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  • Infiniti to unveil electric sports car concept in Geneva

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 3 comments

    Infiniti has revealed the first two teaser images of what it calls a highly advanced, range-extending electric sports car concept, which it will unveil in Geneva next March.

    The basis of its creation, Infiniti says, is to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars, but the company isn’t saying anything else beyond that, so looks like it’ll have to wait until it gets closer to the Swiss show for more details on the new offering to come about.

     

  • Nissan to build Infiniti vehicles in China as early as 2012, to also locate new global headquarters in Hong Kong

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 10 comments

    Nissan says it will begin manufacturing Infiniti-brand vehicles in China as early as next year, according to a report, and in doing so, it will become the first Japanese automaker to produce luxury cars there. A Hubei Province factory owned by Nissan joint venture Dongfeng Motor is being considered as a candidate site for the plant.

    The company is looking to take Infiniti, which sold about 146,000 units globally in 2010, to a new level in the next five years – it hopes to shift more than 500,000 units by 2016. By then, China will likely become the number one market for Infiniti, surpassing the US.

    The brand is also locating its new global headquarters in Hong Kong; the new corporate facility is slated to begin operations in April next year. With the brand’s growth strategy expected to be driven partly by demand in China and other fast-growing Asian markets, it says that everything will be served more effectively by consolidating its global downstream functions in Hong Kong.

    About 100 staff, currently handling market research, sales strategies and A&P, and located in Japan, the US and Europe, will be integrated in Hong Kong when the office opens. Nissan says it is also looking at gradually shifting product planning there, to reflect local preferences in its products.

    Along with this transfer, the report adds that Nissan will abandon its practice of making all of its luxury vehicles in Japan. Infiniti vehicles are currently manufactured at plants in Tochigi and Fukuoka prefectures, with a combined capacity at slightly more than 200,000 units. Nissan says it will maintain its domestic capacity, but is set to launch overseas production to keep up with a growing demand.

     

  • Infiniti to expand partnership with Red Bull Racing

    In Cars, Formula 1, Infiniti / By / / 3 comments

    Infiniti, which opened its second ASEAN outlet here in KL last week, announced at the Korean GP that it will expand its partnership with the Red Bull Racing F1 team for the 2012 season, seven months after the partnership began.

    Next season will see more prominent Infiniti branding on the RBR F1 cars, with enhanced logos on the side of the chassis and cockpit top of the next generation car. Elsewhere, the Infiniti name and logo will also be expanded to new areas on the drivers’ overalls and team equipment.

    Additionally, Infiniti and RBR is set to increase the global and market leverage of their partnership through more marketing and media activities throughout the year. The company will also continue to build on its personal agreement with Sebastian Vettel, who has already worked on several projects with it, including the launch of the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel concept in Frankfurt in September.

     

  • Infiniti opens new KL showroom, unveils range – EX and FX crossovers, M Sedan and G Coupe, RM380k to RM435k

    In Cars, Infiniti, Local News / By / / 49 comments

    The Malaysian auto market welcomes a new brand today in Infiniti. Nissan’s luxury marque is distributed here by Inspired Motor Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) and Auto Dunia. ETCM is of course the company representing Nissan in Malaysia.

    Malaysia becomes the second country in ASEAN to welcome Infiniti, the first being Indonesia. The brand, birthed in 1989 and focused on North America, is undergoing a major global expansion drive over the next two years. Infiniti cars are now sold in 15 countries. Their target is to capture 5% of Malaysia’s luxury segment by 2016.

    Mr Toru Saito, Infiniti’s Corporate VP, along with ETCM bosses opened the 8,000 sq ft Infiniti Center this evening. Located at Chulan Square along Jalan Raja Chulan, the IREDI (Infiniti Retail Environment Design Initiative) showroom is at a high visibility junction opposite Porsche and Audi across the road. It’s hard to miss.

    The brand greets Malaysia with a four-car range including two crossovers, a sedan and a coupe. The entry model is the EX crossover, priced at RM380,000. Next up is the sexy G Coupe at RM415,000, which is RM10k cheaper than the M saloon, which costs RM425,000. The range topper is of course the attention grabbing FX crossover at RM435,000. There’s a GT Premium optional pack for the EX and FX, costing RM15k and RM35k respectively.

    All four models are in “37″ spec, meaning that they share the same 3.7-litre V6 engine with 320 hp and 360 Nm at 5,200 rpm. This 24-valve DOHC unit boasts low friction molybdenum coated pistons, microfinished camshafts, CVTC at both intake and exhaust and Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL).

    The V6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control and Drive Sport mode. The manual mode has what Infiniti calls Downshift Rev Matching, DRM.

    The fastest of the bunch is of course the G Coupe, which does 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Fellow rear-driven M saloon isn’t far behind at 6.2 seconds, so gung-ho Golf GTIs better not initiate traffic light GPs. Both top out at 250 km/h.

    The two AWD crossovers are bulkier, and slower, but still duck under seven seconds. The EX’s figures are 6.4 seconds/240 km/h while the large FX does 6.8s and 235 km/h.

    Equipment lists are very long across the board. The FX, for instance, comes with 20-inch wheels, HID with AFS, moonroof, intelligent key, powered tailgate, heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt down, scratch shield paint, quilted leather, 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, 2GB Music Box, Bluetooth audio streaming, Fine Vision gauges, 7-inch colour MID, rear view monitor, tyre pressure monitor (TPMS) and magnesium shift paddles, among other kit.

    Sat in the M and was surprised to find Bose speakers integrated within the front seats!

    Welcome to Malaysia, Infiniti. Full gallery after the jump.
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  • Infiniti EX and FX models spotted at JPJ Putrajaya

    In Cars, Infiniti, Local News, Spyshots / By / / 33 comments

    It seems we have more news from Putrajaya. Reader Akmal spotted two Infiniti models at JPJ Putrajaya. As mentioned before, Nissan’s luxury brand will be making an entry into Malaysia by the fourth quarter of this year along with an Infiniti Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Auto Dunia is the franchise holder and the Infiniti Centre will be operated by Inspired Motor which is a joint venture between Auto Dunia and Edaran Tan Chong Motor.

    The dark red model we have here is the Infiniti EX which is a compact crossover SUV that is positioned below the FX range. Several models are available including the EX37 and the EX25 which is sold in China only. There is also a diesel variant called the EX30d. From the images, we can’t really tell which variant this vehicle is but it could likely be the EX37.

    The EX37 uses a 3.7 litre V6 petrol engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift or VVEL. It makes 316hp and comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode in the UK. Torque is set at 360Nm at 5,200 rpm. 0-100km/h takes 6.4 seconds while top speed is 240km/h.

    The larger of the two is the Infiniti FX which is categorized as a mid-sized crossover SUV. This model is also available as an FX37, FX30d or as an FX50. Our guess would also be that the FX37 will be offered here. As the name suggests, it also uses the same 3.7 litre V6 and gearbox combo offered with the EX37. Power is also the same at 316hp and 360Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. However 0-100km/h takes a little slower, 6.8 seconds to be exact and top speed is 233km/h.

    Continue reading to view more images.
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  • Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Concept – input by the champ

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 9 comments

    You are looking at the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel version, said to be designed by, and built for, the reigning Formula 1 world champion. It will make its debut in concept form at the upcoming Frankfurt show, and will be revealed by none other than Vettel himself, who is also Infiniti Global Brand Ambassador.

    The Vettel-badged FX is the lightest, fastest and most aerodynamic FX yet, “reflecting the World Champion’s desire for a 300 km/h Crossover that he can drive on his home country’s derestricted Autobahn,” according to Infiniti.

    Based on the recently facelifted range topping V8-powered FX50S Premium, the FX Sebastian Vettel features changes to engine, suspension and body, with key aerodynamic enhancements implemented with input from Red Bull Racing. The one-off model also has an interior personalised to Seb’s taste.

    More pics after the jump.
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  • No more teasing, Infiniti JX Concept is now fully revealed

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 18 comments

    We’ve had few rounds of teasers already, so here’s the full monty. The Infiniti JX Concept has been revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance by Nissan Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. While it looks like one, this is not the production version – that one will debut at the LA show at the end of this year.

    “The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover.

    “From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment,” Nakamura san beamed.

    The JX is a three-row seven-seater SUV slotting between Infiniti’s sporty FX crossover and the jumbo QX. Nissan’s luxury brand says that the production JX will offer class-leading roominess and “exceptionally easy” third row access.

    “With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the second row while getting in or out of the third row – just one example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility. The third row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of second row forward-back adjustability,” said Infiniti Americas VP Ben Poore.

    It will be V6 powered, with a choice of FWD or AWD. The transmission will be a “sport tuned” CVT that mimics a stepped transmission when Sport mode is engaged. Specs and details will come later.

    Feature wise, the JX will debut Backup Collision Intervention. With BCI, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing objects behind the vehicle and will automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision, if necessary. Sounds like Volvo’s Pedestrian Detection system in the S60, but for the rear.

    Other niceties include a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system with Waveguide bass tech, Infiniti Connection Telematics system that can automatically synch the owner’s calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments, as well as Infiniti Personal Assistant, the new personal concierge service with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants.

    More pics after the jump.
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  • Infiniti JX Concept – teaser image number six released

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 5 comments


    Click to enlarge image

    Infiniti has released the sixth (and we presume final) teaser image of its upcoming JX Concept, which will be fully unveiled three days from now at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It shows the front grill and headlamps.

    The pic before this was a full shot of the rear, which is in line with the Infiniti look seen on the just facelifted FX. Previous images show partially the front three quarter view, revealing the headlights and profile lines. Another shows a distinctive kink at the D-pillar area. We’ve also seen a close up shot of the LED tail lamps.

    The JX, which slots in between the five seater FX and jumbo sized QX, is set for production and will join the Infiniti range in Spring 2012. The production car will debut at the LA show at the end of this year.

    Nissan’s luxury marque promises “a stunning interior” with “exceptional seating flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle technology – including next-generation telematics”. View the other pieces of the jigsaw puzzle after the jump.
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  • Infiniti releases fifth JX concept teaser – a full rear shot

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 5 comments


    Click to enlarge image

    This is the fifth teaser image released by Infiniti of its upcoming luxury crossover. A seven seater called the JX Concept, it will be unveiled at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18.

    Previous images show partially the front three quarter view, revealing the long headlights and profile lines. Another shows a distinctive kink at the D-pillar area. We’ve also seen a close up shot of the LED tail lamps. This latest pic fully shows the JX’s rear end, which is in line with the Infiniti look seen on the FX, which has just been facelifted.

    More than just a concept, the JX, which slots in between the five seater FX and jumbo sized QX, is set for production and will join the Infiniti range in Spring 2012. The production car will debut at the LA show at the end of this year.

    Nissan’s luxury marque promises “a stunning interior” with “exceptional seating flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle technology – including next-generation telematics”.

    View the previously released teasers after the jump.
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  • Infiniti FX crossover gets facelift and Limited Edition

    In Cars, Infiniti, International News / By / / 9 comments

    The Infiniti FX, one of the most bold looking cars on sale, gets a facelift. The most obvious change is up front, where the FX wears a new grille inspired by the Infiniti Essence Concept from Geneva 2009. There’s also newly designed alloy wheels. Inside the “command center-style cockpit”, heated seats are now standard across the range, while the Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges has a more pronounced white appearance.

    Here’s one interesting feature we found – an automatic driving position system. This moves the steering wheel and wing mirrors adaptively into the correct position when the seat is adjusted, allowing the driver to change the seat position and keep the same mirror viewpoint and relationship between the steering column and driver’s shoulder position.

    The FX comes with two engine options, a 5.0-litre V8 with 390 hp and 500 Nm and a 3.5-litre V6 with 303 hp and 355 Nm. Both are mated to a 7-speed auto with manual shift mode, Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control. Solid magnesium paddle are thrown in with the Sport Package.

    Based upon the Infiniti FX35 AWD variant, the Limited Edition features an exclusive Iridium Blue exterior colour, 21-inch 10-spoke graphite finish wheels (with 265/45 V-rated all-season tyres), dark tinted headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim.

    Other LE features include aluminum roof rails/roof rail crossbars with graphite finish, aluminum pedals, graphite floor mats with unique blue piping, Infiniti Hard Drive Navi and Around View Monitor.

    Infiniti, which is coming to Malaysia later this year, will be debuting a new seven-seat crossover called JX soon, read about that one here.

    Gallery after the jump.
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