Nissan will steer clear of hybrid look for first EV

TOKYO--Nissan Motors wants a bold design for its upcoming electric vehicle--one that doesn't make it look like a hybrid.

The goal is a look that screams green but stands apart from the wedge-shaped silhouette that has come to signify environmentally friendly driving in the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hybrids.

"We need some kind of difference so that when people see our car, they will realize this is an EV, not a hybrid," Nissan chief designer Shiro Nakamura told Automotive News.

Nissan has not released pictures of the car, which is scheduled to go on sale next year. But its new styling cues include:

• No grille, to underscore the electric drivetrain
• A low hood enabled by the lack of an engine
• A visible recharging plug at the nose of the car
• A profile that is flowing, instead of triangular

2009 Infiniti EX35 pricing starts at $33,800, gets new standard options

Infiniti today announced the pricing on the 2009 Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover, which will hit dealerships on May 29 nationwide. Among the highlights of the 2009 EX35 are new standard content and new or revised option packages. Buyers can now get the Around View Monitor Package at no additional charge when purchased with a Bose Navigation Package, which goes for $2,000 on the EX35 Journey models.

The 2009 Infiniti EX35 RWD will start at $33,800 while the 2009 EX35 RWD Journey will start at $35,200. If you prefer all-wheel-drive, the 2009 EX35 AWD base-model starts at $36,000 while the EX35 AWD Journey starts at $37,400.

All 2009 Infiniti EX35 models are powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that makes 297-hp mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission.

For 2009, the base EX35 model adds standard leather-appointed seating, RearView Monitor, rear HVAC vents and roof rails. The EX35 Journey model adds a standard 6-disc CD autochanger, power tilt/telescoping steering column, coat hanger on the driver’s headrest and dual-zone automatic temperature control.