It is exciting news to hear that Nissan with be bringing its Luxury brand to Australia from 2012
The Infiniti range has never been sold in Australia before, the closest we have ever got to an Infiniti based model is the Nissan Maxima which was sold here in the late 80’s and Early 90’s.
I am very excited to see the full range in the metal when they land, no pricing has been announced as yet but the target market for these model I would say would be Lexus, BMW and Mercedes but only time will tell with the pricing, Third quarter 2012 can not come quick enough.
More images and full releases after the jump
Infiniti M
The new generation Infiniti M performance luxury sedan was introduced in the USA in 2011. A new design from the wheels upwards, the Infiniti M enjoyed a very successful launch year and is available in two guises, the Infiniti M37 and M56, while an Infiniti M35h Hybrid has just been launched in the U.S. and Europe.
As Infiniti’s first-ever hybrid, the 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid delivers V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel efficiency. Powered by the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ System, the Infiniti M Hybrid is the first V6 true luxury performance “driver’s” hybrid – and the only such vehicle to offer more than 261 kW and combined cycle fuel economy of 8.11 litres per 100 km.
The M30d diesel is expected to be a major seller and is powered by Infiniti’s first diesel engine. Developed specifically for Europe, the 175 kW 3.0-litre piezo-injection V6 develops 550 Nm of torque with CO2 emissions of 199 g/km. Potential cruising range (at official extra-urban consumption) is more than 1300 km while acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds.
As Infiniti’s halo sedan, the M37 and M56 embrace the essence of all things Infiniti – style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology. Designed to deliver a performance luxury experience crafted to a higher standard, the M37 features a refined 246 kW 3.7-litre V6 engine, while the M56 opts for a 313 kW 5.6-litre V8. Both feature Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) system and all models are equipped with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission.
The M37 and M56 drive through the rear wheels or, optionally, via Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. The Sport Package, offered on RWD models, offers 4-wheel Active Steer (4WAS), sport-tuned suspension, Sport Brakes and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The Infiniti M also showcases Infiniti’s advanced, user-focused technologies, including: Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, a four-mode driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping that helps optimise vehicle performance; Active Noise Control, which reduces undesirable engine harmonics, providing a quieter cabin; Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area; Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), a world’s first system that provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches an adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane of travel; Eco Pedal, which provides driver feedback to encourage eco-driving behaviour; Active Trace Control, which adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to help enhance cornering performance; Double-piston Shock Absorbers that control damping force according to frequency of input from the road surface; and Enhanced Intelligent Key that remembers last used audio, navigation and climate control settings for each key.
Also on offer in overseas markets are a Hard Drive Navigation System, Bose Studio Surround premium audio system, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
The sporty appearance is highlighted by the deep body shape of the mudguards and doors, which give the sedan a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The wave-style doors are constructed from aluminium for lightweight, despite the material’s difficult formability. The stamping dies for each door are hand polished to maintain their precision and every door undergoes an exacting human inspection, providing a handcrafted level of quality.
Infiniti M37 and M56 boast a low coefficient of drag of just 0.27 (0.26 for M Hybrid) with zero lift front and rear thanks to a series of aerodynamic enhancements including tyre deflectors, underbody and under engine bay covers and a rear diffuser.
The Infiniti M interior presents an elegant yet functional design that combines artistry with precision, comfort with innovation – all in support of enhancing driving performance and passenger enjoyment. The M instrument panel features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters, a 7.0-inch colour vehicle information display and Infiniti analogue clock.
Leather-appointed, heated 10-way power driver and front passenger’s seats including 2-way power lumbar support are standard, along with a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors – which can be linked to the individual Intelligent Keys.
In addition, each Intelligent Key remembers the last used climate control, audio and navigation settings. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the M’s outstanding level of standard luxury appointments.
The Infiniti FX is a head-turning, high performance sports utility vehicle.
It is powered by a choice of high-tech 290 kW 5.0-litre 32-valve DOHC V8 engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) or a 226 kW 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 engine. In European markets, a 175 kW diesel V6 engine option is available offering 550 Nm of torque in the FXD variant.
All engines are paired with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).
The FX is also offered with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (standard on FX50), double-wishbone front/multi-link rear suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes, along with available Continuous Damping Control (CDC), Rear Active Steer, Intelligent Brake Assist and 21-inch lightweight aluminium-alloy wheels. The Infiniti FX35 is available in both AWD and RWD. The Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.
As a showcase of Infiniti’s groundbreaking technology capabilities, the FX offers access to Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and the Around View Monitor (AVM) – which provides a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle, helping the driver to manoeuvre in tight, tricky locations
The Infiniti FX boasts aggressive styling with its long bonnet, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs, and low centre of gravity. The design’s distinctive side air vents, located behind the front wheels, allow air to flow through the engine compartment and out of the side of the vehicle, reducing front-end lift.
At the front the FX is endowed with a lustrous Infiniti signature double-arch front grille, fog lamps and iconic High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights. A strong front-to-rear shoulder line, tight greenhouse, kicked-back roofline and integrated rear spoiler highlight the aggressive silhouette. The large LED taillights extend beyond the body, helping create aerodynamic downforce, while large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers cap the action-ready appearance.
Under polished assertive styling, is an equally advanced body structure, offering spacious accommodation for five adults and the capacity to hold four full-size golf bags. The Infiniti FX utilises the rigid FM (for Front Midship) platform architecture, with a balanced front-to-rear weight distribution to help provide exceptional handling performance. To save weight, the Infiniti FX has aluminium doors and bonnet.
Inside, there is a command centre-style cockpit, leather upholstery, with 10-way powered driver’s seat/8-way powered passenger seat adjustments, complete with heating and cooling functions.
The high-tech interior design includes an Infiniti signature double-wave instrument panel and Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges. Also available is an automatic driving position system, which moves the steering wheel and outside mirrors adaptively into the correct position when the seat is adjusted.
EuroNCAP awarded the Infiniti FX a maximum five stars, an endorsement of the holistic, high-tech approach to safety that Infiniti takes with all its models.
The high-performance luxury crossover was the first Infiniti ever to face EuroNCAP’s crash barrier – as well as the first luxury SUV to be assessed under the new (in 2009), more rigorous new system.
The results – from arguably the world’s most demanding independent crash test organisation – are testament to the engineers’ efforts and the commitment to road safety that’s been at the heart of Infiniti since it was formed 20 years ago.
But the luxury marque’s holistic approach to safety means EuroNCAP could have taken many more driver aids into account besides: for example, the FX’s standard seat-belt pretensioners that act to grip the front seat occupants under fast manoeuvres; the reversing camera; front and rear parking sensors; automatic driving position system; intelligent all-wheel drive; and adaptive front lighting system with Xenon headlights.