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Infiniti reveals the new Q30 Concept compact CUV at Frankfurt

September 14, 2013 / Gerardo Orlando

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I was on hand in Germany this week at the 2013 Motor Show and snapped these photos of the all-new Infiniti Q30 Concept. Expectations are that this new concept car will be very close to the compact CUV that Infiniti will ultimately release.

The gold color really grabs your attention and the reveal came across as a big hit. The front end is very similar to the current design language we’re seeing from Infiniti, but the back end really stood out with the back window blending into the rear tail lights. The effect was very impressive.

I got shots from all angles so you can get a feel for the vehicle. The compact CUV market is very hot right now and the luxury brands are trying to grab their share as well, so it will be interesting to see how quickly Infiniti can get to a production model here.

“We are becoming the younger, trendsetting brand, more relevant and more exciting,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. “Infiniti Q50, and now the Q30 Concept, deliver on this promise.” Infiniti executives have been stressing the importance of design in the Infiniti strategy, and they are definitely pushing the envelope in an attempt to challenge the other luxury brands. It will be interesting to see if the buyer mix starts to skew younger. The company notes that “by the end of this decade, Gen X and Gen Y will represent 80 percent of buyers in the premium segment.”

The design of the Q30 is intended to create “a unique blend of features reminiscing of a coupe, a hatch and a crossover.” It definitely inspires a sporty vibe that should grab the attention of buyers looking for luxury and fun in their driving experience.

During the press conference de Nysschen was joined on stage by Sebastian Vettel, a 3-time Formula One world champion who has been assisting the company. He was presented with a special helmet to use in testing engineering prototypes of the future compact premium model, the first Infiniti model that he will have a role in influencing from its inception.

Infiniti, News

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A real hell of a backseat driver: who is it?

September 9, 2013 / Staff

Everyone remembers being involved in a situation when you start to lose your temper while driving. What’s the most common reason for that? Surprisingly, our loved ones who, according to the recent survey conducted by Insurance.com, are thought to be the worst backseat drivers ever.

Among 500 drivers polled, both men (40%) and women (34%) say that their spouses can be terribly nerve-racking when sitting on the side-seat of a car. Of course, we do realize the importance of marital vows but who’s supposed to take care about our mental health and the road safety? Apart from getting on the driver’s nerves a nagging-from-the-backseat someone you love can lead to serious road issues by distracting your attention from what’s going on in front of the car.

The #1 backseat monster is followed by friends reported by 17% of polled men, and mothers with 15% of those surveyed claiming them to be extremely annoying. It might be somehow unexpected, but it turns out children are not annoying at all in comparison with other relatives. The rate of frustration provoked by sons and daughters varies from 3% to 7%, depending on the age of children. Only 5 percent of polled drivers pointed out at fathers as the worst passengers, which means you are likely to be in favor when sitting in the car of your grown-up child. Why not buy a car for your kid right now, then, huh?

The most frequently mentioned aggravations include complaints about the speed and giving unwanted advice about directions. The less reported but not less annoying sins of backseat drivers are talking on the phone and texting, eating, pushing an imaginary brake and taking over the radio. Getting car sick and telling about this after there’s anything left to do to prevent the nuisance also has a good chance to tick the driver off.

To avoid getting annoyed when you’re the one to be behind the wheel Insurance.com suggests agreeing on the route and choosing the music for your road trip beforehand. You can also try breathworking and doing yoga before setting off on a journey. The last piece of advice is applicable.

Car Safety

backseat drivers distracted drivers

Lexus LF-NX Crossover Concept will premiere in Frankfurt

September 7, 2013 / Staff

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Lexus will introduce a new compact crossover concept car, the LF-NX, at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) this coming week. Highlights will include:

– LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance

– exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language

– the front features a pretty extreme version of the Lexus spindle grille

– very muscular wheel arches

– interior mirrors the LF-NX’s highly sculpted exterior

What do you think?

Auto Show, Concept Cars, Lexus

Frankfurt Frankfurt Motor Show hybrid concept cars IAA Lexus spindle grille

Classic campers

September 5, 2013 / Staff

When you have a VW camper that’s in good working order, you know you own something pretty special. Many people dream about the possibility, but the closest they get is to hire one for a week’s holiday. Those who actually have one in their garage are in the minority. This year sees the end of an era for VW campers as the T2 will no longer be in production – after an incredible 63 year run.

If you’re looking to renew your camper van insurance, it’s worth doing a ring round to get a few different quotes. Make sure to include a specialist car and classic vehicle insurance company which offers a customised insurance policy for camper van owners. At Cherished Vehicle Insurance, the customer service advisors at the end of the line are all car enthusiasts, and their passion comes through in the advice that they can give potential clients who love their cars as much as they do.

One of the benefits of buying vehicle insurance from a specialist insurer is that you’ll get an agreed value on your classic camper, rather than just today’s market value that most insurers would offer you. Also look out for other benefits such as UK and EU breakdown cover as standard, and being covered to drive in the EU for up to 90 days.

Car Insurance, Volkswagen

camper VW camper

1934 Packard wins at Pebble Beach

August 21, 2013 / Staff

We were at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach this weekend and we saw many beautifully restored classic cars. One journalist pointed out that cars from the 30s and 40s usually got the top prize, so we were not surprised when the Best of Show Award went to this 1934 Packard 1108 Twelve Dietrich Convertible Victoria.

Classic Cars

1934 Packard Best of Show Award Car photos Concours D'Elegance Packard Pebble Beach Pebble Beach cars vintage cars