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.”
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"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 Japanese automaker also noted that it will add two new models to the G range, with specific details to be announced in mid-August at the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance , while Infiniti also reminded us that it will present the M Hybrid and a dedicated full-electric model in the very near future. For the Full Monty on all the changes, hit the break to read Infiniti's comprehensive press release.
The FX30d uses a new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine co-developed in Europe with other engineers from the Renault - Nissan Alliance. The diesel unit delivers 238-horsepower and 550Nm (406 lb ft) of pulling power, available at just 1750rpm.
And true enough, Infiniti has now presented its first ever diesel engine with the arrival of a newly developed 3.0-litre V6 that will be launched this year in Europe on the EX and FX SUVs as well as the M sedan.
Designated V9X, the new 238HP V6 diesel has been developed in Europe by Infiniti engineers working with other engineers from Renault and Nissan and it can be used to power front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models. It is manufactured in Cleon in France, some 100km west of Paris.
Renault premiered its version of the 3.0-liter V6 dCi turbo diesel in the Laguna Coupe at the 2008 Paris Motorshow, in October. On this model it produces 235HP and 450 Nm (332.9 lbs-ft) of torque.
There are a number of key differences between the Infiniti engine and the version used in front-wheel drive applications.
As used in Infiniti models, the V6 diesel has a different cylinder block, a new design of crankshaft as well as new or revised intake manifold, fuel injection system, exhaust gas recirculation, turbocharger, oil sump and manifold catalyst. Furthermore, Infiniti claims that it is tuned differently for more responsive performance.
In the EX30d and FX30d, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel produces a maximum output of 238 horsepower and a heft 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque available from 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm or 368.7 lb-ft is available from a mere 1,500 rpm.
In order to fit under the the bonnet of both the EX and FX models, Infiniti went ahead and created a new front subframe, altered the front bumper designs to enhance air flow into the engine bay and redesigned the sheet metal within the engine bay to house additional radiators needed for cooling.
Matted to a standard 7-speed Automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and the FX30d in 8.3 seconds.
The EX30d returns a combined fuel figure of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) in the European cycle with 224 g/km of CO2. The equivalent figures for FX are and 9.0 lt/100km (26.1mpg US or 31.8mpg) and 240 g/km.
"The new diesel engine allows us access to a far greater sector of the market without compromising on our core values. More than that, it's an exceptional engine, with impressive torque from very low revs helping to deliver progressive, linear acceleration with none of the typical disadvantages of unwanted noise and vibrations," says Jim Wright, Vice President, Infiniti Europe.
"By creating a bespoke sporting diesel, we have been able to maintain the combination of performance and luxury expected from an Infiniti with the added bonus of lower emissions and improved fuel economy. It's a win-win position," Wright added.
Infiniti's European division will first launch the EX30d and FX30d onto the market with the M30d to follow later in the year. The diesel models will have their world premiere at the Geneva Salon in the beginning of March.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has said in the past that it wants to offer its new V6 diesel engine on certain Nissan and Infiniti models in the States, but the company has yet to announce specific plans.
Based on either the V6-powered FX37S or the V8-powered FX50S, the FX Limited Edition is offered in a Black Obsidian 'Scratch Guard' finish as standard and in a Moonlight White pearl metallic as an option.
Unique features on the outside include dark smoked headlight surrounds, specially commissioned 21-inch 'Turbine' design alloy wheels finished in dark Graphite, while the same finish is applied on the radiator grille, side air vents and roof rails.
Inside, the FX Limited Editions feature illuminated 'Infiniti' entry guards, carbon fiber trim that replaces the standard maple wood veneer, Graphite leather upholstered seats, upper door panels and dashboard with contrasting stitching and Alcantara headlining.
Finally, both engine variants are offered with a Connectiviti+ technology package that includes a fully integrated navigation, communication and entertainment system comprising an 11-speaker Bose Premium Sound System, the Michelin Guide, full iPod connectivity and a 10GB music box with Gracenotes database.
In the UK, pricing for the FX Limited Edition starts at £55,855 for the 320HP V6 engined FX37S rising to £62,035 for the 390HP, V8 powered FX50S.
The 2010 FX35 and FX50 are on sale now at Infiniti dealerships across the U.S. Since the luxury SUV only was introduced onto the market last year (summer of 2008), the model year doesn't bring any mechanical or cosmetic updates but Infiniti has added some new standard features for 2010. These include standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System on all models and the addition of a standard USB Connection Port for iPod and other compatible devices as well as a 2.0GB Music Box hard drive to the Bose Premium Audio system for vehicles without the navigation system.
Moreover, the available Hard Drive Navigation System has been enhanced for 2010 with the addition of an in-dash single disc DVD audio/video drive, streaming audio via Bluetooth, Zagat Restaurant Guide and XM NavWeather.
The FX is offered with a choice of two engines, a 3.5-liter V6 with 303HP for the FX35 and a 390HP 5.0-liter V8 for the range-topping FX50.
Prices, including an $865 destination and handling fee, are set at $43,265 for the rear-wheel drive FX35, $44,715 for the AWD FX35 and $59,265 for the FX50 AWD.
