True, I may be just a "Gaijin" from Texas, but I do know a work of art when I see one. The new Infiniti Essence concept car is just that.
Staring at it in adoration I think I also broke a few commandments.
Debuting to the U.S. public at the recent Pebble Beach Concours, the new Infiniti Essence concept vehicle appears to be of perfect form and function for a dream machine, a car that many may lust after and others sell their souls for.
Thank goodness it is only a concept – so to speak.
Think of Essence as more of a commitment by the manufacturer, a show of good faith – a mission statement.
If the Essence concept is the future of Infiniti (and how I hope it is) drivers and automotive enthusiasts alike have good reason to enjoy great optimism.
Under the visionary direction of Takashi Nakajima, Essence was designed to embody everything Infiniti stands for – past, present and future.
"It is a brand icon, an advocate for a unique set of values," says Nakajima. "Not a teaser for a new model." Infiniti says Essence is a belief that every car should be measured on a human level.
And as I witnessed firsthand on a recent "Essence of Infiniti" stopover in Dallas, Texas, Essence commands that human emotion, be it envy, lust or mere admiration. This car demands attention. Grown men almost weep in its presence and women want it.
At times I found myself lost in Essence's deep reflective surfaces, its supple curves, its decadent interior. Other times I found myself wondering when I could drive one, to which the answer is: Never – and soon.
As I said before, this is the Infiniti Essence, and this is the essence of Infiniti.
We should soon see elements of the Essence concept in all Infiniti product, be it design, engineering, technology or performance.
A quick overview of the Infiniti Essence concept reveals:
• A front-engined, two-seat, 592-horsepower, rear-wheel drive luxury coupe concept measuring 185 inches long
• A preview of Infiniti’s gasoline/electric hybrid drivetrain – capable of high speeds when conditions allow, zero emissions where they don’t
• Fresh design language to influence future production models
• New safety technology, including Back-up Collision Prevention
• Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
• “New luxury” meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximize trans-continental capability
Somewhere along the way I am reminded that this ethereal Infiniti is a Nissan at heart, no matter how opulent and decadent she proves. And while Nissan has taken performance to heart in much of its product lineup, Essence is no Nissan.
Essence is Infiniti ... and beyond (to paraphrase a popular movie line).
Essence was launched as a celebration of Infiniti and its 20-year history as a creator of performance cars as well as a glimpse of its future.
It seems Essence engineers and designers took every attention to detail to the next level: Instead of merely combining a gasoline engine with a hybrid electric motor Infiniti engineers added twin turbochargers to the V-6 under the long hood; instead of fitting the door panels with sleek outside rearview mirrors Essence utilizes rearview cameras mounted high in the A-pillars; instead of providing an electric power trunk release button in the dash panel the rear decklid can be accessed via electric motors that respond to a handheld remote control, and the custom fitted luggage is delivered a la motorized tray.
Wind noise should be at a bare minimum thanks to the elimination of the exterior mirrors and a solid, curved front wind screen that flows as one piece over the heads of driver and occupant. And speaking of the passenger compartment, designers have seen fit to include a dual-tone leather, Alcantara and hand-painted wood interior – albeit the tone separation is right down the middle giving driver a shade of black and passenger something a bit rosier.
The cockpit screams of simplicity and performance while also rivaling that of the finest European performance coupes in a design theme I would call "decadent simplicity."
I think Infiniti says it best here: "Simple yet complex, elegant yet dynamic, the Essence perfectly balances the mechanics of technology with the fluidity of nature. As Nakajima puts it, "It is everything I want, nothing I don't."
We hear you Nakajima-san, we hear you.
The onslaught of SUVs in the 1990s and crossover utility type vehicles of the new millennium have kept minivan sales numbers from returning to those of their glory days Ð but automakers are still makin' 'em and folks are still buyin' 'em.
There aren't quite as many players in the minivan game anymore mind you, but one who held firm to delivering a quality product over the years has been Honda. Because of that, the Honda Odyssey minivan has had a target on its back almost since its inception.
"A minivan is tough to beat when it comes to carting your kids around or to moving the maximum number of people in maximum comfort and efficiency," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of Product Planning for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Beyond the superior functionality inherent to a minivan, the Odyssey offers customers convenient seating versatility, a high-quality feel and a reputation for surprisingly engaging driving dynamics."
The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim including the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the 10 "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009," and "2009 Best Resale Value Award" in the van category, which honors vehicles that are expected to have the best resale value after five years of ownership.
While the Honda minivan may not exactly excite all of the senses that, say, the Accord Coupe does, Odyssey does provide peace of mind and a very good value.
We recently spent a week with a new 2010 Odyssey Touring model, the top-of-the-line trim level for the Honda minivan (meaning Honda has thrown just about everything they could into this vehicle, short of the kitchen sink).
Odyssey carries itself very well on the road. Steering is quite responsive for a minivan and suspension is tighter than some of its competitors. The tradeoff is a slightly stiffer ride and our tester did give a bit of vibration back through the steering wheel, but overall the driving experience was pleasant enough for driver and passengers alike.
Seating is in three rows, with the third row able to disappear into the cargo floor. In the second row we find a removable center seat that also serves double duty as a storage bin.
The Touring trim level puts leather seating surfaces in all three rows with heat available up front, power side doors with sun shades and a power rear liftgate Ð all very convenient features when called into use.
Our tester also included power adjustable pedals, nav system whose center dash monitor flips down to reveal the CD changer, premium audio system and corner and backup sensors and rearview camera. There is also a DVD rear entertainment system with nine-inch monitor.
Powering the Odyssey is a i-VTEC 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 244hp and 245 lb. ft. of torque and Touring models also get the VCM cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down two or three cylinders when operating under light loads, thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Our tester was EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. All Odyssey models come with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard (with a shifter protruding from near center dash, apparently all the rage in minivans these days).
Honda Odyssey models in the Touring trim ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season radial tires and feature four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control and vehicle stability assist.
Other standard safety equipment includes all the requisite front and front side impact airbags (with occupant position detection system for the front passenger seat), active front seat head restraints and three-row side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.
Pricing for 2010 Honda Odyssey models begins at $26,805 but for a fully loaded version like our Touring model tester expect to pay northward of 40 grand.
Dictionary.com defines the word "Genesis" as a coming into being, an origin or a creation.
Hyundai defines Genesis as "a vehicle crafted to rival the world's premier sport sedans."
I define Genesis as the next big thing. Get ready because you are going to be seeing a lot of these cars on the road soon.
Hyundai has basically taken the design elements of the world's leading luxury sport sedans and combined that with performance parameters of the top rear-wheel-drive models on the road today and developed "Genesis" - a new beginning for the Korean automaker.
Genesis is offered in two models, defined by the engine that powers each. The Genesis 4.6 features the all-new Tau V-8 powerplant - the first in North America from the automaker - and the Genesis 3.8 utilizes a next-generation Lambda 3.8-liter V-6. Each are mated to their own six-speed automatic transmission with sport shift, the former harnessed to the same ZF sport gearbox used by Jaguar in their sport models.
Zipping around the upscale suburbs of Miami on a recent press jaunt, we learned the new Genesis is more than just another pretty face. Hyundai has done its homework and Genesis is the real deal. And it is a real Hyundai, meaning it is a great value with a great warranty backing it up.
While Genesis is competitively priced against its performance benchmarks (Chrysler 300C and Pontiac G8 GT), in pure style and content it blows away pricing comparison with its image set models that include Infiniti M, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series.
Style with substance - and a killer price.
It appears in waiting to deliver a vehicle in this category has paid off for the automaker as designers and engineers had the benefit of seeing all the competition from East to West had to offer and were able to glean (emulate, complement, illustrate, interpret - OK, copy) the very best at an incredible value.
Genesis highlights include:
Electronic active front head restraints
Electronic stability control
Eight airbags
Heated front seats
Cooled driver's seat
Adaptive Front Lighting system with HID headlamps with adaptive leveling
Proximity entry with electric push-button start
Navigation with backup camera
Bluetooth technology
IPod/USB auxiliary inputs
HD and XM Satellite radios (with NavTraffic)
Lexicon surround audio system with 6-disc DVD changer
Automatic windshield defogger with humidity sensor
Rain-sensing wipers
Five-link front and rear suspension with damping control
Tau V-8 engine (375hp/333 lb. ft. torque)
Six-speed automatic transmission with manual sport shift.
Genesis 3.8 models ride on 17-inch wheels and tires while 4.6 models get 18s and all Genesis sedans feature four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Fuel economy figures for the 3.8 run 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway while 4.6s should deliver 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Pricing for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 (V-6) models begins at $33,000 and 4.6 (V-8) models start at 38 grand. Hyundai predicts Genesis sales to be around 80 percent V-6 models and 20 percent V-8s.
Genesis is the next big thing for Hyundai but, as the name suggests, is only the beginning of big things to come.
We got to spend a little time behind the wheel of the all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z on its Dallas stop during the national Follow the Nissan Z Tour making its way across country since the car's debut at the LA Auto Show.
While having the larger 3.7-liter V-6 engine first used in the Infiniti G37 Coupe last year, we really liked the new styling and the new SynchroRev Match technology that automatically serves up throttle blips during downshifts with the six-speed manual gearbox, a first for the industry.
We did not have any time with a member of the Z development or marketing team, so below is Nissan's press release. I can sum this all up in two words:
Suh-WEET!
ALL-NEW 2009 NISSAN 370Z: SCULPTED, ENGINEERED AND EQUIPPED TO SHIFT_DRIVING EXCITEMENT
Super Evolution of the Iconic Nissan Z Expands the Sports Car Sweet Spot With An Unmatched Balance of Performance, Style and Value
Los Angeles -
In the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its re-introduction as a 2003 model, nearly every piece and component has been rethought or redesigned – shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, new engine with more horsepower and improved fuel economy, a new 7-speed automatic trans
mission with paddle shifters, a world's first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the manual transmission, new high quality driver-centric interior and new available technology features.
But to get the full measure of the new model, now designated the Nissan 370Z, one need look no farther than the subtle upswept line of the new rear quarter window. Quintessentially Z, the window harkens back to the original 1970 240Z – a car that revolutionized the sports car world with its unique combination of performance, style and, especially, value. The new 370Z solidifies the Z's position as one of the most desirable sports cars on the planet – at an affordable price – bringing true sports car performance to everyone.
"The fresh character of the 2009 Nissan 370Z is immediately apparent in the crisp new exterior design, which is sportier yet still immensely identifiable as a Nissan Z," said Al Castignetti, vice president, Sales, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "One usually thinks of evolution as being linear. The new 370Z's 'super evolution' builds on the best features of both the first and last generations Z-cars – respectful but not retro, simple yet sophisticated, and 110 percent pure Z."
Solidifying the strengths of its immediate predecessor, the new 370Z was conceived as an "Everyday Sports Car," targeting segment-leading performance and a base MSRP of around $30,000 (final performance figures and pricing to be available at a later date).
"The new 370Z lives in the sweet spot of performance, style and value, a position that Nissan invented with the original Z. It's an authentic sports car that you don't have to make sacrifices to own – or drive everyday," said Castignetti.
The new 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe model is scheduled to go on sale in North America in January 2009, followed by a new 370Z Roadster for the 2010 model year.
2010 Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO
By DAVID GOODSPEED
AutoworldToday Editor
The Ford Taurus Ð the car that changed AmericaÕs view of the family sedan Ð is all-new for 2010 and ready to take on the worldÕs best, with an upscale new design, enhanced driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and competitive pricing.
ÒThe new Taurus sets the pace for FordÕs growing new car launch momentum,Ó said Mark Fields, president of the Americas. ÒThis sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for Ð and helps further define what Ford is capable of delivering Ð quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design.Ó
The new Taurus benefits from FordÕs Global Product Development System, which made it possible to deliver an all-new sedan 12 months sooner and with more new features than customers and dealers might have expected. The new Taurus shares platforms with Flex and Lincoln MKS and upcoming MKT, but officials have said there will not be a Mercury Sable sibling as in previous Taurus releases.
ÒTaurus is our premium Ford flagship, and it casts a halo across the entire brand portfolio,Ó said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development. ÒBuilding on its reputation for safety leadership, we leveraged extensive use of computer-aided design and engineering technologies as well as digital pre-assembly modeling to deliver a high-quality, new Taurus a year ahead of schedule.Ó
Pricing has already been announced and production begun on the 2010 Taurus. Entry pricing will start at $25,995 Ð the same price as 2009 models, but with more class-leading features, new technologies and perceived quality that rivals premium luxury sedans.
ÒThe new Taurus showcases the best of what the Ford brand has to offer Ð expressive design, class-leading technologies and an engaging driving experience with impeccable quality,Ó said Jim Farley, FordÕs group vice president of marketing and communications. ÒWhen customers get behind the wheel and drive one, their experience will beat or rival that offered by the best cars in the full-size sedan segment Ð including the Toyota Avalon.Ó
Ford hopes to change the perception of the Òfamily sedanÓ with the new Taurus. Inspired by the advent of so many crossover-type vehicles, this Taurus is aimed more at drivers who might move friends and family but place more of a premium on the driving experience and technologies aimed at making time on the road more meaningful and fun.
ÒTaurus is more of a ÔmeÕ sedan now, and weÕve delivered with this buyer in mind,Ó said Moray Callum, director of FordÕs Car and Crossover Design.
Alongside the launch of the base sedan models, the Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of FordÕs new flagship introducing a new generation of premium performance and fuel economy with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. This engine delivers V-8 levels of power (365 hp and 350 lb. ft. of torque) without compromising its V-6 fuel economy.
The 2010 Taurus SHO features an enhanced six-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission with control paddles mounted on the steering wheel, in combination with a sophisticated torque-sensing all-wheel-drive system, a sportier SHO interior, subtle exterior design cues and myriad technologies and features offered on Taurus.
ÒTaurus SHO suspension and steering have been sport-tuned to provide enthusiastic drivers with precise control, confident handling, communicative feedback and a compliant ride,Ó said Pete Reyes, Taurus chief engineer.
Taurus SHO features an advanced electric power assist steering system, providing responsive road feel and enhanced on-center balance while offering the additional benefit of increased fuel economy. SHO also features a sport-tuned suspension with unique shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars and strut mount bushings specifically developed and harmonized to deliver the highest level of road holding, cornering agility and steering responsiveness available in a Blue Oval fullsize sedan.
Taurus SHO takes full advantage of the multi-link SR1 rear suspension design. Named for its 1:1 shock absorber ratio, this configuration provides an inherently stable baseline for the SHO development team to fine tune for enhanced driver control and agility. In addition, the SR1 rear suspension geometry provides increased travel, while enabling the use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.
For the discriminating automotive enthusiast, Taurus SHO offers an available SHO Performance Package consisting of upgraded brake pads, recalibrated EPS for even more responsiveness, a ÒSport ModeÓ setting for the standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability control and a shorter 3.16:1 final drive ratio for faster acceleration. Performance-compound 20-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 tires on premium painted wheels also are included.
Taurus SHO will be available this summer, starting at $37,995, including destination fees.
ÒThe new Taurus SHO delivers on the authentic sleeper sedan formula but adds all-new luxury-appointments, convenience features and technologies to an unsurpassed balance of power and fuel economy,Ó Fields said. ÒThis new sport derivative answers enthusiastsÕ calls for a premium Ford flagship sedan with even more attitude.Ó
Introduced in 1989, Taurus SHO was conceived as a discreet performance-oriented sports sedan, ideally suited to the automotive enthusiast needing the room and capability of a four-door full-size car. Produced through 1999, more than 100,000 were sold.
To familiarize ourselves with the new Taurus models, we recently spent a couple of days in eastern Kentucky and western North Carolina with the Ford Taurus team. We split drive time between the Taurus and Taurus SHO models on roads in and around the Smoky Mountain range separating the cities of Knoxville and Asheville.
Impressive would best describe our driving experiences, especially given the lackluster aura surrounding the outgoing model, and that is just for the standard models. The SHO steps that up one better with its performance package and powertrain. Excitement is what was promised and Ford certainly made good on that one.
