2013 Infiniti M Rwd W/ Premium Pkg on 2040-cars

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Infiniti lays out four upcoming models, electric future to dealers

Infiniti recently held a meeting in Los Angeles for approximately 200 of its North American dealers. Much of the talk was geared toward calming skeptical franchise owners about the brand's staying power. To bolster that argument, Infiniti corporate gave the retailers a sneak preview of upcoming models intended to liven up a portfolio that's largely seen as stagnant. As Automotive News reported, dealers were treated to a first look at two gasoline models and two electric ones. All four were either crossovers or SUVs. Firstly, an all-new QX80 is expected to debut for model year 2024. Infiniti plans to move it upmarket with a price tag north of $100,000 to compete with Cadillac and Lincoln. We would expect a starting price below the six-figure threshold, with only top trim models going over the line.  AN describes the QX80's exterior design as blockier than its predecessor's, with a new corporate grille. Details include "piano key" head and taillights as seen on the QX55, as well as Tesla-esque door handles that are flush with the paint when not in use. Using the next-gen version of the popular Nissan Patrol as its base, the flagship SUV will replace its 5.6-liter V8 with a twin-turbo V6 that puts out about 450 horsepower. That's 50 more than the V8, but should return better mileage than the current 15 mpg combined. Luxury features reportedly include an air suspension that lowers when parked to make climbing in and out less strenuous, a 24-inch display spanning the dashboard, and plenty of legroom for second- and third-rowers. Expect a summer 2023 debut.  An all-new model called the QX65 will be positioned as a Lexus RX rival. Though based on the QX60, which is itself based on the Nissan Pathfinder. It loses the third row for a more coupe SUV-like profile. It's described as having the grille of the upcoming QX80 but "shark fin taillights".  Infiniti was one of the first companies to proclaim an electric lineup within a certain timeframe. That date was 2030, but the brand now lags behind BMW, Lexus and others. AN's report has a new Q70 sedan going on sale by the end of 2026 as Infiniti's first all-electric model. Attendees recounted a design that takes off from where the discontinued Q70 left off but with proportions that include short overhangs and a longer wheelbase. A new lighting signature illuminates the full width of the car. Comparisons were drawn to the Tesla Model S and Porsche.

Assessing Sebastian Vettel's first 100 days as Infiniti's director of performance

Whenever a new US president is elected, we know to expect a performance review as soon as he (or she) has spent 100 days in office. Sebastian Vettel, arguably given a job that is more important to Infiniti than the US president, has been the brand's director of performance for one hundred revolutions of The Blue Marble, and Infiniti has put together a videographic glimpse of his work at Paul Ricard, in the US and England.
We probably won't really get a grip on the full results of his efforts for a while - we doubt that he's been in his post long enough to significantly alter the trajectory of the Q50 sedan, for instance. But then again, Infiniti insists he's been integral to the car's dynamics development regime, suggesting he's been working as a test driver for some time before these 100 days. Of course, Vettel is a race car driver and brand ambassador first and foremost, but when he tells a Q50 engineer that "For the future, I think it's more comfortable to have the shift paddles on the steering wheel," we get the sense that he won't hesitate to suggest changes in forthcoming products. Check out more of his inputs in the video below as well as a press release detailing his visit to the tech center in Cranfield, UK.

Hurricane Sandy cost automakers 15,000 vehicles, may have ruined up to 200k

Hurricane Sandy was the largest Atlantic storm in US history, and its total economic impact is just now coming into view. According to Automotive News, Toyota, Chrysler, Nissan and Honda are set to scrap around 15,000 new vehicles ruined by the storm. Nissan alone accounts for about 40 percent of those, with 6,000 Nissan and Infiniti models deeded "un-saleable" due to damage. The company saw 56 dealerships shuttered due to the storm, but 51 of those have since reopened.
Toyota, meanwhile, had some 4,000 vehicles at its Newark port facility, and of those, 3,000 may be scrapped. An additional 825 were dealer inventory when they were ruined. Honda and Acura dealers are reportedly sending 3,440 vehicles to the salvage yard. By comparison, Chrysler weathered the storm fairly well with 825 units destroyed, while Hyundai suffered only 400 lost units and Kia scrapped around 200.
As you may recall, Fisker also suffered some losses, and Automotive News reports the manufacturer saw 320 Karma models damaged beyond repair. Ford and General Motors have yet to come up with estimates, and no automaker has commented on the full cost of replacing the vehicles.