12.24.2011
, FRANKLIN, Tenn.
11 for ’11: The Top 11 Infiniti Stories from 2011
As 2011 comes to a close, we take a look back and remember the best Infiniti moments from the year. We call it “11 from ’11.”
1- Infiniti Embarks on a QX-Inspired Boat Project
The Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV might be best known for its leather-trimmed, 7-passenger interior and technological advances like the world’s first Around View™ Monitor, but its real claim to fame could be its powerful, 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine and 8,500-pound towing capacity. Now, in a unique twist on putting the cart before the horse, Infiniti has embarked on a one-off project to add QX power to what’s being towed – a boat modified around a QX engine and designed with the luxury, performance and craftsmanship of its flagship SUV.
2- Infiniti and F1 Racing, Vettel are World Champions
Infiniti Global Brand Ambassador Sebastian Vettel underlined his reputation as a true master of Inspired Performance by winning the 2011 Formula One World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix.
3- JX is Born
After the concept version debuted in Pebble Beach, the full prodcution version of the 2013 Infiniti JX was shown at the LA Auto Show. As a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the luxury crossover segment, the all-new Infiniti JX is designed to excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features.
4- Infiniti Poised for ZEV Growth
A highly advanced, range-extending electric sports car concept is under development at Infiniti. Set to emerge at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012, this vehicle is being created to extend the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars. Explaining the strategy behind the concept, Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd and Infiniti said: “At the Geneva Show next year, we will present our vision for a totally new kind of inspired premium performance car. Infiniti already has hybrid and clean diesel models on sale. And with an all-electric sedan on the way, the natural next step was to push the boundaries where performance and the environment intersect.”
5- M Hybrid Launches in Style
Infiniti announced its first high performance hybrid in bold style. In an ad campaign that challenged the conventional notion of what a hybrid can be, Infiniti took viewers on a journey through the history of hybrids, starting over 100 years ago with the invention of the first hybrid car in 1888, to the hybrid patent in 1909, through the hybrids of the ‘70s and on to hybrids today – directly challenging the notion that you can’t have great performance and great fuel economy.
6- IPL G Convertible is the Second Model to Focus on “Total Vehicle Performance”
The 2013 IPL G Convertible became the second member of the Infiniti Performance Line of premium performance vehicles. The IPL G Convertible features special aerodynamic styling pieces, the dynamic performance of an IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and suspension, 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, and unique leather-appointed interior.
7- ETHEREA Projects “Evoloving Infiniti Identity”
The Infiniti ETHEREA made its world debut at the 81st International Geneva Motor Show. “ETHEREA is about a new type of luxury for younger buyers,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is not just a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car.”
8- New Global HQ in Hong Kong Foreshadows Infiniti’s Growth Around the World
Infiniti will locate its new global headquarters in Hong Kong. The move comes as Infiniti seeks to lift total global sales to 500,000 vehicles a year. Infiniti’s growth strategy is expected to be driven partly by demand in China and other fast-growing Asian markets, which can be served more effectively by consolidating Infiniti’s global downstream functions in Hong Kong.
9- M vs M Hybrid: Battle on the Nordschleife
Red Bull Racing drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber took each other on racing around the famous Nordschleife circuit in high performance Infiniti road cars. The team mates were given the keys to a 3.7-liter V6 Infiniti M37s and an Infiniti M35h – Infiniti’s most powerful car to date and the fastest accelerating production hybrid in the world. They competed for one high-speed lap around the legendary 14-mile track demonstrating truly Inspired Performance.
10- FX Sebastian Vettel Version
The Infiniti FX designed for Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. What began as a chat between the Red Bull Racing driver and Infiniti’s Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura is Infiniti’s fastest car yet and, probably, the most exclusive crossover ever made.?
11- Infiniti M Hybrid’s Direct Response Hybrid 3.5-liter V6 Named to Prestigious “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” List
There are hybrids and then there are hybrids. The sole hybrid powerplant to be honored by WardsAuto.com and WardsAuto World magazine in their 2012 “10 Best Engines” list happens to be the one that challenges conventional wisdom about the compatibility of performance and fuel economy – the 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid’s innovative 3.5-liter V6 with Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system. “The Infiniti M hybrid is pure exhilaration in a world of uninspired hybrids, delivering the power of a luxury V8 engine with the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.