AHG Sports Shows 280HP-Tuned Infiniti FX30dS

European Infiniti shoppers have the option of ordering certain models with the firm’s new six-cylinder diesel engine and the FX luxury crossover is one of them. For those buyers that would like a light tune up of their diesel-powered FX30d there is AHG Sport, the in-house performance division of the Infiniti Centre in Hamburg, Germany.

When it leaves the factory, the FX30d’s 3.0-liter V6 oil-burner cranks out 238-horsepower and 550Nm (406 lb ft) of pulling power available at 1750rpm. Even though AHG Sports doesn’t provide specific details on the engine tune, the company says output is lifted to 280-horses and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of peak torque. This upgrade is priced at €1,250 or about US$1,790.

The fine-tuning continues with a lowered sports suspension priced at €1,495 (US$2,130) and a new set of three-piece, 21-inch alloy wheels from Schmidt Revolution shod in performance tires size 295/40 R21 on all four corners (€7,900 or US$11,270).

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Nissan Recalls 195,991 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 SUVs over Rust Danger

Nissan has issued a recall action for certain Pathfinder SUVs from the 1996-2004 model years and Infiniti QX4s from the 1997-2003 model years due to a possible corrosion problem that could lead to the loss of steering.

The recall affects a total of 195,991 Pathfinder and QX4 SUVs sold or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wisconsin.

In these states, a lot of road salt is used during winter, with the aforementioned models being at risk to get water and salt into the upper strut housing through a hole. Over time, this can lead to the breaking of the strut housing from its attachment point under the hood, followed by grinding noises and increased steering effort.

The Japanese automakers said that while the vehicles remain drivable, continued use could lead to the breaking of the steering column, resulting in the loss of steering control.

Nissan said it will inspect the strut housing of the affected models and will repair the vehicles if necessary, free of charge. The company will notify owners on or before May 16.

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2011 Infiniti FX Updated with New Features in Europe

Infiniti has rolled out the 2011 FX in Europe. For the new model year, the Japanese firm’s SUV gains new convenience and safety features along with new color and trim combinations, while keeping the same engine range, which includes two petrol units and a diesel option.

Perhaps the most important addition is that of the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, which backs up its audible and visual warnings of an unintended lane departure with a dynamic intervention helping steer the vehicle back into the correct lane. Previously available only on the FX30d, the LDP now comes standard on the FX37 GT Premium and S Premium, and FX50 S Premium, as well as Premium versions of the FX30d.

Infiniti has also added a new power tailgate to the standard equipment of all FX models. It’s worth noting that the height the tailgate opens to is programmable to help avoid problems when operating the door in restricted spaces, while it can also raised or lowered from a switch on the dashboard, from buttons both inside and outside the tailgate, or remotely from the I-Key.

Finally, for the first time on the FX, Infiniti’s Malbec Black paint is one of the eight colors available. The finish, which replaces Mojave Copper on the FX color chart, features the brand’s Scratch-shield technology that promises to hide fine surface scratches.

In Europe, the FX is offered with three engines including a 238HP V6 diesel, 320HP V6 petrol and 390HP V8 petrol of the range’s flagship model, the FX50 S Premium, which can accelerate from 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.8 seconds.

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Infiniti G37 Coupe S gets into Rally Guise for the Needs of the Spanish Rally Championship

To answer your first question, no, Infiniti is not going to compete in a European rally. What the company is doing is to supply a G37 Coupe S as a safety car for the Rallies Championship of Spain. The so-called ‘Infiniti Work Car Zero’ began its duties in the Rally of Villajoyosa on April 1. It is based on the G37 Coupe with power coming from an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 320HP and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm, and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Infiniti Car Zero is very close to standard specification with only a few modifications necessary for rally duty, such as the Vimesa roll bar, Bilstein dampers, Galfer brake pads, additional lights , siren, communications equipment and a GPS.

Sparco supplied the racing seats and seatbelts, the fire extinguishing system and equipment for the drivers. Finally, the car rides on high performance Michelin Pilot SuperSport tires.

"Infiniti is a brand that offers high performance products and impressive technology, values that lend itself to motorsport support”, said Polo Satrústegui, general director of Infiniti Spain and Portugal.

“The agreement with the Spanish Federation allows us to collaborate with the important task of providing event safety. And to extend Infiniti brand awareness,” added the official. Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti also supplies a safety car for the GT Championship of Spain.

The G37 Coupe S safety car will be driven at all Spanish rally events by Marc Blazques, World TT champion for Nissan, with Salvador Belzunces as co-pilot.

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Geneva 2011: Etherea Concept Hints at Infiniti's BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Rival

No question, the most significant presence at Infiniti's Geneva Motor Show booth is the brand-new Etherea concept study that provides a first glimpse at an upcoming entry-level model will allow the Japanese brand to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. A production version inspired by the Etherea is expected to hit the market by 2014.

The Etherea concept study was designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura who incorporated the design language of the 2009 Essence sports car concept into a five-door body style. According to Infiniti, the Etherea is "part elegant coupé, part spacious sedan, part practical hatchback and even part tall crossover".

“ETHEREA is about a new type of luxury,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is for younger buyers who do not want a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car. It is for people who want a car that defines who they are, not who their parents were.”

Infiniti pointed out that many of the styling cues seen on the Etherea such as the tail lamp and headlight designs "are destined to become a familiar Infiniti characteristic" in the firm's next generation of models.

The Etherea's B-pillar-less design and opposing doors open up to a four-seat cabin with a minimalistic styling highlighted by the abundant use of premium materials and trims.

The 4.4m long concept is said to be based on a new platform designed to accept a hybrid powertrain. The Etherea in particular uses a gasoline-electric drivetrain comprising of a 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 245HP, an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels.

An independent suspension, regenerative braking system and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering complete the set up.

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