Luxury Car Sales Rebound in September

Do you ever watch the business news and wonder who’s making money in the stock market when most people you know are cutting back? Inexplicably, luxury automakers saw sales bounce back in September.

While sales of Toyota were down 19% in September, Lexus saw sales go up 7%; that’s mostly because of the new RX crossover, which had an uptick of 70%.

Ford sales were down 6%, but sales at its Swedish Volvo brand were up 16%, thanks largely to the new XC60 crossover.

With relatively no new models in its lineup, BMW sales were up 3%.

Even at GM where sales were down 45%, Cadillac sales were down just 8% because of swift sales of the redesigned SRX crossover.

2010 Infiniti EX35 Prices Unchanged, More Content

Infiniti’s model year continues to roll over for 2010 with the new EX35 on sale today. Prices remain unchanged from the 2009 model — starting at $33,800 — but there are some additions to standard and optional content. While we find the EX’s interior to be a bit cramped, it’s an upscale, capable vehicle that’s always seemed like a bargain in the segment. However, the EX35 hasn’t proven a big seller for Infiniti.

Standard equipment on all EX35 models now includes heated side mirrors, automatic headlights and an iPod/USB port.

Changes to option packages include the addition of Bluetooth streaming audio, XM NavWeather and a Zagat guide to the Navigation Package.

Trim level pricing is below, however, option package prices are not available at this time. If you’re interested in getting a 2009, Nissan is offering 0% financing for 36 months or 2.9% financing for 72 months; both offers run through Sept 30. 

2011 Infiniti M: First Look

Infiniti’s next flagship sedan will be called the M56 and will go on sale in the spring of 2010. This top-of-the-line M will feature a 5.6-liter V-8 good for more than 400 hp, though Infiniti isn’t getting specific right now. While the new M37 will feature the same 3.7-liter V-6 found in the G37 lineup, which produces 328 hp, Infiniti says the new Ms with the bigger engines will get better fuel economy than the outgoing models.

Besides the engines, it’s evident in the images above and below that the car has been completely redesigned. The lines are curvaceous — actually, they’re beyond curvaceous. This is perhaps the least-streamlined large sedan we’ve seen in some time. Automakers continue to push the boundaries in a design war to make sure their models stand out. The new M should do at least that.

The 2011 M will also pack high-tech features like a blind spot warning system, but beyond that there isn’t much more information on the new M. The company says it will release more information later this year.  

Infiniti Prices G37 Convertible at $43,850

Infiniti’s new G37 hardtop convertible will go on sale for $43,850 just in time for consistently warm weather and sunny summer skies. The G37 ‘vert is scheduled to go on sale June 19 and will offer a base G37 convertible trim and a G37 Sport 6MT, which will go for $43,900. Prices do not include an $865 destination fee.

All G37s use a three-piece power hardtop that retracts into the trunk area. Base convertibles come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and leather seats. As a testament to the G37’s credentials for sport enthusiasts, Sport trims add a six-speed manual transmission, just like the sedan and coupe. Also included on Sports are sport-tuned steering, larger brakes and 19-inch wheels.  

The G37’s optional equipment is tailored to the convertible experience. An available Premium Package — $3,250 on base models and $3,050 on Sport trims — includes an active climate control system that adjusts fan speed according to the top’s position and the vehicle’s speed. Also included in the package is a Bose sound system that features speakers in the headrest to match sound levels in an open-air cabin.

The G37 convertible is priced roughly in the middle of competing hardtop convertibles like the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C, and the Volvo C70.

• 2010 Lexus IS 250C — $38,490
• 2009 Volvo C70 — $39,800
• 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible base — $43,850  
• 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible Sport — $43,900
• 2010 Lexus IS 350C — $43,940
• 2009 BMW 328 i convertible — $44,550
• 2009 BMW 335 I convertible — $50,700

2009 Infiniti EX35 Gets More Equipment, Higher Price

Infiniti has decided to up the standard equipment level in its EX35 crossover to include leather seats, roof rails and a rearview monitor. That also bumps the starting price to $33,800 from $31,900. The base model is still rear-wheel drive, and all EX35s feature the same 297-hp V-6 engine. The 2009s go on sale starting today.

All-wheel-drive models now start at $35,200, and better-equipped Journey models start at $36,000. The Journey trim adds a standard six-disc CD changer, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. There are a number of option packages that are also more condensed. We list them below.

The EX hasn't set the world on fire in terms of sales. Through April, sales are down 22.7% compared to the same time last year, and they’re down 43.3% in April alone. In Infiniti’s lineup, it only does better in terms of sales than the M sedan and QX56 SUV.

Check out our review of the 2008 EX35 here. 

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Infiniti G37

Replacing the G35 sedan, the G37 comes with more power and adds two new body styles. In this review, Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays looks specifically at the G37 Sport coupe. He compares the G37 to other two-door vehicles, but most specifically to BMW’s 335i. Mays finds that the G37 makes for a very tempting alternative to the pricier 335i. Read his full review to find out why.

2009 Infiniti G37 Review

2009|Infiniti|G37

Infiniti's Simple, Sophisticated iPod Interface

Last week, I was impressed with the lowly Chevy Cobalt’s new USB input and interface for MP3 players. This week, I was reminded just how well other companies manage similar tasks. Now, there’s a big difference between a $17,000 Cobalt and a $44,000 Infiniti G37 coupe — well more than one big difference — but the interface in the G37 has been around for a few years not only in the Infiniti lineup, but in a few Nissans, too. And it is really a terrific way to play your music.

2009 Infiniti M35 Video

Is the Infiniti M old hat? In the wake of new introductions from Mercedes-Benz and Audi, some are saying yes, but Kelsey Mays points out the fact that the M has been a perennial Cars.com favorite since its introduction. How does the 2009 M35 stack up? Mays decides whether the M35 still impresses him in this video review.

Through Ian's Lens: 2009 Infiniti M35x

Of all the luxury car manufacturers out there (exotics excluded), Infiniti would get my vote for classiest and cleanest interior design. Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi would all place a close second to the sleek and elegant dashboards, smooth leather upholstery, curved center stack and ergonomically correct backseats of any of Infiniti’s models.

Case in point: the 2009 Infiniti M35x four-door sedan. A great mix of matte-finished dark wood grain and chrome trim highlight the elegance of Infiniti’s dashboard. The buttons are sleek and functional, while an analog clock sits gently in the middle as a design nod to cars of yesteryear. The cabin’s classiness is overshadowed only by its functionality. And remember, this car hasn’t had a radical update in a few years.

Please leave your remarks in the comments section; a full set of photos is below. Feel free to use the full-screen mode on the photo browser.

Infiniti Hybrid Planned for 2010

Nissan wants to catch up to its rivals, Toyota and Honda, in the hybrid market and will introduce a luxury hybrid sometime next year, according to Japanese business daily Nikkei.

Though Nissan has used Toyota’s hybrid system in the past, on the Nissan Altima Hybrid, it plans to introduce its own hybrid drivetrain this time around, likely for the Infiniti M sedan.

It’s a somewhat questionable move considering the spotty sales record of luxury hybrids so far. Nissan need only look at the competition — Toyota, which has had a tough time selling luxury hybrids under the Lexus badge.

You have to wonder if promoting the Altima Hybrid nationally or building a model that could compete directly with the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight would be a better use of resources.

Report: Nissan Planning Luxury Hybrid in 2010 (BusinessWeek)