A full review and first drive of the new Infiniti EX35 is in the Winter 2008 issue of Nissan Sport, as Editor in Chief and SCCA racec ar driver David Muramoto puts the highly anticipated crossover through its paces. Click here to order the issue.
FIRST LOOK: 2008 INFINITI EX35 Nissan only just released news that it has suspended development of its heavy-duty pickup--indeed they may scrap the program entirely--and it appears they may even abandon some of their body-on-frame trucks like the Pathfinder, Armada, and Infiniti QX56. The reason? The rising popularity and attractive fuel economy of crossovers. And the company’s latest salvo is sure to shake up the market of SUV/car blends: the Infiniti EX.
The Infiniti EX Concept, which made its public debut at the New York International Auto Show in early April, features the sensual lines and performance of a sports car with the utility and all-wheel-drive security of an SUV. And it is a concept essentially in name only. Infiniti sources assured Nissan Sport that the vehicle is as much as 95 percent production ready.
“With this stunning EX Concept, we’re pleased to announce that along with the basic exterior and interior designs, the production Infiniti EX will include much of the EX Concept’s innovative technology,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division, Nissan North America, Inc. As with many concept cars, the EX does have some cutting edge technology not quite mature enough for production. Such is the case with the EX Concept’s liquid crystal glass roof that electronically alters the top of the vehicle from a transparent state to a more translucent appearance.
“The EX Concept’s glass roof technology is a fascinating study in how technology can be utilized to change the entire interior atmosphere of a vehicle by adding or subtracting not just light, but the occupants’ view of the outside world,” said Igo.
But look for some of the other features to appear on the EX in the near term, such as the Around View Monitor (AVM), which uses miniature cameras mounted behind the windshield and on the sides and rear of the vehicle to help reduce blind spots during parking. Meanwhile, the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system utilizes a piece of existing technology (Infiniti’s currently available Lane Departure Warning System) to interact with the VDC system and assist the (sleepy? distracted?) driver to maintain lane position if he or she begins to inadvertently drift out of the lane.
While not directly intervening with steering, LDP utilizes VDC braking of individual brakes to begin a gentle yaw movement back into the intended lane. One would assume LDP would not be activated if the driver signals for a lane change. Besides improving the chances that modern drivers might actually use their turn signals, some might see LDP as the next coming of Big Brother. Others may view it as the epitome of benevolent technology. In either case, both AVM and LDP may be considered among the next wave of active safety devices that seamlessly will be woven into our future vehicles.
Other details for the production EX remain unreleased, but sources have told Nissan Sport that it will be a 3.5-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic tranny (we predict it will be the VQ35HR, although the DE is a possibility). The official name for the crossover with be, appropriately, the EX35. You can bet Infiniti will be seeking a balance of fuel economy and performance for this model. Whichever engine is selected, expect to see it matched with an all-wheel drive system with an electric soft-touch shifter controlling it from the cockpit.
Speaking of the cockpit, there’s plenty of leather and aluminum alloy trim from the driver’s seat. The EX Concept features an interior lighting system with special indirect headrest illumination. To your right is a large, leather appointed center console box to hold all your gadgets, while a driver-oriented instrument panel reflects violet colored, high-contrast gauges and a wide LCD monitor for audio and HVAC control. Of course, the signature Infiniti analog clock is present as well. Looking toward the rear, a large rear cargo area combines function with a little flash in aluminum alloy flooring with luggage rails.
“The EX Concept’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Igo. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising utility--ideal for today’s active lifestyles.”
Utilizing yet another variation of the advanced Front Midship (FM) platform series, the EX Concept is expected to be a sharp handling vehicle. Riding on a 112.0” wheelbase (slightly tighter than the G Coupe’s 112.2”), Infiniti’s crossover will have a relatively small turning circle and enhanced maneuverability. The rear multi-link suspension has a low shock absorber layout to maximize cargo space in the rear. Wheels and tires also look production ready, with 19” seven-spoke alloys carrying 245/55-19 tires.
“The EX Concept is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV,” said Igo.“Its ‘right-sized’ packaging gives it excellent around town maneuverability, while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.”
The EX35 is poised to slide into the lineup next to the highly successful FX series as early as this fall, and certainly before the end of 2007. Expect the crossover, a shoe-size smaller than the FX, to be priced in the mid $30,000 range. -David Muramoto, Senior Editor (davidm@nissansportmag.com)
SECOND TAKES I like this crossover a lot. A lot, a lot. It's the SUV for people who don't want an SUV--and need more room than a sports car (especially if you already have a Z or G in the garage). The design if the Infiniti EX35 is razor clean and not as polarizing as the love-it or hate-it FX series. And it has the sportiness the Nissan Murano somehow just lacks. I predict this little wonder will sell like beer in the bleachers at Wrigley ... and that it'll be parked next to my G35 by 2008. -Dave Bexfield, Managing Editor (editor@nissansportmag.com)
I had the opportunity to see the G37 as well as the EX in person in a preview session in Detroit. Interestingly, fellow reporters seemed to gravitate to the EX. Instant impressions: the crossover looks very clean and tasteful. The front reminds me of the R Class model from Mercedes Benz. The hatch, as well as the taillights, have some resemblance to the Subaru Tribeca. Of course Infiniti put in its own spin on the grille and the side profile of the car. All in all, I feel that Infiniti has a winner with the EX. -Yuichi Kurosawa, Associate Editor (yuichik@nissansportmag.com)
AT A GLANCE The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX35, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in late December 2007, offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems. The EX35 also showcases two innovative systems: Around View Monitor (AVM), 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; and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), which takes Infiniti’s currently available Lane Departure Warning System into a new dimension of safety by actively using the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the intended lane. EX35 is the first production vehicle in North America to offer AVM, and the second production vehicle in the world (following the 2008 Infiniti M sedan) to offer LDP. Additionally, the new EX35 also becomes first Infiniti vehicle to feature “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint.
EX35’s sculpted elegance expresses a timeless appeal – sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse. Its layout combines the look and feel of a luxury coupe and an SUV’s interior flexibility.
EX35 is also conceived to offer a reinvigorating and engaging interior environment, one that is both indulgent and inspiring, with a long list of available features including leather-appointed seating, advanced audio and navigation systems and a power-folding 2nd row seat.
Like every Infiniti model, the 2008 EX35 also emphasizes exhilarating driving performance, combining an advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission and available intelligent all-wheel drive.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2008 INFINITI EX35 INCLUDE: Body Coupe-inspired luxury crossover design, a fusion of coupe and sport utility vehicle, designed for personal use with an emphasis on user friendliness and ease of driving operation
Sporty proportions with a long hood, short overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars
Infiniti-style double-arch front grill and matching chrome accents around the rear license plate recess
Infiniti L-shaped headlights and fog lights with optional Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), thin LED taillights
Chrome-finished dual exhaust tips
Rear hatch with integrated spoiler and center high-mount stoplight
Puddle lamp integrated in driver’s side-view mirror as part of the hospitality lighting concept
Available power tilt/sliding moonroof with one-touch activation
Optional roof rails and crossbars offer additional storage possibilities
“Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint, which maintains its gloss level over time
Engine and Driveline 4th-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Sedan), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated), 7,500 rpm redline, “Infiniti Swell” acceleration feel
5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), Adaptive Shift Control
FM (Front Mid-ship) platform
Front engine/rear-wheel drive or intelligent all-wheel drive
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
Suspension, Steering and Braking Subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Independent multi-link rear suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system
Power-assisted front and rear disc brakes (vented front) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
17-inch 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires or available 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires
Available Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking
Interior Features Luxurious driver-oriented interior with cloth or leather-appointed seating surfaces
Textured aluminum trim or wood trim on all door panels
Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel
Infiniti-signature analog clock
Available leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for audio, cruise control, voice commands and lane departure prevention (if equipped)
Leather and aluminum shift knob
Black Lacquer trim on center console and center stack
Optional wood trim on center console, center stack, and door panels (replacing Black Lacquer and aluminum respectively)
60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from front or the rear hatch area)
7-inch color display with Infiniti controller
Electroluminescent gauges with a center display for the trip computer and additional vehicle information
Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
Hospitality lighting with pin LED lights mounted over the center console
Available innovative Around View Monitor system (AVM) system with front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce the blind spots when parking
Available Bose® Premium Audio System with Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC, 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod® connectivity
Standard XM® Satellite Radio
Available Infiniti Hard Drive based Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for music storage and playback
Available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System
Safety and Security Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seatbelt and occupant classification sensors
Driver and Front passenger side impact supplemental air bags
Roof-mounted curtain side impact and rollover supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection
Available innovative Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), using a small camera mounted behind the windshield and an advanced microprocessing unit, utilizes the VDC system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle inadvertently starts to drift out of the lane
Models and Manufacturing Available in four models: EX35 RWD, EX35 AWD, EX35 RWD Journey, EX35 AWD Journey
Assembled by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. at Tochigi, Japan
