First Look: 2008 Infiniti EX35

It's no secret that the U.S. market has become chock full of crossovers in seemingly all shapes and sizes, and Infiniti, one of the first brands on the scene with its FX, is adding to the pile with its new 2008 Infiniti EX35. The vehicle will be shown off in for the first time in production trim at this weekend's 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Based on the EX Concept shown at the 2007 New York Auto Show, the EX35 (which bears more than a passing resemblance to a shrunken FX) shares the FM platform used for the FX, G, and M models, and features the same headlight and front grille design that distinguishes an Infiniti from the competition.

Power comes from essentially the same VQ35HR 3.5-liter, V-6 engine (tuned to an estimated 290 horsepower) found in numerous Nissan/Infiniti models. This power unit is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission - with the requisite manual shift sport mode and Infiniti's Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) to help the automaker convey the impression that the EX35 is more sports car than SUV. The twin ram air intake system and dual exhaust setup -- both exclusive to the model - are tuned to optimize power delivery and ensure the EX35 makes the kind of sounds to match its demeanor.

The suspension has the same sporty front double-wishbone/rear independent multi-link design as its G35 sport sedan counterpart, retuned to accommodate the EX35's larger dimensions. Dual-flow pass shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar are utilized front and rear in an effort to limit body roll and improve both feel and ride. Wheels are 17-inchers standard, with 18-inchers available.

Infiniti has chosen to showcase some of its latest and greatest technology on the EX35. The automaker's Around View Monitor makes its debut on the vehicle, using four small cameras to provide a top-down look during parking maneuvers. Another first is Infiniti's Scratch Shield paint, designed with a special clearcoat designed to "heal" itself should it become damaged. The EX35 is also the second vehicle in Infiniti's lineup (after the upcoming 2008 Infiniti M sedan makes its debut this fall) to feature the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. Playing off the EX35's dynamic control system, LDP uses a small camera mounted in the windshield to detect lane drift. Not only are visual and audio warnings issued should drift be detected, but the vehicle uses the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to actuate the brakes individually to help guide the EX35 back into its lane.

The technology continues in the cabin of the EX35 with features including multi-colored illumination, an available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation system with 9.3 gigabytes of storage capacity, seven-inch color display, optional Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and Bose Premium Audio System with iPod connectivity, 11 speakers and a front and rear sonar system.

Interior upholstery is available in either cloth or leather, and optional maple wood trim replaces the standard black lacquer and aluminum center console and center stack. Heated and eight-way power adjustable seats are optional, as is a 60/40 split power-folding second row seat.

When the Infiniti EX35 hits showrooms this December, it will come in four flavors: EX35 RWD or AWD (with cloth interior only) and EX35 Journey RWD or AWD. The upscale Journey models are fitted with a host of standard features including a power moonroof, leather interior, and the power-folding rear seat. A variety of trim packages are available separately for each model.

Pricing has not yet been announced. We'll have more photos when the EX is unveiled alongside the updated 2008 Infiniti M (which will be offered with an all-wheel-drive variant for the first time) at Pebble this Saturday.