Infiniti adds first ever diesel engine to its Euro range

Infiniti adds first ever diesel engine to its Euro range

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury marque, is a young brand in the European scene, and is currently still in the process of creating brand awareness and starting up operations. Infiniti’s current Euro range consists of its crossovers and the G family of cars, but to make proper inroads in Europe, one needs a diesel, and for a brand which counts America and the Middle East as main markets, Infiniti has none, until now.

Calling it “phase two of the quiet assault on the European luxury car market” Infiniti has developed a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, the first in the brand’s 20 year history. It will initially be available in both the EX and FX crossovers and the M large sedan, which will make its debut this year. “Although we did investigate the possibility of adapting an existing large capacity diesel for Infiniti, we quickly established that nothing on the market met our exacting requirements,” said Jim Wright, VP of Infiniti Europe.

Designated V9X, the new V6 diesel is built in France and will also be used in Renault and Nissan cars. The direct injection Euro 5 engine produces 235 bhp and class-leading torque output of 550 Nm. As a comparison, BMW’s 3.0d engine makes 245 bhp and 540 Nm. Peak torque is achieved from 1,750 rpm all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm is available from just 1,500 rpm. Infiniti says that idle speed is exceptionally low at 650 rpm “with none of the NVH usually associated with a diesel”. It will be paired to a seven-speed auto standard on both crossovers.

Interestingly, Infiniti did not use aluminium or cast iron for the engine block, but Compacted Graphite Iron. CGI is said to offer all the benefits of cast iron and more – it has higher levels of stiffness and noise absorption – but without the weight penalty. And while CGI is heavier than a pure aluminium block, Infiniti says there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra sound deadening material so the weight gain is comparatively modest. The V9X has the lowest vibrations of all benchmarked engines, according to the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

To adapt the EX and FX to the diesel engine, they get new front subframes, different front bumper designs to enhance air flow as well as redesigned sheet metal within the engine bay to house additional radiators.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • NiceCar (Member) on Feb 22, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    Even the hybrid car is the trend, but for certain vehicle lke SUV, they still prefer diesel engine with provide bigger torque at low rpm.

    This car so big, if drive in M'sia, even make a u-turn may take hald an hrs.. hee..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • raybrig on Feb 22, 2010 at 5:57 pm

    Tan Chong, any ideas that you will bring Infiniti models into our Malaysian market?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Royal Academy of on Feb 22, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    good job

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • The Royal Academy of on Feb 22, 2010 at 6:24 pm

    good job infiniti…beat lexus!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 1st!!!!!!!!!

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  • “phase two of the quiet assault on the European luxury car market”

    Lexus is trying to "assault" the European luxury car market since 20yrs ago and they are continuously failing to reach that goal.

    Lexus and Infinity are perfect cars for 110km/h land, not for autobahn country…. :D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • japanesecarsucks on Feb 23, 2010 at 2:53 am

    Another fuel guzzler that is not friendly to environment.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mazda 3 MPS on Feb 23, 2010 at 6:52 am

    no more shift the future?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mokkf82 on Feb 23, 2010 at 9:26 pm

    Doesn't mean the car is Diesel and it's not environmental friendly. Europe are now using higher quality diesel which is better than most of the petrol vehicle here. No affect to environment and consumption too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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