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Infiniti is planning to enter new territories by introducing an all-new 7-seater luxury crossover designated the JX. Teased here in a blurry sketch, the mid-size model will be shown in concept form at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August, and in production guise at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, before going on sale in the U.S. in spring 2012 as a 2013 model.

“The all-new Infiniti JX crossover will allow us to continue to expand the Infiniti brand’s presence in the Americas,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas.

One by one, automakers are revealing their plans for the upcoming 2011 New York International Auto Show. This time we have news from Nissan and its luxury division Infiniti. Starting with Nissan, the Japanese firm will debut a “new compact sedan” and a “new, zero emission motorsports concept”. While we have don’t have any information yet on the concept study, from what we know, the compact sedan will be the next generation of the Versa that was teased in an official sketch back in late 2010.

Infiniti has rolled out the 2011 FX in Europe. For the new model year, the Japanese firm’s SUV gains new convenience and safety features along with new color and trim combinations, while keeping the same engine range, which includes two petrol units and a diesel option. Read more »

To answer your first question, no, Infiniti is not going to compete in a European rally. What the company is doing is to supply a G37 Coupe S as a safety car for the Rallies Championship of Spain. The so-called ‘Infiniti Work Car Zero’ began its duties in the Rally of Villajoyosa on April 1. It is based on the G37 Coupe with power coming from an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 320HP and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of torque at 7,000 rpm, and is linked to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Infiniti Car Zero is very close to standard specification with only a few modifications necessary for rally duty, such as the Vimesa roll bar, Bilstein dampers, Galfer brake pads, additional lights , siren, communications equipment and a GPS.

Sparco supplied the racing seats and seatbelts, the fire extinguishing system and equipment for the drivers. Finally, the car rides on high performance Michelin Pilot SuperSport tires.

2011 Infiniti EX Reviews

2011 Infiniti EX .The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti's press release.

As luxury crossovers go, the 2011 Infiniti EX (formerly the EX35) inhabits a small niche. The EX's wheelbase is just 2 inches longer and its ride height 1 inch taller than the Infiniti G37 sedan that underpins it. For 2011 the EX also gets a new exterior look, with 18-inch wheels standard on both trim levels. For 2011, the EX also features a blind-spot warning system.

The 2011 Infiniti EX is a five-passenger crossover luxury wagon available in base and Journey trim levels. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, automatic headlamps, foglights, cruise control, keyless ignition/entry, heated outside mirrors, automatic dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped wheel, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats (heated on AWD models), leather upholstery, two-tone cabin treatments, a rearview camera and a six-speaker stereo with a single-CD player, satellite radio and a USB jack.

The EX Journey adds a sunroof, power-adjustable steering column, heated front seats, wood interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an in-dash six-CD changer.
The Deluxe Touring package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlamps, driver memory functions, an eight-way power passenger seat, a power-folding backseat and upgraded interior trim. The Technology package offers lane-departure warning and prevention systems, adaptive cruise control, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning and a blind-spot warning system.

The 2011 Infiniti EX is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Fuel economy estimates are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined for both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive models.

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In performance brake testing, the EX stopped from 60 mph in 118 feet, a very good result for this class.
Both trim levels offer high-quality leather, with aluminum (base) or maple (Journey) interior trim complementing the soft lines and pleasing contours.

The 2011 Infiniti EX is a treat to drive, even if you don't like sport-utility vehicles. That's because the EX is really more of a sport sedan with a tall ride height.

While limited cargo and passenger space means the 2011 Infiniti EX isn’t a great family car, reviewers say that its sporty performance, stylish looks and classy interior will please just about everyone but parents.

Edmunds calls the EX “one of the best-driving entries in the growing compact luxury crossover segment.” Though less roomy than competitors, the Infiniti EX is still a great value. For buyers who don’t need the world’s most practical SUV, the EX is a sporty choice among luxury compact SUVs. If you’re a driving enthusiast who needs more cargo space than Infiniti’s G sedan provides, reviewers say the EX is a great choice.

The 2011 Infiniti EX35 comes in base and Journey trims. With either trim, the EX has standard rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.

Usually, it’s Nissan owners that want to upgrade to a model from sister company Infiniti, but in this case, it’s the other way around. Found for sale in Quebec by Carscoop reader Caroline is this Nissan GT-R wannabe based on the Infiniti G35 Coupe. From what we can tell, the owner’s budget dried out after he or she finished the front end that now resembled the R35 with a bespoke grille and front bumper assembly. Read more »

Infiniti continues to expand its reach around the world and has now confirmed plans to begin sales of its range of sedans, coupes and crossovers in Australia from the third quarter of 2012. The introduction in Australia follows the presentation of the premium brand in the UK, Western Europe and select Asia Pacific markets.

The Japanese company said it will create Infiniti Centres in each of the three major east coast capitals of the country in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The initial lineup will include the FX sport crossover, G37 hardtop convertible and coupe, and the M luxury sedan.

"As part of Infiniti's worldwide expansion, Australia is a mandatory next step for the luxury brand," said Dan Thompson CEO, Infiniti Cars Australia. "In a little more than a year, the promise of luxury vehicles with a unique combination of inspired performance, attentive hospitality and unparalleled quality will become a reality for the Australian market.”

There's no doubt about it, in response to environmental concerns and new fuel economy regulations, hybrids are slowly taking over as the mainstream vehicle of choice. Although the luxury hybrid market is only starting to come alive—with the venerable Lexus offerings now standing alongside newer contestants like the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid—the entrance of the Infiniti M35h marks something special: it's the world's first car to offer good fuel economy, incredible performance and decadent luxury in one package. Up to this point all luxury hybrids have been full of compromises—with fuel economy taking a back seat to performance.

Is the M35h perfect? I recently had a chance to test drive the M35h ahead of its market availability in April 2011. The M35h is the only car that gets better than 30 mpg on the highway and has 350 horsepower. The U.S. EPA estimates that the M35h will get 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg highway—resulting in a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg. In addition to coaching tools, many hybrids have an "Eco Mode"—or similarly named option—that will adjust the way the vehicle operates to prevent you from pushing too hard on the gas pedal or alter when the car shifts gears to help conserve fuel. The M35h is no exception, proudly sporting an Eco Mode as a main feature.

After driving the M35h for the better part of two hours in Eco Mode my right foot hurt from having to exert extra pressure on the gas pedal. To an M35h driver, the hybrid powertrain provides more power than the lesser-priced M37's V6 engine and is a better performing car. Ignoring the complexities of the argument, most new electric vehicle manufacturers have addressed this issue by including the option for drivers to turn on warning sounds. The M35h can drive in EV mode at speeds up to 60 mph for distances as far as one mile at a time. As the luxury brand of Nissan, Infiniti took the sounds that were developed for the Leaf and incorporated them into the M35h—resulting in what Infiniti says is the first hybrid with built-in pedestrian alert sounds.

The audible warning system is dubbed Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) and creates a variety of distinctive sounds to warn those outside the car that it's headed their way. The noise shifts from high to low frequency depending on the vehicle's speed, and it's loudest when the M35h starts to move to alert those nearby. An intermittent sound is also emitted when the vehicle is reversing. Infiniti's VSP development team worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists to study pedestrian-behavioral patterns and noise pollution in developing appropriate warnings.

With the M35h, Infiniti copied Lexus' idea of designing a hybrid system for performance rather than all out fuel economy. As such, the hybrid uses Infiniti's 3.5-liter V-6 coupled to an electric motor to produce a combined 360 horsepower.

The hybrid system uses a single, 50-kW (67-horsepower) electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery to deliver motive power directly to the seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition to being Infiniti's first hybrid, the M35h is also the world's first hybrid to come standard with pedestrian alert technology. Infiniti is the first automaker to offer such a system, accurately dubbed Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians, as standard on its new hybrid.
When decelerating, the system kicks back in below 15 mph.

‘Remember’ is the name of Infiniti’s new campaign for the 2012 M Hybrid, which is set to launch in the USA in spring of 2011 with prices starting from $53,700. The 31 second spot takes us on a quick journey through the history of hybrids, beginning with the first hybrid car in 1888, to the hybrid patent in 1909, and through the hybrids of the 1970s on to today’s hybrid models including the Lexus GS 450h, which can be seen in the ad parked on the road.

According to Infiniti, the 2012 M Hybrid directly challenges “the notion that you can’t have great performance and great fuel economy” adding that its model is the only car in America that delivers 360 horsepower and 32 miles-per-gallon (highway) – combined fuel economy is rated at 29mpg.

There’s no mention in the commercial on the model that single handedly made hybrids a household word bringing the technology to the masses – we’re talking of course about the first generation Toyota Prius.

Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti aims to double its sales in Europe during the 2011 fiscal year, according to company officials. The expected growth will be fueled not only by the introduction of new models and powertrain options, but also by the expansion of its dealer network.

"In 2011, Western Europe will be somewhere between 7,000 and 8,000 units" said Infiniti Europe Vice President Jim Wright in an interview with Automotive News. That is a substantial increase over the 4,500 units sold in the 2010 fiscal year ending March 31, albeit still not even close to challenging the other premium automakers in Europe (i.e. BMW sold 45,600 cars in January 2011 alone).

The new model year brings some changes to Infiniti’s G37 lineup in Europe that comprises of sedan, coupé and convertible body styles, along with rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive options. For starters, all 2011MY G37s are now equipped as standard with a 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle-shifts. There are also new alloy wheel designs for the Coupé and Cabrio models, a standard rear spoiler on Coupé S versions, and new body colors for all models, including the Malbec Black finish that was first seen on the M sedan. Read more »

No question, the most significant presence at Infiniti's Geneva Motor Show booth is the brand-new Etherea concept study that provides a first glimpse at an upcoming entry-level model will allow the Japanese brand to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. A production version inspired by the Etherea is expected to hit the market by 2014.

The Etherea concept study was designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura who incorporated the design language of the 2009 Essence sports car concept into a five-door body style. According to Infiniti, the Etherea is "part elegant coupé, part spacious sedan, part practical hatchback and even part tall crossover".

Given that Infiniti is making its first steps in Europe, very few tuners in the market have touched the Japanese brand's products. Having said that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that an Infiniti dealer has stepped in to fill the void. In particular, Infiniti Centre Hamburg in Germany has released two tuning packages for the recently launched diesel-powered M30d.

The new 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid will go on sale firm's retailers on March 16, 2011, with a base price of $53,700, or $7,000 more than the regular M37 that's powered by a 330HP 3.7-liter V6, the company announced. Infiniti's first mass produced hybrid model pairs a 306HP 3.5-liter V6 engine to a 50 kW [68HP] electric motor for a combined net output of 360HP and an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg City, 32 mpg Highway, and 29 mpg combined.

2011 Infiniti G37 Review
Essentially what was sport-package front and rear styling is standard for 2011, and the Sport models get a more aggressive look and updated wheels.

Coupe and convertible models receive the same sport-package treatments for 2011, and the fog lights on the 2011 coupes have been relocated to the lower grille openings as they were on the 2010 sedan. All Gs share Infiniti's affinity for wave shapes in the aluminum hoods.

Despite the differences in styling, the Infiniti G sedan, coupe, and convertible have similar exterior dimensions and an identical wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). From the side or three-quarter view the coupe and convertible share a mild family resemblance to the shorter, chunkier Nissan Z-car.

It's slightly wider than the other G models, with a modified rear suspension that allows for the top's power mechanism and stowage space behind the rear seat. The Sport package gives the convertible a special, more aggressive looking grille and front end.

The factory wheel designs for the 2011 Infiniti G models are handsome. The standard 17-inch wheels on sedans feature a new five-spoke, triple-fork design. Essentially what was sport-package front and rear styling is standard for 2011, and the Sport models get a more aggressive look and updated wheels.
Coupe and convertible models receive the same sport-package treatments for 2011, and the fog lights on the 2011 coupes have been relocated to the lower grille openings as they were on the 2010 sedan. Despite the differences in styling, the Infiniti G sedan, coupe, and convertible have similar exterior dimensions and an identical wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). It's slightly wider than the other G models, with a modified rear suspension that allows for the top's power mechanism and stowage space behind the rear seat. The Sport package gives the convertible a special, more aggressive looking grille and front end.

The factory wheel designs for the 2011 Infiniti G models are handsome.
The doors on the two-door models are long and heavy. The "G37 Convertible" comes with an adaptive climate control system that automatically adjusts airflow and fan speed based on top position and road speed. Rear seat space in the G37 Convertible is just as tight. The G37 Convertible offers competitive trunk space when compared with other cars in the class, with 10.3 cubic feet, but only with the roof up. The G37 Convertible comes with an adaptive climate control system that automatically adjusts airflow and fan speed based on top position and road speed. Rear seat space in the G37 Convertible is just as tight.

Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are both available and the engine, a 3.7-liter V6, is more than up to the task. The 2011 G37 is also available with a 7-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

Several thoughtful features converge to make the 2011 Infiniti G37 a veritable powerhouse. A 6-speed manual transmission is also available. Sport models get key enhancements like limited slip differentials and stiffer suspensions.

The front seats are undeniably comfortable; the feasibility of seating three people in the backseat, however, is a bit low.
Despite the fact that the 2011 Infiniti G37 is a sedan that, in theory, seats five, the backseat will more realistically seat two. Although trunk space is limited, especially in convertible models, the rear seats fold down for additional storage space.

A G37 coupe with a slightly higher calling. Next comes the IPL-specific kit: a rear spoiler, front and rear fascias, side sills, chrome exhaust tips, and beautiful dark-finished 19-inch wheels shod with staggered-width Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber. The chassis gets unique spring rates and shock tuning, as well as the sportier steering, huge brake discs, and brake calipers from the G37S. The IPL G will be available only in dark gray metallic or black paint, with the interior color options restricted to all black or black with red seats, door trim, and detail stitching.

This five-door hatchback model is the Infiniti Etherea concept, and it's set to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Etherea previews the Japanese brand's foray into the compact luxury segment, with the production model scheduled to enter the market within the next two to three years.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) fuel economy figures for Infiniti's all-new M35h are finally out. According to the government agency, the Japanese brand's first-ever hybrid model returns an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg on the combined cycle.

For comparison, the conventional M37 with a 330HP 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg City and 26 mpg Highway, while the M56 that is powered by a 420HP 5.6-liter V8, at 16 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway.

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

Infiniti has released preliminary specs and performance figures for the European market version of its M35h hybrid sedan, due to arrive in dealerships this spring. Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the Japanese maker’s first hybrid model weighs less than its diesel-powered M30d sibling and returns 6.9 lt/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the combined cycle. However, customers will have to make do with a smaller boot, measuring just 350 liters.

Don't let the Nissan 350Z snout and the Infiniti G35 Coupe (JDM Nissan Skyline V35) rear end design fool you; the glitzy painted roadster model you're gawking at is in fact a JDM Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider - possibly a third generation model. But before you try to digest all that info let us quickly add that Paint Star's Tokyo Auto Salon project car also hides a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine under its 350Z-shaped hood. See the rest of the photos in our image gallery after the break.