First look: Infiniti EX and G37 to wow NY

NISSAN’S luxury brand Infiniti will unveil the EX Concept at the New York show this week, a near-production version of its forthcoming 2008 EX crossover SUV.

With no near-term prospect of Infiniti coming to Australia, most interest in the EX – and the G37 Coupe, which also debuts in New York – surrounds the bits that could come here in Nissan vehicles, including the forthcoming GT-R.

The five-seat EX includes a lane-departure warning system and an "Around View Monitor" designed to eliminate blind spots when parking via a series of cameras mounted on the front, side and rear of the vehicle.

It rests on Nissan’s Platform FM (Front Mid-ship) and uses "the latest production hardware" for Nissan/Infiniti including a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. Power comes from a V6 of undisclosed capacity, driving all four wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of powertrains, the G37 Coupe (pictured below left) has the first-ever application of Nissan’s new 3.7-litre V6 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift).

A version of the 3.5-litre VQ engine used in the current 350Z, Maxima and Murano, the "VQ37VHR" is expected to feature – in turbocharged form – in the forthcoming GT-R sportscar which will be unveiled in full production trim at the Tokyo motor show in October.

In the G37, the naturally aspirated 3.7 produces at least 330hp (246kW) and 366Nm – and is claimed to offer increased mileage and reduced emissions over the 3.5.

It is paired with either a six-speed manual or an upgraded five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, sports mode and adaptive shift control that allows for quicker shifts.

VVEL combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. It also has a new dual exhaust system with equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust backpressure to help improve engine breathing.

Other features of note on the G37 include Nissan’s latest four-wheel active steering system, adaptive front lighting, and intelligent cruise control with "preview braking" which calculates the distance to the vehicle ahead.