SHANGHAI, China - INFINITI, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, officially launched the INFINITI M Long Wheel Base (LWB) in China at an exciting ceremony crowded with dignitaries and celebrities at the Water Drop in Shanghai.
INFINITI M LWB embodies INFINITI's cutting-edge technologies coupled with INFINITI's unmistakeable design, while its 150mm longer wheelbase delivers enhanced spaciousness and versatility for passengers. The INFINITI M LWB, powered either by its electric motor or petrol engine, is evidence of INFINITI's strategic intent to boost its competitiveness in the luxury sedan segment in China.
The car was recently awarded the Best Debut Car at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition where it was first unveiled. Mr. Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and head of the Global INFINITI and Luxury Business Unit, said: "The INFINITI M long-wheel-base is the first high-end INFINITI luxury sedan tailor-made for Chinese customers. It strikes a perfect balance between outstanding performance and environmental sustainability."
"INFINITI has created an outstanding car and brought a new challenger to China's premium car market. We are heating up competition in the segment, and providing consumers with greater choice as well as a unique driving experience," said Mr. Allen Lu, General Manager of INFINITI China.
An Extended Body without Comprise in Beauty
INFINITI M LWB draws inspiration from the curvaceous Essence concept resembling a leopard bursting into action. The class-leading, extended 3050mm wheelbase is the most prominent feature of the INFINITI M, adding substantial space and comfort for passengers, particularly in the rear, without compromising the unique exterior design which is influenced by the stunning powers of nature. The curved form echoes the natural forces that inspired the INFINITI M's creators - ocean waves in its arcing lines and shifting dunes in its flowing roof line.
Power-train Delivers More But Uses Less
Further proof of INFINITI's technology leadership lies in the M35hL's high performance hybrid engine, the VQ35. This new-generation technology brings a no-compromise approach to luxury performance motoring that enables the M35hL to excel across the performance spectrum - from silent, emissions-free gliding in town to ultra-efficient highway cruising and sports car speed and responsiveness on challenging roads. The engine boasts a maximum power output of 268kW, while a motor with two clutches draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack in the trunk area. The hybrid system is able to achieve the same level of acceleration with 30% less fuel consumption compared with a conventional VQ37 engine.
This was the only hybrid engine listed in the "2012 Ward's 10 Best Engines" by the prestigious Ward's Auto magazine, and the M35h holds the Guinness World Record as the world's fastest accelerating full hybrid vehicle.
The M25L with a normally aspirated engine delivers equally outstanding performance, impressively delivering max power of 173kW/6400rpm and peak torque of 253Nm/4800rpm. Its aluminum alloy cylinder head and block ensure the engine is light, quiet and quick.
The electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with a drive-adaptive learning algorithm sense further improves driving performance, while the unique Eco Pedal System further improves fuel efficiency by 5%.
Wrap-around Safety Coupled with Comfort
The INFINITI M35hL boasts an array of INFINITI's most innovative and high-tech safety and comfort features. These include Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and other systems comprising the Dynamic Safety Shield, along with a 16-speaker 5.1 channel Bose® Premium Surround Sound system, Active Noise Control and Forest Air™, an innovative climate control system designed to promote alertness and relieve stress.
Luxury Through and Through
The interior is seductive, contemporary, luxurious and sophisticated. The dashboard is partially covered in a soft urethane material with silver-powder decorated wood trim. Driver and passengers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to the premium leather seats with armrests and console side-pads covered by SOFILEZ, a Nissan Corp. patented material which is both beautifully soft and very hardwearing.
Other features for rear passengers include entertainment displays, heated and reclining power seats, side and rear sunshades, reading light, trunk and door auto closure, and separate audio and air conditioning controls.
INFINITI also offers drivers an advanced INFINITI Connection system that provides full connectivity between the car and the service center. It is packed with features such as Theft Notification, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Call, Destination Setting (on Web or through Operator) and Path Search (based on traffic information analysis).
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