The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept Sebastian Vettel-Inspired

When the doors open to the 64th IAA International Motor Show on September 13, Infiniti will premiere a new concept study that takes the firm's partnership with F1 racing team Red Bull to the next level.

The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept was inspired by reigning Formula One World Champion and Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel. The 24-year old German, who is Infiniti's first ever Global Brand Ambassador, is said to have helped in the design of the FX50 study.

The Japanese company is keeping mum about the technical details of the FX50 Performance Concept, but the photo shows that it is based on the facelifted model featuring Infiniti's new corporate grille that we first saw earlier this month.

Unique elements to the concept include the redesigned front bumper with LED daytime lights incorporating a carbon fibre apron, the shape of which mimics the design of an F1 car's front wing.

Carbon fibre can also be found on the newly designed side skirts, the roof spoiler, and the rear bumper, while Infiniti did away with the roof rails. Also included are Vettel badges on the front fenders and newly styled alloy wheels shod in performance tires.

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Infiniti Announces 2013 IPL G Convertible

Nissan's luxury arm is doubling its Infiniti Performance Line [IPL for short] lineup with the addition of the new 2013 IPL G Convertible that we first saw in concept form at last year's Paris Motor Show.

IPL is Infiniti's answer to the in-house tuning divisions of its German competitors such as Audi's S brand, BMW's M department and Mercedes-Benz's AMG branch.

Scheduled to reach the market in spring of 2012, the convertible model follows the IPL G Coupe that went on sale in the States in December of 2010.

Infiniti has not yet announced final details, but the Japanese company said the production model will sport the same "level of equipment and performance modifications" as the concept car.

This means that like its coupe counterpart, the IPL G Convertible will feature a more powerful version of Infiniti's 3.7-liter V6, most likely delivering the same output at 348 horsepower, an increase of 18 horsepower over the engine.

The concept also sported a bespoke aero kit along with a custom exhaust and suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and unique red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior.

“The IPL G Convertible will deliver the goods, just like the current IPL G Coupe does. Plus, the new IPL G Convertible offers the added pleasure of open-air motoring," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where the IPL G Convertible Concept was on display this past weekend.

“Like every Infiniti, the new IPL G Convertible will take a different path from its established competitors,” added Poore. “It’s a terrific addition to the Infiniti Performance Line, taking the dramatic Infiniti G Convertible to an even higher level.”

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Infiniti Shows All-New JX 7-Seater Crossover Concept

It's been a long, slow tease, with plenty of cropped photos, but today, Infiniti unveiled the JX Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event in Monterey, California.

Even though Infiniti calls it a concept, what you see here is more or less what you'll get when the production version of the JX makes the trip to the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

On the outside, the JX shares several design cues with the firm's Essence concept such as the headlamp and grille design as well as the crescent-cut D-pillar, but overall, Infiniti's foray into the 7-seater crossover segment won't win any awards for its looks.

We only get a glimpse of the interior, but the swoopy exterior styling is continued inside. The JX features three rows of seats that can accommodate a total of seven passengers.

“With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the 2nd row while getting in or out of the 3rd row – just one example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility,” ,” explained Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “The 3rd row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of 2nd row forward-back adjustability.”

Infiniti promises an array of technologies and features ranging from the Blind Spot and Backup Collision Intervention systems, to a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system with Waveguide bass technology and an advanced Infiniti Connection Telematics systems.

Power for the new JX comes courtesy of a V6 engine (Infiniti didn’t offer any additional details, but the 3.7-liter V6 sounds like a prime candidate), matched to what the company calls "sports tuned" continuously variable transmission that mimics "a step transmission when the Sport mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged". Buyers will be able to choose between all-wheel or front-wheel drive versions.

Infiniti said additional information regarding the drivetrain and other systems will be provided at the debut of the production version in LA in November 2011.

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2013 Infiniti JX Crossover Teaser

Another week, another picture of Infiniti's foray into the 7-seater luxury crossover segment that we will come to know as the JX when it arrives in North American showrooms next spring.

The latest image gives us a better view of the crossover models fascia including Infiniti's new curvy grille that has already made its way on the refreshed for the 2012 model year FX.

For the full picture, we'll have to wait another week as the official reveal will take place at the at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event in Monterey, California, on August 18.

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