Aramation Auto

My Infiniti G35x is a great car on many fronts: all-wheel drive system is pretty solid, interior appointments are fairly tasteful and luxurious and the car’s performance has few rivals. One gripe has to be the Bluetooth integration for the handsfree system.

I’ve had issues with my previous phone (T-Mobile Shadow): it would function, but if I answered a call using the button on the steering wheel, it would take a few seconds to connect. Now that I’ve switched to Apple’s iPhone 3G, the issue is worse. Now whenever I answer a call, the system would either connect or just completely freeze. And when the system freezes, it’s impossible to turn it off or to switch to audio. The only solution then becomes turning off the car and restarting the system. Of course that isn’t practical when you’re driving…

So far, Infiniti dealer doesn’t seem to have a solution to offer, which makes me wonder if all phones from now on will be incompatible with the built-in system.

Consumer Reports, one of the few independent consumer organizations, just revealed that the new Cadillac CTS outscored BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C300 in the latest test of sport sedans. It also ranks above previously-tested Audi A4, Lexus IS250 and Acura TSX, falling just short of Infiniti G35 and Acura TL to place third. Lesson: buy Infiniti G35 and go for the gold, unless you’re happy with just bronze.

Full press release after the jump:

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Set to be unveiled in just a few months, someone from autoweek.nl has managed to take a few pictures of the second-generation Infiniti FX. Virtually unchanged since the introduction, the new redesign doesn’t look like it’ll change the overall dimension. FX55 moniker could indicate it will be powered by a 5.5 liter V8 which will definitely make it one of the fastest SUVs in the market.

[Read full story in Dutch at AutoWeek.nl]

Infiniti’s new crossover/wagon EX35 received Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the States. The test focused on the vehicle’s ability to avoid crash as well as front, side and rear impact testing. EX35 performed well by offering "superior overall crash protection", and this is the first Infiniti vehicle to receive the top rating.

Full press release after the jump:

Read more »

At 12,000km I went in for the scheduled maintenance service costing $99.99 + taxes. From the list, it looks like they did everything including rotating the tires to topping windshield wiper fluids…

Today, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving and Toronto received its first snowfall, finally giving me a chance to test the all-wheel drive capabilities of the car. So far so good: I didn’t notice any slipping while moving from standstill, ABS didn’t have to kick in too many times to stop the car. Granted the roads were not icy and it was more slushy than snowy, but it is still a promising start since I am using all-season tires that came with the car. I don’t think Winter tires would be necessary (although they are strongly recommended), and I have yet to engage the “snow mode”… I’m sure more snow can be expected soon.

Edmunds.com is well known for its comparison tests, and the latest pits 2007 BMW 335i, all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, all-new 2007 Infiniti G35S, 2008 Lexus IS350 and all-new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport.

Arguably the best of Japan, United States and Germany take on the perenial favourite BMW 3-series. Will it keep contenders at bay, or will it finally be knocked off the throne?

[Read the comparison test at Edmunds.com]

Both 2008 BMW 535xi and 2007 Infiniti G35x offer similar size with similar performance: BMW’s offering is slightly better and is more performant as well. How do these vehicles compare in price?

535xi vs. G35x - Price

To select similar configuration, G35x was equiped with Technology Package ($1,100), Premium Package ($2,300) and Navigation Package ($2,150), and 535xi was priced with Rear-door mounted side impact airbag ($385), Active Cruise Control ($2,400), Premium Package ($2,100), Cold Weather Package ($750), Comfort Access ($1,000), Navigation system ($1,900), Satellite radio ($595) and Logic7 Sound System ($1,200).

Fully loading G35x meant inclusion of Rear Spoiler ($550) and Sport Package ($1,100) whereas 535xi was upgraded with Sport Package ($1,300), Night Vision ($2,200), Heads-up Display ($1,200), Rear Seat Heating ($350), Split Folding Rear Seat ($475), Power Rear Sunshade ($575) and Lane Deviation Warning ($500).

It’s clear no one (or virtually no one) will purchase a fully loaded 535xi… but if you do, you’ll receive far greater upgrades of technology currently not available on the G35x such as Heads-up Display and Night Vision.

Ultimately, if money is no object, then the choice is clear: it is BMW 535xi. However if you put both brands on equal footing and compare these cars, then G35x is a far superior value. Then again, if money is no object, why get just a BMW 535xi instead of something more exotic and less mundane?

Surprisingly enough, 2007 Infiniti G35x and 2008 BMW 535xi are very similar in size even though they are technically competing in different classes. How does perofrmance measure up? Can BMW’s 3-liter engine match the latest tweaks of Nissan’s 3.5-liter?

535xi vs. G35x - Engine

BMW certainly knows how to make a performing engine, as the 535xi offers better performance with a smaller engine size.

One of the unique features in the new Infiniti EX35 is that all-around cameras. Instead of just one rear-view camera, it features 4 (front, rear and each side) in order to make parking safer and more confusing at the same time.

Autospies recently had a handson with the system. Video embedded here:

As I commute every day, I’ve been clocking many kilometers regularly like, well, a clock. At slightly over 9,000km, I still haven’t encountered a significant mechanical or other troubles. However the other day, while trying to fuel up the car, I realized the string that keeps the cap attached to the car was loose. So far I haven’t figured out how to attach it back (probably a loose screw somewhere) so I’ll wait until the next scheduled oil change and get the dealership to fix it, which is at around 10,000km or October 2007.

Another issue I’ve encountered is with the Bluetooth integration with my phone (T-Mobile Dash, a.k.a. HTC Excalibur, a.k.a. Rogers S621). Few times the car would think I’m in a call even when the phone isn’t. All it takes to clear up the issue is to actually place a call on the phone and then hanging up promptly returns it to normal. I’m not sure if this is a bug in the Bluetooth implementation of my phone, or of the car. Another thing to discuss with the repair people!