All New 2008 Infiniti EX Coming to Europe

Rolle, Switzerland (ots/PRNewswire) -

- EX Revealed 16 August at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance

- Innovative Coupe Crossover Concept

- Standard 'ATTESA E-TS' All-Wheel Drive

- Powered by a 3.5-litre 290hp V6 (US Specification)

- First Introduction of the Advanced Around View Monitor System

- To be Launched Progressively Across Europe Starting From Autumn
2008 Together With the G Saloon, G Coupe and a Successor to the
Iconic FX

The all-new 2008 Infiniti EX coupe crossover, revealed this week
at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, will form part of a
four model premium range that will be launched across Europe starting
from Autumn 2008.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070816/269498-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070816/269498-b )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070816/269498-c )

The EX is a new addition to the global Infiniti range. To be
badged EX35 when it goes on sale in the US at the end of this year,
this all-wheel drive crossover slots in below the iconic FX and
offers an exceptional combination of seductive design, elegant
interior and advanced technology systems. These include the world
production car debut of the advanced Around View Monitor (AVM)
system, which utilizes four small cameras to give the driver a
"top-down view" of the outside of the vehicle while parking. The new
EX35 also becomes the second Infiniti production vehicle, following
the Autumn introduction in the US of the 2008 Infiniti M-series, to
offer the new Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, and the first
to feature "Scratch Shield," a special "self-healing" clearcoat
paint. Launch timing of these technologies in Europe is to be
confirmed.

Coupe-Inspired Exterior

Designed by the Infiniti design centre in Japan, the EX35's
sculpted elegance should have a timeless appeal. Sleek lines portray
speed, grace and finesse combining the look and feel of a luxury
coupe with the elevated cabin of a 4x4.

The sporty proportions include a long hood, short front and rear
overhangs, rearward cabin and smooth coupe-like roofline arching over
the windows to the C-pillars.

"The EX35 is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a sporty
4x4," said Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe.

The EX35 has a length of 4631mm and a width of 1803mm making it
maneuverable in town. While a height of 1589mm gives it a more
dynamic stance and a lower centre of gravity than most other 4x4s.

EX35's exterior includes many signature Infiniti touches,
including a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with
available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated
fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and "dynamic arch" profile.
Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback
spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, an available power
tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof
rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp
integrated in the driver's side door mirror as part of the
Hospitality Lighting Concept.

Eight exterior colors will be offered including two shades new to
the model.

One of the unique features of the new EX35 is the special "Scratch
Shield," a special "self-healing" clearcoat paint, which is designed
to maintain its gloss-level over time. The paint repairs fine
scratches, such as fingernail scratches under door handles, restoring
the EX35's surface close to the original state. The process, which
takes anywhere from one day to one week (depending on the surrounding
temperature and the depth of the scratch), is accomplished through
the use of a special highly elastic resin. This resin is combined
with a conventional clearcoat to increase the paint's flexibility and
strength by raising the resin density.

Elegant Interior Design

Like all Infiniti vehicles, the EX35 is conceived to offer an
invigorating and engaging interior environment. And one that is both
indulgent and inspiring.

The driver-focused "wave-inspired" cabin layout features an
Infiniti signature "double-wave" instrument panel, easy-to-read
high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and
hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center
console and Infiniti-signature analog clock.

The instrument panel also features a 7-inch color display with
Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle
information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based
Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for music storage
and playback.

Other technology systems include available Bluetooth(R) Hands-Free
Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button
Ignition. Available technology features include RearView Camera
(available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system),
front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and
Bose(R) Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers,
6CD in-dash changer and iPod(R) connectivity.

The interior is offered with cloth or leather-upholstered seating
surfaces, available in four different colour concepts, reflecting
Infiniti's desire to offer the customer a high level of
personalisation. A special Black Lacquer trim comes standard on the
center console, with optional genuine Maple wood trim for the centre
console and door panels (replacing Black Lacquer and aluminum
respectively).

An 8-way power driver's seat with 2-way manual lumbar support is
standard, along with a 4-way power passenger's seat. A driver's seat
memory system is also offered, along with available heated front
seats and 8-way power front passenger's seat. Also available is an
unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat (operated from the
front or hatch area) making it easier to get the best out of the
interior space.

"The EX35's interior is all about driving pleasure and passenger
comfort," said Wright. "Like the exterior, it offers a coupe-like
feel but surprising versatility - ideal for today's active
lifestyles. Its design is elegant and made using beautiful materials
that indulge as well as calm."

Advanced Platform and Powertrain

Under the EX35's dramatic body is an equally advanced platform and
powertrain based on the latest Infiniti performance technology. Its
advanced FR-L platform provides the same high levels of handling
precision and balance as it does for the Infiniti M, FX and G Coupe
and Saloon.

Every 2008 US-specification Infiniti EX35 comes as standard with
the fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new
G35 Saloon), rated at 290-plus horsepower (estimated) and 5-speed
automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift
Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.

The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable
exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock
sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake
system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system
has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced
muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing.

Both are tuned to create authoritative harmonies, helping enhance
driving pleasure, an exciting engine sound and expected improvements
in emissions and fuel economy (versus the previous generation VQ
engine).

The fourth-generation VQ engine design also includes a long list
of advanced systems found on the previous design - including a
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a
"noiseless" timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically
controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system, microfinished crank
journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.

Every EX35 utilizes a subframe-mounted independent front
double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links,
high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.
The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with
aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing,
high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

Steering is provided by a speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
system with power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and
standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force
Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction
Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control
(ICC) with Preview Braking is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include an 18-inch 8-spoke
aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires.

EX35 features Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction
Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive
system, which is also utilized on the 2008 M, FX and G Saloon.

The system utilizes an active torque distribution management
system with an active centre clutch designed for smooth starts and
better traction and maneuverability on snowy and wet roads than
conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of
rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

Advanced New Technology

The EX35's advanced technology design is highlighted by one system
that is the first production version available in the US and Europe:
the Infiniti Around View Monitor.

It utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project
an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle
- helping reduce blind spots when parking.

"Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just
can't provide a view around the car that the Around View Monitor's
four-camera system does," said Wright. "Rear bumper parking sensors
help detect objects behind a car, but again they can't give the view
of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does."

EX35 European specification

The information given above relates to the US market EX35.
Specifications of the European version will be confirmed closer to
the on sale date.

In terms of positioning, it is difficult to find any direct rivals
for the EX being arguably the first of a new wave of coupe
crossovers. But looking at other cars available currently, the EX
might be lined up against rivals as diverse as the BMW X3 3.0si and
Audi A4 3.2FSI quattro avant.

Infiniti Europe

The EX will get its first European showing at the 2008 Geneva
Motor Show. The brand will be launched across Europe, city by city,
starting in the autumn of 2008 - a process that will take two years.
Infiniti Europe will reveal more details of its launch schedule
towards the end of 2007.

Four models will be available in Europe from launch. These will
include the G saloon, the G coupe, the EX as detailed above, and a
successor to the iconic FX to be unveiled next year. A replacement
for the M-series will join the European range early in the next
decade along with the option, on the M-, EX- and FX-series, of a high
performance V6 diesel.

Superior customer service will be as important to Infiniti as the
product. This starts with the retail network, all of which will
employ the new Infiniti Retail Design Environment Initiative (IREDI)
that has a look and feel more akin to a luxury designer hotel than a
car showroom, and continues with Infiniti's Total Ownership
Experience (TOE) philosophy that covers all contacts the customer
will have with the brand.

Said Wright: "The launch of a premium car brand in Europe is a
rare and special event. Infiniti will have the simple philosophy of
offering the independently minded customer a new alternative of
vibrant product teamed with excellent service. The cars are all
elegantly designed, comprehensively equipped and aimed at the
enthusiast. But they are only half the story. Effortless ownership
will be equally important as you will discover closer to the launch."

For Infiniti US news and pictures, log onto:
http://www.infinitinews.com.

For early information about Infiniti Europe, log onto:
http://www.infinitieurope.com.

For Further Information Contact:
Wayne Bruce
Communications Director
e-mail: wayne.bruce@infinitieurope.com
telephone: +41-21-822-4930
mobile: +41-79-701-8230
Nathalie Büttner
Communications Manager
e-mail: nathalie.buettner@infinitieurope.com
telephone: +41-21-822-4950
mobile: +41-79-701-8212

ots Originaltext: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
For Further Information Contact: Wayne Bruce, Communications
Director, e-mail: wayne.bruce@infinitieurope.com, telephone :
+41-21-822-4930, mobile : +41-79-701-8230; Nathalie Büttner,
Communications Manager, e-mail :
nathalie.buettner@infinitieurope.com, telephone : +41-21-822-4950,
mobile : +41-79-701-8212