Infiniti hasn’t really said much about other than to describe the car vaguely as “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero-emissions technology.”

As a side note, Nissan launched its Leaf electric car earlier this year, and the new Infiniti is expected to share some of that hardware. The new EV will join the 2012 Infiniti M35h hybrid as part of Infiniti’s emerging “eco performance” strategy.

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Infiniti has not given much in way of details yet, handling this version similar to how they teased us with the JX. What I do know is the FX “Sebastian Vettel Edition” is based on the FX50 Sport Premium Package and will feature changes to the engine, transmission and body, which should enable it to reach speeds in excess of 186-mph, Whoa! 

The interior will also be personalized to Sebastian’s taste, taking the already exclusiveness and individuality of the FX to new heights. The Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany will debut this beauty on September 13, 2011. Not sure about American production but I do know that Sebastian has his eyes set on the Autobahn with its derestricted speed limits in the very near future.

 Stay tuned. 

Ric Fafard  888-756-1919

Neil Winton of the Detroit News documents Infiniti’s European success:

Infiniti has said its sales in Western Europe will nearly double in the year ending March 2012 to between 7,000 and 8,000. Infiniti also predicts a strong sales increase for Russia, where volume should rise to between 7,000 and 8,000 compared with about 6,000 the previous year. Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn wants to more than triple Infiniti’s annual sales to 500,000 by 2016 and win 10 per cent of the global luxury market. Ghosn also wants to attack China, where Infiniti market share is two per cent. The target is at least eight per cent by 2016.

The M30d is expected to be the biggest seller in Europe, powered by a 235 hp 3.0-liter V6 diesel. The M37 has a 3.7-litre V6 316 hp gasoline motor. The third engine option is the M35h gasoline-electric hybrid. The hybrid combines a 302 hp 3.5-liter V6 with a 67 hp electric motor and will allow electric-only driving of up to maybe two or three miles, on a good day.

You can read Neil’s entire article here.

The new live assistant and telematics feature is a live voice driver assistance service similar to On Star but with an accent on concierge services. The system permits Infiniti drivers to connect with a live call center for any type of service and will also allow the call center to even download driving instructions right to the cars navigation system. The new rear collision technology will automatically apply the brakes if when the driver backs out of a park space and threatens to make contact with an unseen object. 

It was also confirmed that the JX will come equipped for a V6 engine, probably the 3.7 liter and a continuously variable transmission. 

Also, the second row will be able to slide forward to allow more leg room for third row passengers and also will be able to hold a baby seat that doesn’t have to be removed in order to get into the third row. 

All said so far, this looks to be a crossover that will appeal to families that want luxury but with an emphasis on convenience. 

Keep you posted! 

Ric Fafard    888 756 1919

I was driving to work here at Infiniti of Norwood the other day and as I slowed my car down for an upcoming red light I got this mysterious clunk emanate from underneath. The resolution turned out to be nothing more than adding some transmission fluid to correct the problem. This got me thinking what about the rest of the car?  So I decided to have a full inspection of the car. 

I had my tires checked for uneven wear that could indicate under inflation, unbalanced tire or a misaligned wheel.  I had battery, belts, hoses, and all my fluids checked as well as headlights, tail lights and my turn signals to make sure they were all in good working order as well. 

We have a great service department here at Infiniti of Norwood so for all youInfiniti owners get your car in for a check up. Remember, by taking these small steps your car will stay running newer, longer and will keep you safe on the road.

 Ric Fafard  888-756-1919

The IPL G convertible shares the standard Convertible’s 3.7 liter V-6 engine and three-piece power retractable hardtop. The IPL adds a sporty exhaust system and suspension, plus a red-leather interior. The exterior is dipped in Malbec Black paint and rides along on 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

“The IPL G Convertible will deliver the goods, just like the current IPL G Coupe does,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Concour d’Elegance over the weekend. “Plus, the new IPL G Convertible offers the added pleasure of open-air motoring.”

Not everything is known yet about the IPL G convertible, such as price, but more information will released at its unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.  We will keeo you updated on its status here at Infiniti of Norwood also.

2012 Infiniti JX Concept

 Yesterday in Pebble Beach California, Infiniti unwrapped the new JX Concept.  Seeing that the JX will bridge the gap between the FX and QX its exterior sort of blurs the two models together. There are certainly some unique curves on this car most notably the sigma shaped D pillar. 

This is going to be a seven passenger crossover, which will come in front wheel drive or all wheel drive versions. Since this is still considered a concept car I am not sure of  final details yet but I would assume it will be powered by Infiniti’s 3.7 liter engine. 

Expect more details to emerge later this year when the production version will be rolled out at the 2011 Los Angeles auto show in November. 

Production is expected to begin in Smyrna, Tennessee the beginning of the new year with the JX in our showroom here at Infiniti of Norwood sometime early spring of 2012.

Ric Fafard  888-756-1919

Could this be your new G Convertible?

Infiniti FX just by servicing your car at Infiniti of Norwood!  You could also win a VIP trip for two to a Formula One Race in Great Britain, Australia, Spain, Monaco, or Canada!  There are also 200 prizes of a two-year Infiniti Essential 1 Elite Maintenance Vehicle Service Plan.  Entering this contest is easy:

Come to Infiniti of Norwood between August 1, 2011 and September 30, 2011 to have your vehicle serviced (can be any type of service on your vehicle), then go to www.InfinitiAtYourService.com and enter the unique PIN then select “Go” to pre-populate your information (VIN, first and last name, street address including city, state and ZIP, e-mail address, telephone number [including area code]). Create and confirm a password and then enter your current odometer reading as of date of registration. You will receive one (1) entry into the Sweepstakes Drawing and one (1) online play in the Instant Win for a chance to win an Instant Win Prize.

For all the rules and details, visit www.Infinitiatyourservice.com

“The new Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is a great addition to the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience, providing true ‘anything, anytime, anywhere’ concierge service with the personal touch of talking to real people, not some computer data site,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “There’s seemingly no limit what Infiniti Personal Assistant can do for you – adding to the pleasure of driving and owning an Infiniti vehicle.”

Infiniti is the first luxury automobile brand to offer this type of service nationally in the United States. Infiniti purchasers are registered with the service before taking delivery of their new Infiniti M, G, QX, FX or EX, and can begin utilizing the service immediately. Along with owners’ cell phones, assistance is also available via e-mails, text messaging and online portals.

The Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is offered at no cost for the first four years of Infiniti ownership. In addition, 4-year companion accounts (providing access from an additional phone number) are also available at a minimal cost, as are 4-year Certified Pre-Owned and 1-year Infiniti pre-owned vehicle accounts.

“Whether making dining reservations at your favorite restaurant, making an online purchase, or just catching up with the latest sports scores, there are just so many benefits to using the Infiniti Personal Assistant that you’ll wonder how you got along without it before,” adds Poore.

The rollout of Infiniti Personal Assistant has begun, after a highly successful nine-month test period in four major cities, and will be available in all markets within the next 90 days. Top user topics to date have included directory assistance, dining suggestions and driving directions. Infiniti Personal Assistant is supported by MyStar, Dallas, TX.

He started off with Soybean, vegetable oil and animal fats that can be used to make diesel fuel. Next was corn, when combined with 15% gasoline and 85% ethanol which we know is derived from corn, ends up as E85 gasoline and can be used on “Flex Fuel” vehicles.

Then there are solar powered and electric cars which we are seeing more and more of. 

Do you think some day hopefully in the not too distant future, we will be able to dethrone gasoline and become less dependent on foreign oil?

Ric Fafard  888-756-1919