March 29, 2002

New York auto show
Day Two

Infiniti debuts 2003 G35 sport coupe and M45 luxury sedan

New York, New York - The Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe and the M45 mid-luxury sedan had their world debuts yesterday in New York. Infiniti Vice President and General Manager Mark McNabb announced that both of these vehicles will join the Infiniti lineup and will be available later this fall as 2003 models.

The G35 Sport Coupe shares the innovative FM (for front mid-ship) platform with the new G35 Sport Sedan. In both vehicles, the engine is positioned behind the front axle, resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 52:48 -- which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners.

The G35 Sport Coupe features a standard 275-plus horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system. The G35 Sport Coupe will be offered with a choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or an all-new close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The interior of the G35 Coupe combines a driver-oriented cockpit with an Infiniti level of luxury and design detail. The sport-contoured front bucket seats offer side panel control switches and available ultra soft leather, manufactured exclusively for Infiniti G35, with a 6-way power adjustable driver's seat.

2003 Infiniti M45 Mid-Luxury Sedan

As the latest addition to the Infiniti lineup of performance-oriented front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedans, the M45 is positioned between the flagship Q45 and the newly introduced Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan. The M45 comes standard with an aluminum-alloy, double overhead-cam, 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque V8 performance -- with a price competitive with other competitors' 6-cylinder models. Controlling this powerplant is a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Other M45 performance features include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which improves vehicle stability in understeer, oversteer or adverse road conditions, an integral Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BA) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering.

Acura DN-X concept makes North American debut

Acura debuted its newest concept vehicle, the DN-X sports sedan.

The mid-engine, all-wheel-drive DN-X concept is equipped with a unique 400 horsepower hybrid powertrain that combines a high-output, 3.5-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine powering the rear wheels and an advanced electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that provides additional power to all four wheels. Not only does this system provide outstanding performance, but also achieves an environmentally conscious 42 miles to the gallon.

During acceleration, the IMA system contributes supplemental torque, resulting in both lower fuel consumption and powerful acceleration. The IMA's ultracapacitor is recharged by regenerative braking that takes energy from forward momentum and captures it during braking. This system makes an external electric power supply unnecessary.

Mated to this high output powerplant is a unique 6-speed transmission allowing the driver to chose either manual or automatic mode at his or her discretion. Also unique to the DN-X are new drive-by-wire systems that control throttle, brake and steering operations and eliminate the need for a mechanical connection between the cockpit and these components. To further enhance its performance, the DN-X is equipped with a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system similar to other Acura models, as well as the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). Synchronized to work together, VSA and ATTS help to suppress wheel slip and provide smoother, more stable cornering.

Designed as a true sports car, the DN-X has been given a highly rigid, lightweight state-of-the-art chassis. A wind tunnel-designed monocoque body and highly effective integrated front spoiler help to improve handling by lowering the coefficient of drag to a mere 0.23, nearly 25 percent less than the exotic Acura NSX sports car.

Jaguar unveils Austin Powers XK8

Jaguar introduced Austin Powers' latest lady magnet, the Jaguar XK8. Mike Myers, the actor who plays Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery, will drive a special Union Jack painted version of the Jaguar XK8 in the much anticipated third installment of the wildly popular comedy sketch due out this summer.

Mike Myers once again takes on multiple roles, portraying Austin Powers, Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard, as well as another new character. Joining the cast are Sir Michael Caine as Nigel Powers, and singing sensation Beyonce' Knowles (of the multi-platinum group Destiny's Child) as Foxxy Cleopatra. Returning are series veterans Michael York, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, and Verne J. Troyer.

The third installment in the Austin Powers series hits theatres on July 26, 2002.

New York auto show Day One

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