2013 Mercedes SL-Class UK pricing

Mercedes-Benz has releases that its sixth generation of the new SL-Class will be available in UK market next month in two SL350 and SL500 guises, According to the German-based luxury car maker, the SL 350 will be sold at a price of £72,495 on-the road while the SL 500 with its V8 engine is priced at £83,445. Both models will arrive in the UK starting June 2012.

The SL 350 is powered by a BlueDirect 3.5 liter V6 engine. This direct injection 3,498cc power plant is 30 per cent more economical than before, yet with 306hp at 6,500rpm and 370Nm of torque at 3,500–5,250rpm it also delivers sharper performance, accelerating the two-seater to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and onto a 250km/h electronically limited top speed.

The SL 500 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 4.7-liter V8 engine that develops 429 hp at 5,250 rpm and 700 Nm of torque between 1,800-3,500 rpm, enabling the 1.7 ton SL500 to accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Both models has been equipped with standard safety and cool features such as leather sport seats, bi-Xenon headlights, adaptive brake along with 18″ alloy wheels.




Press Release


All new SL-Class Roadster available OTR from £72,495

• Advanced aluminium construction reduces weight by up to 140 kg

• 3.5-litre V6 and 4.7-litre V8 BlueDIRECT direct-injection petrol engines combine enhanced performance and improved efficiency

• Three roof options available including MAGIC SKY CONTROL

• HANDS-FREE ACCESS allows remote opening and closing of boot

• Innovations include MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipers and Frontbass audio speaker system

• Passive and active safety package makes SL the world's safest roadster

Pricing for the sixth generation of the world's most iconic roadster, the new SL-Class Roadster has now been confirmed. The SL 350 is priced at £72,495 on-the-road and the SL 500 will cost £83,445 and both models will arrive in the UK in June 2012, followed by the SL 63 AMG and the SL 65 AMG later in the year.


Lighter, leaner, sportier and more efficient, the new SL is built almost entirely of aluminium and powered by Mercedes-Benz BlueDIRECT direct-injection engines which have improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions by up to 30 per cent compared with the previous model, while delivering even more performance.


The SL 350 is powered by a BlueDIRECT 3.5-litre V6 engine. This direct injection 3,498 cc power plant is 30 per cent more economical than before, yet with 306 hp at 6,500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque at 3,500 - 5,250 rpm it also delivers sharper performance, accelerating the two-seater to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and onto a 155 mph electronically limited top speed. This thrilling performance is complemented by excellent combined economy of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 176 g/km.


Performance and economy figures for the SL 500 are equally impressive. The 4,663 cc BlueDIRECT V8 engine - which combines direct injection and twin-turbo technologies - develops 435 hp at 5,250 rpm and an impressive 700 Nm of torque that is available from a low 1,800 rpm to 3,500 rpm. The 1,785 kg SL 500 will sprint to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, and like the SL 350 is electronically limited to 155 mph.


Even with the increase in power and torque over the outgoing model, the efficiency of the SL 500 has improved by 26 per cent, now returning 30.7 mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 214 g/km of CO2.


The new SL-Class saves water as a result of the MAGIC VISION CONTROL intelligent wash/wipe system which is fitted as standard. This applies the ideal amount of washer fluid to the screen just in front of the wiper blades to ensure the driver's visibility is not impaired during cleaning and occupants are not splashed when the roof is down.


New and unique Frontbass speakers use the space in the aluminium footwells of the new SL-Class as resonance chambers, filling the cabin with concert hall-quality bass sounds and freeing space in the door panels. The new SL-Class also offers buyers HANDS-FREE ACCESS to the boot, as part of the optional Keyless-Go Comfort Package.By waving a foot under the rear bumper, the luggage compartment can be opened or closed - a world first.


The new SL-Class keeps its classic sports-roadster proportions, with a long bonnet and set-back cabin, yet is longer, wider and lower than before. It continues the tradition of innovation that stretches back 60 years to the racing prototype, which led to the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing'.


The SL's aluminium construction - a first for a Mercedes-Benz series production car - reduces weight by up to 140 kg, despite significant increases in safety and luxury features. The only non-aluminium body parts are the magnesium sections of the rear floor and the high-strength steel implants in the front windscreen pillars for peerless open-top safety.


The body is also significantly stiffer than that of the previous model. This provides an ideal platform for the chassis - which features semi-active adjustable damping or optional Active Body Control, and Direct Steer speed-sensitive power steering - to deliver more nimble and sporty responses with no sacrifice in comfort.


The new SL-Class can justifiably claim to be the safest roadster in the world as a result of its comprehensive standard protection features, which include PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO, ATTENTION ASSIST and ADAPTIVE BRAKE. The pro-active DISTRONIC PLUS AND PRE-SAFE BRAKE are among the optional safety features. More than ever, the Mercedes-Benz SL lives up to Gottfried Daimler's ethos: ‘The Best or Nothing.'


Standard specification includes the following:

• Pre-safe, Attention Assist and Active Bonnet

• Intelligent Light System with bi-Xenon headlamps

• Magic Vision Control heated adaptive wiper system

• COMAND Online with Media Interface

• Sports seats trimmed in leather upholstery

• 18" five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

Abarth 695 Maserati edition UK prices

Fiat has releases the pricing for the 500 Abarth 695 Maserati Edition in the UK. Production will be limited to 499 units with prices starts at £32,000. First deliveries are expected to begin towards the end of this year.

The new special edition models mates a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine 180-ponies to an Abarth Competizione automated five-speed transmission with steering wheel controls, while other performance improvements come in the form of larger Brembo brakes, Koni shock absorbers and a variable back-pressure ‘dual mode’ exhaust.

All the technical work was carried out by Abarth, including an electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox (one of the biggest costs), a set of upgraded Brembo brake calipers with 305mm discs, new Koni dampers and intriguing ‘variable back-pressure’ exhaust system – which ‘improves engine performance and delivers an inspiring sound above 3000 rpm.’

The exterior gets a special three-layer Pontevecchio Bordeaux livery and is well matched to the 17-inch Maserati-inspired Neptune design alloy wheels. Each model receives special Abarth 695 Maserati Edition graphics and serial number plates ranging from 1 to 499.

On the inside, the production model will be just like the one we saw at Geneva, sporting sand beige Poltrana Frau later with ’695′ stitched onto the headrests. Accents include matte-carbon on the dash and seat trim, a black leather steering wheel and a Jaeger LeCoultre-produced clock on the instrument panel.





Press Release

The new limited edition Abarth 695 Maserati Edition will cost £32,000 (OTR) when it goes on sale in the UK at the end of this year, the high performance brand has just announced. A set of stunning Tramontano leather luggage is among the exclusive convertible’s long list of standard equipment.

Just 499 of the 180bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged superminis will be produced. It follows the hugely successful Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari project of three years ago – but this time the collaboration with a sporting legend has resulted in a limited edition epitomising the elegance and comfort of a Gran Turismo with the handling of a car fit to take on the road every day.

The Abarth 695 Maserati Edition (Edizione Maserati) features exclusive style details and special technical features developed by Abarth engineers for Maserati. The 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine is linked to an electrically-operated manual Abarth Competizione gearbox with steering wheel controls, while performance tyres on 17-inch Maserati-inspired Neptune design alloy wheels also improve acceleration.

The chassis has also been engineered to cope with the extra power. Front brakes feature Brembo monobloc callipers with floating 305mm discs while special Koni shock absorbers guarantee high performance in complete safety. A variable back-pressure ‘dual mode’ exhaust improves engine performance and delivers an inspiring sound above 3,000 rpm.

The car is finished in Pontevecchio Bordeaux – a colour from Maserati which is achieved with special three-layer paintwork to reflect light and accentuate its shine. The same paintwork is added to the door mirrors while the electrically controlled soft top is made of grey fabric.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in sand beige leather, with a 695 logo embossed on the headrests. The dashboard and gearbox trim are distinguished by a special matt-finish carbon lining, further enhanced with the 695 logo, while the door panels and rear panels undergo a special UV-LUX treatment, to give an elegant grey ‘flocking’ effect.

The black leather steering wheel is characterised by beige leather inserts and tricolour hub and houses the steering wheel gearbox controls, while the instrument panel has been specifically produced by the Jaeger brand. Other details include the aluminium pedal unit and sill plates, the carbon fibre kick plate with customised Abarth 695 Maserati Edition graphics, and a plate with the car’s series number from 1 to 499.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ABARTH 695 MASERATI EDITION

 

ENGINE	4 cylinder in line, 4 valves per cylinder, 1368cc Power: 180bhp (132 kW) at 5500rpm Maximum torque 250 Nm in sport mode at 3000rpm Supercharged with Garrett 1446 turbo
TRANSMISSION	Abarth Competizione gearbox with 5 speeds, C510 gearbox family with gear paddles on the steering wheel
SUSPENSION	Front Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves Rear Abarth Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves Lowered ride
STEERING	Electric power steering with sport mode
BRAKES	Floating, perforated and self-ventilating front discs ø 305mm × 28mm Ventilated rear discs ø 264mm × 22mm TTC - Torque Transfer Control
WHEELS	Neptune Design 7×17" alloy wheels Tyres: 205/40 R17"
EMISSIONS	Euro 5 EEC-F5 Standard
CO2 EMISSIONS	151 g/km
FUEL CONSUMPTION	Urban consumption (mpg): 33.6 Combined consumption (mpg): 43.4 Extra-urban consumption (mpg): 52.3
PERFORMANCE	Max speed >140mph. Acceleration 0–62mph: <7 secs.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

• Special ‘Pontevecchio Bordeaux’ paint from Maserati
• Xenon headlights
• Titanium Grey soft top
• Automatic climate control
• Leather steering wheel with radio controls
• Blue&Me TomTom satnav
• Beige leather seats
• Dashboard, fascia and gearbox trim in matt carbon
• Door panels, console and tunnel in ‘Flocked’ UV-Lux
• Dual mode exhaust with Maserati-inspired design
• JBL hi-fi system
• Bag set by Tramontano

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution

Mitsubishi released details for the i-MiEV Evolution, ahead of its racing debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

First, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution utilizes the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i. Moreover, it was developed in order to showcase Mitsubishi’s advanced EV control and EV component technologies.

The i-MiEV Evolution is a purpose-built closed-cockpit all-wheel-drive single-seater built on a tube-frame chassis with a carbon-fiber cowl. Mitsubishi said the prototype racer will use many of the same EV drive components as the production i-MiEV, which is sold in the U.S. as the Mitsubishi i.

The i-MiEV evolution uses three electric motors: one for the front two wheels, and two for each rear wheel. Pair this all-wheel drive with the car’s light-weight aerodynamic body and you can see how serious Mitsubishi is taking this event.

The three motors produce 240 kW (322 horsepower) directly to the 245/40R18 tires. The standard i-MiEV rides on super skinny 145/65R15 tires up front and 175/60R15 out back and only produces 49 kW (66 hp).



Press Release


MITSUBISHI MOTORS' 2012 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB TEAM & ALL-NEW ALL-ELECTRIC RACECAR ANNOUNCE i-MiEV EVOLUTION TO TACKLE PIKE SPEAK


Tokyo, May 18, 2012 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will enter two all-electric vehicles (EVs) in the Electric Class of the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb1. MMC will be aiming for victory in the Electric Class with the i-MiEV Evolution, a specially-prepared competition version based on the i all-electric vehicle2. MMC is also entering a regular production i in the event.


Enter the i-MiEV Evolution The i-MiEV Evolution uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i and has been developed in cooperation with several partner companies including Meidensha Corporation and GS Yuasa Corporation. The i-MiEV Evolution has been developed to showcase MMC's advanced EV control and EV component technologies. MMC will use the technical knowhow garnered through the i-MiEVEvolution's development and usage for the development of future EV models with superior durability and reliability.


All-pro Team Driving the i-MiEV Evolution in the Pikes Peak event and also serving as team manager will be Mr. Hiroshi Masuoka - the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the Dakar Rally. The Mitsubishi i will be piloted by Ms. Beccy Gordon, a winner in the Score International Off-Road Racing Series.


1. Mitsubishi Motors 2012 Pikes Peak Challenge Team


Team Manager Hiroshi Masuoka Drivers Hiroshi Masuoka Beccy Gordon Competition Cars i-MiEV Evolution Mitsubishi i (i-MiEV in other countries) Racing class Electric Class


2. Outline Description of Cars Entered for Pikes Peak


(1) i-MiEV Evolution Developed for the Pikes Peak event, the i-MiEV Evolution basically uses the same motor, drive battery and other major components as the production i-MiEV fitted to a specially-designed racing-specific body which uses a tube-frame chassis and a carbon fibre cowl among other features designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic performance. Comprising a single motor driving the front and two motors driving the rear wheels, the car's four-wheel-drive system provides superior motive performance and handling.


L x W x H (mm) 4341 x 1900 x 1339 Occupants 1 Drivetrain 4-wheel drive Motors Number 3 (1 front, 2 rear) Max. output (kW) 240 (80 kW x 3) Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 35 Chassis Specially-designed tube frame Cowl Carbon fibre Tyres 245/40R18 (2) Mitsubishi i


For the Pikes Peak event the production Mitsubishi i has been modified using a more aerodynamic front bumper and fitted with roll bars and other safety equipment.


The Mitsubishi i went on sale on the west coast of the United States (in the states of California, Washington and Oregon) and in Hawaii in November 2011 with plans to expand sales to the whole of the country by June 2012. The i also went on sale in Canada as the i-MiEV in December 2011, marking its full-scale launch targeting corporate and individual customers in the North American market.


L x W x H (mm) 3675 (+280) x 1585 (+110) x 1615 (+5) Occupants 4 Drivetrain Rear wheel drive Motors Number 1 Max. output (kW/rpm) 49 (+2) / 3,000 - 6,000 Drive battery Rated capacity (kWh) 16 Tyres F: 145/65/R15 R: 175/60 (+5)/R15 3. Driver Profiles


(1) Hiroshi Masuoka (Product Strategy Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)


Hiroshi Masuoka began his Dakar Rally campaign in 1987 and became the first Japanese driver to post consecutive overall victories in the event when he won in 2002 and 2003. Currently Masuoka works at Mitsubishi Motors where his many duties include vehicle development, the training of company test drivers and the running of test drive sessions and other events both in Japan and overseas. Masuoka had the following to say before the event: "Given the tough driving conditions that Pikes Peak is known for, I'm really keen to show people the world over those electric vehicles are capable of gutsy motive performance and excellent handling in addition to their superior environmental performance."


(2) Beccy Gordon


Beccy Gordon is an American off-road racer. She grew up in a family in which her father, brother and sister have all been successful racing drivers, as is her husband today. Gordon herself is an experienced driver having raced in a wide spectrum of motor sports and she is also a motorsport spokesperson. Gordon commented before the event: "I'm really happy to be able to drive the Mitsubishi i in the Pikes Peak race and am looking forward to giving it my best in an electric car, the type of vehicle that is set to become a major player in motor sports in future."


4. Partner Companies (20 in all, listed in alphabetical order)


Advics Co., Ltd. Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. Dunlop Goodyear Tires Ltd. Endless Advance Co., Ltd. Enkei Corporation GKN Driveline Japan Ltd. GS Yuasa Corporation Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. HKS Co., Ltd. Meidensha Corporation Mikuni Corp. Mitsubishi Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Mitsubishi Motor Dealers Association NHK Spring Co., Ltd. NipponYusen Kabushiki Kaisha NTN Corporation Showa Corporation Toray Industries, Inc. Tsuchiya Co., Ltd.

Volkswagen Passat R-Line

Volkswagen has releases photos and details for the Passat R-Line.

The package will be offered for both sedan and station wagon versions. Based on the Euro-spec model, the car features new bumpers, revised side skirts and a gloss black rear diffuser. There's also a body-color spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension (that reduces the ride height by 15mm) and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Passat R Line comes with a choice of three gasoline engines (122 hp, 160 hp, and 210 hp) and three diesel engines (105 hp, 140 hp and 170 hp), all of the turbocharged four-cylinder variety. Strangely, what you can’t get in the R Line is our favorite engine: the naturally aspirated 300-hp, 3.6-liter VR6. The previous-generation, European-market Passat R36 was offered exclusively with that engine.

The interior design in the Volkswagen Passat R Line hasn’t been left aside either by the car manufacturer and the cabin is now getting “Kyalami” design sports seats, titanium silver inserts on the dashboard, center console and door panels, stainless steel elements on the pedals, leather wrapped sports steering wheel and the R Line logo on the front door sill plates.

The new Passat R-Line starts at 30,225 Euros in Germany. The company is also offering the R-Line as a 990 Euro package for the Comfortline and Highline variants.






Press Release

Sporty R-line equipment for the Passat

Wolfsburg, 02 May 2012 - The Passat range continues to expand: As a completely independent line of equipment will be offering the new Volkswagen Passat R-Line. Positioned as a particularly sporty model is available from 30 225 € in Germany.

On the outside, the newly designed bumper and side skirts set in the R-sporty styling accents. These belong in the front area of ??particularly large cooling air inlet with the R-Line logo in the grille and integrated fog lamps. The rear of the new Passat R-Line is in the "Gloss Black" dominated painted diffuser. Also affect the dynamic and elegant roof spoiler in body color, and not least the silver anodized roof railing. The features of the Passat R-Line, the dynamically tuned sports suspension, lowering the suspension by 15 millimeters belong (except for vehicles with DCC) and the 17-inch alloy wheels type "Mallory" in titanium silver with 235 mobility tires (optional 18-inch).

The Passat R-Line also scores in the interior with numerous equipment details: In addition to the sports seats in design "Kyalami" the decorative inserts in "titanium silver" in the dashboard, door panels and center console for extra sportiness. A sports leather steering wheel and stainless steel elements on the pedals and the front door sill plates with R-Line logo round out the features.

For the Passat and Passat Variant, there is now also an optional "R line package design" (for Comfortline and Highline). It includes the R-line bumper, the rear or roof spoiler in body color, newly designed side sills in styling as well as the R-R-Line logo on the radiator grille. The design package for the Passat and Passat Variant is a price of 990, - Euros.

Beijing debuts: Infiniti M LWB

Infiniti M LWB World Premiere at 2012 Beijing Auto Show.

The LWB M is 5.9 inches longer than the base car; as with most such rides, the majority of the extension is apportioned to rear passengers as additional legroom. The long-wheelbase model will be available with M25L or M35hL badges on its rump.

Under the hood, two different engines are available. The entry-level M25L has a 2.5-liter V6 with 232 hp (173 kW / 235 PS) and 187 lb-ft (253 Nm) of torque, while the M35hL uses a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 with 360 hp (240 kW / 365 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.

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.


Press Release

Infiniti M LWB World Premiere at 2012 Beijing International Auto Show 

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.