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INFINITI EMERG-E

Infiniti Emerg-E concept

400 Wild Horses in a Silky Dress

Imagine a superfast, near silent sports car, cruising the neon-lit streets of an after-dark London. This is the compelling image that gave birth to INFINITI EMERG-E, and this concept is its realization. 
 INFINITI EMERG-E is a highly advanced, mid-ship, electric motors powered sports car concept. It projects Infiniti’s already advanced electric vehicle technology deep into the future with a range-extender powertrain that delivers the performance expected of sports car bearing the Infiniti badge. Combining thrilling performance with the scope to drive in urban conditions for up to 30 miles with zero emissions, it emits no more than 55g/km of CO2 (NEDC cycle) over a 300 mile combined range. INFINITI EMERG-E lays down a radical new marker for mid-ship sports cars, and explores one of a number of the alternative propulsion avenues that Infiniti is considering.

The thinking that brought the INFINITI EMERG-E concept about came from the department of Francois Bancon, Division General Manager of Exploratory and Advanced Product. “When I was in charge of exploring the next step, I thought, how can we be innovative? We started with Essence. It was very successful, but arguably not a dynamic performance flagship. Then came ETHEREA, an indication of Infiniti’s future in the compact luxury segment. Now we have to think about a flagship, an emblem for the brand – not necessarily a big car, a limousine, because Infiniti is about inspired performance, and sporty cars,” said Bancon. 
 Creating a sporty, dynamic and unusual flagship is one inspiration for the INFINITI EMERG-E program, but equally important is Infiniti’s continued exploration of alternative propulsion systems, a logical next-step for a company that is already selling the advanced Infiniti M35 Hybrid.

That exploration takes an unusual form with INFINITI EMERG-E, its range-extender driveline a first for Infiniti.

“Infiniti has a deep knowledge of what an internal combustion engine is because this is what we are providing, and we also have a deep knowledge of what hybrid is, which we are also providing in the market right now,” explained Bancon of Infiniti’s decision to pursue a range-extender series hybrid technology. “This is about changing the rules of the game. You have more and more cities in Europe that are banning internal combustion engine emissions, but with this car you can run downtown in London, for example, with no guilt – you are not guilty, because you are zero emission. At the same time, you’re going to have fun on a racetrack with the maximum performance you can enjoy.”

INFINITI EMERG-E also represents a new way of developing cars for Infiniti. It is the first car developed in Europe, and the first car it has built as part of a UK government sponsored technology initiative. That initiative is run by the Technology Strategy board, whose aim is to fast track the arrival of low carbon cars to the UK’s roads. The TSB’s competition is framed to encourage contact with innovative and pioneering suppliers who might not normally gain access to major manufacturers, providing Infiniti with the opportunity to harness promising new technologies that might enable it to produce better low carbon cars. That projects like INFINITI EMERG-E only qualify for partial funding if they pioneer new technologies – which this Infiniti clearly does – also encourages innovation.

“This is a new way of thinking about the sports car of the future,” said Bancon. 
  Development
INFINITI EMERG-E was designed under the direction of Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. While some of Nissan Global design bases were involved in this project, the overall design development were mainly led by Nissan Design Europe (NDE), Paddington, London, and built by Nissan’s European Technical Centre (NTCE), Cranfield.

It’s a highly significant car for Infiniti because it advances on many fronts. It is the first mid-ship sports car the marque has ever produced. It takes the Infiniti design vocabulary in a fresh, intriguing and convincing new direction. It stretches Infiniti’s already accomplished expertise in the areas of electric vehicles and alternative propulsion systems. And it will provoke debate about the form an Infiniti flagship should take.

INFINITI EMERG-E is also unusual for being a project part-funded by the UK Government’s Technology Strategy board, a development that has significantly deepened the resource that the brand can draw on for the creation of new models, while lending this project an intriguingly international flavor.

The desire to stretch Infiniti’s knowledge of electric vehicles lead to the idea of a range-extender electric vehicle, and just such a machine began to be developed in Japan. An unexpected opportunity to advance the project through Britain’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB) – whose mission is to speed the passage of low carbon vehicles to UK roads – provided the chance to access new technologies and work with a variety of organizations. These included universities, suppliers and OEMs, this facet of the development broadening the scope and ambition of INFINITI EMERG-E. The opportunity to work in a consortium revealed that fellow member Lotus Engineering was also developing a range-extender electric sports car, the two companies deciding that it made sense to collaborate. That decision, explained Bancon, was eased by the fact that “Nissan (and Infiniti) have had a relationship with Lotus for 10 years, mostly about methodology. We have never agreed a contract to do a car with Lotus, but we have done many studies together, utilizing their additional resource when ours was taken,” he said. Further benefits included co-funding of the INFINITI EMERG-E project from the TSB, and access to a range of highly innovative suppliers.

A key feature of the INFINITI EMERG-E Concept is that it contains a blend of technologies and solutions that have not previously been tried, as required by the TSB funding rules. The sharing of several components by other members of the consortium is also an element of the TSB initiative, the aim being to promote developmental economies of scale, although the approach to their deployment differs.

“A key aim of the TSB approach is to develop projects that are closer to commercial reality,” said Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President Vehicle Design and Development, the Nissan Group Technology Centre Europe and senior member of the UK’s Automotive Council. “So there’s more of a chance of the technology making it to market.”

That chance will gain extra momentum when Infiniti produces two fully functioning INFINITI EMERG-E demonstrators in the next step of this highly unusual and innovative concept development program.

Design
Although Infiniti has only been on sale in Europe since 2008, the brand made a big impact when it was launched in the U.S. in 1989 as Nissan’s luxury marque. From the very beginning the Infiniti name has symbolized “Inspired Performance,” the ownership experience painstakingly tailored to combine these qualities with exceptional customer care. Those first two decades culminated with the 2009 unveiling of the Essence, an elegantly sensuous-looking high-performance coupe. Apart from making a very favorable impact that resonates to this day, Essence was the first of a trilogy of concept cars showcasing the three core strands that characterize Infiniti’s design values. The second concept was ETHEREA, and INFINITI EMERG-E is the third.

This dramatic trilogy of show cars embodies the three strands that form the foundation of Infiniti’s Design Values. The elegantly spare muscularity of their bodywork is inspired by the Energetic Force to be found in nature. Their Seductive Aura is also immediately apparent, from the sensuous, hourglass squeeze of Essence’s cockpit to the graceful, unbroken arching of Etherea’s roofline and the subtle, cloth-like folds of INFINITI EMERG-E’s haunches. Yet the drama in the lines of all three show cars is tempered by the qualities of Dignified Intelligence that suffuses all Infinitis.

The concepts also bear a unique set of highly individual hallmarks that characterize an Infiniti. These include a radiator grille elegantly book-ended by a double arch and Infiniti’s highly distinctive crescent-cut rear pillar. Just as distinctive are the headlights, which are redolent of the eyes of a human, this shape reinforced by a fine eyebrow line of LEDs.

INFINITI EMERG-E takes the brand’s design vocabulary in an exciting new direction, this being the first time that it has been applied to a mid-ship sports car.

“Infiniti has always had rear-wheel drive styling,” said Nakamura. “The FX is a good example – it has a long hood, short rear deck, it is not wedged and has a very horizontal movement. But a mid-ship layout usually has a different attitude – it’s slightly wedged, so that’s a challenge for us.”

That challenge was all the greater, said Nakamura, because a mid-engined car was never a part of the original plan for Infiniti or its design philosophy. “Designing a mid-ship car sounds very exciting, but at the same time there’s even less freedom because of the package constraints and the distribution of weight. Because of the FX and Essence, we have already established an Infiniti look and proportion. Also, we now have front-wheel drive cars with ETHEREA. We’ve got to go beyond our existing proportions, so this is a good experience.”

That experience began with the creation of three-quarter scale model proposals from Infiniti studios in Japan, the UK and California. The winning design, the work of California-based Infiniti designer Randy Rodriguez, was recreated as a full-size clay model constructed at Nissan Design Europe’s Paddington studio.

The aim has been to combine the brand’s characteristic long nose with the heavier volume at the rear, while maintaining what Nakamura calls “the emotional flow of an Infiniti.” Unlike most mid-engined cars, INFINITI EMERG-E is not a wedged design, although there is considerable energy in its shape.

“We wanted to make it elegant yet dynamic, to show graceful power,” said Nakamura. “Mid-ship cars are usually more crude - this is like silk wrapping over the wheels.”

Taisuke Nakamura, NDE Design Manager, explains that, “The volume of INFINITI EMERG-E starts from the badge and the grille and flows like a stream from here all the way to the chopped tail.” This fluency of line is all the more effective for the extra length grafted into the INFINITI EMERG-E platform ahead of the windscreen, the fast angle of its A-pillars and the subtly flexing curve in the upper surfaces of INFINITI EMERG-E’s flanks, a characteristic of every Infiniti. So is the crescent-cut sculpting of the car’s rear pillar – fast-becoming a key Infiniti signature – which gives INFINITI EMERG-E a distinctively shaped greenhouse.

The furl of the neck of a Kimono is the inspiration for INFINITI EMERG-E’s subtly voluptuous lateral air intakes, explained Nakamura, adding that he did not want to see the crude grille of an air intake.

Bold headlights also identify INFINITI EMERG-E, their crescent-shaped LED illuminations visible during day and night. It is a future Infiniti design cue that was first shown on the ETHEREA concept. The penetrating quality of these lamps and their eyebrows is suggestive of human insight, a product of Infiniti’s Dignified Intelligence approach. The double arch grille also resonates with the flowing shape of the INFINITI EMERG-E’s shapely rear wings. The crowning visual highlight is the dramatic liquid silver paint that envelops this leanly tensioned, low, wide and more masculine Infiniti. Underlining the theme of Energetic Force, this liquid metal paint emphasizes the INFINITI EMERG-E’s sculptural, fluid lines.

“We’re moving the design language forward,” said Nakamura. “We’re still in the same form language as the Essence – elegant, sensual, but taut and sharp – and now that we’re confident, we can go beyond front engine, rear-wheel drive proportions,” he concluded. He also said that “designing a sports car is always fun.”

Technology
“Silence is the new vroom,” said Bancon of INFINITI EMERG-E’s potent and technologically advanced drivetrain. “It is elegantly silent, and responsible.” INFINITI EMERG-E is a range-extender electric vehicle, and it is propelled at all times by a pair of 201bhp (150kW) EVO ELECTRIC motors driving the rear wheels. These advanced motors direct their power via a single speed (XTRAC) transmission to create what is effectively an open differential, this arrangement significantly reducing driveline friction losses. A quartet of inverters controls the motors and their energy regeneration role under braking, the recovered power directed to a lithium-ion battery mounted behind the seats. The battery can be recharged from a mains power supply (domestic and fast-charge) and stores sufficient energy to propel the INFINITI EMERG-E for 30 urban miles, at which point the on-board petrol engine starts up to act as a generator. This light, ultra-compact, Lotus-engineered three-cylinder 1.2-liter35kW engine has been purpose-designed for its range-extending role. It operates between crank speeds of 1500-4000 rpm, producing peak power at only 3500 rpm.

The INFINITI EMERG-E high performance, low emission propulsion system is installed within a lightweight, extruded aluminum chassis unit to which ultra-light carbon fiber panels are attached, Infiniti keen to explore the potential for this material in future low production volume models. Given that it provides a 20 percent strength gain in tandem with a 50 percent reduction in weight compared to the sheet molded composite often used in sports car construction, it’s easy to see why INFINITI EMERG-E’s carbon upper body construction is a major contributor to the car’s 3,523-pound curb weight – impressively low for an EV offering performance at this level.

INFINITI EMERG-E has been developed for excellent aerodynamic performance, both to reduce energy-draining drag – which stands at 0.34 Cd – and to generate positive downforce, and downforce balance, to enhance its high-speed handling. “One of the biggest challenges was cooling the car, especially for the range-extender and the car’s EV mode,” explained Hardcastle. There are a surprising number of air intakes and extractors let into INFINITI EMERG-E’s body, but they have been introduced with such flair and subtly that they enhance the sensuous drama of the car.

As you’d expect of a machine created for ultimate performance, INFINITI EMERG-E features the double-wishbone suspension of race car practice, its arms of aluminum to save weight. Its carbon fiber panels have been developed in the UK in conjunction with a number of leading motorsports specialists (Lola Composites, supported by Cranfield University), with the aim of using the material in higher volumes than has previously been possible.

‘This is 400 wild horses of muscle in a silky dress,” said Francois Bancon.

Craftsmanship
The cocooning cockpit of a sports car, the artful grace of craftsmanship, the intrigue of experiencing an innovative machine – all these qualities and more are to be found inside INFINITI EMERG-E.

“We wanted to explore the excitement and desirability of a true sport car,” said Bert Dehaes, Project Lead Designer. “And because it is an electric vehicle, we also wanted to show its innovation.”

INFINITI EMERG-E is a strict two-seater sports car, and it provides the classic reclined seating position that heightens the driver’s sense of connection to car and road below. The cockpit is clearly oriented around the driver, and as with all the best sports cars, its simplified controls are located for speedy and intuitive use, this more mechanical, functional look reinforcing the theme of inspired performance. Yet the overwhelming impression is of the flowing lines of this cabin’s highly distinctive architecture, their contrast with its high-precision cut lines and the elegantly executed attention to detail.

The swooping lines of Infiniti’s trademark double-wave dashboard structure, a lightweight, floating center console and the inviting textures of locally sourced, semi-aniline leather upholstery make this a sports car cockpit with a difference, especially in the detail, and the dark chrome center console finisher echoes the crescent cut signature in the car’s rear pillars. But the most dramatic detail appears when INFINITI EMERG-E is powered up, bursts of light briefly streaking around the cabin to provide live confirmation that the EMERG-E is ready for action.

This lighting is an essential part of the INFINITI EMERG-E experience, not only because it confirms the electric heart of the car, but also because it provides a striking, modern alternative to the conventional roar of an internal combustion engine. The lighting sequence signals the flow of energy within the car, a heartbeat signature radiating from the ignition to illuminate the floating centre console and the silhouettes of the seats. A small, jewel-like lamp in the steering wheel boss also lights up momentarily to reinforce the drama. After three seconds these illuminations fade out, leaving the eye free to concentrate on the excitement of driving INFINITI EMERG-E.

Among the finer details is the dramatic undercut of the dashboard ahead of the passenger, a sculptural device that doubles as an air vent. The line of this cut runs in a single, energetic swoop into a center console whose lightweight, carbon fiber construction makes a satisfying reminder that the entire outer structure of the car is made from the same material. The center console’s upper surface is angled to present the INFINITI EMERG-E’s transmission controls to the driver, who sits behind a finely detailed instrument pack that includes a gauge indicating the percentage of total available power. The instrument illumination mostly glows blue, but shades to hot purple when INFINITI EMERG-E is driven with vigor.

The excitement of the drive is further heightened by a neatly integrated, touch-screen display, a wheel whose upper and lower portions are flattened off, and a light in the center of the boss that illuminates when the car is deploying full power. A pair of slender, lightweight, luxuriantly supportive bucket seats provide grippy Alcantara® side bolsters and leather centre panels, the fine stitching of this upholstery confirming Infiniti’s painstaking mastery of interior detail.

“It’s very cool to design a mid-engined sports car,” said Dehaes. “We produced a lightweight feel that’s sharply cut, like a tailored suit. It fits well with Infiniti’s approach. An EV is pure and clean so the interior is the same, but it’s a friendly interior and ergonomic too, but not brutal.”

The inviting nature of the interior is a reflection of Japanese hospitality, while the influences of traditional craftsmanship can be seen in the slightly shiny texture of the semi-aniline leather encasing the dashboard and seats, the subtle violet-tinted lacquer sheathing the cabin’s carbon fiber elements and INFINITI EMERG-E’s novel flooring. Fashioned from an architectural material called Sefar, this fine metallic mesh allows light to shine through to provide an intriguing, translucent glow. “It’s the first time this material has been used in an automotive application,” said Gail Patrick, Senior Color Designer, adding, “it adds depth and allure,” while underlining the car fact that this car is electrically propelled.

Exotic though all this sounds, Dehaes emphasizes that “this is not a show car that goes wild – it’s important to be realistic and believable. It’s a car you’d design for yourself.”

2011 Infiniti Cars M35h Sports Sedan The "Driver's" Hybrid

The “driver’s hybrid” from Infiniti, the M35h sports sedan, will introduce world-first steering and braking technologies when it goes on sale in the USA and Europe in 2011. The company calls the M35h a "driver's hybrid," with innovations in both steering and braking technologies designed to blend fuel efficiency with driving feel. As the first in-house hybrid from Nissan/Infiniti, the M35h is pretty unassuming. Indeed, although the test cars we drove in Japan were covered with decals advertising their gasoline-electricness, small “hybrid” badges on the production models’ front fenders will be the biggest powertrain giveaway once the cars arrive stateside next spring.

The Infiniti’s single electric motor is located between the engine and automatic transmission, in place of a conventional torque converter. The 67-hp motor is connected to the crankshaft via a wet-plate clutch. This allows the M to use its 1.3-kWh, 340-volt lithium-ion battery pack for electric-only propulsion at speeds up to about 60 mph as long as the driver keeps throttle application below 20 percent.

The 2011 Infiniti sports sedan M35h uses a 3.5-litre petrol V6 and a 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor for propulsion while power is put to the ground via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan buyers’ needs, but at the same time contributing to the lower carbon footprint of the M35h, low CO2 champion of Infiniti’s all-new M Line sports sedan line-up.

Central to this is its one motor/two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor, which is embedded within the automatic transmission. The electronically controlled clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor.

Aided by an exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack, the result is a hybrid that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.

Infiniti’s sports sedan first hybrid, the M35h is the low CO2 star of the all-new M Line which also includes petrol and diesel models and which is the first M ever to be sold in all of Infiniti’s 34 world markets.

 2011 Infiniti Cars M35h Sports Sedan The "Driver's" Hybrid

Among the Infiniti M’s many other claims to fame are the world-first Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), state-of-the-art Forest Air climate control and Active Noise Control, while comfort and luxury are taken care of with double-piston dampers and the availability of semi-aniline leather in the spacious cabin.

Extensive details regarding these two innovations are available in the press release and Inifiniti said it will sell the M35h sports sedan on all of their 34 world markets. M35h sports sedan sales start in spring 2011, depending on market.

2011 Infiniti Cars IPL G Coupe With New Performance

Nissan's luxury division has unveiled the 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe, with new performance coupe, and for those that want to see the car in the flesh should attend the 60th edition Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The first production vehicle from this group, the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe. It joins the Infiniti line of performance luxury vehicles at Infiniti retailers nationwide in December. Infiniti is heading down the road already strafed by the likes of BMW's M division, Mercedes-Benz' AMG sub-brand, and Audi's S and RS offspring, with a new performance badge dubbed IPL.

The IPL G Coupe's enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The IPL G Coupe's advanced VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

For better handling and road grip the 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe also comes with a stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes with ventilated discs on all 4-wheels plus aluminum-alloy 4-piston brake calipers at the front and 2-piston opposed rear calipers.

"When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel. The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases," said Poore. "The sound is clean and inspiring, adding to the fun-to-drive sensation provided by the 348 horsepower under the hood.

2011 Infiniti Cars IPL G Coupe With New Performance

The closest G to the IPL in today’s lineup is the G37 Sport, which comes similarly equipped to the new IPL G Coupe and starts at $41,275 with a manual transmission. The IPL has more standard features and the more powerful engine, which leads us to believe that it will wear a price tag just north of $46,000 when it goes on sale in December.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

ROLLE, Switzerland (Feb 1, 2010) – The Infiniti FX Line of performance crossovers might already be one of the rarest and best equipped cars in its class but this has not stopped customers demanding an even more exclusive version. Hoping to gauge some more interest in Europe, Infiniti announced today that it will offer the European market. Infiniti is responding with a very special, limited run of the FX37S and FX50S called, simply, the Infiniti FX Limited Edition.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

The Infiniti FX Limited Edition will be rare indeed. Availability has been strictly limited to just 100 units across Western Europe. Based on the already dramatic looking FX37S and FX50S, the Limited Edition features striking Black Obsidian 'Scratch Guard' paintwork as standard, with equally distinctive Moonlight White pearl metallic available as an option. Unique 21 inch 'Turbine' design alloy wheels are finished in dark Graphite, as are the radiator grille, air vents and roof rails are in similar trim. It has 320PS 3.7-litre V6 or potent 390PS 5.0-litre V8.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

The Infiniti FX Limited Edition's interior is equally breathtaking. Opening one of the doors reveals illuminated 'Infiniti' entry guards and a carefully co-ordinated combination of the finest natural materials, including supple Graphite leather upholstery with contrasting stitching and a luxurious Alcantara® headlining. Genuine Carbon fibre is used extensively on the dashboard, centre console and door panels, replacing the standard cello flame maple wood veneer. 

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

Completing the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's extensive standard specification, Infiniti's state-of-the-art Connectiviti+ technology package provides a fully integrated navigation, communication and entertainment system including an 11-speaker Bose® Premium Sound System, the Michelin Guide, full iPod connectivity and a 10GB music box with Gracenotes database. An option on the standard FX37S, this is joined on both the V6 and V8 engined Limited Editions by Infiniti's unique Around View Monitor. With its breathtaking combination of sports car proportions and muscular SUV stance, the FX is an unmistakable performance luxury crossover.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

The Infiniti philosophy of Modern Luxury is exemplified in the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's stylish and comprehensively appointed interior. From the supple Graphite leather upholstery complete with quilted stitching, to the opulent Alcantara® trimmed headlining and roof pillars and wool carpets, only the finest natural materials are used. Illuminated 'Infiniti' door entry guards are also unique to the Infiniti FX Limited Edition.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

The extensive use of genuine carbon fibre across the dashboard, centre console and door panels provides an appropriately high-tech contrast to the soft-touch natural materials and provides a fitting backdrop to the Infiniti FX Limited Edition's standard Connectiviti+ infotainment system. Employing the very latest Hard Disk Drive (HDD) technology it features a fully integrated satellite navigation system with 42-country, Europewide coverage and, in a world-first collaboration with Michelin Green Guide, a database of some 22,000 addresses, which enables the location and booking of leading hotels and restaurants while on the move.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

Additional standard equipment includes electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, Infiniti's keyless entry and start system, and magnesium paddle shifts that work in conjunction with the seven-speed automatic gearbox. Also included is startling performance that sees the V8 powered Limited Edition speeding to 62mph in just 5.8 seconds with the V6 version only a second behind. Traction in all weathers is assured by intelligently controlled, all-wheel drive.

2010 Infiniti FX Limited Edition Only 100 Units

The FX Limited Edition is available for reservation now via an Infiniti Centre. Pricing starts at £55,855 for the 320PS, V6 engined FX37S rising to £62,035 for the 390PS, V8 powered FX50S.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sports Car Cuope Anniversary Art Project Vehicle Hand-Painted By Heidi Taillefer

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

Infiniti Canada revealed the Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle at the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto. To commemorate Infiniti’s 20th anniversary, Infiniti Canada partnered with Cirque du Soleil(R) to create a one-of-a-kind G37 Sport Coupe.

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer created the design and spent almost one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.Unique Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle commemorated the Infiniti’s 20th Anniversary.

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

“Celebrating 20 years of Infiniti is an important milestone and we wanted to do something truly unique and representative of the Infiniti brand to commemorate this occasion,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “The intricate, beautiful design is an expression of Infiniti’s commitment to Inspired Performance in everything we do.”

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

Infiniti’s partner and inspiration for the G Coupe Anniversary design concept, Cirque du Soleil, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and was also present at the unveiling.Heidi Taillefer’s “Ligozzi” design was selected among few other artists designs specially asked to submit an exterior concept for the Infiniti G Coupe.

Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle

She spent almost one month painting the vehicle. The G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle has no structural changes so the car could remain safe and driveable, and able to be auctioned off for charity at a later date.

2009 The Limited Edition Infiniti G37s Convertible Sports Car Coupe in Showrooms The United States Spring 2009

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in North America in the spring of 2009, followed later in other Infiniti markets around the world.

Infiniti has released new pictures and details of its fifth body-style for Europe, the Infiniti G37 Convertible. Arguably Infiniti's most seductive car yet, the G37 Convertible will go on sale across Europe from summer 2009.

The body design is similar to the new G37 coupe, though many body panels are completely unique. With the top raised, the G37 convertible carries a softer, sleeker silhouette than the coupe, though the design will be instantly recognizable to Infiniti fans.Most interesting to Infiniti sports car enthusiasts who like to drive hard will be the limited edition G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, with the obvious 6 speed manual transmission, higher-feedback steering, bigger brakes and 19 inch wheels to the G37 convertible package.

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

The interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature "double wave" instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and analogue Infiniti clock. The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are standard for the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Like the G Coupé and G37 Sedan, the new Infiniti G37 Convertible's outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine. Every Infiniti G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-litre V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 320PS.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system. Also standard on the Infiniti G37 Convertible is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Infiniti G37 Convertible will also be available with larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminum four-piston calipers front/two-piston calipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering.

The G Convertible is offered in two models: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.

Infiniti G37S Convertible Sports Car Coupe

Also available is a special, limited production G Convertible Premier Edition, offered exclusively through the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. With only 200 being built, the Premier Edition features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires. Pre-orders for the Premier Edition are being taken now for delivery in 2009.

2009 Infiniti FX37 A Genuine Fusion of Sports Car and SUV

2009 Infiniti FX37 Sports Car and SUV

A genuine fusion of sports car and SUV, the Infiniti FX37's dramatic styling sets it apart from the crowd. Built on Infiniti's FM (front-midships) platform, the Infiniti FX37 blends sports car proportions with the character of a 4x4. That means a long bonnet and wheelbase, short overhangs and a coupé-like roofline, with the stance and strength of an SUV.The Infiniti FX37 is powered by the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine delivering 320PS at 7,000 rpm and a healthy 360Nm of torque (comparable figures for the V8 FX50 are 390PS and 500Nm).A member of the multi-award winning VQ engine family, the all-aluminium 24-valve twin cam unit features a bed-plate construction. A technique that has been used in motor racing for many years, the resulting two-part construction of the cylinder block is more rigid than a single piece casting.It is a configuration that signifies a high-performance sporting engine designed for the highest strength and reliability. Other benefits include reduced vibration levels and higher engine speeds to be reached consistently without damage.

2009 Infiniti FX37 Sports Car and SUV

Infiniti FX37 comes with a new seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) as standard providing a wider spread of transmission ratios for improved fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking.Suspension design is fully independent and uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a subframe behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, Infiniti FX37 combines agility with exceptional ride comfort.In keeping with its crossover role, Infiniti FX37 features Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) four-wheel drive technology.

2009 Infiniti FX37 Sports Car and SUV

When Infiniti FX37 accelerates from a standing start, ATTESA E-TS system provides power to all four wheels. Once up to speed, if the system's sensors detect that all-wheel drive is not needed, up to 100 percent of the power is sent to the rear wheels. This rear-bias offers better handling balance and improved fuel efficiency.An all-new design, the latest generation FX range adopts Infiniti's signature double-arch grille and 'double wave' frontal styling. The profile is dominated by a strong shoulder-line set off by functional side vents behind the front wheels while the swooping roofline is topped by roof rails, which are fitted as standard. At the rear, distinctive LED taillights wrap around the side of the vehicle.

2009 Infiniti FX37 Sports Car and SUV

The interior provides a driver-oriented cockpit combined with a luxuriously sophisticated passenger compartment. Natural materials including wood and quilted leather can be found throughout while the dashboard features the Infiniti signature double-wave design. Three interior colour schemes are offered: black plus duo-tone beige and grey or brown and black. Power adjustable front seats are ventilated for the ultimate in comfort at all times.Other items of standard equipment include Intelligent Key with keyless go, and Bi-Xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) which automatically controls the aim and patterns of the headlights, based on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed (the headlights can swivel headlights up to 17 degrees).

2009 Infiniti FX37 Sports Car and SUV

“Infiniti FX37 is a significant model for Europe and we expect it to account for as much as 80 per cent of FX sales,” says Jim Wright, Vice President Infiniti Europe. “By combining excellent handling and punchy performance with genuine luxury and SUV practicality, Infiniti FX37 will appeal to customers who appreciate quality and individuality.”