2004 Nissan Maxima Se Sedan 4-door 3.5l Fully Loaded on 2040-cars

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Infiniti rolls out new badge, brand experience — even a brand scent

Infiniti kicked off a brand refresh Thursday, showing off a new logo (and corresponding changes to its physical emblems), dealership aesthetic and what brand representatives described as elements of its "multisensory experience." Do you know what Infiniti is supposed to smell like? Well, you're about to learn.  The alterations to the logo are subtle from dead on, but as you can see from our featured image above, its physical form is far more intricate and three-dimensional. This is the fourth generation of Infiniti's signature since the brand was launched in 1989. Yep — Nissan's upscale division is 35 years old this year. Can you believe that? The most significant visual difference is the alterations to the "road" in the center of the logo. Infiniti says this was done to emphasize the notion that the road is endless — infinite, if you will. The clipped point represents the horizon. The physical badges will be illuminated, "boldly" announcing the car's arrival.  "Our aim was to subtly evolve the INFINITI logo in support of the bright new chapter that lays ahead," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti SVP of global design. "Adding greater emphasis to the point where the infinite road intersects with the horizon, we are showcasing our steadfast commitment to always look forward to the future and to new horizons." The new badge will also be accompanied by a new signature scent and signature sound. The former is a blend of Japanese cypress, cedar and yuzu. The sound "creates a sense of anticipation by marrying powerful musical elements with more serene sounds to deliver a harmonious balance" and will be employed in marketing materials, advertising, dealership experiences and other consumer-facing assets.  A new architectural and interior design direction accompanies the update. The aesthetics are based on the Japanese concept of Ma — "a philosophy that considers the space between things," Infiniti said. The result looks modern, sophisticated and convincingly upscale, reminding us of a cross between a Volvo and Mercedes-Benz showroom. Not a terrible place to be.  Infiniti's new look rolls out today across its digital spaces.

Toyota raises Japanese base wages for first time since 2008

Toyota is on track for record profits, and in return, its Japanese workers are receiving their first increase in base wages since 2008, plus higher pay based on seniority and a larger bonus for 2014. The Japanese automaker predicts the average laborer will net a 2.9 percent income gain.
The average Toyota employee will earn 2,700 yen ($26.28) more each month, a 0.8 percent increase from last year. Workers will also receive about 7,300 yen ($71.09) more monthly based on seniority and promotions. Finally, the company's union pushed through a median bonus of 2.44 million yen ($23,768) for 2014, the highest in 6 years.
The pay boost comes as Toyota forecasts a record 1.9-trillion yen ($18.5 billion) profit for the fiscal year ending on March 31, according to Bloomberg. It has been helped by the Japanese government's efforts to weaken the yen on international markets and expand inflation. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been asking businesses to increase compensation to end years of deflation and offset upcoming higher sales taxes. Honda and Nissan have also raised their wages there in recent months.

2014 Nissan Versa Note priced from $13,990*

With the 2014 Nissan Versa Note going on sale this month, Nissan has announced the official pricing for its redesigned subcompact hatchback. Commanding a $2,000 premium over the Versa sedan, the new Versa Note will have a starting price of $13,990 (*not including $790 for destination), which is $680 less than the 2012 Versa Hatchback.
The base model is the Versa Note S, but trim levels also include S Plus and SV starting at $15,240 and $15,990, respectively. The S Plus trim will deliver the highest fuel economy - best in class according to Nissan - for the Versa Note thanks to a CVT and active grille shutters, and the SV brings more convenience features like power windows and door locks (that's right, the base models will still get crank windows and manual door locks). Stepping up even further, the SL Package will add push-button starter, backup camera and heated seats for $17,690 while the SL Tech Package tops out at $18,490 with navigation, Nissan's Around View Monitor and Bluetooth. More pricing details for the 2014 Versa Note are posted below in the official press release.