2010 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe Sunroof Nav Rear Cam 20k Texas Direct Auto on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2023 Infiniti QX80 gets higher base price and Amazon Alexa compatibility

Infiniti has released pricing information for the 2023 QX80, its biggest and most expensive SUV. The body-on-frame family hauler costs more than during the previous model year, but it gains a handful of additional tech features and the Infiniti Premium Care maintenance plan. Offered in three trim levels, the 2023 QX80 carries a base price of $74,395 including a $1,695 destination charge. That figure corresponds to the rear-wheel-drive Luxe model, but "entry-level" is a relative term: it comes standard with 20-inch wheels, a 13-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery and wood interior trim. For context, the 2022 QX80 Luxe cost $71,995 including a $1,395 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: QX80 Luxe rear-wheel-drive: $74,395 ($2,400 more than in 2022) QX80 Luxe four-wheel-drive: $77,495 ($2,400 more than in 2022) QX80 Premium Select rear-wheel-drive: $78,995 ($2,215 more than in 2022) QX80 Premium Select four-wheel-drive: $82,095 ($2,215 more than in 2022) QX80 Sensory rear-wheel-drive: $86,045 ($2,415 more than in 2022) QX80 Sensory four-wheel-drive: $89,145 ($2,415 more than in 2022) While prices are up across the board, which is par for the course, Infiniti expanded the QX80's list of standard features with Amazon Alexa compatibility and a haptic feedback function in the steering wheel for the lane departure warning system. And, like every member of the 2023 range, the QX80 comes with the Infiniti Premium Care plan that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations. Built in Japan, the 2023 Infiniti QX80 will reach dealers across the nation in the coming weeks. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Infiniti's new VC-T changes the rules of small turbocharged engines

The upcoming Infiniti QX50 crossover does not get our pulse racing, no matter how shapely the QX Sport Inspiration concept that previews it may be. No midsize SUV does, to be fair. But it has something special under the hood – the world's first production variable-compression-ratio engine. That means the QX50's 2.0-liter turbo four, which makes 268 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, will have up to 27 percent better fuel economy. Here's how it works. The trend of moving to smaller, turbocharged engines carries with it one big falsehood. Under low load when the turbo isn't needed, these engines are less efficient than an equivalent engine without a turbo because of the low compression ratio the turbo requires. That is, if you never need the extra power, you're wasting fuel. Turbocharged (and supercharged) engines use a lower compression ratio to prevent detonation. When you force extra air in a cylinder and mix it with fuel, it's more likely to prematurely go boom. Lowering the compression ratio prevents this problem, but it's less efficient. Infiniti's VC-T promises the best of both worlds, with a compression ratio that ranges from 8.0:1 for high-power turbo needs to a 14.0:1 ratio for fuel-sipping efficiency. At its heart the VC-T engine is a simple idea, but it's complicated to explain. Consider yourself warned. The photo below from Infiniti serves as a good visual overview. For the truly nerdy, this patent application covers the mechanical concept. Instead of having the pistons connected to the crankshaft, Infiniti's engine has a pivot arm with a connection on each end. One end connects to the piston, the other connects to a second lower shaft, which is controlled by an actuator arm. At any given time the engine's pistons move up and down according to the lobes on the crankshaft. But the actuator arm can change the angle of the pivot arm up and down. That is, the pistons still move in the same motion with the same stroke, but phase the entire stroke up or down. Move the pivot up and there's less room at the top, which means a higher compression ratio. Move the pivot down and the compression ratio goes down, too. As an added bonus, the lower shaft eliminates the need for counter-rotating balance shafts. Infiniti says this system works constantly and can vary the compression ratio to any number between 8:1 and 14:1. It also uses electronic variable valve timing on the intake valves to switch into Atkinson-cycle combustion for greater efficiency.

Nissan recalling 151,000 CUVs over ABS issues

Nissan will be recalling over 151,000 vehicles due to issues with the anti-lock braking systems. On rough roads, light braking in the Nissan Pathfinder, Infiniti JX35 and QX60 could trigger a problem in the brake pressure output software that might lead to longer stopping distances than expected relative to the brake inputs. Needless to say, unpredictable stopping distances on rough roads is not a desirable trait in a three-row, family friendly CUV.
The recall covers all 2013 and 2014 Nissan Pathfinders built between April 18, 2012 and September 20, 2013, some 100,682 vehicles. Another 52,629 2013 to 2014 Infiniti JX35/QX60s built between September 15, 2011 and September 20, 2013 are also part of the notice.
Nissan will request that owners of affected vehicles report to dealers for a free software update to address the problem. Scroll down for the official notification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.