The Infiniti EX is the most wired ride making its debut at this year's New York International Auto Show. While it is still classified as a concept, the EX will be put into production for the 2008 model year. The production version will incorporate many of the advanced tech features displayed on the prototype, including its Around View Monitor and Lane Departure Prevention system.
The EX Concept continues the bold body styling that Infiniti used on the FX crossover. Based on the same Infiniti FM platform as the G35 coupe, the EX Concept is driven by a V-6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox.
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In true concept-car style, the EX Concept on display in New York is equipped with white leather interior appointments and high-contrast instrumentation, both of which are unlikely to make it into production. The double-wave central instrument panel and analog clock are trademarks of Infiniti interiors, although the placement of a chrome phone button at the base of the steering wheel is a new feature.
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One of the unique tech features on the EX Concept is its Around View Monitor (AVM), a system that makes use of four range-finding cameras situated around the car to give the driver a 360-degree view of the car's environs. One of the cameras (situated under the front grille) extends when the system is activated to deliver greater visibility.
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Data from the cameras is displayed via the in-dash navigation LCD screen in the form of a bird's-eye view of the car. The AVM is intended to reduce blind spots while parking.
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The second unique technology on the EX Concept that is bound for the production version is its Lane Departure Prevention system. Like the lane departure warning systems (LDW) in some current production vehicles, the LDP uses cameras mounted under the rear-view mirrors to monitor lane markings on the freeway with the intention of preventing unintentional lane departure.
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Bonus: a nice manual gearbox
The Miata Grand Touring is available with a six-speed automatic transmission, but that really defeats the purpose of driving a small, simple roadster. Our tester was equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox with a short-throw shifter.
Back to 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring review.
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The third showcase tech feature on the EX Concept--its programmable liquid-crystal glass roof--remains on the drawing board for now. Using a secondary touch screen located beneath the main navigation monitor, drivers are able to change the transparency of the EX Concept's full-length glass roof panel.
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Using the dash-mounted touch sensor system, drivers can choose to have the cabin light...
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...or dark, at the touch of a button.
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The production version of the Infiniti EX (minus the dimmable roof, alas) will be on sale in the United States by the end of 2007.
