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.

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?

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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?