The 2008 Infiniti Lineup - Charting the Changes

NASHVILLE (June 28, 2007) - For Infiniti, 2008 marks the completion of an unprecedented 12-month period of new model launches.  The year began with the highly successful introduction of the all-new 2007 G35 Sedan – the first major revision of Infiniti’s groundbreaking performance luxury sedan – which landed on both Car and Driver’s “10 Best Cars” and Automobile magazine’s “All-Stars” lists and has set sales records month after month since it went on sale in fall 2006.  Infiniti was also named the brand with the highest satisfaction rating in the 2007 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA).

This momentum is expected to continue with the August 2008 introduction of the all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe.  The G37 Coupe continues to set the bar for style and performance in its segment.  Besides its new styling inside and out, the G37 Coupe features a new, larger displacement version of the award-winning VQ-series V6 – a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift).  Among the other key enhancements to the new second-generation G Coupe are an available advanced 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system and a refined interior with intuitive, integrated technology.

The third all-new Infiniti model joins the 2008 lineup in December.  The Infiniti EX is a luxury crossover SUV with the soul of a coupe, featuring dynamic handling, exhilarating performance and advanced technology.

If that is not enough, 2008 also offers the first major revision of the QX56 premium full-size SUV, which went on sale in June.  The 2008 QX56 features upgraded styling with revised front and rear fascias and a number of interior and technological enhancements, including Infiniti Intelligent Key with keyless entry and ignition and voice recognition for climate control, audio and navigation.  Also standard for 2008 is the Infiniti Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic information, XM® Satellite Radio and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback.

The 2008 Infiniti FX premium crossover SUV, which also went on sale in June, now includes standard XMâ Satellite Radio.  The FX is again offered in a choice of three models, the 4.5-liter V8-equipped all-wheel drive FX45 and the 3.5-liter V6-equipped FX35 AWD and FX35 RWD.

The final member of the 2008 Infiniti lineup is the Infiniti M, which receives major upgrades that include the addition of a new all-wheel drive M45 model, the Infiniti M45x.  Other enhancements include revised interior and exterior styling and added luxury amenities and technologies, including the production debut of Infiniti’s newest safety technology, the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.

Following is an overview of Infiniti products for the 2008 model year.

2008 Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan

The 2008 G35 Sedan builds on the second-generation 2007 model’s myriad revisions, which included a next-generation 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6; a striking new exterior defined by the sleek wave form hood, signature G-style taillights and pushed-back A-pillars for an athletic stance; a crafted, Takumi-inspired interior environment; and the audiophile-quality Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose.

The 2008 G Sedan offers a Sport Package for the G35X AWD model for the first time in G history and also receives minor refinements for the new model year.

Enhancements to the 2008 G Sedan include:
- All-new Sport Package available for G35x AWD model (late availability)
- New 18-inch Tire and Wheel Package for G35x AWD (late availability)
- Revised Technology and Navigation Packages
- Infiniti iPod Interface
- Driver’s Audio Stage
- Standard XM® Satellite Radio (requires XM® subscription, sold separately)

2008 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe

When it was first introduced in 2003, the G Coupe redefined the luxury coupe segment with its unique, powerful blend of stirring performance, gripping exterior style and a sporty, cockpit-like interior.  The second-generation G Coupe makes an even greater impact on the marketplace with a sleek exterior and aggressive stance that features taut, athletic, contoured lines suggestive of the 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology beneath its hood.

Inside, Infiniti levels of craftsmanship are apparent throughout the all-new interior design, including the use of unique materials and finishes with traditional Japanese design cues.  The new G Coupe also includes an extensive list of available technological features – Infiniti Navigation System with touch-screen XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic function (requires XM® subscription, sold separately), RearView Monitor and an available 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”™ by Bose® audio system with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers and 9.3GB Music Box hard drive. 

Highlights of the 2008 G37 Coupe include:
- All-new exterior design featuring seductive and muscular shapes, including flowing front fender lines with low silhouette roofline, strong side character lines and side sills, wave-form hood
- Aggressive zero-lift front end styling with smooth front fascia, integrated fog lamps and double-arch grille
- Standard rear underbody air diffusers
- New 18-inch or 19-inch wheel and tire packages
- Unique front fascia and side sills on G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT
- New 3.7-liter VVEL 24-valve DOHC V6 producing 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque
o Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) intake camshafts, incorporated with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), allows for 7,600 RPM redline
 o Ram air dual intake, equal length exhaust manifold and dual exhaust system with laser-welded rear mufflers produce an authentic performance sound
- Rear Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) on G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT model
- Available Infiniti 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) (optional feature available on G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT model) – includes adjustable geometry rear suspension and automatically variable front steering ratio
- Available Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking
- Performance-oriented Sport Brakes with 14-inch rotors with 4-piston front calipers and 13.8-inch rotors with 2-piston rear calipers with “Infiniti” lettering (G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT model)
- New 10-spoke 19x8.5-inch front wheels and 225/45WR19 front tires and 19x9-inch rear wheels with 245/40WR19 rear tires (available on G37 Coupe Journey, standard on G37 Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT model)
- Driver-oriented interior with luxurious passenger space
- Sport-styled seats with thigh extensions, driver’s power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters and aluminum pedals (G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT model)
- Standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
- Available 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”™ by Bose® audio system with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers
- Available Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic® with real-time traffic information and touch screen technology (requires XM® subscription, sold separately)
- Available voice activation for navigation, audio and HVAC functions
- 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback
- Digital automatic temperature control with standard micro filtration and rear floor heater vents, available dual HVAC control with available center rear air conditioning vents (not available on Sport 6MT model)

2008 Infiniti EX35 Luxury Crossover SUV

Infiniti’s newest nameplate, the EX35, is scheduled to go on sale in December 2007.  Previewed as the near-production EX Concept at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the all-new EX will feature two exciting new technologies – the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system and Around View Monitor.

The LDP system takes Infiniti’s existing Lane Departure Warning system one step further by utilizing Vehicle Dynamic Control to assist drivers in maintaining their travel lane if unintentional drifting is detected.  Infiniti’s Around View Monitor allows for a full 360-degree view around the perimeter of the vehicle to assist the driver in parallel parking in tight spaces.

The all-new Infiniti EX35’s exterior design is attuned to its performance coupe soul with sleek lines that portray speed, grace and finesse.  It also offers an invigorating and engaging interior environment that is both indulgent and inspiring.

Detailed specifications and information on the all-new EX35 will be released at a later date.

2008 Infiniti M Luxury Performance Sedan

For 2008, the Infiniti M receives major upgrades that include the first-ever availability of Infiniti’s intelligent ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system on the 4.5-liter V8-powered M45.  The new model, designated M45x, joins the M35x to provide buyers with two choices in all-climate AWD performance.

Other enhancements for 2008 include revised interior and exterior styling and added luxury amenities and technologies, including the production debut of Infiniti’s newest safety technology, the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.  LDP takes Infiniti’s existing Lane Departure Warning system (currently implemented on the FX and the 2007 M sedan) one step further by utilizing the Vehicle Dynamic Control to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the M from inadvertently traveling out of its travel lane. 

The M45 continues to offer a 325-horsepower 4.5-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC V8, while the M35 features the award-winning VQ-series 3.5–liter V6, tuned for the M to produce 275 horsepower.  For the new model year, both engines will be offered with rear-wheel drive and Infiniti’s intelligent ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system.  For 2008, previous M Sport models have been replaced by an available Sport Package.

Enhancements to the 2008 M include:
- New M45x AWD model with intelligent ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive
- Production debut of Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system
- Revised front and rear fascia, headlights, grille, rear decklid and taillight design, rear fender panels, new chrome accents
- New wheel designs
- Available Sport Package with unique styling, Rear Active Steer (RAS), 19-inch wheels and tires
- Increased differentiation between Sport Package and non-Sport Package vehicles with unique bumpers, side sills, headlight color and wheels
- Rain sensing wipers
- Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic® (requires active XM® subscription, sold separately)
- Revised interior and revised aluminum and wood trim
- Standard High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) (optionally available on M35 AWD)
- Standard climate-controlled seats
- New Stone interior color
- New white instrument panel lighting with violet accents and white and violet interior lighting
- Standard XM Satellite Radio (requires XM® subscription, sold separately)
- Six new exterior colors (out of eight total)

2008 Infiniti FX Premium Crossover SUV

The FX, Infiniti’s premium showcase for technology and styling built on the foundation of an SUV with sports car-inspired performance and style, receives minor adjustments to package contents and exterior/interior color schemes for the new model year.   

FX45 features a standard 320-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 (which it shares with the award-winning M45 luxury performance sedan), standard intelligent ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels and tires.  FX35 offers ATTESA E-TS as an option with its award-winning 275-horsepower 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 (also shared with M35).

Enhancements to the 2008 FX include:
- Standard XM Satellite Radio (requires XM® subscription, sold separately) and body-colored satellite radio antenna
- Available Sheer Platinum premium paint on FX35 (requires Sport Package)

2008 Infiniti QX56 Full-Size Luxury SUV

The award-winning QX56 enters the 2008 model year with its first major revision since its introduction in 2004.  The QX56’s exterior has been refined, while the interior has been upgraded to expand its already impressive list of comfort and convenience features and luxury technologies.

The 2008 QX56 is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 producing 320 horsepower and 393 lb-ft of torque.  QX56 is available both in two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations, the latter featuring the Infiniti All-Mode 4WDâ system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear.

Built on the rugged F-Alpha platform, QX56 remains the go-anywhere luxury adventure SUV with class-leading features.

Enhancement to the 2008 QX56 include:
- New front full body-type fascia
- New front halogen fog light design
- New rear body-color fascia with revised shape
- New one-piece roof rack design
- New distinctive chrome grille
- Standard power sliding tinted glass moonroof
- One-piece chrome roof rack with crossbars
- New standard 20x8JJ chrome alloy wheels and heavy-duty P275/60R20 Michelin tires
- All-new standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen
- Voice recognition for climate control, audio and navigation systems
- Standard XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with real-time traffic information (requires active XM® subscription)
- New Bose® Premium Audio system with Bur-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback, AM/FM/CD capability, 3rd row speakers and subwoofer and illuminated steering wheel audio controls
- Power 60/40 split 3rd row bench seat
- New 8-inch screen (up from 7 inches) with available Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System with wireless headphones and remote-control
- New Figured Anigre wood trim
- Standard heated steering wheel
- Standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with keyless entry and ignition
- Lockable glove compartment
- Revised electroluminescent Fine Vision Meter instrumentation
- New exterior colors: Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand
- New interior color: Stone