Infiniti EX Concept Unveiled at NYIAS

Anthony Fontanelle
April 12, 2007

The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is the country’s largest event of its kind and it is only fitting that such event would host the unveiling of the most advanced concept vehicles around. Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, indeed took advantage of the large attendance at the motor show to unveil their Infiniti EX concept vehicle.

Concept vehicles are essentially made to showcase a new technology or design concept developed by a particular automaker. They are also shown at motor shows to get a feel of what the public thinks about the technology or design concepts integrated into it. The Infiniti EX is exactly what that is all about.

The Infiniti EX concept is a sleek-looking vehicle equipped with the latest in auto technology. Some of its notable features are the Around View Monitor or AVM and the Lane Departure Prevention system which is also commonly referred to as the LDP. Those safety features complement the comfort-invoking interior of the vehicle.

The concept is a preview of things to come from Infiniti. The “things to come” will be hitting showrooms in 2008 when the design concept and technologies used in the concept will be integrated to a production Infiniti EX crossover sport utility vehicle.

Mark Igo, the Vice President and the General Manager of Infiniti Division for the Nissan North America Inc., have this to say about the Infiniti EX: “The Infiniti FX, Infiniti M and most recently the new 2008 Infiniti G Coupe, can all trace their evolution from show stoppers to Infiniti showrooms in a short period of time. With this stunning Infiniti EX Concept, we’re pleased to announce that along with the basic exterior and interior designs, the production Infiniti EX will include much of the EX Concept’s innovative technology, including the Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention.”

One of the most eye-catching attributes of the EX is its sleek design. The Infiniti EX concept is a true luxury coupe not only in its looks but also in its interior appeal. The vehicle combines the performance and agility of a luxury coupe with the versatility and roominess of a sport utility vehicle. Igo further extolled the virtues of the EX by saying that: “The EX Concept is the perfect fusion of a luxury coupe and a high-utility SUV. Its ‘right-sized’ packaging gives it excellent around town maneuverability, while the wide rear hatch and low load floor make it a versatile performer for everyday and weekend use.”

When one invades the cabin of the EX, the most striking feature that will instantly be noticed is the liquid crystal glass roof panel. The unique thing about that is that it can change appearance from being transparent to translucent. This metamorphosis is made possible by a special touch sensor system. According to Igo: “The Infiniti EX Concept’s glass roof technology is a fascinating study in how technology can be utilized to change the entire interior atmosphere of a vehicle by adding or subtracting not just light, but the occupants’ view of the outside world.”

What drives this elegant concept vehicle is a V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Further drivetrain enhancement is the available all-wheel drive configuration. The wheelbase of the EX concept is shorter compared to the Infiniti M, Infiniti FX and the Infiniti G Coupe at 112.0 inches giving the vehicle a small turning radius. The shorter wheelbase gives the vehicle better handling. In terms of suspension, the EX concept is equipped with a multi-link suspension for the rear using a low shock absorber profile. The EX concept further uses 19-inch 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels which increases its aesthetic value. These drivetrain components can be complemented perfectly by an EBC rotor.

Source:  Amazines.com