What the future EX (37) should be like...???

[OneofaKind949]

I would like to think that the people at Infiniti stop by these forums to see what their customers think of their products. This is why I thought I would share with you guys what I would like to see on the next generation EX (37?).

I love the body style of the current EX... I hope they don't make any dramatic changes to it like they did on the new generation FX. I personally don't like the new generation FX body style. The lights are way to small in the front. Makes the car look like it has a disease. I prefer the old body style. With that said, I just hope they don't do the same with the EX.

As far as the interior goes, I think we can all agree on a few inches more leg room in the back seat would be phenomenal. Everything else looks great. I wouldn't mind seeing some of that silver polished wood they introduced in the new M. As far as technology goes, I am pretty happy with what the EX already offers, it would be nice though to have some of the safety features standard... Also, I love the Puddle entry light under driver's door mirror, only thing is... they should have it on both sides.

Ok, here comes my favorite part. Performance. We all love the high HP numbers on the EX. A 0 to 60 time in 6.5 seconds is best in class. I want the next generation EX to have a direct injection 3.7 liter VQ Engine with the new in house Hybrid system... which should produce about 370 HP and about 340 lb-ft torque combined with a (40HP) electric motor. The beauty of Infiniti's in house Hybrid system they are introducing in the new M Hybrid is, well it actually improves on performance. Infiniti's Hybrid system will most likely add more power and torque, rather then turn the car into a slow Prius. It should also bump up gas millage to about 35 mpgs. You get the best of both worlds a powerful car that can also be highly efficient when driven normally. A 0 to 60 time in the low 5's should be adequate and a lot of fun to drive.

So here it is, my future EX dream car... Let me know what you guys think... and please, do add some of your own opinions as to what you would like to see on the next generation EX. Maybe we'll get lucky and someone at Infiniti will read this particular post and relay our wishes to the decision makers and engineers at Infiniti. Thanks for stopping by my post and Happy driving!

[ramprun]

i do not want hybrid system since it useless where i drive the car the most, which is on interstate. it will just be dead weight if you are not in the stop and go area.

[OneofaKind949]

Here is some more info on the M35 Hybrid. I'm pretty sure ones they introduce the system in the EX... it should be more helpful even in highway driving.

The M35 Hybrid’s engine, borrowed from the conventional M sedan, is a 3.5-liter V6, with the addition of a 68 horsepower electric motor and hybrid drive system. The Infiniti M35 hybrid uses a front-engine rear-wheel-drive approach—with a one motor-two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the engine and the electric motor. This clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when running in electric modes—in order to reduce mechanical drag and boost the efficiency of the electric motor.

According to Infiniti, the M35 Hybrid is “electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.” The hybrid system, which the automaker calls the “Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid,” has the electric motor built into a 7-speed automatic transmission—eliminating the need for a torque converter and thus providing a sportier drive. The company says the electric motor helps drive the wheels up to 60 miles per hour, and engages during as much as 50 percent of driving time.

[ramprun]

but does the electric system in the M can be plug in and recharge over night or it rely on regenerative braking. if the latter is true then the whole system will be come pretty much useless on interstates.

[RedwinGV]

I'm all for more efficient vehicles, but hybrids still leave me doubting some. First, unless you drive a lot of miles, so far, with the hybrids I see that are available, I just don't see a good dollar return. Now if you want to play the enviro card, that's ok with me, but I'm just looking at it as a cash flow issue.

I do understand the larger engine and 7speed is available in Europe. I do wonder what that additional cost is. I just sold my G35 coupe and moved to the EX. I'm pretty happy with the performance of the new ride. Now the 7 speed sounds intriguing since that SHOULD result in better MPGs AND performance, but I'm happy today.

Now there has been a lot of discussion about rear seat leg room. Personally, that is not an issue for me. I bought this as a 2 person hauler with an occasional 4 person need. So for me, rear seat is not an issue- but that is for me.

I admit that if I needed a 4 passenger hauler, the EX would not be on my list- of course this was the same dynamic of my coupe.

I do believe that the EX is intended for a small market- one that I fit to a "T":
Good power, check
Good Handling, check
Fun to drive, check
Comfortable ride without a huge handling sacrifice, check
Nice features, check
Enough Cargo room for some long weekend trips, check
All weather vehicle, check.
A bit quirky and unique, check

One feature that may be useful would be a tailgate lift. I use it occasionally. Actually, what would be even nicer is having a tailgate that closes completely when you just lower it down. One that would take it down the rest of the way and lock. I have this on my Acura MDX and I like the way the tg closes.

[OneofaKind949]

but does the electric system in the M can be plug in and recharge over night or it rely on regenerative braking. if the latter is true then the whole system will be come pretty much useless on interstates.

The new Infiniti Hybrid System will have Lithium Ion Batteries. I'm sure they are the same batteries that are in the new all electric Nissan Leaf. Most of your electric power is going to come from brake regeneration, coasting or driving down on a hill. With the Lithium Ion Batteries, I'm sure you'll get a much better and longer charge then your conventional Hybrids that use Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries. With that said, Nissan/Renult/Infiniti are pretty far ahead compared to other auto companies when it comes to electrification of cars.

I think Hybrids are the future, since the government is pushing for more fuel efficient vehicles, which produce less CO2s. And the only way for a sport car to adhere to the strict regulations of the future is to add a Hybrid system. Remember a Hybrid power train also means extra HP and amazing torque. The electric motor in the new upcoming M35 Hybrid will produces a healthy 68 horsepower and an amazing 200 lb-ft of torque! This is the only way Infintit or future sports cars will get more power and be in line with the new government restrictions. Rumor has it even the mighty GTR will get a Hybrid power train and Porsche is already adding Hybrid systems to it's race cars. I'll take an extra 200 lb-ft of torque any day in my future Hybrid EX. In terms of expense, Nissan already has figures out how to sell an all electric vehicle at a decent price to the masses... I'm sure Infiniti Hybrids will be priced very competitively as well.

[ramprun]

the electric engine is a torque monster. like you said, a hybrid version of an EX would be nice and if they can throw in the option to charge at home instead of relying on regenerative braking would be a huge plus for me.

[basementman]

I like the current size and style, although like others I could go for a scoosh more room in the backseat and the wayback.

And who wouldn't want more power?

Let me throw out some other features that would make this a better daily driver though:
1. Better gas mileage. Ideally 28-30 on highway. Infiniti needs to get better mileage across all of it's model range.
2. More storage areas up front - start with making door pockets bigger, with a bottle holder in door so I have a choice not to have to have a bottle under my forearm when shifting.
3. Better yet, paddle shifters.
4. Remote release for hatch. (C'mon guys, it's supposed to be a luxury brand.)
5. Rain-sensing wipers. (Ditto.)
6. Privacy glass in back.
7. Solar ventilation system when car is parked.
8. Since the back will be bigger, heated rear seats for my new friends back there.
9. 30 radio presets instead of 15.
10. Standard cargo net for back.

[ramprun]

how about CVT for smother transition to higher speed and improve MPG

[OneofaKind949]

how about CVT for smother transition to higher speed and improve MPG

Ohhh... no no no, I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with you on that one strongly. There is nothing more boring then a CVT transmission. All you hear is a monotone engine noise, no shifting, no felling of being in a real car. It's a very numb feel to the car. Yes, acceleration might be nice and smooth... but I really despise a CVT. I love the feel of a car shifting and seeing the RPMs go up and down due to shifting. Again with a CVT all you see is the RPMs go up to 7 or 8 thousand and just hover there while the car accelerates. You mind as well drive a school bus. The car will have no soul. Sorry, but NO!

[ramprun]

dont they also simulate shifting like traditional transmission to give you that slight pulling motion. I've never driven a cvt car before so i am not sure if it is a good thing or not but i just think it will be overall quicker than traditional 5 or 7 speeds transmission due to almost unlimited gears.

[NJ_EX35]

1. automatic headlights when wipers turn on
2. more tilt range for the steering wheel (I wish it came up a bit higher)
3. better gas mileage
4. get rid of the throttle lag without having to put the car in DS mode or add the new system from the M where you can choose the mode (sport, eco, regular)
5. some sort of launch system (ha ha its not a ferrari)
6. NO CVT... absolutely not no friggin way!

[eaadams]

"2. more tilt range for the steering wheel (I wish it came up a bit higher)"

I wish it came out farther for tall people.

Also, I'd like to see the around view cameras put into a separate package and the tech package integrated into a lower level package. I find the cameras not so helpful but the tech package is great.

[OneOfOne]

1. automatic headlights when wipers turn on
2. more tilt range for the steering wheel (I wish it came up a bit higher)
3. better gas mileage
4. get rid of the throttle lag without having to put the car in DS mode or add the new system from the M where you can choose the mode (sport, eco, regular)
5. some sort of launch system (ha ha its not a ferrari)
6. NO CVT... absolutely not no friggin way!

auto headlights when the wipers come on? why? this makes no sense at all!

[ramprun]

i would like infiniti to implement the snow button to put the car in 4 wheel drive instead of lower the power

[DDS]

I sure hope they don't change the styling, the EX is a beautiful little car. Adding as little as 2 inches of leg room to the rear seat would IMO require a complete redesign of length and height in order to keep the proportions the same. 2 inches sounds insignificant, but would be very noticeable if the car were simply lengthened to add that amount of leg room. Fact is, the very reason there is minimal leg room as is, is because the designers chose beauty over practicality in the first place. And I am glad they did.

[RedwinGV]

1. automatic headlights when wipers turn on
2. more tilt range for the steering wheel (I wish it came up a bit higher)
3. better gas mileage
4. get rid of the throttle lag without having to put the car in DS mode or add the new system from the M where you can choose the mode (sport, eco, regular)
5. some sort of launch system (ha ha its not a ferrari)
6. NO CVT... absolutely not no friggin way!

auto headlights when the wipers come on? why? this makes no sense at all!

In many states, if it's raining one is required to have the lights on.

[RedwinGV]

I sure hope they don't change the styling, the EX is a beautiful little car. Adding as little as 2 inches of leg room to the rear seat would IMO require a complete redesign of length and height in order to keep the proportions the same. 2 inches sounds insignificant, but would be very noticeable if the car were simply lengthened to add that amount of leg room. Fact is, the very reason there is minimal leg room as is, is because the designers chose beauty over practicality in the first place. And I am glad they did.

I agree. As I noted above, rear seat leg room is not an issue for me. If you want a true 4/5 passenger ride, I would agree the EX may not be your top pick.

One might say the same for the G35/37 coupe. Get more leg or head room for the back seats. I don't think that's a big criteria for these types of rides. Of course, that may just be me- any maybe you too.

[OneofaKind949]

I sure hope they don't change the styling, the EX is a beautiful little car. Adding as little as 2 inches of leg room to the rear seat would IMO require a complete redesign of length and height in order to keep the proportions the same. 2 inches sounds insignificant, but would be very noticeable if the car were simply lengthened to add that amount of leg room. Fact is, the very reason there is minimal leg room as is, is because the designers chose beauty over practicality in the first place. And I am glad they did.

I agree. As I noted above, rear seat leg room is not an issue for me. If you want a true 4/5 passenger ride, I would agree the EX may not be your top pick.

One might say the same for the G35/37 coupe. Get more leg or head room for the back seats. I don't think that's a big criteria for these types of rides. Of course, that may just be me- any maybe you too.

Did you know the G37 coupe has 29.8 inches of leg room in the back seat and the EX has 28.5? I think the leg room issue in the EX is definitely a design flaw. It must have been... Why would a two door sports coupe have more leg room in the back seat then a CUV? I do agree they should NOT change the exterior on the next generation EX. However, I'm sure Infiniti has some highly qualified engineers who may be able to add just a couple more inches to the back seats and keep the same exterior dimensions. I truly believe the EX needs a little bit more leg room in the back. Why even have a four door CUV, if you can't fit any adults in the back seat?

[OneofaKind949]

Lexus RX400H has been amongst the latest best-selling green cars, it has seen a huge jump in annual sales -- nearly 150%. Most likely Infiniti will want a piece of that pie as well... by adding it's Hybrid technology to the FX and hopefully to the next generation EX. I just found an article on autoblog that claims the new Hybrid System by Infiniti will get up to a 60 to 90% fuel improvement. The EPA rates the M37 mpg at 18/26, a 90% increase would be 34/49. Serious stuff for such a powerful, heavy luxury sedan. Even a 60% increase, at 29/42, would be a force to be reckoned with. I truly hope Nissan achieves these goals, and quick! Autoblog article: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/06/repo ... xt-hybrid/

[DDS]

Those estimates sound unrealistic based on the ratings of the Lexus LS Hybrid. Furthermore the 90% improvement will surely not apply to the EPA highway rating since the hybrid technology adds little or no improvement to mileage on the open road. Just a wild guess, but for the 3900 lb M based on the Lexus technology, I would guess the 2012 M Hybrid would come in at about 27/26, and that is assuming that Infinity can improve the city rating by a whoping 50% whereas Lexus has only managed a 25% increase. So basically, I am saying that what we are reading (90%/60% improvements) for the new 2012 M is not likely to happen in real life. It is easy to write articles, not so easy to build highly efficient autos.

Hey, but these statements are opinions - I don’t know. And, I truly believe that the hybrid technology is giant leap forward and is here to stay. IMO it will be the major target of improvement in every R&D section of every Auto manufacturing company for the next 25 – 50 years. For those that think plug in EV’s will leap frog hybrid tech and render it obsolete, think again. As is stands, the cost per mile for an all electric vehicle is about equal to the costs of a current gas guzzlers when factoring in the costs of electric (which is more than most realize – not insignificant) and the costs of those very expensive consumable batteries. Don’t misinterpret my comments, all electric plug in vehicles will be ramping up in mass quantities in the next decade – but for entirely different reasons than costs. And hybrid technology will be incorporated into those EV’s – because of the enormous potential in efficiency they provide.

[OneofaKind949]

Those estimates sound unrealistic based on the ratings of the Lexus LS Hybrid. Furthermore the 90% improvement will surely not apply to the EPA highway rating since the hybrid technology adds little or no improvement to mileage on the open road. Just a wild guess, but for the 3900 lb M based on the Lexus technology, I would guess the 2012 M Hybrid would come in at about 27/26, and that is assuming that Infinity can improve the city rating by a whoping 50% whereas Lexus has only managed a 25% increase. So basically, I am saying that what we are reading (90%/60% improvements) for the new 2012 M is not likely to happen in real life. It is easy to write articles, not so easy to build highly efficient autos.

Hey, but these statements are opinions - I don’t know. And, I truly believe that the hybrid technology is giant leap forward and is here to stay. IMO it will be the major target of improvement in every R&D section of every Auto manufacturing company for the next 25 – 50 years. For those that think plug in EV’s will leap frog hybrid tech and render it obsolete, think again. As is stands, the cost per mile for an all electric vehicle is about equal to the costs of a current gas guzzlers when factoring in the costs of electric (which is more than most realize – not insignificant) and the costs of those very expensive consumable batteries. Don’t misinterpret my comments, all electric plug in vehicles will be ramping up in mass quantities in the next decade – but for entirely different reasons than costs. And hybrid technology will be incorporated into those EV’s – because of the enormous potential in efficiency they provide.

Remember, Nissan created both the Leaf and the GTR--they must have some brilliant engineers indeed. This should be interesting. We'll know when it actually happens... However, you can't help but being optimistic since Nissan/Renult have done some pretty amazing things in the last few years.

[BlueSlateEX]

1. automatic headlights when wipers turn on
2. more tilt range for the steering wheel (I wish it came up a bit higher)
3. better gas mileage
4. get rid of the throttle lag without having to put the car in DS mode or add the new system from the M where you can choose the mode (sport, eco, regular)
5. some sort of launch system (ha ha its not a ferrari)
6. NO CVT... absolutely not no friggin way!

auto headlights when the wipers come on? why? this makes no sense at all!

I can understand his point. In a lot of states it is the law that if it is raining, you must have your lights on. And for my 2 cents on the features I would like:
1. Standard tonneau cover. (should be included for the price of the car)
2. Bigger glove compartment/more storage
3. rain sensing wipers
4. dual sunroof, or panoramic sunroof
5. better gas mileage
6. power liftgate

[ANBYOND]

6. Privacy glass in back.

Very easy to have added...TINT...I have this on my EX35.. had it tinted aftermarket, $200 or less..on the back windows...

[OneofaKind949]

Another way to make the new generation EX more appealing would be...

1.) Integrate the radio antenna into one of the rear side windows.
2.) Have the side mirrors turn in when the car is off.
3.) LED fog lights on the bottom front.
4.) Go back to the 17inch wheels, since most people tend to like the smoother ride on the 17s.
5.) 30mpg.
6.) Make the illuminated kick plates at the front doors standard.
7.) The option of being able to use a flash stick on the car instead of what they have now...
8.) Bigger glove box.
9.) A color high resolution screen between the gauges.
10.) This is the most important part... Keep the price as low as it is now...

Anything else friends? Please add your opinions on how to make the next generation EX a better CUV...

[EXceptional]

For starters, here's a Thread talking about the 2011 EX35 model...

--> CLICK HERE <--

[OneOfOne]

6. Privacy glass in back.

Very easy to have added...TINT...I have this on my EX35.. had it tinted aftermarket, $200 or less..on the back windows...

unless you live in massachusetts. they DO NOT ALLOW this. I paid to have mine removed so it would pass inspection. as you might imagine massachusetts sucks a**.