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Keeping Your Infiniti Clean In Dallas

November 4, 2011 by · 3 Comments

Lets face it, cars aren’t cheap, especially Infiniti’s! If you live in Dallas, or in Euless, Texas  like we do, then you know that it can sometimes be a pain to keep your new Infiniti clean. Now, we do understand that you can always take your Infiniti to get detailed somewhere but if you are the adventurous kind and want to go at it alone, there are some things you need to consider, so keep reading!

First, lets talk about the proper wash sequence. Now I know that may sound a little silly but there are reasons behind this, reasons that will become apparent and will aid you in doing things right, and if I know Infiniti owners in and around Dallas, and I do, I know you will appreciate this.

Wash Sequence

  • Start on the inside, then work your way to the outside. The biggest reason for this is because you don’t want to get the dust, dirt and grime that comes from cleaning the interior to get on your newly cleaned exterior. Have you ever banged the dirt off your floor mats? If so, you know what I mean. So, detail the inside first!
  • When it comes to washing:
    • Clean the wheel first, this will prevent you from getting any back splash on your newly cleaned Infiniti.
    • Next, start at the top and wash the roof, second, clean all the windows.
    • Then, was the hood and the truck followed by the doors and fenders.
    • Most pros use wash mitts, to be safe you should have more than one on hand in-case you drop one, if you do, make sure that you wash it out first, or use your spare so you don’t inadvertently scratch your paint with any dirt or gravel that has stuck to the wash mitt.
    • Be sure not to use the same mitt you used to clean the wheels to wash the rest of your Infiniti.
    • While rinsing your vehicle you should employ the sheeting method. That is, rinse the surfaces by holding the hose (without a sprayer attached) about an inch or two above the surface of your Infiniti, this well enable the water to flow off in a sheeting action, limiting the number of droplets left behind. This will make drying a snap and will limit water spots in the Dallas Sun.
  • Drying: DO NOT use cotton towels, if you are serious about doing this right look for waffle weave microfiber cloths, this will prevent any micro scarring of your Infiniti’s finish.
  • A word about car wash solution, don’t use dish detergent! Use a high quality CAR WASH brand.

Cleaning Glass

To clean your glass you should use a waffle weave microfiber cloth, but make sure it’s not the same one you used to dry your Infiniti. If you have to, mark one with the letter “g” so you know which one to use on your glass.

 

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Infiniti EX35 tops in safety

July 7, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Infiniti EX35

Infiniti EX35 - Dallas

Infiniti’s EX35 compact crossover has earned the coveted Top Safety Pick designation for 2011 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent testing agency that is funded in part by auto insurers.

The rating is a result of the EX35 earning the top score, “Good,” in separate front-, rear- and side-impact and roof-strength tests conducted by the institute, which has standards that generally are more stringent than those of the federal government’s testing program.

Vehicles also must have electronic stability control to qualify for the institute’s special designation.

Also on the list of Top Safety Pick vehicles this year is the Infiniti M sedan, which comes in two versions, the V-6 powered M37 and V-8 powered M56.

Standard safety features on the EX35 include dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags with seat-belt and occupant-classification sensors, roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for both rows of seats, front seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact air bags, and front-seat active head restraints.

Among other standard safety items are child-seat anchors and tethers, tire-pressure monitoring, traction control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

The EX35 has a long list of optional safety equipment as well, although the Top Safety Pick designation was not based on any of these extra-cost features. Those include the Infiniti lane-departure-prevention system, intelligent cruise control, distance-control assist and intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning.

Also available is a blind-spot warning system, which signals the driver with a light if another vehicle is detected in the blind-spot area on either side of the car. If the driver activates the turn signal with another vehicle in the blind spot, the indicator flashes and a warning tone sounds, as well.

The EX35, introduced for 2008, has a base price range of $35,200 to $38,800 (plus $895 freight) for model year 2011. It’s one of the most popular models in the Infiniti lineup, offering sporty performance in a car that has seating for five and SUV-style cargo-carrying capability.

Based on the chassis of the Infiniti G sedan, key competitors include the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Cadillac SRX and Audi Q5. But the EX also competes with sedans in the entry-premium segment as well.

The EX is a junior version of the larger Infiniti FX crossover and has essentially the same engine as the FX35 (V-6) model — but with a starting price that is $7,400 less. The FX35 begins at $42,600, while the V-8 powered FX50 begins at $57,600. The EX is not available with a V-8 engine.

For 2011, the base rear-wheel-drive EX35 model lists for $35,200 (plus freight), while the fancier Journey model with rear drive is $37,400. All-wheel drive is offered on two models: The base version starts at $36,600, while the Journey is $38,800.

Even the base EX has leather seats, a rear-view camera, rear climate-control vents and polished aluminum roof rails. Other standard features include heated front seats on all-wheel-drive models, heated outside mirrors on all models, automatic headlights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system on Journey models, and a USB port for iPods.

Under the hood is the same engine used in the earlier G35 sedans, a 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6. EPA ratings are 17 mpg city/24 highway with rear-wheel drive and 16/23 with all-wheel drive.

The rear-drive system helps give the EX its sporty handling. The EX35 is the only vehicle in its segment with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, however. The all-wheel-drive system is useful in snow and rain, but it also helps guide the car through curves on dry pavement. It’s not intended for serious off-road driving.

EX35 changes for 2011 include a new seven-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and more high-tech equipment options. Dual-zone automatic climate control also became standard this year, and there is now an option for 19-inch wheels and tires.

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Infiniti teams up with local author to teach us ‘How to Have the Perfect Date”

June 30, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

When I first heard Infiniti was holding an event to teach folks “How to Have the Perfect Date,” I was intrigued. Because honestly, after all the dates I’ve had in my life, I don’t think a “perfect” one exists!

So while we can’t be taught how to pick the perfect person to date, Eric Rogell, author of “The Art of War for Dating,” and founder of The Bachelor Guy, did pass along some great nuggets of information on how to be the perfect date, how to choose a great location, and much more!

Infiniti brought in a fleet of amazing cars including the Infiniti QX56, Infiniti FX, IPL G Coupe,
Infiniti G Convertible, and the Infiniti M Hybrid which we would test drive while driving to locations picked out by Eric as a spot we should consider taking a date.

Before anyone could bat an eyelash, I headed straight for the Infiniti G Convertable which featured the same shimmering Malbec Black paint as the IPL, and also sporting the red leather interior. What better vehicle was there to cruise the streets of sunny Fort Lauderdale?

The sports leather seats hugged perfectly as I took my position behind the wheel. Pulling away I enjoyed the throaty bellow from the tailpipes pushed by the 325hp, 3.7 V6 that purred under the hood. The 7 speed transmission shifted smoothly through town, but a clear stretch of road allowed me flick through the gears using the race inspired paddle shifters on either side of the wheel. This was quite a machine.

But unlike most convertibles, no sound quality is lost from the powerful Bose speakers due to additional speakers mounted next to the headrests of the driver and passenger seats. This cleverly compensates for the lost audio that is normally contained by a regular ‘closed roof’ automobile. The drop top also seemed to lose no performance despite having 5hp less than the standard G37s coupe and the usual burden of any convertible, which is the extra weight needed to keep the chassis rigid. None of this affected the driving enjoyment of this car. This was going to be tough to beat.

Our first stop was at YOLO restaurant on East Las Olas Blvd. I’d heard of this restaurant before, but never had the pleasure of eating there. Pulling up to the valet stand I couldn’t help shifting in to neutral and giving the throttle a tap or three. There was that ear pleasing bellow again.

My passenger raised one eyebrow at me as if to label me a child… I was having too much fun to care.

YOLO (standing for You Only Live Once) has a very quaint personal feel. They have created an outdoor area enclosed from the nearby street with comfortable looking seating and a fire pit for those slightly cooler evenings. The inside/outside bar gave a glimpse of the restaurant’s subtle & classy interior décor. We were led inside to be greeted by a wonderful combination of aromas.

On the menu for us today was the Szechuan Calamari, the divine truffled YOLO Chips and their signature meatballs. The twist on the classic calamari alone was enough to bring me back here in my own car. While we enjoyed the nibbles, Eric gave us some tips that would help get us closer to experiencing the “perfect date.”

Back into the sun, I was determined to have the IPL for the 30 mile drive north to Delray Beach. Mission accomplished! So far, no difference to the interior of the standard G37. But trust me, that’s not a bad thing. Why mess with perfection?

I sat impatiently waiting for the cue to pull away, my passenger/navigator looking a little nervous next to me. I must have had a look in my eye. Possibly the look of a man who wanted to let loose all of the 348 wild NISMO performance tuned horses currently trapped under the hood. I had read quotes of an impressive 5.0 second 0-60 time (0.2 seconds faster than it’s better behaved G37s sibling). Not having a free hand for a stopwatch, I can’t confirm this. But I can tell you that the imprint of my back that must have been left in the leather tells me it could well be true. This thing was a monster!

I flicked effortlessly though the gears merging onto interstate 95 and glanced down to see that I had overshot 60mph without even realizing. This thing puts all of its power on the tarmac with such poise that I didn’t even realize how fast I was going. This was definitely a drivers car.

The option of a 6 speed manual transmission would complete the experience for a very serious motorist. But the semi automatic transmission was so slick & responsive that I doubt there would be much additional benefit. I took the curve of the off-ramp onto Atlantic Avenue a little recklessly, but I wanted to test the cornering of this nimble beast. It felt glued to the road. Part of me wishes I had taken the corner a little quicker.

At just over $50k, this model to me was a bargain. It maybe wouldn’t quite outrun a BMW M3, but it would certainly give it a run for it’s money. And saving you over $10k in the process with a higher luxury spec as standard, it’s well worth consideration in this category.

Our second stop drew closer and my eagerness for another plate of delicious food was slightly overshadowed by my urge to put all my belongings in storage and start living in this car. But I climbed out anyway.

Vic & Angelos Italian restaurant is about 3 miles east from the I95 on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. It had a modern feel but I was told to expect old school Italian fare. Excellent.

We sampled a variety of portions from their signature dishes including a gnocchi that was TO DIE FOR!

After finishing our food and asking someone to roll me out to the next car, I requested a test drive of Inifiniti’s new M35 hybrid. I only requested this because of the part of me that recycles and gives money to Green Peace etc. I was honestly not that excited about driving what I expected to be a fancy looking Prius.

I had driven a version of Infiniti’s M series before. The tamed rocket that is the M56s. So I was expecting to be falling behind all the other drivers in their more powerful machines.

I pulled slowly away then planted my foot in the gas pedal expecting only to experience slow pick-up and the whining of a lifeless battery powered car… Wrong!… I was hurtled forward with incredible acceleration. I was truly not ready for that. So, I quickly deduced that the brains at Infiniti must hate hybrids almost as much as me. I love the idea of a hybrid, but first and foremost, they are all ugly as sin. Secondly, they drive badly (ie. Slowly, with all excitement surgically removed on the production line). Welcome to the revolution in motoring. A beautiful looking, comfortable, luxurious, rocket powered… Hybrid??… Yes… This car checked all boxes.

Although this may be a little out of some people’s price range, at least the target market (ie. Anyone looking for a luxurious executive sedan) is not going to be forced to choose between comfort, performance or economy anymore. With the M35h, they get all three.

So finally and reluctantly we arrived at our third and last destination. Storks Bakery in Wilton Manors. It is an intimate café with both indoor and outdoor seating. We were presented with an array of delicious looking cakes, desserts and pastries.

Once I had devoured my last piece, it was back outside to my fourth and final ride for the day. This time, I strayed from my usual choice of car and climbed up into the overwhelming QX56 SUV. This was not a vehicle to play chicken with.

You can’t help feeling a little over confident as you sit inside. And safe? It felt like they had made this car from very shiny, comfortable pieces of bomb shelter. I turned to look towards the back seats. This thing just kept on going. It could easily contain a family of 7, plus luggage, as they sat comfortably with their legs stretched out in front of them. And the size should be nothing to deter anyone from buying. It looked big on the outside, it looked even bigger on the inside. But drove as if it was half it’s size. With the new model sporting a chassis built specifically for Infiniti, it was smooth and nimble in the corners, with responsive steering.

With a similar control layout to the M series, the huge array of convenience functions were easy to get to at all times.

Could this change me into an SUV driver? No… Did it tempt me more than any other SUV I’d driven? Most definitely.

After a long day of fun in the sun, delicious food in our bellies, and an Infiniti experience like no other, it was time to head back to the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale where our journey began. I have to admit, I had never felt more upset about jumping back into my old car.

Original article can be read here.

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Infiniti ‘Gunning for 700,000 Sales’

June 23, 2011 by · Leave a Comment

Infiniti is getting aggressive! I came across this article this morning and thought it was interesting enough to share here. Let me know what you think in the comment section.

By Tim Pollard

23 June 2011 11:25

Infiniti is planning to announce a new sales target of 10% global market share – quadrupling sales to 700,000 a year – in a new mid-term statement due this summer.

Renault Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn told CAR that Infiniti is on line to sell 165,000 cars worldwide in 2011 but said Nissan was investing heavily in its premium division to swell sales considerably.

It’s an ambitious goal: if successful, Infiniti would be encroaching on the 1m+ territory today dominated by the German luxury brands.

Carlos Ghosn: ‘Infiniti will conquer 10% of the premium market’

In an exclusive interview with CAR, Ghosn said Infiniti’s inhouse target had risen to 700,000, but he declined to put a timeframe on that volume.

‘Our long-term goal is 10% of the global luxury car market,’ Ghosn told CAR. ‘If you want a very rough number, I would say the luxury car market is about 10% of the overall car market globally. Some people tell you luxury is this, some people tell you it is that. But let’s not get into that debate.

Read The Rest Of The Article Here

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