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NHTSA opens investigation into Nissan's handling of airbag recall

In March of 2014, Nissan recalled eight models among its Nissan and Infiniti brands, totaling more than one million vehicles, over faulty occupant classification system software controlling the passenger airbag. The company discovered a variety of factors that would interfere with the system's ability to detect an adult passenger in the shotgun seat, resulting in an illuminated warning on on the dashboard and the passenger airbag not deploying in an accident. Yet 124 complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since the recall allege that the dealer-installed fix hasn't actually fixed the problem; some consumers say the problem persists after multiple trips to the dealer. The Detroit News reports that NHTSA is opening an investigation into the matter to determine whether a new recall is needed. The occupant sensor has been a bugbear for Nissan over the past couple of years; a much smaller recall for the issue in 2013 covered five of the eight vehicles that were recalled in 2014, and that earlier recall also continued to generate complaints after the issue had supposedly been fixed. At the same time, the company learned that in two instances there was another twist, where the dashboard warning wasn't illuminated but the passenger airbag still didn't go off in an accident. Nissan isn't alone, though, with airbag recalls on a steep upswing across the industry even before the Takata debacle.

Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept shows its face

Update: Infiniti released a second image of its Q Inspiration Concept with a press release about sales. We're not sure why, but we're not complaining and have added it above. The original rear three-quarter image is below in the text. Following a teaser image and some cryptic hints from designers, Infiniti has mostly revealed its concept for the Detroit Auto Show. It's called the Q Inspiration Concept, which for having "inspiration" in the name, is actually a rather uninspired name. But that's OK, because what it lacks in clever naming it makes up for in a beautiful fastback body. When the teaser was released, one of the designers mentioned the car would have a "long cabin," and that's no exaggeration, as the greenhouse reaches nearly to the tail edge of the car. It's a roofline that is highly reminiscent of the Audi A7. And as such, it would make a lot of sense for this Infiniti to be a hatchback, too, especially if it reaches production. We can't say for sure if this concept has a hatch, though, since there are some panel gaps at the base of the D-pillar and the Tesla Model 3-style rear pane of glass suggests this concept is technically a sedan. Unlike the Audi A7, the rest of the Infiniti is as curvy as the roof. There's hardly a crease anywhere, and it looks muscular with the big bulging front and rear fenders that flow effortlessly into each other. The clean exterior is accented by a lack of exterior door handles and what look to be cameras for side mirrors. The contrast to the organic curves comes from the nose and the wheels. The area where the grille would be is more chiselled and aggressive than the rest of the body. The wheels also have hard edges and lots of complicated elements that don't quite fit the organic theme of the rest of the car. Still the car overall is very striking and graceful. The press release continues to emphasize new powertrains, proportions, and the future design direction of Infiniti. As such, we suspect that this car uses, at minimum, a version of Infiniti's variable-compression engine, and more likely features extensive electrification, if not a pure EV powertrain. The lack of a large opening at the front would seem like further evidence the car utilizes electricity at some level. The car will make its full debut on Jan. 15. Related Video: Image Credit: Infiniti Green Detroit Auto Show Infiniti Hatchback Luxury Sedan 2018 detroit auto show

Infiniti finally adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2020

Infiniti is finally bringing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into its 2020 model year lineup. The capability comes via the company’s next generation of Infiniti infotainment systems it announced today. ItÂ’s still called Infiniti InTouch and uses the same dual-screen setup, but the smartphone connection capability is completely new. Previous to this announcement, no Infinitis supported either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, even the recently redesigned QX50 crossover. The Japanese luxury brand has been one of the last holdouts in terms of smartphone connectivity. Almost every 2020 Infiniti will gain the next-gen software for the 2020 model year — the QX60 is the only model that wonÂ’t get it. The next-gen InTouch system is also capable of being a Wi-Fi hotspot for as many as seven devices, so your gang of QX80 passengers can all be on Wi-Fi. Maps for the navigation system are also improved. A 3D city view was added in addition to Google Street satellite imagery. Infiniti says pairing your phone via Bluetooth will be easier, as it has streamlined the interface and adopted a new Bluetooth module and faster processor. Infiniti also promises more stability in the phoneÂ’s pairing to the car on account of the new Bluetooth module. WeÂ’ll note that Infiniti chose to go with a wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection. Others like BMW, Audi and Ford (just announced) are going the wireless route, with mixed success. The two connectivity features will also be standard. If you're considering an Infiniti and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are important to you (it probably should be), then waiting for 2020 is a good idea.