Automotive

Infiniti EX37 luxury coupe crossover destined for Europe

Infiniti EX37 luxury coupe crossover destined for Europe
Infiniti EX37 Crossover
Infiniti EX37 Crossover
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Interior view - Infiniti EX37
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Interior view - Infiniti EX37
Interior view - Infiniti EX37
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Interior view - Infiniti EX37
Infiniti EX37 Crossover
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Infiniti EX37 Crossover
Infiniti EX37 Crossover
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Infiniti EX37 Crossover
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March 10, 2008 Well recognized in North America after two decades in the market, Nissan's luxury auto brand Infiniti is gearing up for entry into Europe with a presentation at the Geneva Auto Show spearheaded by the new EX37 luxury coupe crossover. Looking to blend coupé style with four-wheel drive crossover versatility, the Infiniti EX37 is powered by a 3.7-litre, twin cam V6 that puts out over 300 horses and 350Nm of torque via a seven-speed automatic transmission and intelligent four-wheel drive system. Among the standout technology features is an Around View Monitor system that takes rear-view parking assistance to a new level, using a series of cameras positioned all around the vehicle to provide a bird’s eye view of the vehicle on the in-car monitor - a first for a production vehicle according to Infiniti.

The EX37's coupé design elements include a stretched wheelbase, long bonnet, short overhangs and tapering roof line with the car riding comparatively low to the ground. Weight is reduced by 50kg by the use of lightweight parts including aluminum suspension components and bonnet while resin is used for tailgate. High strength steel is used throughout the shell for a high degree of torsional rigidity and lateral bending resistance.

The compact V6 engine is located as low and as far back as possible in the front of the car with most of the block behind the front axle line to optimize front to rear weight distribution and keep the center of gravity low. The aluminum engine is itself lightweight with a two-part construction providing more rigidity and less vibration than a single piece casting. Also included is V-VEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, a system that continually alters valve lift and therefore the quantity of air in the combustion chamber - meaning a small lift at partial throttle to improve fuel consumption and a greater lift at full throttle, inducting a larger quantity of air into the combustion chamber.

Dual Flow Path (DFP) dampers which reduce low speed vibration and body roll while Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system that adjusts power distribution (sending anything from 50 per cent to the front, to up to 100 per cent to the rear) and enhance control in a variety of road conditions, while still allowing for an element of oversteer (and fun).

The EX37 also features a sophisticated braking system with power-assisted four-wheel vented disc brakes incorporating a four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) is also featured - a system that works with the Intelligent Cruise Control to automatically apply the brakes when a potential collision with a car in front is detected.

Available with a new seven-speed automatic option with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), the EX37 also boasts a wider spread of ratios which benefit both fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking. The seven-speed automatic transmission also features a manual mode with blip control (more fun!).

Inside, the EX37 incorporates electric fold down rear seats to extend the load bay and the raised drivers seat has a ‘scooped-out’ design contrasting with the open, spacious design of the passenger area. There's also a 45-litre underfloor storage compartment - but this area is used for the optional Bose premium sound system is specified or is the spare wheel is chosen over the standard inflation kit.

Other standout features include keyless "Infiniti I-Key" access and starting, darkened privacy glass, a six-disc, seven speaker CD audio system, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic lights and wipers, six airbags (featuring thorax and pelvis protection) and the use of elastic resin “Scratch Shield” paint which Infiniti says can result in up to five times fewer scratches that a conventional clearcoat.

A full leather version is available which includes heated seats and power for the passenger seat) and a Multimedia pack (with satellite navigation, a rear view parking camera, voice recognition and Bose Premium sound) and an adaptive front-light system that follows the wheel angle to improve visibility when cornering are also optional.

Infiniti expect sales in Europe to begin from the fourth quarter of 2008 with the second-generation Infiniti FX luxury sports crossover and Infiniti G37 and G37 Coupé models set to join the EX37 on showroom floors.

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