The standard V-8 engine now puts out 80 more HP than the 2010 SUV.  With a torque output of 413 ft-pounds, the big 5.7 liter V-8 engine has a huge towing capacity of 8k pounds.  The new QX56 engine uses Nissan’s patented VVEL science which stands for Variable Valve Event and Lift.  The QX56 also employs the best transmission available from Nissan in the form of a trick 7-speed.  Infiniti put this science into the QX56 in order to raise the fuel economy numbers.  Infiniti estimates that the gas mileage will improvement to 13 MPG and 20 MPG.  Not bad for a full sized SUV.  The QX56 ranks at the top of the ladder for MPG in the full sized category.  The new QX56 can go over 250 miles between gas stops and the tank holds almost 30 gallons of fuel.

On the inside the QX56 can seat 7 or 8 passengers depending on the configuration.  There is plenty of interior space in the cabin of the SUV.  Be sure to get the 2nd row chairs instead of the bench seating.  There is also a center console in the rear.  The 2011 QX56 has plenty of televisions, air-vents, and room for all passengers.  On the back of the front passenger seats there are dual 7-inch TV’s.  The fresh 2011 Infiniti QX56 will also be a bit lighter than the old generation by about 100 pounds.

The newest SUV offering from Infiniti contains technologically advanced features.  One innovative and up-to-date Infiniti advancement is the Hydraulic Body Motion Control System.  This limits body roll while turning which is important in a full sized SUV.  Fluid fills the outside shock absorbers making the sport utility vehicle more steady.  Believe it or not this system keeps the SUV more stable than a BMW 5-series.

Infiniti’s dedication to safety is visible on the fresh QX56.   Traction Control is a key feature in keeping SUV safe from a roll over.  The traction control can send muscle to the wheels that need it.  Numerous systems overlap each other to create a large network of safety features.  On the inside the QX56 has a myriad of front and curtain side airbags for all passengers, even those seated in the rear of the SUV.  The Intelligent Brakes can automatically reduce speed if a collision is imminent. Pretty much all luxury vehicles today are equipped with some sort of lane departure warning system and the QX56 is one of these automobiles.  The intelligent cruise control adapts to follow the flow of traffic.   The blind spot warning alerts the driver ensuring safe lane changes.  The QX56 is a value at a little over $55,000 in the luxury sport utility vehicle segment.

Under the hood the M37 has a variable valve event and lift (VVEL-equipped) 3.7–liter V-6 engine that delivers 327 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque enabling it to leap from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. A new multilink rear suspension and 4 wheel steering system enables the M37 to glide around corners. The New Infiniti M37 is more fuel efficient than its predecessor and is equipped with Infiniti Drive, which allows for four modes of transmission operation: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow.

The new M is about 2 inches longer and wider than the M35 allowing for a skosh more space in the cabin. The interior is luxuriously appointed with quality materials including hand crafted wood accents and leather trim. An easy to read instrument panel sits aside the center dash which houses the audio, navigation and climate control systems. Perhaps the most innovative new feature is the air-conditioning system which filters out odors, controls for humidity and can even create a soothing breeze to comfort passengers.

The exterior of the 2011 Infiniti M37 has similar features to the Infiniti’s concept car, the Essence, which has been teasing audiences with its good looks for years. At first glance the M37 appears muscular and sturdy but a second look reveals elegant lines from the roof line to the grill and along the sleek body style. The M37 is a rare combination of power, strength and grace for around $50,000. Look for them to arrive at dealerships spring 2010.

Luxury cars offer the latest and greatest safety features. Manufacturers of luxury cars spend the extra money to research and design new safety features. Indeed, many of the safety features found in the general car market today, like air bags and anti-lock brakes were first introduced in luxury vehicles. The cost of developing these innovations drives up the price of luxury cars, but they consistently have higher safety ratings than less expensive cars.

Luxury cars come with more and better standard features.  After all, buyers who are willing to pay for a luxury vehicle don’t want a stripped down model. Additionally, luxury car manufacturers offer a wider variety of options. You can get heated leather seats, headrest mounted dvd players and surround sound Bose stereo systems that work with your iPod. You can get plush interiors including soft leather and real wood trim. Keyless entry and ignition, night vision displays and integrated child booster seats are some of the newer available options.

The performance offered by a luxury car is better than other cars. The manufacturer spent more time and used better materials to make sure that their top of the line cars have superior handling and enhanced aesthetic value.

Luxury automakers offer longer and more comprehensive warranties. Coupled with better reliability, it could be said that the luxury car owner pays more upfront to save on repairs later. Dealership service departments offer a first-class experience too. You’re more likely to enjoy free wi-fi and gourmet coffee while waiting for your car. If it needs to stay in the shop for a few days, you’re likely to get a luxury car for a loaner.
Even in these difficult times, prestige and image are still valuable. People who want their car to convey their status and exemplify their success will want to be seen in a luxury car. Even those who just want the very best available, and can afford it, will always gravitate toward the luxury car market.

Like the rest of the automobile industry, luxury carmakers are seeing decreased sales and tough times. But in the long term, luxury cars will survive and thrive because they do offer real value to the consumer. Whether you’re looking for a top of the line sports car with excellent handling, a professional looking car with comfort and safety, or a combination of the two, you’ll always be able to find it.

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Costa Mesa Cadillac.

The engines will still be made in Tennessee, then shipped to Japan to be installed in the cars, which will then be shipped back to the U.S. for sale. How can that make sense? Well, it appears that the time and cost involved in shipping is less expensive than setting up an engine plant in Japan.

But for how long? Inifiniti sold 7,657 units in 2008, down from 12,288 in 2007. But as the economic recovery progresses, Americans will again buy luxury SUVs. In fact, inventories of the Infiniti QX56 have been too low this summer. Ben Poore, the Vice President of Infiniti’s business unit in North America has already asked Nissan to increase production.

Will increased demand make it worth it for Nissan to build a plant in Japan to make the engines as well as the rest of the vehicle? Or will the shipping costs kick in and cause Nissan to move the production in the Infiniti QX56 back to the U.S.?

Source: Automotive News