2008 Infiniti EX35

[titan]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/crossov...iled/#more-3133

Infiniti has taken the wraps off its long-awaited EX crossover, due to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this week. The production EX retains much of the sleek styling of the concept shown at the New York Auto Show in April.

Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35 combines the style of a coupe with the height of a 4×4. We’ve seen sporty crossovers before, but the EX manages to look both sporting and fairly compact (at least in the pictures). It will also be the first car with “self-healing” clearcoat paint, designed to fix minor scratches up to three years from the build date.

Sharing the same FR-L platform as the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Saloon models, the EX is powered by the super-slick VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine and develops in excess of 290hp (in US-spec). The usual assortment of stability and traction controls also come standard.

The EX crossover is vital to Infiniti’s plans to enter Europe. It will be one of the four models the company will launch with in 2008 as most buyers don’t like large SUVs.

All new 2008 Infiniti EX coming to Europe

* EX revealed 16 August at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

* Innovative Coupe Crossover concept

* Standard ‘ATTESA E-TS’ all-wheel drive

* Powered by a 3.5-litre 290hp V6 (US specification)

* First introduction of the advanced Around View Monitor system

* To be launched progressively across Europe starting from Autumn 2008 together with the G Saloon, G Coupe and a successor to the iconic FX

ROLLE, SWITZERLAND (16.08.07): The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX coupe crossover, revealed this week at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will form part of a four model premium range that will be launched across Europe starting from Autumn 2008.

The EX is a new addition to the global Infiniti range. To be badged EX35 when it goes on sale in the US at the end of this year, this all-wheel drive crossover slots in below the iconic FX and offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems. These include the world production car debut of the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of the vehicle while parking. The new EX35 also becomes the second Infiniti production vehicle, following the Autumn introduction in the US of the 2008 Infiniti M-series, to offer the new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, and the first to feature “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint. Launch timing of these technologies in Europe is to be confirmed.

Coupe-Inspired Exterior

Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35’s sculpted elegance should have a timeless appeal. Sleek lines portray speed, grace and finesse combining the look and feel of a luxury coupe with the elevated cabin of a 4×4.

The sporty proportions include a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars.

“The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a sporty 4×4,” said Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe.

The EX35 has a length of 4631mm and a width of 1803mm making it maneuverable in town. While a height of 1589mm gives it a more dynamic stance and a lower centre of gravity than most other 4×4s.

EX35’s exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available Bi-Xenon 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 pipes, an available power tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver’s side door mirror as part of the Hospitality Lighting Concept.

Eight exterior colors will be offered including two shades new to the model.

One of the unique features of the new EX35 is the special “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint, which is designed to maintain its gloss-level over time. The paint repairs fine scratches, such as fingernail scratches under door handles, restoring the EX35’s surface close to the original state. The process, which takes anywhere from one day to one week (depending on the surrounding temperature and the depth of the scratch), is accomplished through the use of a special highly elastic resin. This resin is combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint’s flexibility and strength by raising the resin density.

Elegant Interior Design

Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX35 is conceived to offer an invigorating and engaging interior environment. And 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 available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition. Available technology features include RearView Camera (available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system), front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Bose® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod® connectivity.

The interior is offered with cloth or leather-upholstered seating surfaces, available in four different colour concepts, reflecting Infiniti’s desire to offer the customer a high level of personalisation. A special Black Lacquer trim comes standard on the center console, with optional genuine Maple wood trim for the centre

An 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support is standard, along with a 4-way power passenger’s seat. 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 an unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from the front or hatch area) making it easier to get the best out of the interior space.

“The EX35’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Wright. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising versatility – ideal for today’s active lifestyles. Its design is elegant and made using beautiful materials that indulge as well as calm. ”

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 advanced FR-L platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Saloon.

Every 2008 US-specification Infiniti EX35 comes as standard with the fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Saloon), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated) and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.

The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing.

Both are tuned to create authoritative harmonies, helping enhance driving pleasure, an exciting engine sound and expected improvements in emissions and fuel economy (versus the previous generation VQ engine).

The fourth-generation VQ engine design also includes a long list of advanced systems found on the previous design – including a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a “noiseless” timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.

Every EX35 utilizes a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll 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 anti-roll bar.

Steering is provided by a speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system with 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 (ICC) with Preview Braking is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include an 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires.

EX35 features 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 2008 M, FX and G Saloon.

The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy and wet roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

Advanced New Technology

The EX35’s advanced technology design is highlighted by one system that is the first production version available in the US and Europe: the Infiniti Around View Monitor.

It utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking.

“Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can’t provide a view around the car that the Around View Monitor’s four-camera system does,” said Wright. “Rear bumper parking sensors help detect objects behind a car, but again they can’t give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does.”

EX35 European specification

The information given above relates to the US market EX35. Specifications of the European version will be confirmed closer to the on sale date.

In terms of positioning, it is difficult to find any direct rivals for the EX being arguably the first of a new wave of coupe crossovers. But looking at other cars available currently, the EX might be lined up against rivals as diverse as the BMW X3 3.0si and Audi A4 3.2FSI quattro avant.

Infiniti Europe

The EX will get its first European showing at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The brand will be launched across Europe, city by city, starting in the autumn of 2008 – a process that will take two years. Infiniti Europe will reveal more details of its launch schedule towards the end of 2007.

Four models will be available in Europe from launch. These will include the G saloon, the G coupe, the EX as detailed above, and a successor to the iconic FX to be unveiled next year. A replacement for the M-series will join the European range early in the next decade along with the option, on the M-, EX- and FX-series, of a high performance V6 diesel.

Superior customer service will be as important to Infiniti as the product. This starts with the retail network, all of which will employ the new Infiniti Retail Design Environment Initiative (IREDI) that has a look and feel more akin to a luxury designer hotel than a car showroom, and continues with Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy that covers all contacts the customer will have with the brand.

Said Wright: “The launch of a premium car brand in Europe is a rare and special event. Infiniti will have the simple philosophy of offering the independently minded customer a new alternative of vibrant product teamed with excellent service. The cars are all elegantly designed, comprehensively equipped and aimed at the enthusiast. But they are only half the story. Effortless ownership will be equally important as you will discover closer to the launch.”

[titan]

My first impressions are really good. As many have said, the exterior isn't as aggressive and in your face as the FX, but that's okay, IMO, because the next gen FX is sure to pick up where the current one leaves off. The interior's is 99% perfection. My one gripe is that it doesn't offer the Matte Rosewood trim, which has been an absolutely beautiful trademark for Infiniti for years. The polished maple looks great, but the Rosewood's nicer, IMO.

[91z4me]

[thegriffon]

Err, It's an Infiniti Signum. Really.

[CSpec]

Fabulous interior. The BRX has some tough competition.

[DetroitNut90]

Eh...it looks like a tall G35 with a hatch. Nice interior, though.

[RBB]

I feel like I should like it - I quite like the new G35 - but the photos come leave me a bit cold. I'll need to wait for some less-photochopped pics (did someone at Nissan hire GM photo editors? ) before I make a decision.

The rear shot reminds me a bit of the new WRX hatchback.

-RBB

[thedriver]

Oh, look. The new G35 wagon.

[4gm]

I love the FX but don't like this. It looks like a Hyundai.

[Drew Dowdell]

Donked G35 Estate.

and why does infiniti insist on angling buttons *away* from the driver?

I mean really, even with the leaning forward camera angle of this picture, the buttons are hard to read.

Edited August 16, 2007 by Oldsmoboi

[Z-06]

Rear 3/4 reminds me of Versa hatch. This vehicle makes the FX35 irrelevant.

[Drew Dowdell]

Rear 3/4 reminds me of Versa hatch. This vehicle makes the FX35 good.

fixed

[Z-06]

Is this not Badge Engineering?

I mean other than the side panels and the roof and rear, everything seems to be picked up from the G35. Even the front.

[dimitri0917]

Hood is too long. Look at the X3 in the pic 91z4me posted compared to this EX35. At least X3 has an emphasis on, as Kia would say, "cabinocity". The long hood makes this look ridiculous. But Infiniti is quickly becoming the real Asian BMW.

[siegen]

This vehicle makes the FX35 irrelevant.

Why? The FX35 is larger, and serves a different purpose. Look at the RDX and MDX. The RDX certainly didn't hurt MDX sales. This EX35 is more sporty and similar to a wagon compared to the FX35.

Just because they have the same engine size doesn't make either of them irrelevant.

[Paolino]

I like the interior. Not a fan of how all Infinitis like to indent their buttons for Nav, but I guess it's moot since you can probably access everything on the touch screen anyway. Exterior, blah. Interior

[Sixty8panther]

I like it, a lot.

Not quite as sleek & interesting as the FX but much better looking than the X3.

[Flybrian]

The RDX certainly didn't hurt MDX sales.

lol. The RDX didn't hurt anyone's sales.

[Z-06]

Look at the RDX and MDX. The RDX certainly didn't hurt MDX sales.

Just because they have the same engine size doesn't make either of them irrelevant.

One is a 7 seater and the other is a 5 seater. But in this case they are almost dimensionally alike, hence the bigger one is irrelevant, unless the next FX goes to seven seater arrangement I do see a sense buying a FX 35.

[Cory Wolfe]

It's... interesting.

[siegen]

lol. The RDX didn't hurt anyone's sales.

har har :AH-HA_wink:

One is a 7 seater and the other is a 5 seater. But in this case they are almost dimensionally alike, hence the bigger one is irrelevant, unless the next FX goes to seven seater arrangement I do see a sense buying a FX 35.

I see, the FX is only a 5-seater...

[pow]

I like the concept... it's like a personal, grand tourer coupe-like vehicle, but with some all-weather capability and cargo capacity. The swooshy interior is particularly personal-GT-like.

The FX is still a more original design, though, even if it's dated now.

[smk4565]

The interior is nice, the materials look high quality, and they blend the leather, wood and metal trim all well. I dislike analog clocks in any car, and I don't like the navigation controls, although it isn't as bad as the M45. Other than those 2 things I like the interior, and the engine start button is nice, I wish the CTS had that.

The exterior is bad, the G35 front looks ok, but odd since it is so tall, and the back is just horrid. From the side it looks like almost like a tall sedan, but kind of like a wagon, kind of like a Nissan Vera shape, but raised up like a Subaru Outback sedan. Very odd looking.

[Z-06]

I see, the FX is only a 5-seater...

Yeah??

[G. David Felt]

This auto sucks The outside is very ugly and the inside is not user friendly to me. Probably like all asian auto's a 6'6" tall american will not fit. Yea people think the Asian auto makers make roomy for everyone auto's, but in reality they are just as prone to breakdown and no comfort room.

[deftonesfan867]

Well I'll be damned!! Infiniti just showed me one of there vehicles I will NEVER buy. E gads thats an ugly automobile. Inside and out.

[jbartley]

lol. The RDX didn't hurt anyone's sales.

hahaha. so true.

i feel so underwhelmed when i looks at this crossover. it's like a G35 on roids, but it looks like a small boot, almost akward and photoshopped. i kinda liked the concept, but expected them to mature the design.

[thegriffon]

Fabulous interior. The BRX has some tough competition.

This is more like the X6 than the X3 or BRX.

[thegriffon]

Donked G35 Hatchback

Fixed

[tama z71]

The proportions are too unconventional, the character line was taken straight off an Elantra, and the interior doesnt stand out in any way that separates it from other new interiors. Its just, goofy. I dont like it.

[thegriffon]

I like the concept... it's like a personal, grand tourer coupe-like vehicle, but with some all-weather capability and cargo capacity.

… just like the X6, and sans the Outback/allroad/XC70-style offroad setup, like Opel's Signum. While the Outback, allroad and XC70 are wagons with an added off-road package, the X6 and EX35 are hatchbacks, pioneered in this size class by the Signum (fastback sedans with a fullsize trunk are not the same thing).

[maxximus1]

steering wheel looks great.

[91z4me]

This is more like the X6 than the X3 or BRX.

So is this on the smaller G35 sized FM or larger M35 sized one? I am confused.

[Northstar]

The exterior is rather ugly, the interior is okay, but it's somewhat generic. It looks a lot like the Opel GTC concept (the interior).

[regfootball]

fabulous interior. exterior is a letdown. screw lexus.

[siegen]

Yeah??

Well that makes the FX more pointless, which was the original argument by someone else. I thought the FX was a 7-seater like the MDX, which would make it more distinguished from the new EX.

[mustang84]

I really like that interior a lot. First thing I thought of was my dad's '78 Anniversary Corvette with the white leather interior, and how everything wraps around you. Man, I love white leather interiors.

The exterior is ok, but nothing that really excites me that much.

[Intrepidation]

Interior borrows a lot from the G35, but that's ok...it looks fabulous..especially with those rich colors. The exterior I don't like much...I hate that character line as it reminds me of the Elantra...but maybe it will look better with some better photos. This interior + FX exterior = awesome vehicle.

[matt41]

I like it, but it does not thrill me. It will sell pretty well, average at best, but not amazing. Infiniti can do better, the concept, to me, was stuning. All in all, it reminds me of a Hyundai Veracruz. Loom at the doors, headlights, door handles, windows, rear lights, etc.!

[cire]

Most of the exterior is o.k. Nothing to get too excited about; it kind of has a "been there, done that" approach to the exterior styling. The rear of this vehicle is kind of awkward; looks like a Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Tribeca, and a Nissan Versa hatchback had a three-way collision and no one won. The interior looks nice. I share some other people's concerns about ergonomics; it seems some of the controls and buttons are placed at odd angles. Overall, the entire vehicle is pleasant, but doesn't do much to create a feeling of excitement.

[thegriffon]

So is this on the smaller G35 sized FM or larger M35 sized one? I am confused.

Neither, it's on a smaller version than either. I mean it's not an SUV-style crossover like the X3 and BRX, but a larger "Personal Activity Sedan" as BMW may call the X6, i.e. a midsize hatchback with off-road pretensions. Audi's Roadjet Concept was another. The wheelbase is 2" shorter than the G35, lopping off the trunk to create a hatchback cuts nearly 3" more off the overall length. The Roadjet was a couple of inches longer, while the X6 is of course of unknown size, however, as a 5-seat hatch rather than a 7-seat wagon (X5), I would expect something around the same size as the Roadjet.

[sciguy_0504]

The exterior looks good, maybe a little too droopy, but it's good enough. The interior looks very luxurious. I think Infiniti finally got the memo on how to build interiors good enough to put in luxury cars.

The best thing? 290HP.

[Mule Bakersdozen LS]

So basically this isn't really an X3 competitor as we thought? The world of luxury car-based crossovers is so confusing....but this EX35 looks really good though.

[K.C.]

I like this alot. If I was limited to just buying Japanese vehicles, I would have a Nissan or an Infiniti. The EX would be my family vehicle for sure.

[thegriffon]

So basically this isn't really an X3 competitor as we thought? The world of luxury car-based crossovers is so confusing....but this EX35 looks really good though.

Not a direct competitor. Depending on pricing I would expect some degree of cross-shopping, but you might also consider a 328xi wagon or an awd 5-series wagon to be a competitor.

[dukenj]

Infiniti dealers today got the official ordering guide for the EX35. The guide outlines the color choices and option packages for the 4 models offered. Two of the "base" models will have no optional packages available and come in only "wheat cloth" interiors. For full details and color charts go to:

2008 Infiniti EX35 Ordering Guide and Color Chart

[K.C.]

What, no sport package? Thats disappointing.

Edited October 3, 2007 by K.C.

[Northstar]

I think this may fail for the same reason the SRX did: it looks more like a tall wagon than most crossovers.

[Robert Hall]

I like the styling..very carlike, like a 5dr hatchback rather than a crossover (which are tallish, wagonish 5dr hatchbacks)..

Edited October 3, 2007 by moltar