Infiniti Triant Concept, 2003

Infiniti Triant Concept, 2003

 

 

 

Infiniti Triant Concept, 2003

Infiniti QX4, 2003

Infiniti QX4, 2003

 

The Infiniti QX4 and the Nissan Terrano Regulus are mid-size luxury SUVs introduced in 1997 as rebadged Nissan Pathfinders. It was released a year after Acura's release of the SLX and Lexus's release of the larger LX 450, and it is Infiniti's first entry into SUVs. Also, it was released the same time as the Mercedes-Benz M-Class. The Infiniti QX4 was sold in the North American market, while the Nissan Terrano Regulus sold in Japan. Major differences between these vehicles and the Pathfinder include a more advanced four wheel drive system, a more upscale interior, and unique styling. Although it is a luxury vehicle, it is quite capable off-road due to its low range four wheel drive system and 8.3 inches of ground clearance.

The QX4 received its first major update in 2001, increasing its power from a relatively weak 168 hp (125 kW) to a comparative 240 hp (179 kW) engine. This redesign also gave the QX4 an updated exterior and interior body style, including features such as a new dash, 17 in (423 mm) alloy wheels and xenon HID headlamps. In Japan, the Terrano Regulus shortened its name to Terrano and was restyled like the Pathfinder instead.

Infiniti Q45, 2003

Infiniti Q45, 2003

 Infiniti Q45, 2003

Lexus GX470, 2003

Lexus GX470, 2003

 

The Lexus GX 470 is a mid-size SUV built in Tahara plant in Japan and sold only on the North American markets by Toyota's luxury division Lexus. It was introduced in November 2002 as a 2003 model as Lexus's true answer to the BMW X5, Acura MDX, Land Rover LR3 and Porsche Cayenne. It is the US market version of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. It was released at the same time as the Infiniti FX, its competitor.

The 2005 GX 470s are powered by a 4.7 L, 32-valve, four-cam V8 engine with 270 hp (201 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 330 ft·lbf (447 N·m) of torque at 3,400 rpm. This is also the largest engine that has ever been put into a Lexus.
The GX 470 has a welded steel body, an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, a 4 wheel drive system, and its interior offers a place for up to eight passengers.

The vehicle is a competent contender for serious off-roading while civilized enough for everyday driving. The MSRP is averaged at about US $50,000. It has won various awards including 4-Wheeler of the Year from 4X4 Magazine.
In the Lexus lineup, it is situated between the premium LX 470 and the entry-level luxury RX 350.

Lincoln Town Car, 2003

Lincoln Town Car, 2003

Lincoln Town Car, 2003

Lincoln Navicross Concept, 2003

Lincoln Navicross Concept, 2003

 

 

The Lincoln Navicross was a concept car by the Ford Motor Company's luxury Lincoln division. The Lincoln Navicross was first unveiled at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show.

The vehicle features styling similar to that of the Zephyr and MK9 concept car. Two chrome accent bars placed on the vehicle's left and right front fenders run the full length of the vehicle as in the MK9 and Mark X concepts. The vehicles features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln emblem at its center. Much like the MKS concept models presented at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Navicross features suicide doors which according to Ford, give "unrestricted ingress and egress to the luxurious interior." Suicide doors also appeared in the Continental concept car and the MKS concept car.

The interior itself featured power adjustable, climate controlled leather seats along with a "symmetrical" dashboard that like other Lincoln concept models and the Zephyr production model featured both metal as well as more tradition wood grain trim.

The Navicross concept was 186.6" long and featured 20" alloy wheels along with a supercharged 4.2 L V8. Permanent all wheel drive and Hill Descent Control (HDC) were among the technical highlights of the concept vehicle.

Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2003

Lincoln MK9 Concept, 2003

 

 

 

The Lincoln MK9 was a Lincoln concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.

The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.

The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln diamond at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.

The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950's and are trimmed in red leathe

Infiniti M45, 2003

Infiniti M45, 2003

2003
The 2003 M45 was based on the Y34-series Nissan Gloria/Nissan Cedric, with styling similar to the Gloria. The engine is Nissan's 340 hp VK45DE V8 which produces 333 ft.lbf of torque. The rather Japanese squared-off styling did not make much of a splash on the US market, and the M45 sold poorly.

2006
Infiniti released a completely redesigned M for the 2006 model year to compete directly in the mid-size sport luxury class, against such class stalwarts as the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It uses a much more rigid version of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform and is available with the common VQ-series 280 hp (208 kW) 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335 hp (249 kW) 4.5 L V8 in the M45.

The automotive press has awarded the M several best-in-class awards in direct comparisons against its competitors. Despite entering a very crowded, competitive segment in which almost every member has been recently redesigned, the M still managed to find many key distinctions: Both the M35 and M45 are fastest in their class (0-60 in 6.3 and 5.4 seconds, respectively). The M is near or at the top of every interior dimension, actually breaking into the EPA "large" category depending on which option packages are selected. In fact, while being smaller on the outside than the flagship Q45, the M45 boasts more room, greater performance, a superior multilink front suspension, and much friendlier ergonomics, threatening the position of the flagship Q45.

All-wheel-drive models are called the M35x, which uses a sports car derived system (ATTESA-ETS) to send all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected.

The M line was released in February 2005 (at almost exactly the same time as the new 2006 Lexus GS) and its first several months of sales have been far beyond expectations. Prices in the US (USD) range from approximately 40,000 - 55,000, which feature for feature tend towards the lowest in class

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

 

 

The Infiniti G35 is a sport luxury car introduced to North America in the 2003 model year. It is known as the 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline in Japan, and other names elsewhere in the world. It is available in sedan and coupe. A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003.5 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 260 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque in the sedan, 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf in the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 298 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.

The G35 is based on the Nissan FM platform shared with the Nissan 350Z sports car and Infiniti FX sport utility vehicle. The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well-received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to more expensive luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.

Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52/48 weight distribution (52% front/48% rear) . Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan. The all-wheel drive model is designated the G35x and uses an Aisin-Warner intelligent AWD system that shifts power to the wheels with the most grip.
Both 03 & 04 6MT come standard with Brembo Brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package. On the 2005 coupes, there were three new colors, 'Athens Blue', 'Lakeshore Slate' and 'Serengeti Sand', replacing 'Twilight Blue', Caribbean Blue, and 'Desert Platinum'. Also, Willow Cloth was removed and Stone interior was available. For the 2005 models, there were sportier gauges and better interior trim and knobs. Genuine Aluminum trim replaces "tinted" interior trim. Also, rosewood trim is available as a package on the 2005 models. The Brembo Brakes were removed for the 05 & 06 models. Instead, Sport-Tuned Suspension Package was standard on all 6MT models. The 2006 models received minor updates. On the exterior there were new headlights, taillights, spoiler, and front bumper. Bluetooth capability was added to the interior, for hands-free phone use. Rear active steering was also an option for the '06 5AT.

The G35's competitors include the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60.