On the opening day of the New York International Auto Show, Infiniti announced that Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver and triple Formula One World Champion, is now Director of Performance for the premium automotive brand.

This extends and enhances Vettel’s relationship with Infiniti which formally began in 2011. In this capacity, Vettel already has played a crucial role in developing Infiniti’s vehicle line-up, starting with the exclusive Infiniti FX Vettel Edition and most recently with the all-new Infiniti Q50.

Making the announcement, Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen said: “Sebastian’s talent and ability behind the wheel is unquestionable and his role in developing Infiniti vehicles has already proven invaluable. How many premium automotive brands can honestly say its vehicles have been developed alongside a triple World Champion? As our technical collaboration with Infiniti Red Bull Racing continues to deepen, so does our relationship with Sebastian who will be crucial to the development of our future vehicle line-up, ensuring Infiniti stands for passion and performance in a brand that challenges the status quo.”

Vettel has been central to the development of the new Infiniti Q50. He spent time with Infiniti engineers in Japan, providing them with his world-class chassis dynamics, performance and handling feedback. He was involved in testing early models in Japan, around the famed Nürburgring in Germany, and at the Formula One pre-season test at the Spanish Circuit de Catalunya in early March.

As Title and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing from the start of the 2013 Formula One season, Infiniti has deepened its technical relationship with the team. This announcement ensures that Vettel will become involved in the development of more future Infiniti vehicles.

“I am really happy to extend my relationship with Infiniti and become their Director of Performance” said Sebastian Vettel. “Helping to develop the Infiniti Q50 was a very different type of driving duty for me but I approached it in exactly the same way as I do my Formula One car. I am looking forward to working closely with Infiniti in developing more of their road cars into the future.”

A four-cylinder diesel engine joins Infiniti’s seductive design and intuitive technology in their most alluring and advanced forms yet to deliver an engaging new contender straight to the heart of Europe’s premium sedan class. The Q50 introduces world-first technologies, ushers in a never-before-seen level of dynamic customisation and reinforces Infiniti‘s performance-first ethos with a Q50 Hybrid set to rewrite the record books

At a glance
• All-new premium design born of craftsmanship and technology
• First new-generation Infiniti Q model for Europe
• Rear-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission
• 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with 170PS, 400Nm of torque and under 115g/km CO2 (estimated*), 0-100km/h in under 9 seconds and 4.4 l/100km / 64 mpg (estimated*)
• 364PS Q50 3.5 Hybrid version with 0-100km/h in under 5.5seconds and under 145g/km CO2 (estimated*)
• Dynamic drive enhanced by driver-selectable steering weight and gearing with world-first Direct Adaptive Steering
• Stress-reducing Active Lane Control that “magnetizes” the car within its lane
• Highly customisable digital environment: dual touch-screens for totally intuitive control
• Class-best wheelbase for spacious rear accommodation
• New comfortable seat designed with spinal support inspired by zero gravity research by NASA
• On sale across Europe from the autumn (depending on country)
*Homologated figures will be available in the summer

OVERVIEW:
SEDUCTIVE DESIGN, AGILE PERFORMANCE, INTUITIVE TECHNOLOGY

The first of a new-generation of premium Infiniti models, the Q50 is Infiniti’s most significant car yet for the European marketplace. Marking the debut of the new Infiniti Q naming structure, the Q50 is designed, engineered, equipped and built to compete at the highest level in the premium D-segment.

With its low and wide proportions and athletic, flowing form the Infiniti Q50 brings a new level of emotional design to the BMW 3-series/Audi A4 class – a fresh face whose self-confidence is summed up by its striking new human-eye like headlights and distinctive ‘double arch’ grille. Other design features, inspired by Infiniti’s trilogy of concept cars – Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e – go hand-in-hand with an interior that offers unexpectedly spacious accommodation for this class.

The Infiniti Q50 is the first Infiniti to benefit from the brand’s collaboration agreement with Daimler AG. The 2.2-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been modified by the Infiniti engineering teams to ensure engine response is in line with Infiniti’s emphasis on performance. The engine offers power and torque whilst retaining a low CO2 output (under 115g/km) which positions the Q50 at the centre of the premium saloon market in Europe – as well as guaranteeing the dynamic drive Infiniti owners expect. Like the engine, both available transmissions – a 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic – have been tailored to Infiniti’s specific requirements.

The second version of the Q50 for Europe is the Q50 3.5 Direct Response Hybrid whose accelerative ability will guarantee it a place in the top echelons of European high performance sports saloons. With 0-100km/h estimated to be well under 5.5 seconds it is likely even to topple its big brother, the Infiniti M35h, which is currently listed in Guinness World Records as the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid car.

The 364PS Q50 3.5 Hybrid shares the same intelligent dual-clutch Direct Response Hybrid system and 7-speed automatic transmission as the M35h, but with changes to improve performance, extend its electric-only range and allow for an outstanding cargo capacity for a hybrid in this class.

In characteristic no-compromise Infiniti manner, the performance is matched by a remarkable level of efficiency – with fuel consumption on the combined cycle estimated to be 6.2 l/100km (45mpg) and CO2 emissions under 145g/km. The Q50 3.5 Hybrid will be available in both rear and all-wheel drive forms in Europe.

The dynamic performance offered by every Infiniti Q50 is enhanced with the availability of Direct Adaptive Steering – a world-first technology that provides faster steering response and greater precision with an unrivalled scope for driver customisation. Direct Adaptive Steering can be configured easily for both steering effort and gearing, ensuring steering response is always in tune with driving style and type of road. The system is overseen by three separate control units and works in parallel with the mechanical steering linkage for failsafe reliability in all situations.

Infiniti’s reputation as a technology leader is reinforced in the Q50 with the world’s most advanced lane departure prevention technology yet, Active Lane Control. The newest addition to Infiniti’s all-encompassing Safety Shield technology, Active Lane Control is unique in using the steering (rather than the brakes) to encourage the car to stay between the lane markings on the motorway – an effect described as being “magnetized to within its lane”, making driving less tiring on long journeys.

Like all Infiniti technologies, Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control have been developed to seamlessly and unobtrusively support the driver rather than isolate them.

The Infiniti Q50 offers a new-generation digital environment designed for maximum customization and ease of use. Up to 96 vehicle parameters can stored on the i-Key for up to four different drivers, making the Q50 not just one of the most configurable cars in the class but also one that offers a very real sense of “my car knows me”.

Infiniti InTouch™, Infiniti’s next-generation communications technology, makes its debut on the Q50. Dual touch-screens, a first in the class, de-clutter the control layout and ensure totally intuitive operation of all functions, features and custom apps.

The Q50’s interior has an emphasis on natural elegance, spacious rear passenger accommodation and the signature craftsmanship, attention to detail and premium materials that set every Infiniti apart. In the design, there is a clear focus on the driver. Comfort was a particular focus and in the search for a new type of comfortable seat came from NASA research into the neutral posture the body adopts in a zero gravity environment. The Q50’s comfort seats are designed to offer maximum spinal support and thus reduce fatigue on long drives.

The Q50 is the first model to feature Infiniti’s new naming strategy that will see all models bear either a Q or (for the crossovers) QX badge. The change recalls iconic Q models of Infiniti’s past and offers a clear and logical naming platform into which all existing and future Infiniti models will fit, with the double digit number signifying the area of the market where the car competes.

The Infiniti Q50 makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013 – in the same halls that in previous years saw its concept car forebears unveiled –following its world reveal at NAIAS in Detroit two months before. The Q50 in both diesel and hybrid forms will go on sale across Europe from autumn 2013 (depending on country) in a range of standard and Sport models all designed to offer maximum choice and flexibility for both private and fleet customers.

The launch today of Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s 2013 car, the RB9, not only marked the unveiling of the car with which the team will defend its Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, but it also ushered in a new era for the team. The car features a striking new livery that reflects the strengthened relationship between Red Bull Racing and premium automotive brand Infiniti.

Triple World Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel and nine-time grand prix winner Mark Webber were on hand at the team’s UK base at Milton Keynes to give the world’s media its first glimpse of the new car and livery, which integrates Infiniti’s purple-hued branding with the team’s existing racing colours. The unveiling was an opportunity for Infiniti to reveal that not only has it agreed a four-year deal to become the team’s title partner, as announced in November 2012, but also that it will become the exclusive Vehicle Performance Partner of the team.

Commenting on the enhanced relationship, Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company said: “Our new, increased partnership as Infiniti Red Bull Racing is a key milestone for Infiniti and a clear indication of our commitment to building the brand globally,” he said. “While the first 24 months delivered outstanding results for both parties, our deeper involvement, which now sees us truly integrated as one team, will bring significant benefits to our people, processes and technology. We go into the 2013 season and beyond with a shared objective to deliver world-leading performance on the track and the road.”

Infiniti already has engineering personnel working at the team’s Milton Keynes HQ, highlighting the deepening technical synergy between the team and the car manufacturer. The marque aims to integrate further team members into the Vehicle Performance department in Milton Keynes. Infiniti believes that rotating technical staff through the F1 environment will bring benefits in development processes and performance expertise. An early indicator of the value of the technical collaboration between the organisations was last year’s development of the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition from concept to production in just six months. More recently, Infiniti Red Bull Racing drivers Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Buemi had a hands-on role test driving and developing the new Infiniti Q50.

Commenting on the strengthened relationship, Infiniti Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner said: “Our stronger link with Infiniti from 2013 is part of the natural evolution of our team and demonstrates its growth. We are still a young racing outfit and this title partnership is a very welcome aspect of our development. I firmly believe it will prove to be of enormous benefit on both sides over the coming years.”

Marking another significant step in its plan to further expand its presence in the premium automotive sector, Infiniti today announced details of a new nomenclature strategy to be applied to its complete product range beginning with the 2014 model year. The first model to carry Infiniti’s new Q badge will be the Q50, an all-new premium sports sedan to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013.

The premium automotive brand will see its model range simply prefixed either by Q – for sedans and convertibles, or QX, for crossover and SUV models. Each model will be further identified by a double digit representing hierarchy within the range.

This strategic change reflects Infiniti’s desire for clarity and cohesiveness as it embarks on ambitious growth plans, including significant expansion of the Infiniti portfolio.

Commenting on the revised naming philosophy, Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited, said: “Over the past few months, we have talked at length with our retailers, our customers, and our business partners about our brand. The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident. To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that ‘Q’ captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 – Infiniti’s first iconic flagship product in 1989.”

Infiniti’s new nomenclature strategy will be implemented in logical stages within the existing product range, as new model year variants are introduced. The brand’s future plans include a range of next-generation Infiniti models which will carry Q and QX badging from the outset.

Representing a bold next stage in Infiniti’s quest for performance luxury motoring in the most sustainable way possible, the Infiniti LE Concept is a true Infiniti with just one thing missing – a tailpipe. Making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show on September 27 in Hall 1, stand 224, the LE Concept will line up alongside the award-winning Emerg-e sports car concept and M35h production hybrid in a powerful display of “no compromise” performance motoring.

“The Infiniti LE Concept is a ‘production intent’ concept and most of what you see will become a reality,” said Bernard Loire, Vice President of Infiniti Europe, Middle East, India and Africa “It is too early to confirm exactly when and where it will go on sale, but we are heartened by recent moves to encourage electric cars, such as France raising the purchase incentive from €5000 to €7000 per car. It is fitting that the LE Concept should make its European debut in Paris.”
“Infiniti believes the future of luxury lies in sustainable luxury and we intend to continue taking a leadership role to achieve it.”, added Loire.

Combining driving appeal with zero emissions in a dramatically-styled compact saloon body, the all-electric LE Concept is being shown in Paris with a pledge that a production version will be on sale in selected markets in around two years’ time. The showroom model will not only share the LE Concept’s advanced powertrain but also much of its design character – one that shouts “dynamic luxury” rather than “electric vehicle”. Also in line for production are its highly crafted cabin and user-friendly technology – including the possibility of a ground-breaking wireless recharging system.

An all-new design, the four-door saloon body combines dynamism and elegance with signature Infiniti design cues and the latest Infiniti design language. The proportions are typically well balanced, the high rear deck injecting a sensation of movement. Up front, there’s the expected double-arch grille but here it also features a charging port hidden beneath the illuminated centre Infiniti emblem. The LED headlights and taillights echo the design direction of Infiniti’s recent concepts, as do the crescent-cut rear pillar and strong shoulder line to express flowing movement. Front spoiler, rear diffuser and side aero fins – all glowing with integrated illumination – contribute to an impressive Cd (drag coefficient) of 0.25.

The Paris show will be the first public appearance of the Emerg-e concept since being nominated as one of the winners in the concept category of the Automotive Brand Contest, an important international design competition organized by the German Design Council.

The award reinforces the acclaim which followed the car’s premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in the year and the dynamic debut of a fully-functioning prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Alongside the Emerg-e concept on the stand and summing up Infiniti’s no-compromise approach in production form, the M35h is being shown in Paris in its latest, even cleaner guise with 159g/km of CO2 – while still able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, making it the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid saloon, as recorded by Guinness World Records.

Performance of a more traditional kind – courtesy of a 420PS 5.0-litre V8 – will be displayed in Paris thanks to a rare public sighting of probably the most exclusive crossover ever made, the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, developed in association with Formula One Double World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Just 50 examples have been made available for Western Europe, costing from £100,800, with many already spoken for.

Fittingly the only other car with Sebastian’s name on – his Infiniti-partnered Red Bull Racing F1™ car – will also be on show on the Infiniti stand.

Double Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel has taken on a driving job with a difference - starring in a music video with Double Grammy-winning US R&B star and protégé of Jay-Z, Melanie Fiona.

The Red Bull Racing driver and Infiniti Global Ambassador plays a central part in the official global music video for Fiona’s track ‘Watch Me Work’, from her album ‘The MF Life’ on Universal Records. The high-energy piece, set in downtown New York, sees Vettel play a modern day James Dean character searching to find an underground location for Fiona and her band to perform. Vettel emerges driving a red Infiniti G37 convertible to an enormous warehouse space, powering up the lights and the sound system, and taking control of the volume. Happy with his work, Vettel’s character departs the scene and is seen driving into the Manhattan sunrise.

The video is the latest in the ‘Infiniti Inspired Performers’ series, which sees Red Bull Racing drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber collaborating with other top performers in different disciplines. It was shot on location in New Jersey in June when Vettel drove the proposed New Jersey F1 Circuit. The 25 year-old German driver also took the opportunity to take the R&B star on a high-speed lap of the circuit, where she got a taste of his high performance world.

It’s the first time that Canadian-born Melanie Fiona has featured a sports star in one of her videos. She is no stranger to collaborations though, having worked with Jay-Z, co-written songs with Rihanna and toured with Kanye West amongst others. She is also no stranger to Inspired Performance – her family have owned Infiniti cars for years meaning Melanie has grown up with the brand.

Commenting on the video, Sebastian Vettel said: “It was a great experience to shoot a music video, and certainly very different to what I’m used to. But music is without question an inspiration to many and I’m very proud to have been part of this. I think the lyrics are quite fitting to what we can all do if we put our mind to it”

Melanie Fiona added: “It’s not often you get the chance to be driven by an F1 World Champion and when the opportunity came up to have Seb driving me in the video I was like, yes please! This is one of my favourite songs and one that I’ve been wanting to put out for a while so to have him involved was great.”

Infiniti EMERG-E, the brand’s first range-extended, mid-engined electric sports car concept has won a prestigious award from the German Design Council. The concept car, launched at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year to global acclaim, was today announced as the winner in the Concepts category of the Automotive Brand Contest 2012, the international competition for automotive brands and now a major industry event.

The award, which will be presented in a ceremony at the Mondial de L’Automobile, Paris on 27th September, recognises excellence and innovation in product design, and celebrates the brand’s fresh, fluent design approach, expressed in the highly aerodynamic curves of the Infiniti EMERG-E.

This is the latest milestone to be achieved by this highly advanced sports car, physical proof of Infiniti’s intention to produce a bold halo model befitting the brand’s promise of Inspired Performance. In June, a fully functioning prototype version of the Infiniti Emerg-e made its bold global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driven by Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver, Mark Webber.

Infiniti EMERG-E provides an exciting glimpse into Infiniti’s future and features an array of exciting new technologies that the brand will adopt in its quest to build dramatic and sustainable high performance cars. The first Infiniti to be developed in Europe, the concept has evolved through Infiniti’s partnership with the UK government’s Technology Strategy Board initiative, whose aim is to speed the arrival of low carbon vehicles to our roads. The partial-funding from the TSB has significantly deepened the resource that Infiniti can draw upon in the development of EMERG-E and technology relevant for the future of the automobile.

The Formula One World Champion, his Red Bull Racing teammate, an exotic yet entirely realistic new sports car on its world debut drive, an exclusive SUV and the Earl of March’s driveway in front of tens of thousands of fans in (mostly) English summer sunshine – Japanese performance brand Infiniti’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was a success from green light to chequered flag.

As the pictures confirm. All the action from Infiniti’s first Festival of Speed as an official sponsor is available to be downloaded now from www.infinitipress.eu.

The Infiniti Goodwood image gallery 2012 includes Sebastian Vettel powering up the Goodwood hillclimb in the first of just 50 (for Western Europe) Infiniti FX Vettel Edition models – the sports crossover the double F1 World Champion helped to develop.

“We gave the FX a little bit of an edge here and there. I gave my input and I think if you look at the result you can see the difference. I’m happy,” Sebastian said after competing the run in the 420PS V8 crossover.

Eager buyers and collectors are showing a great interest in the FX Vettel Edition with several already sold, even before the car turned a wheel – at prices from £100,800 in the UK (from €125,000 in mainland Europe, depending on country).

The gallery also includes Vettel’s Red Bull Racing teammate Mark Webber silently dispatching the 1.16-mile course in the most powerful and by common consent the most beautiful range-extender electric sports car, the Infiniti EMERG-E. Making its world debut as a fully-functioning demonstrator, complete with twin electric motors generating 1000nm of torque, EMERG-E is one of the fastest ever range-extender hybrid’s to tackle the Goodwood hill. Developed and made in Britain by Infiniti and its many UK partners, EMERG-E is a powerful signpost to Infiniti’s future.

Showcasing Infiniti’s current hybrid technology over the weekend was the M35h. Displayed beside the FoS-Tec arena and driven up the hill twice every day the luxury saloon delivers exceptional performance but produces only 159gm/co2.

Infiniti’s Inspired Goodwood Performance was backed up the Inspired Performance Lounge which offered festival-goers a taste of true Infiniti hospitality between the Supercar Paddock and the Cartier Style et Luxe exhibition – a juxtaposition of performance and luxury that summed up perfectly the performance luxury brand from Japan.

Infiniti has been named as one of the industry’s leading brands by the 2012 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS).

Placed in 6th position out of 35 manufacturers included in the survey, and significantly ahead of the industry average, Infiniti was identified as one the most improved automotive brands for 2012.

Now in its 26th year, the 2012 IQS serves as the up-to-the-minute industry benchmark for new vehicle quality. The comprehensive study captures problems experienced by owners - whether design or functional defects - through a rigorous succession of 228 questions as measured after a period of 90 days of ownership.

Initial quality has long been held as a highly instructive indicator of long-term durability.

Several Infiniti models were singled out for special recognition in light of their exceptional class-leading level of product quality. The Infiniti M topped the Midsize Premium car category, whilst the Infiniti EX took the crown in the Entry Premium Crossover/SUV section.

Meanwhile, the Infiniti FX was placed 2nd in the highly competitive Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV category.

The results come as a welcome reflection of Infiniti’s commitment to delivering the highest level of performance, coupled with an endeavour to provide an individual, energising and rewarding experience at every stage of ownership.

Uniting luxurious European performance with Japanese premium service, Infiniti continues to break new ground in vehicle quality.

Infiniti, the luxury performance automotive brand from Japan, is pleased to announce the second theme of its international Digital Art Competition entitled ‘Curved Visions’. The latest subject takes inspiration from the slogan of the brand’s current pan-European marketing campaign ‘Since Now, The Perfect Line is a Curve’, as well as the elegant and distinct designs seen across Infiniti’s current model range.

‘Curved Visions’, which opens today for entry on the website of designboom (designboom.com), the online art, architecture and design magazine and partner of the automaker’s world-wide competition, builds on the success of ‘Inspired Performance’, the first theme of the contest which saw registrations from over 500 designers from 23 countries across the globe. The Infiniti Digital Art Competition is the very first international free-to-enter competition of its kind, in which any individual, of any artistic talent, is eligible to put forward their creations. This may take the form of computer-generated sculptures, 2D or 3D video animations, or experiential cinema projections.

The latest theme, which is open for the next three months, challenges artists to define their digital interpretation of the curves which flow through Infiniti’s line-up of beautifully-styled cars as well as the individual experience which they evoke. The natural lines found in the models denote beauty, power, and performance and defy convention – they are not straight.

When the ‘Curved Visions’ competition closes on 10 July 2012, a judging panel of experts and influencers in the spheres of innovation, design, and marketing, will collectively choose the most outstanding examples of digital art from 30 of the theme’s most exceptional examples of art, as nominated by designboom and Infiniti. The six finalists will enjoy the unique privilege of seeing their work displayed during this year’s opening ceremonies of new flagship Infiniti Centres in some of Europe’s most revered cities. These will include Vienna in Austria, as well as Strasbourg and Paris in France.

You can understand why the Infiniti brand appeals to individuals, entrepreneurs and SME business owners. It’s different. It’s sporting. It’s also luxurious. And the dealerships give you a highly upmarket welcome.

The brand’s personal ambassador is also distinctly personable – the current Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel – who has also created a very special version of the Infiniti FX SUV – the 420PS FX Sebastian Vettel model, billed by Infiniti as ‘the most focused and exclusive sports crossover ever built’...

• Key enhancements for Infiniti’s icon and top-selling model
• FX design impact taken to fresh heights with expressive new look
• New alloy wheels and paint choices
• Same stunning performance and technology
• UK prices unchanged, starting from £46,750
• FX sales in Europe up 31% in shrinking market in 2011

After four successful years as Infiniti’s icon and top-selling model in Europe, the Infiniti FX for 2012 is bolder and more distinctive than ever. The FX’s first makeover since UK sales began in 2009, a package of enhancements brings a new focus to its unique blend of passionate design, inspired performance and modern luxury. In short it gets more of the FX DNA that has been so popular with buyers across Europe – with sales up 31% in 2011 in a market sector down 7%.

The 2012 range comes at unchanged 2011 prices, starting from £46,750 on-the-road for the luxury FX37 GT model, and just £90 more for the V6 diesel equivalent. Also unchanged: the stirring performance, rewarding handling, award-winning technology and five-star safety and standard equipment at the heart of every FX.

More akin in appearance to a sports car than boxy crossover, the FX for 2012 boasts even more street presence than the outgoing version thanks to carefully-wrought changes to the front-end design, along with bold new colours and an exclusive new design of alloy wheel. The expressive new look has been achieved by reprofiling the bumper section and subtly changing the grille, based on a design explored by the influential 2009 Infiniti concept car, Essence.

Sporting appeal is reinforced on GT and GT Premium derivatives with a new five double-spoke design of 20-inch wheel. S versions, with the availability of rear Active Steering (RAS) among a long list of handling-oriented features, stay with their distinctive 21-inch wheels. More choice for FX owners is offered with the latest exterior paint colour, Iridium Blue. It is Infiniti’s newest Scratch Shield finish and available exclusively on the FX. Graphite Shadow is also additionally available on all FX models.

The Infiniti LE Concept, which makes its world debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, is more than just the latest in the series of dramatically styled, technologically advanced concepts from Infiniti. Though sharing much with the stunning futuristic Infiniti concepts that have come before – a sweeping aerodynamic body, an elegantly intelligent interior, inspired driving performance and advanced next-generation technology – the Infiniti LE Concept is more grounded in reality. A production version is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years as Infiniti’s first zero emission luxury sedan.

“In a future that holds an increasing consumption of natural resources, we will advance our sustainable mobility leadership and expand our EV market penetration with new electric vehicles such as the Infiniti LE Concept,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “Infiniti is well positioned to deliver the objectives for a sustainable future, relying on our capable, hard-working and motivated team members around the world. We are a challenger.”

Among the key features and innovations of the Infiniti LE Concept are:
• Luxury sedan style, combining signature Infiniti design cues with EV aerodynamic efficiency
• Exceptional acceleration and re-acceleration, providing a new level of luxury driving experience
• Leading-edge compact Lithium-ion battery technology
• Smart hospitality, featuring a quiet, luxurious Infiniti interior and next-gen Infiniti Connection, Infiniti Personal Assistant and EV connected services
• Innovative, intuitive home-based Wireless Charging System with Intelligent Park Assist

“As a ‘production intent’ concept, most of what you see in the LE Concept will become a reality, including its zero emission powertrain, advanced telematics, cutting-edge design, advanced connected services and premium appointments,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “Infiniti believes the future of luxury is sustainable luxury and we intend to continue taking a leadership role, building on the foundation set by our advanced Infiniti M Hybrid and high-mpg Infiniti JX luxury crossover.”

"I reckon that Infiniti badge says better things about you than having a BMW or Audi SUV on your driveway"....

So the M's joining us for a longer test to see how it fares. Can it win us over with its style, its luxury, its plain technological cleverness? We're about to find out. I have run BMW 5-series and Jag XFs in my time at CAR, so was deemed the appropriate tester for the job. I'm open minded enough to consider Infiniti a rival, yet know how high standards have to be in this sector...

ROLLE, Switzerland (15 February, 2012) – Infiniti, the luxury performance automotive brand from Japan, is to sponsor an international film festival celebrating East Asian cinema to be held at Coventry University, UK, from March 2 to 4, 2012.

This is the second year that the festival has run but the first time it has attracted a major sponsor. It is also the first time Infiniti has connected with the arts so publically in the UK. Furthermore, the home of the festival - Coventry University’s Ellen Terry Building - is reverting to a picture palace for the first time since the Coventry Odeon closed its doors over 12 years ago.

The East Winds Film Festival (2-4 March 2012) promises to be even bigger and better than last year’s opening event, staged by the Coventry University East Asian Film Society (CUEAFS) in conjunction with Third Window Films. The three-day festival will include European premieres of major popular cinema and will be attended by celebrity guests from the world of East Asian film.

Andy Palmer, Infiniti Executive Vice President and holder of an honorary doctorate of technology from the University, said of Infiniti’s sponsorship: “Infiniti is proud of its Asian heritage; the culture runs deep in our brand DNA. In addition, the modern, cutting-edge film that Festival seeks to promote is also a perfect fit for Infiniti’s promise of ‘Inspired Performance’ … and I am sure we will see many of those during the three days. I am also looking forward to returning to Coventry and giving my personal support to the students.”

CUEAFS founder and Lecturer in Film and Visual Culture, Spencer Murphy said: “The films produced in East Asia over the past decade have galvanised international cinema with their originality and vitality, gaining plaudits from academics and film fans alike. This festival aims to raise awareness of East Asian cinema within Coventry and the wider area, while getting the younger generation involved with the genre, by letting the students host their own film festival. We are delighted that our work has been recognised by Infiniti and we are looking forward to working with Andy and his team.”

This year’s line-up of films includes a retrospective from director Miki Satoshi. He will attend the festival with actress Eri Fuse and will meet students and fans before the screenings of In the Pool, Adrift in Tokyo and Turtles Are Surprisingly Fast Swimmers. Another director, Herman Yau, will be answering questions and show two of his most recent works, Woman Knight of Mirror Lake and True Women for Sale; while Tom Yin will be treating festival goers to his latest offering, Starry Starry Night.

The East Winds Film Festival 2012, sponsored by Infiniti, is open to everyone. For more information, including the full festival programme visit www.eastwindsfilm.com.

For ticket information contact: tickets@cueafs.com

Rolle, SWITZERLAND (2 February, 2012) – Infiniti, the luxury performance brand from Japan, has announced its advanced sports car concept is to be called the INFINITI EMERG-E.

The electric car will be seen publicly for the first time at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. The reveal will take place on March 6 at the Infiniti stand, number 1030 in Hall 1, at 10:15CET. The event will also be transmitted live for those who cannot be there via Infiniti’s European website, www.infiniti.eu .

The INFINITI EMERG-E will be the first car from the brand to have not only a range-extender drivetrain offering vivid performance with zero emissions capability but also one mounted in a mid-ship package for optimal handling.

They say never meet your heroes, but what about chauffeuring them in front of 60,000 screaming fans? The newest addition to our long-term fleet, an Infiniti G37 Convertible, has arrived with quite a fanfare, playing a pivotal role in Red Bull Racing’s Formula One victory parade near its headquarters in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

Infiniti sponsors the world championship-winning Red Bull F1 team, which is how our car ended up at the heart of the action. Our first photocall was with the youngest-ever double world champion, Sebastian Vettel, who handed over the keys. We only had time to exchange pleasantries and for me to gawp in awe before he was whisked away, but it was still a moment to savour.

The main event was yet to come, however: the G37 and I would be taking Red Bull’s other driver, Australian Mark Webber, and team principal Christian Horner on a final victory lap in front of the crowds.

Thanks to the folding hard-top, the rear deck of the G37 was the perfect platform for our precious cargo, but it seems Webber hasn’t got to grips with the Japanese brand yet. When I asked him if he owned an Infiniti, he replied: “Nah mate, I prefer Porsches.” And Horner didn’t have much faith in my driving. His advice to me was simply “please don’t crash”.

My plan for the G37 Convertible is two-fold: firstly, to see what compromises are involved in running a convertible through the British winter, and secondly, to take a closer look at this fledgling brand, which only arrived in the UK in 2009. Does Nissan’s luxury division, already a massive success in America, have what it takes to make it in the notoriously tough UK market?...

Reigning F1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel's got an FX. OK, so his has been uniquely produced and pimped to his own racy persuasion, but nonetheless, it's still an FX.

Given we can't all be record-breaking sports stars with budgets to match there is an FX that appeals to a rationally skewed head and a race inspired heart -- the FX30d S.

The FX-line is the luxury Japanese firm's biggest, boldest and best-selling model in it's unashamedly curvy line-up and the one which most clearly conveys the performance focused DNA that Infiniti has traded on so successfully over the past 20 years across the pond.

In the UK, however, the badge continues to confuse the majority of motorists, but the undeniably striking Infiniti FX that we tested turned in a sterling job as a rolling PR machine for the brand in getting the marque not only seen but evidently admired as random folk couldn't help but ask us about it. But does this diesel-fueled luxury SUV live up to its lusty looks?

Detroit, MI, 10 January 2012 - Development of Infiniti’s advanced sports car concept, due for global reveal at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, continues apace. Lightweight with the offer of low emissions, the sports car concept will be the first Infiniti to have not only a range-extender drivetrain but also one mounted in a mid-ship package for optimal weight distribution and therefore handling.

Infiniti already enjoys a lead in high performance, low emission technologies with its Infiniti M Hybrid. But the purpose of the Geneva concept is to explore what might be the next stage in how to deliver a vivid, engaging and sophisticated driving experience from an electrically-propelled vehicle. The mid-ship mechanical layout could be a vital ingredient.

The as yet unnamed car will minimize the traditional compromise between thrilling performance and sustainable mobility. Its style, content and mid-ship package are all new to Infiniti, although the character of this striking, sports car concept remain absolutely true to the brand, as does the direction of its innovative electric vehicle engineering which is to combine extreme, low emission open-road performance with zero emission operation in urban situations.

Further news of this exciting project will be released at it’s world premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

It’s been a heart-pounding, show-stopping, edge-of-your seat year for Formula One™ racing – and to celebrate an unforgettable season in Partnership with Red Bull Racing, we’ve commissioned a series of exclusive posters. Each poster pays tribute to one of the European circuits in the F1 Championship – starting with Barcelona.

Inspired by both the individual characteristics of the host countries and the spirit of F1 itself, these vibrant posters are unique and highly collectible; and you will be able to download them all once they’re released at www.infiniti-insider.eu. Stop by now and download the stunning tribute to Barcelona.

Visit www.infiniti-insider.eu now and download your exclusive F1 poster.

At first sight, the car outside the BMW car dealership in High Wycombe is difficult to distinguish from the models on display. But take a closer look and its rounded body offers a hint that this is something else...

Infiniti prides itself on performance -- it always has and, as it enthusiastically reminds us, it always will. But, in a world that's caving in on itself financially and downsizing everything it can, a degree of interpretation over old school automotive cojones is certainly no bad thing...

Los Angeles, CA 17 November 2011 – A highly advanced, range-extending electric sports car concept is under development at Infiniti. Set to emerge at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2012, this vehicle is being created to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars.

Explaining the strategy behind the concept, Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Infiniti said: "At the Geneva show next year, we will present our vision for a totally new kind of inspired premium performance car. Infiniti already has hybrid and clean diesel models on sale. And with an all-electric sedan on the way, the natural next step was to push the boundaries where performance and the environment intersect."

For the second year running, Sebastian Vettel has won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship. However, his success is about more than just driving performance. It’s the seamless combination of precision engineering, research and development, teamwork and technological advancement. When these elements work in harmony – creating the optimum synergy between driver and machine – then anything is possible.

These are the very reasons why Infiniti is partnered with Red Bull Racing, and why Sebastian Vettel is our Brand Ambassador. We share the same values, passion and obsession to detail – always striving to deliver a more connected driving experience. After all, turning vision into reality takes work.


Stay inspired with Infiniti and find out more about our partnership with the Red Bull Racing team.


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Infiniti’s latest new model for Europe, the M35h, has sped into the record books as the world’s fastest accelerating full hybrid. Driven by journalist Tim Pollard and overseen by Guinness World Records®, the 364PS petrol/electric sedan covered the standing 400m (quarter mile) in 13.9031 seconds (average of all runs).

The test car, a standard production model, set the record on Tuesday 23 August 2011 at the UK’s Santa Pod Raceway, home of the FIA European Drag Racing Championships. From a standing start, the M35h harnessed its combination of electric motor torque from 0rpm and V6 power at high revs to impressive effect, the car passing the computerised timing equipment at the end of each run at speeds in excess of 160km/h (100mph).

In the hierarchy of fast cars, the time puts it on a par with performance heroes like the 1982 Lamborghini Countach1 and within a few tenths of some Porsches, Ferraris and Aston Martins.

The result is all the more remarkable because the Infiniti M35h emits just 162g/km of CO2 and, on the combined cycle, sips fuel at the rate of 7.0 litres of fuel per 100km (40.4mpg). Now on sale across Europe, the M35h is highly competitively priced at a margin over the equivalent diesel M30d of just €1500 (depending on market).

“The Infiniti M35h proves that hybrids can be fast as well as frugal,” said Tim Pollard, associate editor of the UK's CAR Magazine. “At Santa Pod you could feel the instant torque of the electric motor away from standstill – the car just leapt off the line. I did try changing gear manually, but it was fastest left in automatic. That was when we achieved the fastest single run of 13.8960 seconds.”

“But what impressed most was the M's duality of purpose: it might be quick, but it's also comfy and very easy to drive. It felt like it could do these runs all week long.”

The record run, in the presence of an adjudicator from Guinness World Records®, was the idea of Infiniti’s Communications department to correspond with the start of sales of the innovative new hybrid. They had no trouble enticing Tim into the driving seat. The point behind the exercise which can be watched at www.carmagazine.co.uk was to show that the M35h’s 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 5.5 seconds – itself the fastest time listed for a full hybrid – was just one facet of the car’s overall Inspired Performance. The standing 400m (quarter mile), an iconic acceleration test the world over, is a more demanding challenge than 0-100km/h and offers a more complete picture of a car’s acceleration.

The M35h’s result in the 13-second area puts the latest Infiniti among the performance aristocracy – a fact which may surprise when it is considered that the car is a near 5m-long four-door five-seater with as much of an emphasis on luxury, comfort and equipment as driving pleasure.

With its famous curves – themselves the focus of Infiniti’s new television campaign – providing the M’s signature muscular stance, the M35h is powered by a potent and high-revving petrol V6 engine complemented by a 68PS (50kW) electric motor, one of the most powerful in production. The first application of new-generation Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology, the total system power output of 364PS (268kW) goes to the rear wheels in a two-clutch system that maximises both performance and efficiency while allowing the car to run in electric-only mode at speeds as high as 120km/h.

Guinness World Records® (GWR) was at Santa Pod to witness the record attempt and ensure Infiniti’s new benchmark for full hybrids takes its place among the record-breakers on the GWR website. The M35h’s Inspired Performance is also in line to feature in the 2013 edition of the famous Guinness Book of Records.

The all-new Infiniti M range, developed to take on cars like the BMW 5-series and Jaguar XF in the demanding European marketplace, is currently the only sedan in its class in Europe to be available in petrol, diesel and hybrid forms.

The Infiniti M35h and the hybrid system it uses form a key part of Infiniti’s plan to boost sales in Europe with a goal to reach 10% of the luxury sector by 2016.

Infiniti has revealed its fastest ever vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a crossover designed with the help of Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel.

The Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version is a tweaked version of the Nissan-owned brand's V8 FX50S Premium, with additions including improved power, lower weight, a derestricted top speed and stiffened suspension.

The changes have transformed the FX into what Infiniti describes as the 'most exclusive crossover ever made', with a top speed of 300km/h...

Infiniti, the global luxury automotive brand from Japan, announced today a marketing agreement with Formula One World Champions, Red Bull Racing Renault, covering the 2011 and 2012 F1 seasons. Leveraging the co-operative power of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, a unique triumvirate has been created with Red Bull Racing, focused on high-profile marketing and technical activities around Formula One.

As part of the agreement, Infiniti will have a high-profile branding presence on the racing car, drivers clothing and related team uniforms and equipment. In addition to the branding and marketing relationship, Infiniti will work with Renault to forge future technical collaboration with Red Bull Racing. The Red Bull Racing team will continue to utilise the Renault F1 engines in 2011 and 2012 that powered them to their maiden Formula One World Championships last season.

Commenting on this historic announcement for Infiniti, Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President, Infiniti said: “Over the mid-term, Infiniti will be simultaneously expanding its global presence and broadening its product range. Given these twin ambitions, it is clear that Formula One offers us an unrivalled global communications platform, complementing Infiniti’s ethos of Inspired Performance. We are excited to have the opportunity to enter Formula One together with a world-class team like Red Bull Racing Renault.”

Red Bull Racing’s Team Principal Christian Horner, who was instrumental in pulling the agreement together, said: “Red Bull has always taken a different approach, so when the Infiniti executives outlined their innovative plan to us we were very open to working with them. Coming off the back of our 2010 Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships, we feel even more excited to be starting the 2011 season with a new and committed partner like Infiniti.”

Bernard Rey, President of Renault Sport F1 further endorsed the new deal: “While Renault is rightfully very proud of our achievements within Formula One, we know the future is about collaboration. To have a talented and committed Alliance partner like Infiniti is very welcome as we set out on the current and future challenges in Formula One. So it is with great pleasure that I would like to welcome Andy Palmer and his entire team in our Formula One adventure, and I look forward to starting the 2011 season together as Alliance partners.”

About Renault Sport F1
Renault Sport F1 is the motorsport department responsible for Renault’s F1 activities. Renault Sport F1 has multiple roles, as engine conceptor, technology and business-to-business opportunities supplier for three F1 teams this season. The main thrust of its work takes place at Viry-Châtillon, traditionally the technical hub of Renault’s F1 activities: engines have been conceived, developed, and tested here for more than 30 years.

Infiniti today releases the first images of its concept car for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Called ETHEREA, it is a compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look.

The pictures show an evolving Infiniti identity along with a profile distinctly different from anything currently available in the premium compact class.

“ETHEREA is about a new type of luxury for younger buyers,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is not just a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car.”

Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.

At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements.

Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

The ETHEREA makes its world debut on the Infiniti stand (Hall 1, Booth 1030) at 12:15 CET on Tuesday 1 March 2011.

Infiniti’s high-technology approach to safety is recognised today with the presentation in Geneva of the Euro NCAP Advanced Award for road safety innovation. One of just 11 awards so far made by the independent crash test consortium, it recognizes the potentially life-saving benefits of Infiniti’s Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system – and the luxury maker’s drive to include it in as many models in the range as possible.

LDP helps drivers return the vehicle to its travelling lane by giving a warning and then making a dynamic intervention if an unintended departure out of that lane – through drowsiness or inattention – is likely. With lane drift resulting in a large proportion of accidents involving fatal and/or serious injuries, Infiniti predicts that around 5000 deaths a year in Europe could be prevented if LDP were fitted to every vehicle.

“At Infiniti we believe cutting-edge technology such as LDP can improve people’s lives and to have Euro NCAP’s endorsement of that is very gratifying,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit.

“This award will ensure we redouble our efforts not just to introduce more advanced safety technologies but to make them available to as many of our customers as possible. Technology alone is not enough if it is left to languish on an options list.”

A high performance V6 sports sedan with a hybrid half that makes motoring with zero tailpipe emissions more pleasurable than ever is set to headline on the Infiniti stand at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The production-ready Infiniti M35h stands out for all the best reasons, not least the fact that the first European deliveries are set to start next Spring when Infiniti will offer luxury sedan buyers a choice of V6 petrol, V6 diesel and V6 petrol/electric hybrid powertrain options.

They will confirm why Infiniti has dubbed the M35h “the driver’s hybrid” for its high power output, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology and strong rear-wheel drive bias to looks and driving feel:

• Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds*
• CO2 emissions: less than 170 g/km*
• Top speed (limited): 250 km/h*
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.3 l/100km (38.6 mpg)*
(*All figures subject to final homologation)

The M35h can cruise on electric power alone at a constant 80 km/h on a level highway. Electric mode only can be utilised at speeds as high as 140 km/h on a trailing throttle. In slow-moving traffic the M35h can silently glide on electric propulsion for up to 2 km. Tests have shown that, in mixed diving, the M35h is able to drive in electric only mode for as much as 50% of the time.

On sale across Europe from spring 2011 (depending on country), the M35h joins the petrol M37 and diesel M30d as a unique three-way offering in the European executive car market. Prices and specifications will be announced in the new year.

Infiniti’s passion for cars - and the art, craft and technology that goes into making them so special – is given full rein at the Paris Motor Show with the debut of the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G Cabrio Concept.

Infiniti’s most seductive car, appropriately unveiled in one of Europe’s most romantic cities, builds on the fine looks and sporting nature of the production G Cabrio to raise the temperature in the luxury cabriolet stakes.

Resplendent in new Malbec Black – a pearlescent black paint with red hints - and Monaco Red leather interior complemented by unique new cabin inlays inspired by the finessed craftsmanship of samurai armour, the ultimate G Cabrio in concept form is a bespoke and very exclusive fulfilment of Infiniti design values.

As well as previewing a dramatic new look and classically luxurious cabin, the world’s sexiest four-seat cabriolet with electric folding hard-top – probably – provides a tantalising vision of a new range of Infiniti models to extend the Japanese brand’s reach further into the performance car market.

The IPL G Cabrio Concept shares many of the IPL G Coupé’s enhancements, all carefully calculated to take the Infiniti experience up a level. The IPL brief is to redefine total vehicle performance, so while power, acceleration and handling all benefit, so do more emotive aspects like the sound of the engine, the look of the details and the feel of the materials.

A decision on launching IPL Infinitis in Europe will be taken later after reaction to the IPL G Cabrio Concept has been considered.

The Infiniti FX Line of performance crossovers might already be one of the rarest and best equipped cars in its class but this has not stopped customers demanding an even more exclusive version. Infiniti is responding with very special, limited production versions of the FX37S and FX50S to be called, simply, the FX Limited Edition.

The FX Limited Edition will be rare indeed. Availability has been strictly limited to just 100 units across Western Europe, of which only 18 will be coming to the UK. All will be individually numbered. Based on the already dramatic looking FX37S and FX50S, the FX Limited Edition features striking Black Obsidian ‘Scratch Guard’ paintwork as standard, with equally distinctive Moonlight White pearl metallic available as an option. Specially commissioned 21 inch ‘Turbine’ design alloy wheels are finished in dark Graphite. The radiator grille, side air vents and roof rails are similarly coordinated.

The interior of the FX Limited Edition is beautifully crafted with many unique enhancements. Opening one of the doors reveals illuminated ‘Infiniti’ entry guards and a carefully co-ordinated combination of the finest materials, including supple Graphite leather upholstered seats, upper door panels and dashboard with contrasting stitching, and a luxurious Alcantara® headlining. Genuine Carbon fibre is used extensively on the dashboard, centre console and door panels, replacing the standard ‘cello flame maple wood veneer.

Completing the FX Limited Edition’s comprehensive standard specification, Infiniti’s state-of-the-art Connectiviti+ technology package provides a fully integrated navigation, communication and entertainment system including an 11-speaker Bose® Premium Sound System, the Michelin Guide, full iPod connectivity and a 10GB music box with Gracenotes database. An option on the standard FX37S, this is joined on both the V6 and V8 engined Limited Editions by Infiniti’s unique Around View Monitor.

The FX Limited Edition is available for reservation now via an Infiniti Centre. Pricing starts at £55,855 for the 320PS, V6 engined FX37S rising to £62,035 for the 390PS, V8 powered FX50S.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo has long been the king of the fast 4x4 club, but that position has come under threat recently. To find out if it's still the best, autocar.co.uk pitted it against the 547bhp BMW X6 M, 503bhp Range Rover Sport Supercharged and 385bhp Infiniti FX50S...

EuroNCAP’s awarding of the maximum five stars to the FX, confirmed today, is an endorsement of the holistic, high-tech approach to safety that Infiniti takes with all its models.

The high-performance luxury crossover from Japan is the first Infiniti ever to face EuroNCAP’s crash barrier – as well as the first luxury SUV to be assessed under this year’s more rigorous new system and therefore the only one to be award five stars under it.

The results – from the world’s most demanding independent crash test organisation – are testament to the engineers’ efforts and the commitment to road safety that’s been at the heart of Infiniti since the company was formed 20 years ago. At Infiniti, dedicated engineering teams are involved from the design stage to ensure every new model not only surpasses all known standards but also leads the way in introducing new safety technologies for the future.

In the tests for 2009, EuroNCAP considers a new “safety assist” element in determining star ratings. The FX recorded a remarkable 99% – a reflection of both its highly advanced safety systems and the fact that the majority of them are standard in every version.

In this safety assist category, EuroNCAP awarded the FX extra points for its standard stability control system, seat-belt reminders for all seats and its driver-set speed limiter – all features present in every FX. But the luxury marque’s holistic approach to safety means EuroNCAP could have taken many more driver aids into account besides: for example the FX’s standard seat-belt pretensioners that act to grip the front seat occupants under fast manoeuvres, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic driving position system, intelligent all-wheel drive and adaptive front lighting system with Xenon headlights.

On the FX50S, the standard intelligent cruise control and brake assist, Around View Monitor, Rear Active Steer and tyre pressure monitoring are all equally designed to assist the driver in ensuring that all occupants, and other road users, stay safe.

This array of often world-first technology is a large step towards Infiniti’s goal of an invisible bubble of protection all around the vehicle. Known as Safety Shield, it is the subject of ongoing development for all models in the Infiniti range and is a key factor in Infiniti’s aim to reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents involving Infiniti vehicles.

Drawing on the resources of Infiniti’s parent group and based on analysis of real-world accidents, Safety Shield integrates the safety systems in order to manage all accident phases, from risk identification to post-crash. Infiniti engineers believe a safe car is not just one that performs well in crash tests, but also one that helps the driver avoid the accident in the first place.

Many of the Safety Shield technologies are available today, many more are coming soon, including systems designed to help prevent collisions in lane-change and reversing situations. Side Collision Prevention uses sensors that constantly measure the distance to, and relative speed of, any vehicle in an adjacent lane approaching from behind. If the driver steers into its path and doesn’t heed the audible and visual alerts, a slight “yaw” effect is generated that brings the car back into the safety of its own lane automatically. In Back-up Collision Prevention, the car will automatically bring itself to a stop if there is a danger of the car reversing into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Technology like this is in addition to a designed-in strength which, according to EuroNCAP, earns its five stars in the FX by effectively minimizing the risk to occupants if an accident should occur. In the crash tests, EuroNCAP awarded the FX 86% for the safety of adult occupants and 77% for the safety of child occupants, both figures demonstrating the integrity of the FX’s construction. Infiniti engineers made the new FX body particularly rigid, 1.6 times more resistant to twisting and 3.4 times more resistant to bending than the previous-generation model.

Also contributing to the FX’s five-star result were its complement of front, side and head airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchorage points in both outer rear seats.

The five-star EuroNCAP Infiniti FX went on sale in the UK in September 2009, with prices from £42,600.

The new Infiniti FX, which first appeared in early 2008 and has now finally gone on sale in the UK. Three models are available, the £42,600 FX37 GT and £44,600 FX37 S both of which are powered by a 3.7-litre V6 engine…

The Infiniti G37 S Coupé has got to be a difficult sell in the UK market. Infiniti, Nissan's up market brand, has been selling cars in the US for a whisker under two decades but, unlike Toyota's rival brand Lexus, Infiniti has only just started selling cars n the UK...

Infiniti, the luxury arm of Nissan, launches officially in the UK one week from today. Aiming to make ownership of the car an "effortless and rewarding experience", the firm will field a line-up of five models ranging from £30,300 to £53,800, including the G37 Coupé, G37 Convertible, G37 saloon, EX37 coupé crossover and the FX line of crossovers...

The UK is getting ready to go 'to Infiniti and beyond' as Nissan's luxury car brand opens its first showroom in the UK. The Japanese firm has revealed that Reading, just 10 minutes from the M4, will become the site for the UK's first Infiniti dealership...

Today we aren’t just road testing a new car; we’re driving a whole new brand. Infiniti has just launched in the UK with its G37 saloon, coupe and convertible; EX37 coupe and FX sports SUV…

2011 Infiniti M Makes Virtual Debut at Concours d’Elegance.

Infiniti today provided an advanced look at the all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury saloon at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This is the third generation of Infiniti’s popular M and the first to be sold across all of Infiniti’s 32 markets around the world, including Western Europe.

Like the current Infiniti M, the next-generation design will be offered with V8 and V6 engines. The 2011 M models will be designated the Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37 respectively, reflecting their more powerful, larger displacement engines. For Western Europe, the M56 will be replaced by a V6 performance diesel.

The 2011 Infiniti M also features a completely redesigned body, with authentic sports saloon proportions and evocative new styling with a low front end and deeply sculpted fenders inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car. The new M interior promises to be pure Infiniti, highlighted by the use of innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. Despite improved performance from the new engine line-up, fuel consumption will be reduced. In addition, the 2011 M will continue Infiniti’s technology innovation leadership with an industry-first Side-Collision Prevention (SCP) system. The SCP system is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected during an intended lane change, and then help avoid a potential collision by assisting the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.

The 2011 Infiniti M which is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from Spring 2010, was revealed through a unique “video mapping” process, in which a “virtual M” was created on a 3D form. It is the world’s first “virtual only” (no physical vehicle) automotive application of this cutting-edge technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will make its official public debut later this year.

The one question: “What’s your story?” led to the inclusion of the
Infiniti brand story in CoolBrands the Guru Book

Infiniti is for the first time among the 50 brands featured in the annual international edition of CoolBrands the Guru Book.

CoolBrands the Guru Book comes out on a yearly basis and features a selection of the best stories found within brands worldwide. Maarten Schäfer and Anouk Pappers travel the world to find the most interesting and cool stories behind brands, which are usually to be found with the proud brand owners. The best stories that are differentiating and with a wow-factor are included in the book.

Anouk Pappers, co-founder of the CoolBrands concept: “We met Andreas Sigl from Infiniti at the Paris Motorshow last October and listened to his story. What struck us is the fact that a company launches a new car brand in Europe, especially in the current times. This is in itself something that deserves a lot of respect. And then the way in which Infiniti does branding and communication. They develop smart and brave marketing, which is very uncommon for a car brand. And they have sought partnerships with a selection of affinity brands, like Louis Vuitton, Bell & Ross and Relais & Châteaux. They don’t go for the masses, Infiniti has defined a very specific target group which makes the marque a challenger brand and therefore makes it attractive for this target group.”

Andreas Sigl, Infiniti General Manager, Global Brand Innovation: “Unique customers want a brand with a unique story, not the same masstige product their neighbor is driving. We offer a Japanese performance brand with a human touch – a different story from the “sea of sameness”. We’re very proud to see our efforts being recognized by CoolBrands.”

Maarten Schäfer, co-founder of the CoolBrands concept: “The Infiniti story is an interesting case that can be helpful for other CEOs and CMOs, marketing professionals and students, the main target groups of the CoolBrands concept.”

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (May 13, 2009) – When it comes to recommending a vehicle to a friend or relative, no vehicle tops the 2009 Infiniti G37, according to a study announced by automotive research firm AutoPacific. With a 95% recommendation factor by its owners, the Infiniti G37 registered the highest percentage of recommendations of all vehicles, car or truck, in AutoPacific’s survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars and trucks in the period from September to December 2008. The G37 was also named as the top recommended “Aspirational Luxury Car.”

“Positive word-of-mouth is something that comes right from the heart of the vehicle experience, which is why we’re so pleased to be recognized as the ‘most recommended’ new vehicle,” said Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti.

The 2009 Infiniti G37 is currently offered in two body styles, G Coupe and G Sedan, each powered by a refined 3.7-liter V6 engine and offering an array of performance, luxury and technology features. An all-new G37 Convertible, with a three-piece power retractable hardtop, will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning in June.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G Coupe, Sedan and first-ever Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV.

About AutoPacific
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. Additional information can be found at www.autopacific.com

The Infiniti G37 Convertible is the latest in the line-up for Nissan’s luxury arm. It’s based on the existing coupé, which is already well established in the US and has recently arrived in Europe.

This is, without any doubt, the best known model in the Infiniti range: the FX. Before the Japanese decided to officially offer this car in Europe...

Nearly a year to the day we told you about Infiniti's plans to make its way to Europe...

• The Infiniti G37 Convertible – design uncompromised.
• Joins the Infiniti Europe range from September 2009.
• “Dual beauty” three-piece folding metal roof.
• 320PS, 3.7-litre V6 with choice of 6MT and 7AT transmissions.
• Available latest generation Infiniti navigation and entertainment system
• Bose® open air sound system with Personal® Speakers mounted in headrest and noise compensation technology.
• Adaptive dual zone climate control system and climate-controlled seats.
• Unique exterior colour and interior trim options.
• Standard rear parking camera and wind break.


Infiniti’s fifth model for Europe, the G37 Convertible, will receive its European debut at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. Arguably Infiniti’s most seductive car yet, the G37 Convertible will go on sale across Europe from September 2009.

As the latest expression of ‘Inspired Performance’ by Infiniti, the G37 Convertible combines beautiful styling, exciting performance and a three-piece retracting hardtop that is designed to look as good with the top up as it does down. This “dual beauty” is a rare event among coupé convertibles and has been the prime motivation during the creation of the G37 Convertible.

The G37 Convertible offers an all-new design from the A-pillar back compared to the G37 Coupé, with extensive structural reinforcements, a wider rear track, modified rear suspension and a special convertible-focused interior with rear pop-up safety bars and available headrest audio speakers, wind deflector and climate controlled front seats.

The G37 Convertible, like its coupe sister, is powered by the 3.7-litre VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 320PS. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The G37 Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather seats, an available Bose® open air sound system that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, roof position and vehicle speed, an adaptive dual zone climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to roof position and vehicle speed, and available climate-controlled seats that provide both heating and cooling functions. Uniquely, a rear parking camera is standard.

The G37 Convertible is also the first car in Infiniti Europe’s range to feature a new and advanced navigation and entertainment system. It includes a high resolution touch screen for the Hard Disk Drive navigation system, full iPod integration, a music store, and DVD playback capability.

The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world’s most demanding car enthusiasts … this is the Infiniti Essence.

Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future.

The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. What Essence is not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself.

This concept embodies Infiniti’s core values as an inspiration for the future as much a celebration of the past. Essence showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And by steering Infiniti’s guiding principle of “Inspired Performance” into the super-performance, super-luxury coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti’s place among the world’s most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

ESSENCE: AN OVERVIEW
• A front-engined, two-seat, 600PS luxury coupe concept, 4.7m long
• First motor show preview of Infiniti’s petrol/electric hybrid drivetrain
• Capable of vast speeds where conditions allow, zero emissions where they don’t
• Rear-wheel drive for maximum driver involvement
• Fresh design language to influence future production models
• Previews new safety technology including Back-up Collision Prevention
• Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
• “New luxury” meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Bespoke Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximise trans-continental capability

Make a date to visit Infiniti at the Geneva Motor Show between 5 and 15 March 2009. It’s your chance to see the latest line up of Infiniti’s mould-breaking vehicles.

Following on from our much-anticipated European launch in Geneva in 2008, Infiniti will once again be creating a stir in Switzerland with the unveiling of our new G37 Convertible and a radical new concept car.

The G37 Convertible is the first-ever Infiniti convertible for Europe, combining seductive looks and uncompromising performance. Almost unique in its class, it is as beautiful with the top up as it is with it down. With orders being taken from May 2009 for first delivery in late 2009 in selected European markets. Sign up to our eNewsletter, Infiniti Insider, for more details.

Discover how Infiniti is redefining luxury driving and view the EX37, FX and G37 Coupé – visit us at Stand 1030 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Infiniti will show visitors to the 2009 International Geneva Motor Show the essence of its brand in one dramatic concept car. A celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars, the powerful concept will also be an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future.

Produced in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, the Infiniti Essence will be revealed on March 3, 2009.

Infiniti, the luxury car company from Japan, has announced its collaboration with Louis Vuitton, the French luxury brand, for the creation of a bespoke set of luggage for a concept car to be revealed at the 2009 International Geneva Motor Show next month.

The dramatic concept will be a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it will be an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future.

For Louis Vuitton, this collaboration is the latest in a long heritage of designing custom luggage for special automobiles.

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