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Weekly Recap: Automakers rethink the definition of luxury

Variety is the spice of life, but it's becoming a prerequisite for luxury carmakers in the ultra-competitive US market. The Detroit Auto Show was strong evidence of this reality. It's not enough to offer attractive and well-appointed cars and SUVs anymore. Luxury brands that want to be competitive need to invest in everything from high-powered supercars to clever hybrids. To be relevant, you need to be green and mean – and everything in between. As General Motors product chief Mark Reuss said after the reveal of the 640-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V: "We are not leaving anything on the table." He was speaking for Cadillac, but he might as well have been speaking for the luxury car market. The CTS-V debuted in Detroit about an hour after Lexus surprised showgoers with the reveal of the RC F GT3 race car and then announced ambitious plans to return to competitive racing. That almost overshadowed the fact Lexus had just revealed another potent addition to its growing F line, the 467-hp GS F. View 20 Photos But for luxury brands, it's not just about maximum horsepower for well-heeled enthusiasts or decadent amenities for the Grey Poupon set. Strong competition from all corners has forced automakers to refine and expand their lineups in ways unforeseen even a few years ago. Case in point: Mercedes-Benz finally has an answer to the BMW X6, rolling out the GLE coupe in Detroit. The X6, which blends coupe-like styling cues with some of the functionality of an SUV, debuted in 2008. Back then it was a punchline, but seven years and more than 260,000 sales later, the X6's success has compelled Benz to respond. Mercedes – one of the strongest proponents of diesel technology – also debuted the C350 plug-in hybrid sedan, which promises a range of 20 miles on electricity, though fuel economy figures were not announced. The car pairs Mercedes' well-received 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for total output of 275 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, Infiniti will add the Q30 hatchback to its lineup by the end of the year, new president Roland Kruger reiterated in Detroit. It's expected to be joined by a crossover variant, and the additions will help strengthen Infiniti in the United States and abroad. "While we're expanding our product line, we're also expanding our market reach," he said. That's something echoed by Jaguar executives, who are preparing to launch the brand's first crossover, the F-Pace, in 2016.

Infiniti previews four upcoming models on its path to electrify by 2030

Nissan and Infiniti have been “also ran” automakers for years, but a shift to electrification presents new opportunities to break through the noise and climb back up the sales charts. To get there, Infiniti is looking at a range of new models in body styles familiar and futuristic. The luxury automaker recently announced four new models that it said will lead its transformation to an all-electric company by 2030. The concepts have familiar shapes with futuristic touches that donÂ’t appear in the automakerÂ’s current lineup. InfinitiÂ’s Vision Qe concept illustrates its vision of the modern sedan, with a striking fastback shape and unique lighting elements that give it a real Tron vibe. Similarly, the brandÂ’s QXe concept blends that styling philosophy with advanced tech and a crossover body style. Infiniti also previewed its new QX80 flagship SUV, scheduled to arrive in 2024. The automaker previewed its upcoming luxury three-row with the QX Monograph concept earlier this year at Pebble Beach, and the new model looks to be a refinement of the existing SUVÂ’s boxy, upright shape. Infiniti said the cabin will feature upscale materials and high-end tech that elevate the experience. Finally, the QX65 is a new midsize crossover coupe that Infiniti said will channel its FX crossovers from years ago. The automaker promised the new SUV would be a “stylish two-row alternative in the cluttered midsize crossover segment.” Infiniti didnÂ’t show a closeup of the vehicle, but we can get a hint from the teaser image, which displays a small crossover with seeping lines and a unique roofline. Infiniti and parent company Nissan have work to do before they are anywhere near level with their rivals, but they havenÂ’t been able to capitalize on missteps by others, including the fact that heavy-hitters Toyota and Honda have been slow to move on electrification. NissanÂ’s Ariya saw significant delays and landed well after its intended release date, losing what could have been an impressive early mover advantage. The good news for brand hopefuls is that the shift to electrification should open the door to more flexible vehicle designs and technology-sharing opportunities with the companyÂ’s alliance mates, Renault and Mitsubishi.     Design/Style Green Tokyo Motor Show Infiniti Nissan Concept Cars Electric

NHTSA probing 400,000 Infiniti, Honda vehicles over steering faults

As many as 391,000 vehicles from Infiniti and Honda may eventually need to be recalled as a result of two, separately announced Preliminary Evaluations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ascertain the scope of the potential safety hazards.
The larger investigation has NHTSA looking into the 2013 Honda Accord because of 24 reports from drivers alleging total loss of power steering or a sudden increase in necessary effort to turn the vehicle. In four cases, the problem is reportedly linked to crashes, with all of them occurring at less than 30 miles per hour. According to the claims, 13 people also reported seeing a warning message during the failure. Turning off the car and restarting it would fix the issue in some cases. If a recall is necessary, it could affect an estimated 374,000 Accords.
The second investigation is much smaller in scope. The safety agency is investigating the 2008 Infiniti EX35 after two complaints of the steering wheel shaft separating, and the vehicle losing the ability to steer. Both reports allege that the steering became loose when driving and then completely failed once the vehicle was stopped. A recall for the problem would affect an estimated 17,000 vehicles. Scroll down to read NHTSA's reports on both Preliminary Evaluations.