It's all about cars

Want to know more about Nowcars, email to ask!Add to favouritesHome

It's all about cars!

 

Cold Weather Tyres

Call for trade to educate motorists on cold weather tyres

Garages and tyre retailers can play their part in helping motorists stay safe on the roads this winter by advising them to consider cold weather tyres

TyreSafe is calling on garages and tyre retailers to educate motorists on the benefits of fitting cold weather tyres to improve road safety and reduce the number of road traffic accidents. Despite the change in road conditions at the onset of winter, many drivers continue to drive on standard tyres. Slippery roads accounted for 55 percent of road traffic accidents in which road environment was a contributory factor in 2007, according to Department for Transport (DfT) figures. In November 2007, the DfT recorded a spike in personal injury accidents as drivers were caught out by the drop in temperature and increased rainfall, with 16,559 accidents recorded, nearly 700 more accidents than any other month in the year.

“Fitting cold weather tyres can provide significant safety benefits for motorists,” explains Rob Beddis, TyreSafe chairman. “With temperatures frequently below 7°C in the UK over the winter, particularly in rush hour when the traffic is at its heaviest, cold weather tyres offer a sensible alternative on the wet roads. They are designed to perform more effectively in cold, wet conditions, dramatically reducing stopping distances.”

Cold weather tyres are specifically engineered to offer improved vehicle performance and reduce stopping distances in cold, wet conditions. They contain a higher quantity of natural rubber compound compared to standard tyres, which stops them from hardening as much in the cold. Instead of hardening up in low temperatures and riding over the road surface, the tread keys into the road surface, allowing them to grip better. Braking tests conducted by a leading tyre manufacturer and TyreSafe member revealed that at 5°C a vehicle fitted with cold weather tyres travelling at 62 mph stopped a full five metres earlier than the same vehicle with standard tyres. Motorists can also benefit from using cold weather tyres in snowy conditions, as they have many more delicate cuts in the tread which are designed to absorb snow, allowing the tyres to maintain their grip when driving over snow-covered roads.

In parts of Europe, specific dates are defined by law for the changeover of standard to cold weather tyres. However, in the UK, where annual temperatures typically range from -5°C to 30°C, usage of cold weather tyres is far less common, as legislation dictating changeover does not exist. Garages and tyre retailers interested in raising awareness of the benefits of cold weather tyres can play their part by giving advice to motorists, generating extra tyre sales in the process. The trade can also offer advice on the correct storage of standard tyres over the winter months, and explain that cold weather tyres can be fitted to existing rims.

For further information on cold tyres, a leaflet is available for download from the TyreSafe website, www.tyresafe.org.

 

Mini Convertible

Out in the open
Second incarnation of Britain’s favourite sun-loving small car ready for launch in spring

The new MINI Convertible is set to make a welcome return to UK roads in 2009, with a completely new version of the British-built favourite due to go on sale on 28 March 2009. 

MINI Cooper and Cooper S derivatives featuring innovative engine technologies will be offered at launch, meaning fans of the compact, premium new MINI Convertible are guaranteed performance, frugality, minimal running costs and a unique image as standard.  The MINI Cooper Convertible will be priced at £15,995 OTR and the MINI Cooper S Convertible will be offered from £18,995 OTR.

The first-generation MINI Convertible experienced remarkable sales success in Britain and was a best seller in the UK in the small convertible segment between 2004 and 2008.  Approximately 164,000 MINI Convertibles were delivered to owners around the world during its lifecycle.  Demand for its successor, complete with an array of technological and design advances, is sure to be strong. 

Exterior design highlights

Exclusive to the new drop-top will be two all-new colours to feature on a MINI. Interchange Yellow and Horizon Blue will make their debuts on the second-generation new MINI Convertible.  Contrasting roof options add visual appeal to the newcomer, and British customers will be able to pick from Black, Denim Blue and Hot Chocolate when specifying their perfect MINI.

For the first-time in a MINI Convertible, Air Conditioning will be fitted as standard.  An added benefit to owners will be that the lockable glovebox will receive cooled air and ensure its contents remain icey, while passengers enjoy the sun. 

Top up to top down in just 15 seconds

The automatic canvas roof of the second-generation new MINI Convertible can be fully retracted or closed using a roof-frame mounted toggle switch in just 15 seconds.  In the event of a driver being caught unexpectedly by a sudden downpour, this function will fully operate with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph.

As an alternative to the complete top-down driving experience, the full-width of the electric roof can be retracted by approximately 40 centimetres to create the effect of a sunroof.  This function can be operated at speeds of up to 75 mph.

A unique feature typical of MINI will be the Openometer.  Offered as an option, the Openometer records the time spent by the owner driving with the top down, meaning passengers can measure their visual coolness inside, even if it’s cold outside.

Clever use of space means the luggage capacity of the new car is greater than that of the first generation model.  The easy-load boot compartment now has a capacity of 125 litres (up from 120) with the roof open and 170 litres with the roof closed (previously 165). With the rear seat folded down and roof closed, luggage space totals 660 litres, 55 litres more than the previous MINI Convertible.

Bike rack preparation will be supplied with the car as standard.  The mounting points are obscured from view and positioned behind the rear bumper, meaning owners are able to easily affix multi-function carriers as and when required. 

A boost for car manufacturing in Britain

The second-generation new MINI Convertible will be built in Britain. The body shells will be pressed at MINI Plant Swindon, the engines will be built at BMW Group Hams Hall and assembly of the entire cars will take place at MINI’s Plant Oxford production facility, alongside the MINI Hatch and MINI Clubman.

 

VW Jetta

JETTA TDI CLEAN DIESEL NAMED 2009 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel has been honoured at the Los Angeles Motor Show by the Green Car Journal, being crowned ‘2009 Green Car of the Year’.

The Jetta, which takes centre stage at the Los Angeles Show this month, is the first diesel vehicle to receive the prestigious award.

A jury of nine environmental and automotive experts from North America commended the Jetta TDI for its strong performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal commented:  ‘Hybrids have dominated the discussion of environmentally positive vehicles in recent years.  The highly fuel efficient, 50 state emissions certified Jetta TDI shows that advanced clean diesel has arrived and is poised to change this dynamic.  With its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, and high fuel economy, the Jetta TDI shows that hybrids now have a strong competitor in the marketplace.’

The Jetta uses a 2.0-litre four cylinder common rail TDI engine producing 140 PS and 320 Nm (236 lbs ft) of torque at 1,750 rpm.  Two key modifications have been made to the ‘Clean Diesel’ engine to substantially reduce the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. 

The common rail engine in the Jetta TDI clean diesel adopts optimised combustion chamber geometries and precise injection processes at extremely high pressures reduce the production of NOx.  An exhaust gas recirculation process in the combustion chamber then reduces the concentration of oxygen with which the nitrogen can react and controls the combustion temperatures.  This process can reduce temperature-dependent NOx emissions by up to 60 percent.

As a further measure to reduce emissions, a highly-efficient NOx storage catalytic converter soaks up any nitrogen oxides which remain.  This filter is cleaned regularly, and without the driver knowing, through an automated engine management mode.

These modifications make the Jetta TDI one of the cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles on sale in North America.  It meets the strictest emissions regulations in the world including BIN5 standard, which is equivalent to the Euro 6 standard which becomes law in 2014.

The Jetta continues to enjoy sustained popularity in the North American market, enjoying popularity primarily with younger buyers.  It is the best-selling European vehicle in the US, accounting for 40 per cent of Volkswagen’s US sales.  The Jetta TDI with Clean Diesel has been available across North America since August 2008.

‘It is a tremendous honour to have our Jetta TDI awarded Green Car of the Year,’ said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.  ‘We believe the Jetta TDI provides our customers with the best of both worlds – excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.’

 

Vauxhall Insignia

Vauxhall Insignia Takes Honours in topgear.com Awards

The Vauxhall Insignia has received a TopGear.com award, and the full story is available from today in Top Gear magazine.

Its Executive Car of the Year went to the all-new Insignia which is now on sale in the UK.

Fresh from its recent victory in 2009 European Car of the Year, the Insignia was praised by Top Gear’s journalists for being ‘..aspirational, appealing and special’. The team also noted how far ahead of the game Vauxhall was with the Insignia’s technology, with features like its Front Camera System that can recognise road signs, and its latest adaptive headlights, with nine settings. They also thought that the car looked ‘…neat and stylish from all angles’.

Top Gear’s UK edition has a circulation of around 200,000 per month – the largest in its sector – it currently has a further 21 overseas titles and global circulation of over one million. TopGear.com generates 14 million page impressions per month making it one of the leading automotive websites.

 

Citroen C3 Picasso

CITROËN’S SUCCESS AT TOPGEAR.COM AWARDS

C3 Picasso ‘Family Car of the Year’

Even before it arrives, in 2009, Citroën’s newest MPV, the C3 Picasso, has already been named ‘Family Car of the Year’ at the 2008 Top Gear Awards, appearing in the latest edition of the magazine and on topgear.com.

The C3 Picasso’s innovative design, versatility and class-leading space will raise the standard in the compact MPV segment.  Bringing together the often opposing elements of modern and retro styling, round and square shapes, and compact styling with vast volumes, this award-winning new car really has a unique personality and presence all of its own.

Top Gear Magazine said; "This is what Citroën does best: small, utilitarian and funky…As functionally beautiful as Apple’s ubiquitous iPhone. This is what a 21st century family car should look like."

Michael Harvey, Top Gear magazine’s Editorial Director says: "Sometimes you have to take a punt. We don’t yet know the C3 Picasso as well as we’d like, but we’re absolutely looking forward to getting to know it better. For innovative design and compelling execution it’s unbeaten in the last 12 months and that’s why it has got this award."

Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director of Citroën UK, commented; "For the C3 Picasso to be winning UK awards even before it’s been launched is a delight and an honour. This is a fantastic recognition of Citroën’s efforts in designing cars that are both future thinking and right for the current market."

 

Fiat 500 Arbath

ABARTH 500 ROARS AWAY WITH TOP GEAR.COM AWARD

It’s not even on sale in the UK yet, but the eagerly-awaited Abarth 500 is already picking up top industry awards. The 135 bhp turbocharged supermini has just roared off with Top Gear magazine’s Best Hot Hatch prize.

Due into Abarth’s UK dealer network next February, the potent 500 version has already stirred up excitement among British customers – 200 examples of the car, which were set aside for sale exclusively via the Internet, have already been snapped up, three months ahead of plan, while Abarth UK showrooms have been inundated with inquiries and deposits for cars.

Described by Top Gear as “frisky and fun” and “an irresistible piece of Italian tailoring”, the Abarth 500 is praised by the magazine’s judges for its retro styling, sports looks, turbo-boost acceleration, grip and handling.

“This is a good start for the Abarth 500,” says Ivan Gibson, manager, Abarth brand UK. “We have had considerable success already with the Grande Punto version, and now we are looking forward to launching the 500 in the UK. Endorsements from important and influential media such as Top Gear magazine are great news and show us that we are doing things absolutely right with this exciting Abarth brand.”

Powered by a 1.4-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine similar to the one in the Abarth Grande Punto, the Abarth 500 delivers a maximum 135 bhp at 5500 rpm and has a peak torque of 206 Nm (152 lb ft) at 3000 rpm, when ‘Sport’ mode is deployed.

Built to Euro 5 environmental standards, the Abarth 500 returns 43.4 mpg on the combined cycle and has CO2 emissions of just 155 g/km.

It goes on sale in the UK in February priced at under £14,000 OTR. An uprated esseesse version, boosting power to 160 bhp, will also become available here.

 

Toyota iQ

TOYOTA IQ: THE NEW CAR FOR TOMORROW’S LOW CARBON SOCIETY

iQ is a revolutionary vehicle that adds more appeal to Toyota’s range of urban compact cars, a line-up that includes Aygo and Yaris. Toyota expects iQ to attract many new customers to the brand thanks to its breakthrough design and packaging and its driving dynamics.

From an environmental perspective, iQ demonstrates how Toyota can offer cars that are exciting and desirable, while still achieving low fuel consumption and emissions.

iQ Chief Engineer Hiroki Nakajima explains: “We wanted to create the world’s first, sophisticated four-seat car, measuring less than three metres long, using ultra-effective packaging, a unique design, ultra-low fuel consumption and high driving and safety performance. “

The new Toyota iQ represents bold, forward-looking Japanese design. Japanese aesthetics are characterised by the creation of contrasts within design, such as the empty and the full, the smooth and the rough. iQ’s design is full of contrasts in the same way: it is simple, yet intriguing throughout.

On sale January 2009

iQ production begins in November at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Japan, with Japanese sales due to start the same month. Sales in the UK and Europe will begin in January 2009. Toyota aims to build 100,000 units a year, with 80 per cent of sales in Europe, where the UK, Germany, France and Italy will be the largest markets.

 

 

Mazda3 5 Door Hatch

World Debut for All-New Mazda3 5-Door Hatchback at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show

Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda3 (known as Mazda Axela in Japan) 5-door hatchback at the Bologna Motor Show on December 3, 2008.  The second generation Mazda3 5-door hatchback follows rapidly on the heels of the new 4-door saloon version, currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback adopts the same fresh characteristics as its saloon counterpart, offering sporty driving and a dynamic design, together with top class environmental and safety performance.

Environment-friendly qualities were top of mind at Mazda R&D during new Mazda3’s development, including more efficient powertrains, Mazda-typical weight saving engineering solutions and fine tuned ‘best in class’ aerodynamics.

All petrol engine versions of the new Mazda3 will offer even further advanced environmental performance, including the world’s first vehicle catalyst to be constructed using single nanotechnology.  This new development enables Mazda to significantly reduce its use of scarce resources such as platinum and palladium.

The new engine line-up has been tailored for European customers and now includes the newly developed 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, recently launched in the new Mazda6, in addition to the existing 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol engines and the popular 1.6-litre turbo diesel.  

The new 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine is a high-performance clean diesel powerplant with top class output, fuel economy and refinement.  It will be offered in two variants, a high power version with a maximum output of 185 PS, and a standard power version with a maximum output of 150 PS.  Both have outstanding clean emissions performance and comply with the Euro Stage5 regulations.  Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are also greatly improved compared to the current 2.0-litre diesel model.

The all-new Mazda3 5-door hatchback will be revealed during Mazda’s press conference at 09:00 hrs (local time) on Wednesday, December 3, 2008

 

Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo

Porsche Presents The Four-Door Panamera Gran Turismo

Porsche is proud to present the first official photos of the Panamera. In its design, profile and silhouette, the unique four-seater stands out clearly as a new member of the Porsche family.

Conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, the Panamera combines numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a generous and versatile interior, and the supreme driving comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars and the four-wheel drive Cayenne, the Panamera is officially the fourth Porsche model series.

The designers of the Panamera have succeeded in positioning this unique car as a brand-new and truly different model while nevertheless retaining the looks of a typical Porsche. Through its proportions alone, the Panamera stands out clearly in its market segment: measuring 1931mm (76.0in) in width and 1418mm (55.8in) in height, the Panamera is both wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable, sleek GT silhouette is created by an overall length of 4970mm (195.7in) and short, sporting overhangs front and rear.

In its styling and details, the Panamera follows the design philosophy refined over decades on the 911 and successfully implemented also on the Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne.

Through its design language alone, the Panamera will establish a new segment versus the competition. The symbiosis of sports car DNA derived from the looks of a coupé, the unique interpretation of the classical saloon body, and the benefits of a versatile interior give the new Porsche its truly unmistakable appearance.

As an example, the Panamera comes with highly individual, strongly contoured air intakes instead of a conventional radiator grille. Striking wheel arches and the long, sleek bonnet create that typical 911 ‘landscape’ at the front of the car which Porsche customers have appreciated for no less than 45 years, with the distinctly contoured wings as flanks bordering the flat front panel. The V-shaped lines along the bonnet, and the rear window tapering out like an arrow towards the tail, convey the features characteristic of a sports car to the new, highly individual Panamera class. The striking, muscular shoulders over the rear wheels, the dynamic sweep of the coupé-like roof-line, and the visible tailpipes again signpost the DNA so typical of a thoroughbred Porsche.

The elegant roof arch extends stylishly over the generous interior, begging the beholder to get inside. Like all Porsche models, the Panamera is oriented in every respect to the needs and wishes of the driver. But now, courtesy of the new concept of space and the sporting architecture of the interior, the car’s occupants are also able to experience this special ‘pilot sensation’ from all four seats. Every occupant enjoys supreme ergonomic comfort in both the front seats and the two firmly contoured individual seats at the rear.

The luggage compartment easily takes every passenger’s baggage, the interior’s ‘variable space concept’ with its folding rear seat backrests enabling the driver and passengers to adjust the luggage space individually to their personal requirements. The coupé tailgate in the sporting rear end combines superior versatility for daily use with stylish elegance.

Porsche has developed superior and up-to-date power units for the Panamera which, as you would expect, reflect all the qualities typical of the brand – the V-engines within the engine compartment come with six and eight cylinders and range in power from 300 to 500 bhp. Some of the engines use turbocharger technology, Direct Fuel Injection making them both fuel-efficient and powerful all in one. The flow of power to the wheels goes either through a manual six-speed gearbox or the Porsche seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK), or double-clutch gearbox.

In addition to featuring a sports-oriented rear-wheel drive chassis, the top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive arrangement. This is also available for the other versions as an option. As a further highlight, Porsche is preparing a particularly fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive. Further details on the engines, transmissions, performance, prices and equipment will be disclosed in the spring 2009.

The Porsche Panamera will be built at the company’s Leipzig Plant, where a production hall measuring 22,000 sq m (almost 237,000 sq ft) and a logistics centre are currently under construction. While the engines featured in the Panamera are built at the Main Porsche Plant in Zuffenhausen, the painted bodyshells will be supplied by the Volkswagen Plant in Hanover. The Leipzig Plant will then assemble the Panamera for final delivery, with an annual sales target of 20,000. Porsche is once again cooperating largely with German suppliers in the production of the Panamera, with 70 per cent of the car’s overall value being created domestically. Consequently, the Panamera is most definitely a car ‘Made in Germany.’

The new four-door Porsche Panamera gran turismo will be making its world debut in spring 2009, and the first models will be arriving in Porsche Centres worldwide from late summer next year.

 

Infiniti G37 Convertible

Global reveal at the 2008 LA Auto Show

Infiniti has released new pictures and details of its fifth body-style for Europe, the G37 Convertible. Arguably Infiniti’s most seductive car yet, the G37 Convertible will go on sale across Europe from late summer 2009.

As the latest expression of ‘Inspired Performance’ by Infiniti, the G37 Convertible combines beautiful styling, exciting performance and a three-piece retracting hardtop that is designed to look as good with the top up as it does down. This ‘dual beauty’ is a rare event among coupé convertibles.

The G37 Convertible offers an all-new design from the A-pillar back compared to the G37 Coupé, with extensive structural reinforcements, a wider rear track, modified rear suspension and a special convertible-focused interior with rear pop-up bar and available headrest audio speakers, wind deflector and climate controlled front seats.

The G37 Convertible, like its coupe sister, is powered by the 3.7-litre VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 320PS. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The G37 Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather seats, an available Bose® open air sound system that dynamically changes equalisation based on outside noise, roof position and vehicle speed, an adaptive dual zone climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to roof position and vehicle speed, and available climate-controlled seats that provide both heating and cooling functions. Uniquely, a rear parking camera is standard.

Seductive Styling Inside and Out

The G37 Convertible maintains a coupé-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece ‘clamshell’ retractable hardtop, which allows for use of a shorter rear overhang and low boot lid. Compared to G Coupé, the G37 Convertible utilises all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 28mm wider overall width, broader rear track and modified rear suspension.

The automatic top opening/closing sequence takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on the centre console, just behind the gearshift lever.

Along with its G Coupé-like proportions, the G37 Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front curves, a wave-style aluminium bonnet, expressive front face with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. At the rear, the taillights are unique to the G37 Convertible, incorporating an inner ‘circle of light’ for added distinction at night. The chrome rear boot-lid finisher incorporates both an integrated high-mount brake-light and the small camera for the standard parking monitor system.

Infiniti’s advanced ‘self-healing’ Scratch Shield paint is standard with two G37 Convertible-exclusive colours, Midnight Garnet and Pacific Sky.

The interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature ‘double wave’ instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and analogue Infiniti clock. The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are standard for the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Special ‘Silk Obi’ aluminium interior trim, inspired by fine Japanese silk, is located across the instrument panel, on the centre console and on the door panels in a shape redolent of Japanese spears. Also available are two choices of genuine wood trim. Leather-upholstered seating is standard and is offered in three colours shared with the Coupé – Graphite (black), Wheat and Stone – and a fourth that will be unique to the Convertible.

Heated 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger seats are standard, with climate-controlled seats (with heating and cooling functions) available as an option. A power walk-in device with position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). A rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.

The G37 Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System includes an advanced air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.

Two audio systems are available, starting with a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/6CD system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and centre console-mounted auxiliary input plus 7-inch colour display. The second option is a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® open air sound system that automatically optimises EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers, mounted in the front seat headrests, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position.

Liberating Dynamic Performance

Like the G Coupé and G Sedan, the new G37 Convertible’s outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine. Every G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-litre V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 320PS.

The VVEL system combines hydraulically-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilising combustion when the engine is cool.

The G37 Convertible is available with a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The G37 Convertible’s responsive handling and ride performance is provided by its advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, which optimises front/rear weight balance and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is a double wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber in-line with the wheel centre. These designs help minimise alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics.

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system. Also standard on the G37 Convertible is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The G37 Convertible will also be available with larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminium four-piston callipers front/two-piston callipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering.

Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Brake Assist, which helps in maintaining a consistent following distance from the car ahead, will be optional. It also identifies sudden braking situations with laser sensors to determine distance and relative speed of the car ahead in the same lane and ‘pre-pressurises’ the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.

Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminium-alloy wheels with P225/50VR18 front and P245/45R18 rear tyres are standard on the G37 Convertible, while special 19-inch cast aluminium-alloy wheels with high performance tyres (P225/45WR19 front and P245/40WR19 rear) will be optional.

The rear seat includes fixed head restraints with a rear pop-up bar. The G37 Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.

More details about the G37 Convertible’s European technical specification, performance figures, equipment levels and pricing will be released closer to its market introduction.