The company is working on several new models and concepts, including the forthcoming JX (pictures below). North American International Auto Show guests next week will see the brand’s first 3-row, 7-passenger luxury crossover in person.

However, it’s 2012. Are large models still selling? Aside from that, Infiniti is in danger of going the way of Mercury. For example, if you check out parent company Nissan’s line-up of vehicles, you’ll find similar models at much more affordable prices. In today’s economy, are shoppers willing (or even able) to pay slightly more for added luxury features?

Infiniti’s QX, a luxury sedan, did see a sales increase of 1,735, up 7.8% in December, and an increase of 12.7% (13,428 units) for 2011. With a combined rating of 16 mpg (premium fuel) and a price tag of $58,000 (base) it shows that many are still captivated by this auto maker.

Some believe the only reason QX56 sold well in 2011 was because there was not a Nissan counterpart. Infiniti should ride this sales wave and use these funds to create a more unique line-up, before they go the way of Saab.

Source: Torque News

Launching in 2014, the Infiniti EV concept is a “stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions technology.” Aren’t all EV cars emission-free?

Regardless, the sketch looks stunning, as it carries on the new direction this luxury auto maker is heading towards. No specifications released as of yet, maybe we’ll hear more before the end of 2011′s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Well over 2300 Nissan and Infiniti models were parked at the port, awaiting delivery to the United States. The tide rushed in, crashing and piling up cars, including nearly 1,300 Infiniti M, EX and FX vehicles.

Other portions of the port caught on fire. Some of the vehicles caught in these flames were so badly burned that they were unidentifiable. To add to this disaster, over 1000 Nissan and Infiniti employees were trapped overnight at the facility, after the 8.9 magnitude, 7.2 mag aftershock, and destructive tsunami wave crashed in on that region of Japan last Friday.

Luckily, no one was killed at the Nissan plant, with only minor injuries reported. Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer added that, “Bottom line — we are happy no one is hurt. We can build new cars.”

Source: Auto News

The Infiniti M hybrid’s powertrain mates a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6 with a 67-hp electric motor. That power flows through a seven-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The sedan is rated at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The powertrain includes a lithium-ion battery pack. Infiniti says the M hybrid can travel on electric power at speeds of up to 60 mph and has a range of 1.2 miles on battery power alone.

Infiniti also is launching 2012 models of the M sedan with conventional powertrains in early March. Base prices for the cars, including the $875 shipping charge, are $48,575 for the rear-drive M37, $50,725 for the all-wheel-drive M37, $59,975 for the rear-drive M56 and $62,475 for the AWD M56.

This teaser image of the mystery Infiniti models is on their main website, any guess as to what it may be? A new M Coupe? An Infiniti concept model?

Experts at online magazine Motor Authority says; “–in fact, it’s very close to that found on the Essence concept. But the windshield angle, roofline, and shorter hood don’t match with the Essence at all, not to mention the presence of side mirrors, which were done away with completely on the Essence. That leaves us with a small window in which to make an educated guess.”

One thing we know is that this must be a 2012 model – as Infiniti has already released all official 2011 model images. We’ll know more in the coming weeks, and post official photos of this mystery car here at Infinitipedia!

As we reported yesterday, the alliance calls for the three companies to share diesel and petrol engines to save costs and meet stricter fuel economy/emission regulations.

It’s essentially a revised 2010 Nissan Patrol; the 2011 QX wears Infiniti badges and restyled front and rear surfaces. Underneath, QX contains a reworked 5.6-liter V-8, which pumps out 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic doles the power to the electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system. With a fuel economy of only 12 – 17 city/highway you won’t get far on long road trips, but you’ll look great cruising around the suburbs…if you can afford the approx. $56,000 starting price.

So we ask you, would you purchase an over-sized Infiniti SUV like this 2011 QX56? Compared to other rides from Nissan/Infiniti’s line up, QX looks like a dinosaur. Will it bring in enough sales to warrant continued production? Stay tuned.

Source: Auto Mag

While every 2010 Infiniti G Sedan, Coupe or Convertible seems special to those who design, engineer, manufacture or market them – and also to their owners – Infiniti has just released four new G Anniversary Editions that stand apart from every other Infiniti G ever created. These uniquely equipped Anniversary G37s, built in commemoration of Infiniti’s 20th anniversary, will be available in very limited numbers – 350 G Sedans and 200 each for the G Coupe and G Convertible. They are scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in mid-April.

“These unique and very limited editions represent what Infiniti is all about – Inspired Performance,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “Building on the popularity of the Monaco Red Leather and special Red-toned Maple interior that helped launch the G Convertible, the Anniversary Editions add a number of new styling touches that will make them instantly recognizable on the showroom floor and on the road.”

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the four available 2010 Infiniti G Anniversary Editions are:

G37 Sedan Anniversary Edition $43,350 USD
G37 Sedan AWD Anniversary Edition $43,550 USD
G37 Coupe Anniversary Edition $50,550 USD
G37 Convertible Anniversary Edition $54,900 USD

The Anniversary Editions are based on the G Sedan Journey and AWD, G Coupe Journey and G Convertible and come standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission. Premium and Navigation Packages are included on all of the Anniversary Editions.

The Anniversary Edition Sedans and Coupe also receive the Sport Package and 4-Wheel Active Steer (not available on Sedan AWD). The Convertible is offered with the highly desirable climate-controlled seats.

Each Anniversary Edition comes in a new Graphite Shadow exterior color that was just added for 2010, with the interiors appointed with Monaco Red Leather. The Coupe and Convertible interiors are accented with special Red-toned Maple and the two Sedans have the new Shodo-finish aluminum trim.

Other Anniversary Edition equipment includes special aluminum-alloy wheels, W-rated summer performance tires, Midnight Black grille, unique front chin spoiler or front fascia, sport side sills (Coupe and Convertible) and rear spoiler (except Convertible). The Coupe also receives an updated rear fascia.

“We wanted to ensure that the G Anniversary Editions are the sportiest and most distinctive Infinitis offered,” added Poore. “Though they won’t arrive until April, we wanted to release pricing early to allow interested buyers to reserve the Anniversary Sedan, Coupe or Convertible of their choice before they are all gone.”

According to LeftLaneNews: Although Infiniti will soon launch a cheaper version of its G sedan – dubbed the G25 – the brand still lacks a true entry-level car.

As such, Infiniti is considering a plan to launch a new entry-level car based on a front-wheel drive platform. Although the addition of a front-wheel drive model could dilute the brand’s performance image, Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.’s vice president for product planning, thinks the two platforms could coexist in Infiniti’s lineup.

“The core of the brand is very important to us, this kind of performance sedan,” he told Automotive News. “Can you have other vehicles in different segments around the core of your brand? Yes.

Power is likely to be sourced from the Infiniti FX50′s 5.0-litre V8 which has 287kW (390hp). Critics have said since the current QX56 is based on the highly capable Nissan Titan, its ride comfort is not up to par with competitors like the Lexus LX. Therefore some improvements are expected on that front.

Via WorldCarFans