2006 Infinity G35 on 2040-cars

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Nissan backing off IDx, BladeGlider and Infiniti Eau Rouge amid focus shift

Nissan and Infiniti are officially under the microscope after their presentations at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show focused on the new Titan pickup and Q60 Concept, but lacked any and all mention of allegedly production-bound examples of the Q50 Eau Rouge, IDx and BladeGlider EV concepts. Automotive News reports that the lack of info on the three concept cars, which had previously heralded a more performance-minded Nissan/Infiniti, has signaled a shift in priorities at the Japanese company. Instead of driver-oriented models, emphasis is seemingly being focused more on volume offerings. Nissan was subject to a pair of high-level executive departures last year, with both Andy Palmer and Johan de Nysschen departing for Aston Martin and Cadillac, respectively. Both execs were strong proponents of more driver-oriented offerings, with Palmer championing the compact, rear-drive IDx coupe and de Nysschen backing the high-performance Q50 Eau Rouge. While Palmer has been mum on his former employer's alleged move away from performance, de Nysschen made headlines last month after calling out a Nissan vice president in a Facebook post saying he "heard a rumor that Noboru Tateishi is going to cop-out and shelve the Eau Rouge project now that I'm not there to pressure him," while adding that the VP has "more enthusiasm for 'driver's aid's,' apparently, than 'driver's cars.'" AN reached out to Infiniti, with North American VP Michael Bartsch telling the publication that no decision had been reached about the Eau Rouge and that the company was more focused on rebuilding its core portfolio. Featured Gallery Nissan IDx Nismo View 34 Photos Related Gallery Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept View 24 Photos Related Gallery Nissan BladeGlider Concept View 22 Photos News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Nissan, Infiniti Rumormill Infiniti Nissan Coupe Luxury Performance Sedan infiniti q50 infiniti q50 eau rouge nissan bladeglider concept

2017 Infiniti QX30 brings style in a small package to LA

There are already no shortage of luxurious compact crossovers on the market, like the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Infiniti clearly sees room for growth with the debut of the production QX30 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The highly sculpted CUV arrives next year to offer another stylish entry in the segment. The production QX30 clearly adapts the swoopy concept's design from the Geneva Motor Show, but the designers soften things slightly. The kinked C-pillar comes straight from the earlier shape, and the arching character line now runs through both door handles along the side. Narrow lights at the front and rear also give the CUV a sporty look. Inside, leather and metallic trim abound, and the infotainment system sits high on the center stack. The QX30 will be available with diesel and gasoline engines, depending on the market, but the 2.0t on the fender here suggests this one uses the turbocharged unit from its Q30 hatchback sibling with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox is standard on the CUV, and an all-wheel-drive system can send up to 50-percent of the power to the rear wheels as necessary. Infiniti hopes young buyers gravitate toward the model's bold shape when the QX30 goes on sale. LA seems like the perfect place to catch the eye of these potential customers. Infiniti QX30: A premium active crossover for all purposes • QX30 debuts as a new premium offering for global markets • Combines crossover appearance with signature Infiniti design cues • Delivers a confident drive and versatile attitude, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive • Intuitive technologies enhance safety, comfort and convenience • Part of first Infiniti production in Europe, at new facilities in Sunderland, UK • Simultaneous world premieres at Los Angeles and Guangzhou motor shows HONG KONG – The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover is making its simultaneous global debut at the 2015 Los Angeles and Guangzhou international motor shows – signalling the next phase of the company's global growth strategy. Created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out, the QX30 boasts a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement as part of Infiniti's premium model line-up.

BMW reclaims US luxury sales crown from Mercedes

The numbers, they are in: BMW has reclaimed the luxury-sales crown from Mercedes by a margin of 9,347 cars. Mercedes donned the king's headgear in 2013 after a strong final quarter of 2013 when the new CLA and S-Class poured out of dealerships. This year, led by the 3 Series/4 Series and X5, BMW sold 339,738 units – a 9.8-percent increase year-on-year. Mercedes, led by the C-Class and M-Class, saw its sales go up by 5.7 percent to 330,391 units. We'll have to wait a bit to see if there's another registrations-vs-sales challenge as in 2012, when BMW was anointed US luxury ruler. Behind them, a dark horse named Lexus nudged closer to the leading Teutons, selling 311,389 cars. The Japanese luxury automaker also had the biggest gain among the top three, its sales rising by 13.7 percent compared to 2013. Audi had the biggest sales of anyone among the top five, though, with a 15.2-percent gain to 182,011, which moved it a spot ahead of Cadillac; the Wreath-and-Crest brand dropped 6.5 percent to 170,750. Acura (167,843), Infiniti (117,300), and Lincoln (94,474) took the final positions. Speaking of Lincoln, sales at the once-mighty luxury marque stand as the mightiest jump of any on this list, up 15.6 percent. That's the power of Matthew McConaughey... and better cars and a new crossover, sure. So now that we're back to Round One of 2015, in case no one else has said it yet: "Ok, fight!"