Infiniti EX30d, 2011, diesel engine

 

 

 

Infiniti EX30d, 2011

The Infiniti EX30d introduces a lower CO2 V6 diesel engine, first-in-class safety technology and a new chapter in the European ambitions of Japan's youngest luxury performance car-maker. What doesn't change is the EX's dynamic coupé crossover style, its outstanding standard equipment - and a high-performance drive to seduce the sportiest of owners

The dynamic EX reinvented the way compact SUVs look. Its advanced chassis reinvigorated how they drive. Extensive standard equipment recalibrated value and Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience re-imagined every facet of life with a premium quality car for the most discerning of owners. Now with the addition of an acclaimed new diesel engine, boasting more torque, or pulling power, than any existing rival, the EX redefines desirability in the compact SUV class.

The Infiniti EX30d joins the EX37 V6 petrol models in Infiniti Centres across Europe from summer 2010 (depending on country). The sports coupé-inspired SUV is the second Infiniti to be powered by diesel. It inherits exactly the same 3.0-litre V6 piezo-injection engine as has been available in its big brother, the FX30d, since June 2010. In the form used in the EX and FX crossovers, the Alliance's V9X V6 diesel is very much a bespoke Infiniti unit. It was developed by Infiniti to deliver more kilometres and lower carbon emissions than the brand's petrol V6 while enhancing the high performance and refinement central to Infiniti's luxury ethos.

Smooth, responsive and lag-free, the V6 has even been tuned to sound like a petrol V6 engine, enhancing the EX's already prominent sporting appeal with its dashing looks, driver-focused interior and well resolved, rear-drive biased handling. Where the law allows, the Infiniti EX30d can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds and hit 221 km/h flat out.
High performance and exceptional efficiency go hand in hand in the Infiniti EX30d, as shown by an EU combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 8.5 l/100km (33.2mpg). With 7.2 l/100 km (39.2mpg) on the extra-urban cycle, the Infiniti EX30d's long-distance cruising capability is greatly enhanced with a potential range of 1100km. Over the petrol EX37 models, CO2 emissions fall to 224 g/km - despite the diesel's torque exceeding even that of Infiniti's 5.0-litre petrol V8 of the flagship FX.

EX in Europe - the story so far
The Infiniti EX30d is central to phase two of Infiniti's quiet assault on the European luxury car market and the key to the Japanese luxury brand's growth plans. Phase one, which commenced with Infiniti's European launch in Paris in 2008, saw the introduction of the petrol-engined range and the building of both the brand and its unique dealerships. By July 2010, there were 35 Infiniti Centres open across 16 European countries, all of them more akin to bespoke hotels than motor retailers for their contemporary look and luxury feel.

The compact SUV market in Europe
Despite recession and collapsing car sales, 2009 was a big year for the SUV-C segment in Europe. Sales increased from around 100,000 a year to more than 175,000 as what was historically a largely single model-dominated market niche suddenly gained a host of new premium-class contenders. In 2009 the BMW X3 was joined by the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60 - as well of course as the Infiniti EX37.

Infiniti's mould-breaking coupé crossover immediately made an impact for its stand-out style and high performance. As a petrol model, however, it was always destined to remain a rare sight in a market dominated by diesels.
The V6 diesel engine expands the EX's potential sales net by almost six times, the Infiniti EX30d becoming a direct rival for 34% of the total SUV-C diesel segment.
The largest markets in Europe for compact SUVs are Germany, Italy and the UK. Infiniti forecasts that following the arrival of the Infiniti EX30d and other new contenders, SUV-C sector sales will increase from 2012.

V9X: Infiniti's first diesel engine
When it was decided to launch Infiniti in Europe a diesel engine was deemed compulsory. But it had to be an engine that built on Infiniti's core values and made no compromises on driving pleasure. During the study phase, after looking at other options, the Alliance decided to develop its own, the V9X, a common-rail 3.0-litre V6 with piezo injectors and high (1800 bar) fuel pressure.

Petrol-powered EX
The V9X diesel V6 comes in a tradition of innovative Infiniti engines that put driving pleasure first. The potent 3.7-litre petrol V6 of the EX37 is well known around the world not only for its high-rev smoothness and evocative exhaust snarl, but also for VVEL - the Variable Valve Event and Lift technology that continuously adjusts the valves, unleashing not just great power but doing so with higher torque and improved emissions over conventional variable valve engines. This exceptional engine can rev effortlessly to 7500rpm at which point any enthusiast will be delighted by its soul-stirring noise and sharp responses.

The twin-cam 24-valve engine produces 235 kW (320 PS) at 7000 rpm with 360 Nm of torque at 5200rpm, endowing the EX37 with performance to shame a sports car: 0-100 km/h takes just 6.4 seconds while the top speed is 240 km/h.
Like the Infiniti EX30d, the EX37 is equipped as standard with Infiniti's 7-speed automatic transmission. Pushing the lever to the left selects the "DS", or drive sport, mode which locks out the two top gears and offers precise manual gear-changing when driving quickly over mountain passes, for example.

The Exterior design
The EX's profile owes nothing to traditional 4x4 boxiness and everything to a sleek and sporting coupé. With its long bonnet and sharply tapering roofline, the look is one of refined athleticism, something that accurately reflects the EX's driving character.
Infiniti's signature double-arch grille blends perfectly with the soft edges and flowing contours. The complex-shape Xenon lights are an Infiniti signature, too, and in the EX they are pulled back over the tops of the wheelarches, visually thrusting the nose forward and imbuing the design with dynamism.

Mechanical layout
The design of the EX hints towards sports coupé and it has been engineered to drive like one, too. In its response, agility and noise, as well as its outright performance, it provides a high level of driver satisfaction while simultaneously delivering levels of comfort and refinement in keeping with its luxury status.

Lane Departure Prevention
Top-selling Premium versions of the EX are equipped with elements of Infiniti's Safety Shield, an umbrella term for a suite of technologies aimed at both avoiding accidents and lessening their effects. With the introduction of the Infiniti EX30d, the Safety Shield takes an important step forward with the exclusive availability of Lane Departure Prevention™. Unlike rival systems which merely warn the driver when the car strays out of a designated traffic lane, LDP takes action if the warnings aren't heeded.

Designed to reduce accidents caused by inattentive driving or drowsiness, LDP represents considerable extra peace of mind for Infiniti EX30d drivers. Half of all accidents in Europe in "lane departure" situations are caused by either lack of concentration or drowsiness.
It is the first time this unique Infiniti technology has been available in this class in Europe. It is standard on diesel Premium models and will be introduced later on petrol versions.

Other Safety Shield features included as standard on Premium versions of both petrol and diesel models are Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and Forward Collision Warning (FCW).
ICC ensures a safe distance to the car in front when the cruise control is switched on. A combination of IBA and FCW remains constantly on alert, not just warning the driver of insufficient distance to the vehicle in front but pre-loading the powerful all-disc braking system in readiness for an emergency stop, should that become necessary.

Interior design
The EX interior will find favour with driver and passengers alike for its luxury and fine fittings and furnishings - plus a practical side. But it's the way the EX backs up its dynamic looks and performance with a distinct driver focus that will win the heart of the person behind the wheel.

The front seats are shaped for maximum comfort with support and are electrically powered in all models to provide the perfect driving position for the widest range of driver shapes and sizes. The driver's quarters have a "scooped-out" feel to emphasise the concept of a cockpit, and everything has been designed to be clear and easy to use. The controls aren't only placed correctly, they operate with the oiled precision that is central to the Infiniti way of making cars. With the standard Infiniti I-Key smart access system, the engine is fired by a press on a push button, the I-Key conveniently never having to leave the driver's pocket or purse.

Safety
High levels of passive safety were a priority at the design stage. As a result, the EX has six airbags, with dual-stage front airbags, seatbelt sensors and passenger seat occupancy sensor. The front seats incorporate hip and thorax bags, while there are front-to-rear curtain airbags for protection in a side impact.
Infiniti is constantly striving to innovate in the area of active safety, introducing systems under the Safety Shield banner which help the driver avoid an accident in the first place. With the arrival in Europe of Lane Departure Prevention™, the Infiniti EX30d sets a standard no other SUV can match.

Quality
Infiniti is synonymous with vehicle quality, and that's something that doesn't happen by accident.
On the Tochigi production line in Japan every vehicle - not just every tenth - is laser scanned to ensure that panel gaps are within prescribed limits.
During the design and development phase, new models are exhaustively tested not just at Infiniti's Hokkaido proving ground but also at the Tochigi and Motegi test and race complexes in Japan. Infiniti also has a vast 12.34 million square metre hot weather testing base in Arizona.

Testing every Infiniti in the harshest of conditions and over thousands of kilometres ensures the durability and peace of mind that buyers can expect from the products.

Infiniti Etherea Concept, 2011

 

 

 

Infiniti Etherea Concept, 2011

Making its world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Infiniti Etherea Concept re-imagines the compact luxury car for a discerning new generation of younger buyers, while providing a glimpse of a future European Infiniti line-up where the brand's convention-defying distinctiveness reaches into the compact class for the first time.
 

Performance
Infiniti Etherea Concept's segment-busting appeal is based on the coming together of several vehicles styles. It is part elegant coupé, part spacious sedan, part practical hatchback and even part tall crossover. And being an Infiniti, there is also a large helping of sports car in the way it drives.

Like all Infinitis, Etherea puts driving pleasure high up alongside design. The concept car has been designed for a potent yet highly efficient hybrid drivetrain based around an in-house platform and the innovative one electric motor/twin clutch system used in the Infiniti M35h, the marque's first hybrid currently going on sale around Europe.

A supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine developing 245 PS provides quick response and strong acceleration throughout the performance range. Boosting power when more is needed, and providing silent, emission-free driving at low speeds, is an electric motor. The transmission is a continuously variable (CVT) type and, in an Infiniti first, drive is to the front wheels.

Like the M35h, the hybrid powertrain is designed to use clean electric power more often, for longer periods and at higher speeds than hybrids generally manage, endowing Infiniti Etherea Concept with a hybrid's advantages out on the open road as well as in busy city streets. This maximises efficiency and cuts CO2 emissions even further while imposing no compromises on the driving front.

Independent suspension, regenerative braking and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering further enhance the balance between performance and greenness.

The Design
Designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Etherea is more coupé than hatchback in inspiration, with many Infiniti flourishes first seen on the Essence concept supercar. However, Infiniti Etherea Concept's elegant profile is not at the expense of practicality. Despite appearances, Etherea boasts a large lift-up tailgate.

Utilising an in-house platform developed for use by Infiniti, the long wheelbase and minimal overhangs guarantee characteristic Infiniti visual poise and sporting appeal. The bonnet may not be as long as that of rear-drive Infinitis, but the proportions are just as finely judged and the overall look just as balanced, with the unique crescent C-pillar offering a dynamic, and very distinctive, Infiniti signature.

The spacious four-seat cabin offers all the luxury that Infiniti owners expect plus unrivalled ease of access and egress, boosted by an H-point which is higher than that of the average compact luxury car. Four wide opening doors, rear-hinged at the back, and an absence of B-pillar offer an unprecedented feeling of openness.

Familiar Infiniti design language has evolved to meet the challenge of the concept car. The headlights, for example, define the Infiniti "face" more clearly than ever. With a subtly curving shape, the lamps incorporate daytime running lights formed out of a crescent of LEDs. Going forward, the new lights are destined to become a familiar Infiniti characteristic.

Project leader and exterior designer, Giichi Endo, says Etherea can be summed up as a "four-door coupé with five-door practicality - a hatchback that doesn't look like a hatchback." Key was managing the new front-wheel drive architecture - all very different from the rear-drive FM platform that Infiniti designers are used to working with - to provide the traditional Infiniti "seductive lustre" to the design while delivering the interior roominess crucial for a car in the 4.4m class.

Wide opening doors, the rear doors hinged at the back, and no B pillar were central to the idea of being able to make the cabin as open and welcoming as possible. Access is further eased by the car's height. Infiniti Etherea Concept is not a crossover but with a driver H (hip) point higher than in a regular compact car, it does hint at the easy access and commanding driving position that distinguish an Infiniti such as the FX. The designers have dubbed the slightly elevated body style the "Lift-up".

The front of Infiniti Etherea Concept offers an unmistakable impression of solidity. In a design that instantly links it to the rest of the Infiniti family, the high bonnet line is fronted by a deep grille. An updated version of Infiniti's familiar double arch design, the grille's translucent mesh finish with illumination is both entirely functional and highly artistic.

Shiro Nakamura says in profile there is a suggestion of a mono-volume design - very different from current contenders in the compact luxury segment.

The design highlight for Nakamura, however, is the area around the base of the A-pillar - as he says, one of the most complex areas for a designer to get right in any car. In Etherea, this area is executed in a style unlike that of any other car - apart from Essence, which again provides the inspiration. Key to making it work is the front fender whose exaggerated length extends to the A-pillar in a highly sculptural coming together of planes. A small quarter window in the A-pillar guarantees a clear view out. It all makes for a contemporary and innovative design that injects energy into the whole car.

Comfort, space and craftsmanship
Just as the front-wheel drive platform presents new design opportunities for an Infiniti on the outside, so too does it allow a bold new approach in the cabin. With its flat floor and welcoming openness, Infiniti Etherea Concept's interior is designed for comfort and space while offering the luxury and craftsmanship Infiniti buyers expect. As Francois Bancon says, "Your first premium luxury car experience should feel like this."

The B-pillar-less design and opposing doors opens up the cabin and highlights its easy access and excellent roominess. With no transmission tunnel and a flat floor, the welcoming openness of Etherea's cabin extends throughout the car, with only elegantly slender consoles between the four seats to act as armrests and house ancillary controls.

Like any Infiniti the driving position is sporting. The control layout is very driver centric, though not in a way that excludes passengers. Here is a concept where the luxury and sportiness can be shared by all. For example, the centre of the dashboard features twin screens, both as easily accessible to the front seat passenger as the driver. The lower, nearer display is a touch-screen for control of functions such as climate control and entertainment, while the screen further away is used purely to display information.

Infiniti

Infiniti, 2011

= Infiniti EX30d
= Infiniti Etherea Concept





Infiniti