Nissan took the wraps off its Infiniti EX crossover for 2008. Slotted below the FX crossover, the EX comes with a 290 horsepower V6 and all-wheel drive. The EX has a coupe-like roofline and low center of gravity. It measures 182 inches in length and 71 inches in width, making it maneuverable around town.

Exterior highlights include a double-arch grille, large L-shaped headlights with available Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), integrated fog lights, distinctive LED taillights and "dynamic arch" profile.

Other exterior features include a high-mounted rear hatchback spoiler, chrome-finished dual exhaust pipes, an available power tilt/sliding sunroof with one-touch activation and optional roof rails and crossbars. The EX35 also features a standard puddle lamp integrated in the driver's side door mirror as part of the Hospitality Lighting Concept.

Self-healing paint

The EX comes standard with Nissan's new "fluid finish" technology. The specialized paint has been tested in Japan on the X-Trail crossover, but the EX marks the first time the technology is available in America.

Minor scratches in the clearcoat disappear in hours or days thanks to an elastic resin that flows back into shape after being damaged.

Infiniti "Around View Monitor"

The EX35 features the first production implementation of "Infiniti Around View Monitor."

It utilizes small front, side and rear-mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle - helping reduce blind spots when parking.

"Conventional mirrors, no matter how carefully you use them, just can't provide a view around the car that the Around View Monitor's four-camera system does," said Infiniti's Jim Wright. "Rear bumper parking sensors help detect objects behind a car, but again they can't give the view of the space around the vehicle that the AVM does."

High-tech interior

The driver-focused "wave-inspired" cabin layout features an Infiniti "double-wave" instrument panel, high-contrast gauges with white-and-violet illumination and hospitality lighting with a pin LED light mounted over the center console.

The instrument panel also features a seven-inch color display with Infiniti controller for the trip computer and additional vehicle information, including the available Infiniti Hard Disk based Navigation System with 9.3 GB Music Box hard drive.

Other technology systems include available Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition. Available technology features include RearView Camera (available separately, or as part of the Around View Monitor system), front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Bose Premium Audio System with 11 speakers including 2 subwoofers, 6CD in-dash changer and iPod connectivity.

An 8-way power driver's seat with 2-way manual lumbar support is standard, along with a 4-way power passenger's seat. A driver's seat memory system is also offered, along with available heated front seats and 8-way power front passenger's seat. Also available is an unusual 60/40 split power-folding 2nd row seat, operated from the front or hatch area.

Powertrain

The Infiniti EX35 comes as standard with the fourth-generation VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine (shared with the new G35 Sedan), a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, DS sport mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM), and Adaptive Shift Control.

The engine block features ladder frame construction, variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors and Iridium spark plugs. Its symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance, while the dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure help improve engine breathing.

The fourth-generation VQ engine design also includes a long list of advanced systems found on the previous design - including a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a "noiseless" timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.

Every EX35 utilizes a subframe-mounted independent front double-wishbone suspension with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with aluminum-alloy upper and lower links and axle housing, high-performance dual-flow pass shock absorbers and anti-roll bar.

Steering is provided by a speed-sensitive power-assisted steering system with power-assisted front and rear discs (vented front) and standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Also standard is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), while an advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking is optionally available.

Available wheel and tire combinations include an 18-inch 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 tires.

EX35 features Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which is also utilized on the 2008 M, FX and G Saloon.

The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on slippery roads.

Pricing

Prices for the EX35 start at $31,300 for the EX RWD and $34,850 for the EX RWD Journey. All-wheel drive prices start at $32,700 for the EX AWD with ATTESA E-TS intelligent all-wheel drive system and $36,250 for the EX AWD Journey.