Nissan is planning to create a performance line for its Infiniti brand. The company has already taken the first step towards this goal by filing for trademark protection for the names Infiniti Performance Line and IPL. Autonews reports the application to include mention of the brand’s use of “high-performance motor vehicle parts” in its performance segment, including “turbochargers and superchargers for engines, cat-back exhaust and muffler systems, shifter knobs, suspension parts, brakes, sports seats and off-road headlights.”

Although Infiniti remains mum on the subject, there have been statements issued in the past that seem to pertain to the establishment of a performance brand. If this plan pursues, this is expected to improve the standing of the brand in the market.

Full report here.

Inside Line reveals that Nissan is considering a coupe and convertible version for its Infiniti M sedan model. If the said move pursues, a move that would be necessary if the brand is to remain competitive in the market, the coupe and convertible are expected to be offered in the M37 and M56 variants. The E-Class of Mercedes Benz and the 6 Series of BMW are the foreseen competitors of the upcoming vehicles.

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire/ — Infiniti today revealed its all-new 2011 Infiniti QX full-size SUV at a press conference at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. The new second-generation QX, which is designed to offer a true five-star travel experience, is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide this summer - with no increase in pricing over the 2010 QX. The 2011 QX is offered in two models - Infiniti QX56 2WD and Infiniti QX56 4WD.

The QX will be on display, along with the full lineup of inspired Infiniti vehicles - including the redesigned Infiniti G and all-new Infiniti M, which went on sale March 18th - at Jacob Javits Center from April 2nd through April 11th.

“We’re excited to be here in New York for the global debut of the Infiniti QX, a world-class vehicle that spotlights Infiniti’s inspired design, performance, technology and craftsmanship,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “The new QX gives us an incredible presence in full-size performance luxury SUVs - perfect for buyers seeking style, comfort, roominess and driving exhilaration.”

The 2011 Infiniti QX is conceived to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The design is dynamic, its size capable of transporting eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance. Inside the distinctive QX body is an interior long on luxury and convenience, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View(TM) Monitor, Bose® 2-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System, available perforated semi-aniline leather seating, and available DVD entertainment system with dual 7-inch color monitors which allows different sources to be played at the same time. The 2011 QX also offers ample 1st and 2nd row roominess and generous luggage space.

The 2011 QX combines a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG(TM)) system with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission - providing a 25% increase in horsepower and more than a 10% increase in fuel economy versus the 2010 QX. The new QX’s towing capacity is rated at 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models.

For the first time ever on an Infiniti vehicle, a new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is offered (available on both 2WD and 4WD models as part of the Deluxe Touring Package, which also includes 22-inch wheels and tires and a number of other features). The system helps reduce body lean while turning for a more comfortable ride.

Included among the new QX’s standard premium entertainment and technology features are an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with the vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather(TM) with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide. Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is standard, as is XM® Satellite Radio, USB connection for use with iPod® Interface or other compatible devices, and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.

The new Infiniti QX also offers a range of advanced technology systems, including Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. A new Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system is also available. It illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds. Optional on the new QX is Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

Pricing for the 2011 Infiniti QX is set at an Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* of $56,700 USD for the QX56 2WD and $59,800 USD for the QX56 4WD.

“We’re especially pleased to be able to keep pricing at 2010 levels, despite the new generation QX’s significant enhancements in luxury content, performance, fuel economy, and available advanced technology features,” said Poore. “It’s a smart investment in a vehicle unlike any other in the market today.”

To commemorate Infiniti’s second decade in the industry, the luxury automaker is offering limited anniversary edition models of its G sedan, coupe, and convertible. The said models are manufactured with the concept Inspired Performance, and they have new styling touches and equipment.

The said models will have Graphite Shadow for their exterior paint and Monaco Red Leather in the interior. The sedans will have Shodo-finish aluminum trim while the convertible and coupe will have Red-toned Maple accents.

The prices for the said models are as follow:

G37 Sedan Anniversary Edition - $43,350 USD
G37 Sedan AWD Anniversary Edition - $43,550 USD
G37 Coupe Anniversary Edition - $50,550 USD
G37 Convertible Anniversary Edition - $54,900 USD

There will only be a limited number of models produced—350 G sedans, 200 G coupes, and 200 G convertibles. The said models will go on sale in the middle of next month.

Nissan’s luxury brand Infiniti is working with Renault in the development of a new turbo-diesel engine, the first of its kind in the Infiniti line-up of vehicles. The said engine is named the V9X, a 3-liter V6 that can generate 234 horsepower and 405 lbs-ft of torque. The said engine, however, will only be available in Europe.

The first Infiniti models to receive such engine are the EX and FX crossover vehicles and then the Infiniti M limo. All three models will be shown in the Geneva Motor Show next month and will be available in showrooms sometime this year.

For more information about the said engine, you can check out the press release at The Torque Report.

Two Infiniti FX models, the FX37S and the FXF0S, will have limited edition versions to be offered in Western Europe. The said versions will come in 100 units only, 18 of which will be offered in the UK. And the features?

• Standard Black Obsidian ‘Scratch Guard’ paintwork, and optional Moonlight White Pearl metallic paint
• 21-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels with dark Graphite finish
• Rook rails, side air vents, and radiator grille with dark Graphite finish
• ‘Infiniti’ entry guards
• Graphite leather upholstered seats
• Alcantara headlining

Starting price is £55,855 for the Special Edition FX37S and £62,035 for the Special Edition FX50S. Reservations are accepted now via Infiniti Centers.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

[Photo: Auto Blog]

The 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan and Coupe are out, and they’ve both received subtle but significant improvements in the interior and exterior. Both models feature a 3.7-liter V6 engine that can produce 328 horsepower. You can choose between the 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmission system, and an all-wheel drive option is also available. Three exterior colors are offered:

• Smokey Quartz
• Graphite Shadow
• Vibrant Red

The G37 sedan starts at $33,250 while the coupe is offered at a starting price of $36,050.

To see more features of the said models, check out the press release at Auto Blog.

It’s been confirmed: Nissan will be producing a hybrid model under its luxury brand, Infiniti. The Infiniti M35 hybrid luxury sedan will be Infiniti’s first production hybrid. The brand aims to make the M35 hybrid its cleanest and most fuel-efficient car while maintaining its luxury characteristics.

The said car will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electric motor that performs two functions: improving the engine’s output with a “power assist mode” and powering up the car’s various accessories.

The car’s lithium-ion battery pack can recapture energy during deceleration and braking. It can also store twice as much power as conventional batteries, and it features an efficient cooling ability due to its laminated construction.

The said car aims to challenge Lexus’ luxury sedans. Whether it will succeed or not in taking on Lexus, it’s good news that we will now have more choices when it comes to hybrid luxury cars.

Check out the press release below:

Infiniti today confirmed that its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, which are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide. The Infiniti M35 hybrid is expected to arrive about 12 months later as a 2012 model. It is Infiniti’s first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti’s history.

Realizing the high performance/low emissions promise of the recent Infiniti Essence concept car, the M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti’s appeal. The M35 Hybrid is based on the all-new M, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009.

The M35 Hybrid maintains a high performance luxury sedan profile, overlaying it with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car, while delivering driving flair to please any enthusiast – complete with charismatic V6 and rear-wheel drive handling.

Infiniti’s hybrid system, developed solely within Infiniti’s parent group, is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The result of this configuration, where all components act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the “direct responses” that the engineers sought.

The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.

The M Hybrid can also run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions, furthering fuel efficiency and optimizing energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions. Details of driving range, performance and transmission will be released later.

As expected of Infiniti, several new technologies are introduced in the new M35 Hybrid, including a “laminated” lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power. Lamination enhances the pack’s cooling performance, while temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.

The M35 Hybrid joins conventional engine-equipped 2011 M versions – including a new high-performance diesel V6 for Western Europe – as the first Ms to be sold across all of Infiniti’s world markets, currently 33 countries. All of the new-generation Infiniti M models are on target to beat their predecessors on fuel consumption and emissions – despite across-the-board performance improvements – thanks to a range of efficiency-enhancing measures.

[Source: TopSpeed]

The latest Infiniti FX models are now out in the market. The FX has received significant changes and additions for 2010, from the exterior to the interior.

The FX35 comes in a rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive version, powered with a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 engine. Meanwhile, the FX50 comes standard in an all-wheel drive and is backed by a 390-horsepower 5-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engine.

Among the additions to the said models are the following:

• Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
• Standard USB Connection Port (for iPod and other devices)
• 2-GB Music Box hard drive

The prices of the said models range from $42,400 (FX35 RWD) and $43,850 (FX35 AWD), to $58,400 (FX50 AWD).

Check out egmCarTech for complete details.

We’ve already seen the virtual version of the 2011 Infiniti M when it was launched in Pebble Beach last month. But just last week, the folks at Edmund’s Straightline were able to get their hands on the real Infiniti M56 and M37x and were generous enough to feature photos of the said cars.

2011 Infiniti M56

2011 Infiniti M37x

Here are the main features:

You can head over to Straightline for the complete photos.