、V37スカイラインへの搭載はミスマッチとなってしまい実現は難しいだろう。

Scoop: http://car-research.jp/nissan/v37.html

Is there a possibility for a turbocharged engine in the next Skyline? Hope our fingers crossed because if this come to fruition, it will sound like the good old days of the Skyline. As of now, we still have the 12th Generation Skyline. Launched in 2006 and it spent six years of its tenure right now.

Infiniti JX

The ethos of Infiniti's new crossover utility vehicle, the JX, is made from every bits of inspiration to make a unique vehicle that appeals to North American customers who are looking for some sense of buying their next vehicle. It maybe cheaper than the FX and the QX but it's more expensive than the EX (known in Japan as the Nissan Skyline Crossover). On paper, the JX is made to compete against the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, and the Buick Enclave. This new crossover is all about choices to be made.

2013 Infiniti JX

In terms of design, the Infiniti JX stays true to the brand's design language that traces back to the Infiniti Essence Concept but with added elements that is suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover. Sadly though, it looks a bit more rubbish to look at the JX's exterior that some people think it was designed by a mad ax man.

2013 Infiniti JX  interior

All is right with the interior of the Infiniti JX because behind a bonkers exterior comes with a very impressive interior design that makes the person forgive it and through it all. It looks a bit like the Infiniti M and I would stick to that. The center console of the Infiniti JX draws inspiration from Fuki-Urushi, a timeless Japanese craft of patiently applying layers of lacquer across wood grain, preserving the natural tone with masterful brushstrokes. It's very artistic especially for a car that is not made for Japan. Anyway, it accommodates up to seven passengers and it comes with a unique 2nd-row sliding and tilting seat to provide easy access to the third row seats. It's like the EZ-Tech from the Chevrolet Orlando or Captiva in many ways, I like that way. You wanna feel relaxed? Live with this; the JX comes with a Tri-Zone automatic temperature control that offers three distinct climate zones. Those from the front to back are accommodated with their own set of controls to ensure that they are cooled or warmed. Also, the JX comes with 7-inch monitors mounted behind the front seats to accommodate those from the 2nd row seats, BOSE Waveguide technology to provide the best sound experience, and the Infiniti Intelligent-View Display that rethinks the way you view and interact with your vehicle. That's very admirable.

Under the hood is a 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 engine, the engine that once powered the Nissan Elgrand. It produces 265HP of power and 248 lb-ft and torque. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18/24mpg for the FF model while it's 18/23mpg for the one with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It comes with an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Manual shift mode offers sequentially selectable manual gearshifts. Also, it comes with Infiniti Drive Mode Selector allows driver to choose between Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco modes and controls throttle responses and transmission mapping.

The JX comes with the world's first Back-Up Collision Intervention that senses crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. This is the kind of technology that Nissan suppose to add in their lineup in Japan. Numerous safety features such as Safety Shield, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, and Intelligent Brake Assist. It also comes with an Around View Monitor that is known to be the most advanced safety feature for easier parking. NExt up is the Infiniti Connection that is part of Infiniti Total Ownership Experience, where it comes with Automatic Collision Notification, Drive Zone monitoring, Google Calendar™, and Destination Assistance via your Infiniti Personal Assistant. It's yours for the first year of ownership.

Exterior colors include Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Diamond Slate, Emerald Graphite, Glacial Silver, Midnight Garnet, and Black Obsidian.

My Comment:
So it's a wonderful crossover, just. It maybe the first time this Infiniti comes with a CVT, it may have an engine that powered the Nissan Elgrand, it may have an easy access to 3rd row seats just like the Orlando and the Captiva, but this one is somewhat a fantasy for the smugglers in the Philippines. Originally this car should have been produced in Japan but due to the strong Yen, this was produced in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States. This is part of Nissan's Power 88 plan, a plan where they would launch a new model every 6 weeks until 2016.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 to revive the Proudia name?

2011 Nissan Fuga Hybrid

As we heard the news that a new Mitsubishi flagship sedan will be a rebadged version of the Nissan Fuga Y51, more news are speculating about the Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51. Some say, this Mitsubishi version of the Nissan Fuga Y51 will be named as the "Proudia", a name that you are familiar as the Japanese version of the Hyundai Equus when it was launched in 1999 up to 2001.

2000 Mitsubishi Proudia

About the Proudia, it is Mitsubishi's flagship sedan that was launched in Japan since the end of 1999. The Proudia name was coined from two words; proud and diamond (referring to the Mitsubishi logo), making it a perfect fit for Mitsubishi Motor's flagship. Under the hood, it comes with either a 3.5L V6 or a 4.5L V8 engine and both of them comes with Gasoline Direct Injection or GDi, that kind of technology we won't be getting that from the Philippines due to dirty fuel. Production ended in 2001 due to poor sales and when it was launched, no one got it until over 1000 units were sold for three years of existence along with it's Dignity limousine.

If those statements are true, count me in because we'll be expecting a Mitsubishi flagship sedan that was based on the Nissan Fuga...

Scoop: http://clicccar.com/2012/02/21/115964

Panamera-M35h Drag Race proved me wrong....

2012 Infiniti M35h

2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

Last year, I compare the Panamera S Hybrid to the Infiniti M Hybrid. I thought the Panamera S Hybrid would be faster than the Infiniti M Hybrid because of the 380PS supercharged V6 engine would outrun the Infiniti M Hybrid's VQ35HR engine that produces 306PS engine but I am wrong. By my calculations, with the Infiniti M Hybrid's VQ35HR engine and HM34 electric motor combined, the Infiniti Direct Response System kicks in, producing an overall 374PS power, it will do 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds while the Panamera S Hybrid will do 6 seconds. With that, the Infiniti M Hybrid is hailed as the world's fastest hybrid car ever made.

Here's the clip featuring a drag race between the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid and the Infiniti M Hybrid. Guess which hybrid saloon won?

Welcome Back: 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe Sport

The Infiniti IPL G Coupe...almost

The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe Sport (known by most Japanese as the V36 Nissan Skyline Coupe) returned on Forza Motorsport 4 but with an added surprise for the players. If they have this car and went to the "Aero and Appearance" section of the Upgrade Shop, what they see that they have the option to transform from this into something that resemble like the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) G Coupe. Now all it needs is the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) logo which takes some DIY at the "Create Vinyl Group" section under Paint. Now this is "Inspired Performance". This is the way of the Infiniti!

Infiniti plans global HQ in Hong Kong

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

It seems that Nissan's luxury marque, Infiniti, wants to expand even further because the lxuruy marque will have its global headquarters in Hong Kong. Wait, what? You know a country like Hong Kong never sells Infiniti cars but why? The reason why they want to move their global headquarters in Hong Kong because this brand has strong presence in China and it wants to accumulate 500,000 sales as part of the Nissan Power 88, a six-year master plan for the Japanese automotive giant.

Scoop: http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/infiniti-to-move-global-headquarters-to-hong-kong

S. Vettel at the Nissan Gallery

A day after the Japanese GP at Suzuka Circuit, where Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel (known to fans as S. Vettel) defended his "Formula One World Champion", a special meet-and-greet with Sebastian Vettel was held at the Nissan Global Headquarters at Yokohama.

Sebastian Vettel F1 2011 World Champion
Celebration Event

This Sebastian Vettel F1 2011 World Champion Celebration Event held at Nissan Global Headquarters was packed with a talk section where the best staff from Nissan and Infiniti interview all about S. Vettel's fastest accomplishments aside from being a 2-time F1 World Champ. There was also the autograph part where everyone wants their stuff signed by S. Vettel himself. Even the ladies from Japan just can't get enough of the youngest F1 champion.

Scoop: http://www.carview.co.jp/news/4/154583/

It's true! - Infiniti M Hybrid's the fastest hybrid car!

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid

The Infiniti M Hybrid, known in Japan as the Nissan Fuga Hybrid, is the first high-performance hybrid that delivers the power of the V8 engine and the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine thanks to the new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system.

By interest, the Infiniti M Hybrid sets a new Guinness World Record as the fastest hybrid vehicle while running straight at the Santa Pod Raceway in the United Kingdom.

According to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the Infiniti M Hybrid's time of 5.5 seconds is on par with the 1982 Lamborghini Countach within a few tenths of some Porsches, Ferraris, and Aston Martins.

This is going to be "up in smoke at Tokyo Bay"!

Scoop: http://www.hybridcars.com/news/infiniti-m35h-sets-world-hybrid-acceleration-record-31133.html