Infiniti displays four inspired vehicles at North American International Auto Show 2012

Four unique vehicles share the spotlight at the Infiniti pavilion at the 2012 North American International Auto Show beginning this week, each offering their own unique interpretation of Infiniti Inspired Performance. The foursome includes the 2013 Infiniti
JX luxury crossover, the 2013 IPL G Convertible, the dramatic Infiniti Etherea Concept and the record-setting Infiniti-sponsored Red Bull Racing Formula 1 race car. Also on display are the 2012 Infiniti G line, Infiniti M Sedan and Infiniti M Hybrid, and the Infiniti EX, FX and QX luxury SUVs.

2013 Infiniti JX

The Infiniti JX, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide this spring, debuts the new backup collision intervention system, the latest of many advanced safety and security systems brought to market first in recent years by Infiniti. With this technology, when the transmission is in reverse, the JX will help the driver detect crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision.

As a fresh alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the luxury crossover segment, the stylish Infiniti JX is designed to excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most - interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features. The JX offers real 3-row utility, plus all the premium features, performance and innovations that Infiniti is known for worldwide. Along with its standout styling and craftsmanship, the breakthrough JX design offers excellent legroom in all three rows and ample cargo room behind the 3rd row. In addition, an innovative multi-mode middle seat design provides entry to the 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.

Offered in both front-wheel drive and with intelligent all-wheel drive, the Infiniti JX comes with a standard 265-horsepower 3.5-litre DOHC V6 mated to a sport-tuned Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide high responsiveness and seamless, efficient shifting feel. The JX is the first Infiniti to utilise a fuel-efficient CVT, addressing the growing desire among luxury crossover drivers to have both responsive performance and good fuel efficiency. Fuel economy is expected to be rated at 23 mpg Highway.

The Infiniti JX starts at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$ 40,450 for the JX35 FWD and US$ 41,550 for the JX35 AWD model.

IPL G Convertible

The 2013 IPL G Convertible, the second model in the Infiniti Performance Line lineup, unleashes performance from a top-down, wide-open, wind-in-your-face perspective. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2012.

Like the standard Infiniti G37 Convertible that serves as its foundation, the new IPL G Convertible combines seductive style with a highly engaging driving experience. The IPL G Convertible’s VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine generates 343 hp - an increase of 18 hp over the non-IPL G Convertible models - and 273 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft). It is available with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with downshift rev matching ad magnesium paddle shifters, along with an IPL-tuned suspension and sport brakes.

Exterior modifications over the stock Infiniti G Convertible include a dramatic front bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, chrome exhaust tips, and exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels. Two available exterior colors, moonlight white and malbec black, add to its exclusive jewel-like presence.

The IPL G Convertible’s interior is similarly offered in just two color treatments - stone and IPL-exclusive monaco red - and include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats, red-stitched steering wheel, and Silk Obi aluminum trim.

Infiniti Etherea Concept

The Etherea Concept re-imagines the compact luxury car for a discerning new generation of younger buyers, while providing a glimpse of a future Infiniti line where the brand’s convention-defying distinctiveness reaches into the compact class for the first time. Encapsulating everything that Infiniti stands for, including no-compromise hybrid power and maximum driving pleasure, Etherea proposes a bold new approach to the premium compact segment.

Designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Etherea is more coupe than hatchback in inspiration, with many Infiniti design signatures first seen on the Infiniti Essence concept supercar. Its dynamic character and highly sculptural form provide a silhouette unlike anything currently in the class. The B-pillar-less design and opposing doors provide a feeling of interior openness, with elegantly slender consoles between the four seats housing ancillary controls. Etherea’s craftsmanship is inspired by Japanese culture and re-interpreted through leading-edge technologies.

And being an Infiniti, there is also a large helping of sports car in Etherea’s engineering. The concept car has been designed for a potent yet highly efficient hybrid drivetrain based around the innovative one electric motor/twin clutch system now available in the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid. Its supercharged 245-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine provides quick response and strong acceleration, while the electric motor provides silent, emission-free driving at low speeds.

Red Bull Racing F1 Car

Also on display at the show is an actual Red Bull Racing F1 car, part of the historic team that has been a major force in the world’s most competitive racing circuit. Supported by the inspired partnership with Infiniti, Red Bull Racing dominated the 2011 F1 season, winning 12 of 19 Grand Prix events in 2011 and 24 wins in the last 41 races - an extraordinary record of consistency and speed. For the 2012 season, Infiniti branding will be featured more prominently on Red Bull Racing’s cars with enhanced logos on the side of the chassis and the top of the cockpit.

The Infiniti name and logo will also be displayed on new areas of the drivers’ overalls, as well as on team equipment. This accelerated program, just seven months after the original partnership was announced, underlines Infiniti’s shared vision with Red Bull Racing.

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