titan

I don't think it's coming to the U.S.

No. Actually, the next Maxima. It's supposed to be a Nissan-esq answer to the CLS, being both sporty and luxurious. That way, it distances itself from the Altima, competes head to thead with the Avalon in the lux deptartment, supposedly returns the Maxima to it's sporty roots, and doesn't step on Infiniti's toes (by remaining FWD). On that note, though, I can't wait to see what the next Q will look like. I like this concept alot. If the next Maxima comes close to this they'll have a winner on their hands.

I like it. It's not bad at all... I look forward to seeing the interior.

Geez, I thought the same thing. I hope I'm wrong. Very nicely designed, though.

Geez... I'm loving this. It's like finding the holy grail.

That's BS. GM's had 300HP FWD cars for years now. As Oldsmoboi said, look at the Impala SS, Pontiac GXP, Buick Lacrosse Super, Buick Lucerne Super, and Cadillac DTS. And that was done with outdated platforms that are way older, less rigid, and less sophisticated than the upcoming EPII; and, those examples are with more engine (larger displacement at 5.3L, and more cylinders at eight). So, GM can definitely have a 290HP LaX/Regal trumps that ES350 handily in the HP dept. Second, I don't care what has happened in the last 20 years to the brand; Buick can not afford to continue to bring half-ass product to market, price and package wrong, and then wonder why it's not attracting younger, more affluent buyers and is not seen as a Lexus alternative. Look at the revised pecking order at GM; Caddy's at the top, and Buick is right under it. The Saturn... There is definitely room for an all out luxury and performance divison (Caddy), and a quiet, refined, powerful, value-based luxury (Buick). It's no secret that the ES350 (or the RX350, Highlander, or Sienna for that matter) shares it's platform with the Camry. But it continues to be Lexus' top seller; why? Because the exterior and interior is completely unique to the ES350, and because the materials used are of the same quality as those found in the rest of the Lexus lineup. Buick can do the same! The next gen LaX has the potential to be a real show stopper, and a real ES350 Killer. That means beating the ES on all fronts, and offering it to the customer at a price a few thousand less the ES350. I'd have the CXL start at $29K, and come with the 3.6L (250HP), 6 disc changer, leather, power front seats, a sun roof, and 17in. as standard. Then, the CXS with the 3.6L (250HP) as standard, coming with leather seats, sunroof, 18in alloys, HIDs, seat memory, heated cooled seats, dual chrome tipped exhaust, 6 disc changer, et. all) for around $31K, and leave just a few options (Navi, stereo upgrade, chrome wheels, Vista Roof). Then, have the Super version begin at around $33-34K but come with the 3.6L DI at 295HP, 19in. alloys, HIDs, the upgraded stereo, memory seats, chromed tipped exhaust, heated cooled seats as standard equipment and leave options limited to just a few (Navi, Vista roof, chrome wheels). The CX wouldn't come with options; you'd have to buy it as equipped (which is well equipped) at $29K. That way, Buick can advertise that the price starts there, but the pricing would be as such that the customer is encouraged to look at the past the CXL to the CXS or the Super for the car they'd rather see themselves in.

This car will probably be just as long as the Malibu, if not a few inches shorter. It's sure to be a wider vehicle. One of the main gripes of the current Epsilon platform is that it's narrow. Remember, this car is based on EPII, so it really isn't related to the new Malibu in any way. The next gen Malibu will share this Next Gen LaX's platform, but that's years away. Here's hoping the do away with the bench (and my true dream is no cloth, either), alloy wheels standard, and the HFV6 making 290HP. While I'm at it, PLEASE BUICK, USE GENUINE WOOD IN THIS CAR. Anything less would be a disservice. This car should be a true ES350 competitor, and that means real materials and a $30k starting part (with the product to justify that).

I agree with you half way. I saw a cocoa Enclave with the 20" chromed wheels and it absolutely blew me away. I must have driven in front of the house three or four times (the owners must have thought I was a stalker, lol). The interior is a tad of a let down. I think the design, layout, and fit and finish are great. BUT... the lack of GENUINE wood really, really nags me. IMO, it's the one glaring area of the interior that falls (and falls far) when compared to the Lexus.

Very cool. A true concept, instead of a car that's 99% production ready with a few extra touches. Cutting edge design; an experimental drivetrain... I love it.

This car looks great. I think it's the nicest midsizer out there, followed by the upcoming Malibu, then Aura, then upcoming Accord.

There won't be any eggs coming from me! I was thinking the SAME THING. It's imperative that if no other divisions get real wood, Caddy and Buick must. Genuine materials, along with this fantastic design and other features (quiet tuning, et. all), will be Buick's saving grace. Without it, Buick WILL flounder into oblivion. Since Buick is forced into the BPG (a mistake, IMO, because with proper marketing and a proper lineup/product it could stand alone as a Lexus fighter), the only way to make an impression with luxury/near luxury shoppers is to use these real materials in there cars. It not only sets them above other GM cars (and below Caddy), but also will prompt cross shopping with other lux brands, which is Buick's ultimate goal.

Looks better than the CR-V, Rav4, Escape, and Equinox.

Yes. This is truly what I've been waiting to see. This interior is beautiful, and fitting an ES350 killer. This is what I've been waiting to see... sure, I love the Enclave, and would get on above all Lambdas (if I even needed a crossover); but as nice as the interior is, it's black tie. This interior is fully intergrated, kicking ass and taking names... need to see the real thing, NOW.

Love it, love it, love it. I hope that make it happen.

that interior is really, truly, terrible.

This car is a great refresh. The improved on the areas where they needed to improve...

My first impressions are really good. As many have said, the exterior isn't as aggressive and in your face as the FX, but that's okay, IMO, because the next gen FX is sure to pick up where the current one leaves off. The interior's is 99% perfection. My one gripe is that it doesn't offer the Matte Rosewood trim, which has been an absolutely beautiful trademark for Infiniti for years. The polished maple looks great, but the Rosewood's nicer, IMO.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/crossov...iled/#more-3133 Infiniti has taken the wraps off its long-awaited EX crossover, due to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this week. The production EX retains much of the sleek styling of the concept shown at the New York Auto Show in April. Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35 combines the style of a coupe with the height of a 4×4. We’ve seen sporty crossovers before, but the EX manages to look both sporting and fairly compact (at least in the pictures). It will also be the first car with “self-healing” clearcoat paint, designed to fix minor scratches up to three years from the build date. Sharing the same FR-L platform as the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Saloon models, the EX is powered by the super-slick VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine and develops in excess of 290hp (in US-spec). The usual assortment of stability and traction controls also come standard. The EX crossover is vital to Infiniti’s plans to enter Europe. It will be one of the four models the company will launch with in 2008 as most buyers don’t like large SUVs. All new 2008 Infiniti EX coming to Europe * EX revealed 16 August at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance * Innovative Coupe Crossover concept * Standard ‘ATTESA E-TS’ all-wheel drive * Powered by a 3.5-litre 290hp V6 (US specification) * First introduction of the advanced Around View Monitor system * To be launched progressively across Europe starting from Autumn 2008 together with the G Saloon, G Coupe and a successor to the iconic FX ROLLE, SWITZERLAND (16.08.07): The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX coupe crossover, revealed this week at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will form part of a four model premium range that will be launched across Europe starting from Autumn 2008. The EX is a new addition to the global Infiniti range. To be badged EX35 when it goes on sale in the US at the end of this year, this all-wheel drive crossover slots in below the iconic FX and offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant interior and advanced technology systems. These include the world production car debut of the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of the vehicle while parking. The new EX35 also becomes the second Infiniti production vehicle, following the Autumn introduction in the US of the 2008 Infiniti M-series, to offer the new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, and the first to feature “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint. Launch timing of these technologies in Europe is to be confirmed. Coupe-Inspired Exterior Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35’s sculpted elegance should have a timeless appeal. Sleek lines portray speed, grace and finesse combining the look and feel of a luxury coupe with the elevated cabin of a 4×4. The sporty proportions include a long hood, short front and rear overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over the windows to the C-pillars. “The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a sporty 4×4,” said Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe. The EX35 has a length of 4631mm and a width of 1803mm making it maneuverable in town. While a height of 1589mm gives it a more dynamic stance and a lower centre of gravity than most other 4×4s. EX35’s exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches, including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and “dynamic arch” profile. Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, an available power tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver’s side door mirror as part of the Hospitality Lighting Concept. Eight exterior colors will be offered including two shades new to the model. One of the unique features of the new EX35 is the special “Scratch Shield,” a special “self-healing” clearcoat paint, which is designed to maintain its gloss-level over time. The paint repairs fine scratches, such as fingernail scratches under door handles, restoring the EX35’s surface close to the original state. The process, which takes anywhere from one day to one week (depending on the surrounding temperature and the depth of the scratch), is accomplished through the use of a special highly elastic resin. This resin is combined with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint’s flexibility and strength by raising the resin density. Elegant Interior Design Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX35 is conceived to offer an invigorating and engaging interior environment. And one that is both indulgent and inspiring. The driver-focused “wave-inspired” cabin layout features an Infiniti signature “double-wave” instrument panel, easy-to-read high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console and Infiniti-signature analog clock. The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for music storage and playback. Other technology systems include available Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition. Available technology features include RearView Camera (available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system), front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Bose® Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod® connectivity. The interior is offered with cloth or leather-upholstered seating surfaces, available in four different colour concepts, reflecting Infiniti’s desire to offer the customer a high level of personalisation. A special Black Lacquer trim comes standard on the center console, with optional genuine Maple wood trim for the centre An 8-way power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support is standard, along with a 4-way power passenger’s seat. A driver’s seat memory system is also offered, along with available heated front seats and 8-way power front passenger’s seat. Also available is an unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from the front or hatch area) making it easier to get the best out of the interior space. “The EX35’s interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger comfort,” said Wright. “Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like feel but surprising versatility – ideal for today’s active lifestyles. Its design is elegant and made using beautiful materials that indulge as well as calm. ” Advanced Platform and Powertrain Under the EX35’s dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and powertrain based on the latest Infiniti performance technology. Its advanced FR-L platform provides the same high levels of handling precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe and Saloon. Every 2008 US-specification Infiniti EX35 comes as standard with the fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Saloon), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated) and 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control. The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing. Both are tuned to create authoritative harmonies, helping enhance driving pleasure, an exciting engine sound and expected improvements in emissions and fuel economy (versus the previous generation VQ engine). The fourth-generation VQ engine design also includes a long list of advanced systems found on the previous design – including a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a “noiseless” timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons. Every EX35 utilizes a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. Steering is provided by a speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system with power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking is optionally available. Available wheel and tire combinations include an 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires. EX35 features Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which is also utilized on the 2008 M, FX and G Saloon. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy and wet roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads. Advanced New Technology The EX35’s advanced technology design is highlighted by one system that is the first production version available in the US and Europe: the Infiniti Around View Monitor. It utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle – helping reduce blind spots when parking. “Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can’t provide a view around the car that the Around View Monitor’s four-camera system does,” said Wright. “Rear bumper parking sensors help detect objects behind a car, but again they can’t give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does.” EX35 European specification The information given above relates to the US market EX35. Specifications of the European version will be confirmed closer to the on sale date. In terms of positioning, it is difficult to find any direct rivals for the EX being arguably the first of a new wave of coupe crossovers. But looking at other cars available currently, the EX might be lined up against rivals as diverse as the BMW X3 3.0si and Audi A4 3.2FSI quattro avant. Infiniti Europe The EX will get its first European showing at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The brand will be launched across Europe, city by city, starting in the autumn of 2008 – a process that will take two years. Infiniti Europe will reveal more details of its launch schedule towards the end of 2007. Four models will be available in Europe from launch. These will include the G saloon, the G coupe, the EX as detailed above, and a successor to the iconic FX to be unveiled next year. A replacement for the M-series will join the European range early in the next decade along with the option, on the M-, EX- and FX-series, of a high performance V6 diesel. Superior customer service will be as important to Infiniti as the product. This starts with the retail network, all of which will employ the new Infiniti Retail Design Environment Initiative (IREDI) that has a look and feel more akin to a luxury designer hotel than a car showroom, and continues with Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy that covers all contacts the customer will have with the brand. Said Wright: “The launch of a premium car brand in Europe is a rare and special event. Infiniti will have the simple philosophy of offering the independently minded customer a new alternative of vibrant product teamed with excellent service. The cars are all elegantly designed, comprehensively equipped and aimed at the enthusiast. But they are only half the story. Effortless ownership will be equally important as you will discover closer to the launch.”

The first two pics look like great. The last pic's rear looks to be tweeked from the first two. Nonetheless, I really like the first two pics.

I agree. I don't like that Buick's brand isn't a stand alone dealership anymore. But having said that, I think Buick can survive in it's current form with the a new LaX, the Enclave, and Park Avenue. However, I really think that a halo is needed, like the Velite; a grand touring coupe to symbolize the brand. The Lucerne needs to go away after the current version (and DTS) dies. The Zeta Park Avenue should come over in it's next form (one that isn't brand engineered); I love the Invicta name, but keeping the Park Avenue name for the flagship is fine with me. I think the EPII LaX replacement should come back under the Regal badge, and make it a true ES350 compeitior (that means leather standard, et' all). Ideally, I'd love to see a sedan put inbetween the flaghip (S-Class/LS460L size) and the EPII LaX sedan, but I understand if one isn't offered. Also, a very unique Theta based SUV that is totally unique and shares no panels with other Thetas would be nice.

I agree 100%. There's nothing to say that the Maxima can't be both sporty and larger. If packaged right, the Max can gain interior space and grow incrementally larger (I'm just talking inches) to further distance itself from the Altima. They'd be wise to mold it as a Japanese CLS on the cheap. The Avalon is just a hair larger than the already bloated Camry, they still sell because it's marketed right. The Imapla SS et. all proved that a FWD car could handle 300horses. Give the Max a 305HP VQ with a larger interior and slightly larger exterior and market it as the every man's CLS and it'll do just fine. BTW, I love the old FWD Maxs. My sister has a 2000 Max that has be worry free and a ton of fun the entire time she's had it.

That aritcle was a little upsetting. "Don't think of Buick as only having 3 vehicles, think of BPG as having 24." That's such bull$h!.

I really, really like it. I think the next gen 9-3 will look awesome.

Damnit. I really don't like the idea of a compace Buick positioned under the current/next gen LaX coming here. An ES350 fighting LaX should be the entry point for Buick in this market. I think the premium compacts should be left to the 9-1 and Astra; the sporty compact to the G5; and the volume compact for the Cobalt. IF a Buick DID come here in compact form, I'd perfer they go all out and do everything possible to trump the TSX. Think ahead, and try trumping the next gen TSX. Though a smaller car, it's should be very luxurious. The 9-1 should be right below the Skylark on the GM's totem pole of NA compacts (IF THEY DO INDEED BRING ONE, WHICH I THINK IS A MISTAKE), period. Also, I love that they're reviving the name, no matter what market it's sold in.