2009 Infiniti QX56 starts at $55,050

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September, 2008) – Infiniti announced pricing on the 2009 Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV, which is on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide.

Following extensive revisions for the 2008 model year, the 2009 QX56 features a new exterior color, Deep Garnet, and the addition of an automatic locking door function.

The 2009 QX56 offers an array of standard technology and luxury equipment, including an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic information (XM® radio and XM NavTraffic® subscription required). A 3-year XM® subscription is provided free of charge with purchase through March 31, 2009.*

The 2009 QX56 is available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, both equipped with a standard 320-horsepower 5.6-liter DOHC V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, Sojournerâ leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, power-liftgate and an independent rear suspension with auto-leveling.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Infiniti QX56 2WD is $55,050 and $58,150 for the Infiniti QX56 4WD.**

Other available luxury equipment includes a Bose® Premium Audio system with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, power folding 60/40-split 3rd row bench seat, Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System, Intelligent Key, Intelligent Cruise Control and 20-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels.

2009 Infiniti G37: Sedan, Coupe, Convertible. Nissan Covers Everything

The new Infiniti G37 will finally hit dealers this September.

Both the coupe and the sedan will feature the 3.7 liter VQ37VHR engine, rated at 330 hp for the coupe and 328 hp for the sedan. New seven-speed transmission options featuring the Drive Sport mode—which is self-explanatory—and downshift rev matching will come with the 2009 Infiniti G37. The VQ37VHR engine will also be the first to use Nissan’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology in the U.S.

Four versions of the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan will be available: G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD.

The same options will be available for the G37 coupe with a variation of the G37x AWD.

A convertible version of the G37 will soon be available.

Our take? Nissan really covered just about everything a customer could want.


via Motor Trend

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

When you have a vehicle line – say the Infiniti G – that has chalked up award after award, topped comparison test after comparison test, and endeared itself to a growing legion of passionate owners, what do you do for an encore? If you happen to be a world-class performance luxury brand – say like Infiniti – the answer is simple: Everything.

The popular Infiniti G roars into the 2009 model year with an extensive array of changes, including:

* The addition of an all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible model, slated to launch in the first quarter of 2009

· A new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine for the Infiniti G Sedan – now designated the G37 Sedan
· A new all-wheel drive model for the Infiniti G Coupe, the G37x
· A new 7-speed automatic transmission for all Infiniti G models (6-speed manuals transmissions also available)

“A little success makes you want to try harder. A lot of success makes you want to blow the doors off the competition again – which we’re poised to do with the new, intensified Infiniti G lineup for 2009,” said Ben Poore, Infiniti’s vice president of marketing. “Year after year we strive to offer our customers one of the freshest product lineups in the industry – which we’ve done again in 2009 with the new second-generation Infiniti FX, upcoming G Convertible and the enhanced G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan.”

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible
The all-new G37 Convertible, the first-ever open-air G, is set for a mid-2009 model year introduction. Based on the current G37 Coupe, the G Convertible promises stunningly seductive styling and G-worthy dynamic performance. The new G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, to keep a coupe-like roofline, and available unique interior treatment. Audio and HVAC systems have been enhanced to provide an inviting experience with the top up or down.

The all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible is set to make its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan
The Infiniti G premium high-performance sport sedan receives a significant upgrade under the skin in 2009 with the addition of a new VQ37VHR “VVEL” 3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 horsepower. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Now designated as the Infiniti G37 Sedan, other major changes include new available sport brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, a new sport 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish).

The 2009 G37 Sedan is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. It goes on sale in September 2008.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe
For 2009, the G37 Coupe’s performance envelope expands with the addition of a new G37x AWD model with advanced ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. Also new for 2009 is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission).

All 2009 G37 Coupes receive standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish). The 2009 G37 Coupe is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD – each with standard 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology. It goes on sale in September 2008.

Hyundai Genesis to bombard 2009 Super Bowl

In this day and age, people will take any excuse to throw a party.

There’s Christmas, New Years, Cinco de Mayo, Oktoberfest, birthdays, and let’s not forget Super Bowl weekend. (Well, the winning fans will be partying to celebrate their victory; the losing fans will be partying to drown out their sorrows).

Hyundai will benefit as both winners and losers will be bombarded with the typical inundation of Super Bowl ads. The Korean automaker will be using its 30-second ad slot to promote the 2009 Genesis.

Considering the excellent exposure the Super Bowl provides, this is a good move by Hyundai to advertise the introduction of the more expensive Genesis as a luxury vehicle.

The advertising will be done by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, which is contracted for the Genesis campaign.

Our take? Maybe these ads will give Hyundai something to party about. But then, any reason will suffice.



via Product Placement

Hyundai Genesis Gets Advertising Blitz

Hyundai already has built a reputation for offering nice, small, inexpensive vehicles. The automaker, though, is not content in such a position. It has recently introduced a luxury car called Genesis. Matching luxury marques like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz in feature tests, Genesis also is sold for a price that is much less than its competition.

Oops.

It shouldn’t be to anyone’s surprise that U.S. luxury buyers do not consider the Genesis as a luxury car. Luxury car buyers, to be blunt, do not put price as a major selling point on their "keeping up with the Trumps" list of priorities.

Hyundai, realizing this fact, intends to do something about it. The automaker plans to spend $80 million to advertise the Genesis toward luxury car buyers. But instead of hitting the consumer over the head that the Genesis is a luxury brand, Hyundai will sell the car based on its own merit. The idea is why shouldn’t someone in the luxury car market buy a cheaper, excuse us, less expensive car that offers so much fuel economy?

The auto press seems to like the car. Editors like the design inside and out, and its rear wheel drive as well as its performance and handling. So can Hyundai get the luxury car consumer to look at the car as the editors of car magazines do? Or will the rich hold their noses high as they bring in their Bimmers or Benzs into the shop. Again.

via Los Angeles Times

Hyundai may Expand V8 Power

Hyundai, for a first stab at building a world class V8, has done a job comparable to that of rival Toyota with the initial Lexus motors.

Smooth, powerful, and efficient for their size, the Lexus motors are second to none when it comes to all the qualities that a luxury car motor is based upon.

But as its a first run, Hyundai has left the door open for it to expand the motor further. The motor was designed to be able to handle being bored and stroked up to 5.5 liters. Direct injection is also a possible upgrade through out all the Hyundai model range.

As it is, though, Hyundai has stated that without the ability to ensure comparable levels of efficiency when going up in displacement the motor is likely to only reach 5-liters on US soil. That bump through would arguably better the motor in the one area that it may be viewed as lacking relative to its competitors, low end torque.

Our take? Regardless of what happens, its refreshing to see that even with the relatively low numbers of V8 motors that will be produced Hyundai is committed to continued development


via Motor Trend

Hyundai, Kia, Steadily Increase Prices

While some are concentrating on how badly the U.S.- based auto makers are doing, one can forget to notice the success of the Korean auto manufacturers such as Hyundai and Kia.

This is despite the fact that both companies have steadily continued to raise their prices.

Here is a list of their models that provide the evidence.

2008 Hyundai Accent
Percentage change in sales over last year: +56.2 percent

2008 Kia Rondo
Percentage change: +51.7 percent

2008 Kia Optima
Percentage change: +40.4 percent

2008 Hyundai Veracruz
Percentage change: +34.9 percent

2008 kia Rio
Percentage change: +28 percent

2008 Hyundai Elantra
Percentage change: +25.1 percent

2008 Kia Spectra
Percentage change: +13.8 percent

Our take? We've found Hyundai and Kia's lightyears away from their Excel reputation, easily on par with Toyota, the companies' self-admitted goal/target. What do you think of the vehicles?

via Business Week

Hyundai Genesis: The Right Car at the Wrong Time

The trend is toward smaller and more fuel efficient and, for years, Hyundai and Kia gave such vehicles to the hungry American public.

Now the two Korean automakers are going upscale. But the market in the U.S. appears to be ignoring the fact and continuing to go for the cheaper and more fuel efficient cars Sales of the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Spectra, and the Kia Rio are up this year.

Hyundai’s near luxury model is called the Genesis. Starting price is an affordable $33,000, and buyers have the option of a V8, the first ever offered by Hyundai. Hyundai expects to sell 8,000 units this year and then it hopes to sell 20,000 units a year.

Kia’s luxury model is a midsize SUV called the Borrego. It is built on a truck platform, going against the trend with most auto makers. The Borrego has a starting price of $31,745.

Can such vehicles sell? Hyundai and Kia are both experiencing what other auto makers are facing. Sales of smaller cars that are fuel efficient are good but luxury models and SUVs are not doing so well. Kia has said that it expects to double sales in the U.S. from 2006 to 2010. But with the way the economy is along with other influences on the market, that target had to be pushed back.

Additional details can be found at the original post. Our take? While we give kudos to Hyundai/Kia, we think its push to luxury status is coming at the wrong time. Also, how can anyone take them seriously as a luxury brand when you have Genesis sitting next to the Accent? There's a reason Ford does not sell its namesake brand in a Mercury/Lincoln dealership.

via Business Week

2005 Hyundai Accent Tops Dependability Study

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/07/2008 The fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent, which gets up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, today was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J.D. Power and Associates in its 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

The highly regarded study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2005 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 52,000 owners of new vehicles bought between November 2004 and April 2005.

In addition to the highest ranking by Accent, Hyundai on the whole made dramatic improvements in its overall dependability scores:

• The number of problems per 100 vehicles over the entire product lineup dropped 28 points to 200, a 14 percent improvement over 2007, almost tripling the industry average improvement of 10 points.
• In the “non-premium” segment, Hyundai improved from 13th place to sixth place.
• Hyundai’s score placed it 13th among the 38 nameplates measured in the study and placed it ahead of the industry average for the first time.
• Each product in the Hyundai product portfolio improved over last year.

“Our continued dedication to quality is paying off for consumers, and this year’s Vehicle Dependability Study is further demonstration of the strides we are making,” said Barry Ratzlaff, Hyundai Motor America director of product quality. “Customers deserve higher levels of quality at the time they buy their vehicle and throughout its lifetime. Our improving initial quality and long-term dependability show that we’ve responded in a meaningful way for the long term.”

Ratzlaff went on to say that with the results achieved in this year’s dependability survey that Hyundai had reached a top tier of only a small number of brands that are above industry average in both initial quality and dependability.

The Accent scores registered only 187 problems per 100 cars, a more than 20 percent improvement over 2007 results. This improvement was mostly accounted for by measured improvements in the engine, climate controls and seating categories.

The VDS study measures problem symptoms of three-year-old vehicles primarily in categories such as ride, handling, braking, temperate controls, seats, engine performance, driving dynamics and interior and exterior durability. The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality studies, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures quality after 90 days of ownership, and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study that measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

Hyundai i10 to be Sold in U.S.?

Hyundai is considering sending its i10 subcompact to the U.S.

Americans will have more choice concerning inexpensive, fuel efficient vehicles. Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra hopes to export a low cost SUV to the U.S. next year and

Made by Chennai of India for the Korean automaker, the i10 is a small, five door hatchback. Smaller than the Honda Fit subcompact, the i10's 80 horsepower engine gets 56 mpg. Hyundai may include a more powerful engine for its American version but can still achieve 47 mpg. So it still can be touted as cheap and fuel efficient.

The Hyundai i10 is being sold in 70 countries since last October and it has a price of $7,800 and $11,200.

via Motor Trend