BEIJING - INFINITI today debuted its new INFINITI M LWB (Long Wheelbase version) at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
The INFINITI M35hL, also debuting at the Beijing Auto Show, is the hybrid version of the new M LWB, and demonstrates INFINITI technological expertise at fulfilling luxury car owners' demand for ample horsepower with a restrained thirst for gasoline in a luxury performance car. It features a 5.9-inch (150mm) longer wheelbase than the standard INFINITI M, which provides more space to the rear seats, and upgraded function configuration.
Meanwhile, INFINITI announced it will launch in June the M35hL with another extended model, the M25L, tailored for Chinese customers. The M25L, also with a 5.9-inch (150mm) wheelbase extension, continues INFINITI's legacy of exceptional power, beauty and performance.
The new INFINITI M LWB's world premiere in Beijing reaffirms the automaker's commitment to the Chinese market.
An Extended Body Without Comprise in Beauty
The INFINITI M LWB's 5.9 -inch (150mm) longer wheelbase enhances roominess for passengers sitting in the rear. However, the extension doesn't disrupt INFINITI M's classic sports sedan signature. Drawing inspiration from the curvaceous Essence concept, the INFINITI M LWB has a decisively dynamic posture.
The distinctive rear-driven stance presents a strong sense of stability with properly applied weight on the rear tires and a well-finished deck design rendering obvious aerodynamic efficiency. The INFINITI M LWB also continues the automaker's signature double-arch grille.
Luxury Through and Through
The INFINITI M35hL show car's interior is finished in Java, similar to the regular production model, and features genuine Japanese White Ash trim with silver-powder. Driver and passengers are treated to upscale comfort, thanks to the premium semi-aniline leather seats with armrests and console side–pad covered by SOFILEZ, a proprietary material which is ultra-soft in feel and resistant to wear.
The space created by the wheelbase extension enables rear passengers to enjoy the comfort and versatility of added roominess. Other features designed to enhance the joy for rear passengers include rear seat entertainment displays; heated and reclining power rear seats; rear side and rear sunshades; reading light; and trunk and rear door auto closure. There are also separate audio and air conditioning controls for the rear passengers.
The Forest Air System creates a clean and fresh in-car environment by filtering out harmful elements and optimizing interior air control. Inside and outside odor is under the constant surveillance of the Auto Intake Control system. Once harmful or unpleasant odors are detected, the grape polyphenol filter acts to remove allergens and the PlasmaclusterÔ air purifier helps eliminates bacteria or micro-fibers to ensure clean air in the car. The moisture level is optimized when the air conditioner is on, while the varying breeze function provides natural air flow.
The entertainment hub centers around the tailor-made Bose® 5.1 studio surround sound system incorporating 16 speakers. On the road, the AudioPilot® adjusts the sound according to the speed and the Bose® (ANC) helps cancel noise in the cabin to create a cleaner background for the audio system.
INFINITI also offers drivers an advanced INFINITI Connection system, recently introduced in the United States on the new 2013 INFINITI JX luxury crossover, which provides full connectivity between the car and the service center. It is packed with features such as Theft Notification, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Call, and Destination Assistance.
The Powertrain That Delivers More and But Uses Less
The M35hL has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any INFINITI's appeal. At the heart of the car is the new 3.5-liter VQ35HEV engine, the only hybrid engine recently listed among the "Top 10 Ward's Best Engines" by the prestigious Ward's Auto World Magazine. It provides unbeatable fuel efficiency for urban and highway driving.
The engine boasts maximum power output of 360 horsepower (240kW/6800 rpm) and maximum torque of 258 lb-ft (350Nm/5200 rpm), while a motor with two clutches drawing power from a lithium battery pack in the trunk area adds another 50kW and 199 ft-lb (270Nmin) power and torque respectively. The hybrid system is able to achieve the same level of acceleration with 30% less fuel consumption compared to a conventional VQ37 engine. The driver will not sense any loss of speed, dynamism and exhilaration in a hybrid INFINITI, yet can be proud of his or her green contribution.
The 2.5-liter VQ25 HR engine on the M25L is equally outstanding in its performance, impressively delivering max power output of 232 horsepower (173kW/6400 rpm) and max torque of 187 lb-ft (253Nm/4800 rpm). It is light, speedy and quiet, built with an aluminum-alloy cylinder head and block.
The electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with a drive-adaptive learning algorithm sense has played a positive role in further improving driving performance. It is also equipped with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), and Downshift Rev Matching, which provides faster, smoother downshifts by raising engine rpm slightly. A unique Eco Pedal System also improves fuel efficiency by 5%. The system counteracts in advance with a pedal feedback control mechanism through a tactile indicator. At the same time, the driver can constantly monitor the level of fuel-efficient driving which is indicated by the color and flashing of a lamp on a dash meter.
Wrap-Around Safety
The M35hL and the M25L create a Safety Shield that wraps the cars on all sides. Safety in front of each car is protected by the combined technologies of Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range, Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)/Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) provide maximum side and rear safety around the car.
INFINITI has initiated the world's first DCA and BSI technologies to further enhance safety around the car. The DCA system uses a three-fold approach to keep the driver at a safe distance behind other traffic. It provides a tactile warning through the accelerator pedal, and visual and audible warnings are also given if the driver doesn't respond. The system uses laser range sensors to detect another vehicle ahead, while a computer calculates if there is a threat present by measuring the vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and closing speed between the two vehicles.
The BSI works in synergy with BSW in the event of unintended drift. The BSW system illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sound. If the driver fails to respond the warning, the BSI activates selective braking to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane.
The LDW/LDP system works similarly as the BSW/BSI, by using a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle. Then it calculates the vehicle's position relative to those lane markers, and helps warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift.
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