With the launch of its new IPL G Convertible, Infiniti is adding some real muscle to its new performance sub-brand.
At 343 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible gets a noticeable bump up from the more conventional Infiniti G37 cabrio, a well-received improvement from the base car which had plenty of show but needed more go.
First introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and then updated, in concept form, at the recent Pebble Beach Concours, the IPL G shares its 3.7-liter engine with the standard-issue G37 Convertible, but it undergoes some exhaust tuning and engine management changes that add an extra 18 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque.
The V-6 engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic that features downshift rev matching, magnesium paddle shifters and adaptive shift control.
The suspension is retuned to deliver more aggressive handling, with uprated steering and brakes also part of the IPL upgrade. Slight body modifications improve aerodynamics, as well. And the IPL G rides on special 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels shot with B
I’ve seen tons of beautiful cars, old and new, this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It’s an amazing celebration of the automobile, and this morning we found ourselves on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach as Infiniti introduced its Etherea Concept for the first time in North America. It was a little cloudy and chilly as you can see from the photos, but the view was spectacular. Tomorrow morning we’ll be back for the Concours as some amazing classic automobiles will be on display on the same spot.
The Etherea Concept is very impressive and is worthy of such a prestigious location for its introduction. I love the lines on this car, and the suicide doors punctuate the bold design. It’s clear from this vehicle and the JX Concept introduced yesterday that Infiniti will continue to be aggressive in its styling. The Etherea is an “exploration” of a future model so it will be interesting to see the final product, but they’re definitely headed in the right direction.
Infiniti may develop its own version of Nissan’s famous GT-R sports car. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan was asked if Infiniti would tap into the existing products through Nissan and use the brilliant GT-R sports car platform for a high- performance Infiniti.
‘Are we going to do that, I would say “no”, I don’t think so,’ said Ghosn. ‘If your question is “could we do that”, I would say “yes”. The idea of using existing technologies on the body of an Infiniti, yes. All the technologies developed for Nissan are available to Infiniti.’ Ghosn basically beat around the bush leaving the question unanswered. A GT-R type sports car is unlikely to be a priority because the company is busy prepping for the 2014 release of a small car that will rival the BMW 1-series and the 2013 release of an electric car.
Infiniti has shared an exciting new project with Dashboard News! For the past few months, they’ve taken the 400-HP engine of the QX56 from a towing workhorse to a luxury boat motor with the help of local community college students. They’ve provided a press release with more information, which you can check out below.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (July 27, 2011) – The Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV might be best known for its leather-trimmed, 7-passenger interior and technological advances like the world’s first Around View™ Monitor, but its real claim to fame could be its powerful, 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine and 8,500-pound towing capacity. Offering strong low-end torque, smooth operation throughout the entire RPM range and peak torque of 413 lb-ft, the Infiniti QX certainly has “power to go, power to tow” credentials in spades.
Now, in a unique twist on putting the cart before the horse, Infiniti has embarked on a one-off project to add QX power to what’s being towed – a boat modified around a QX engine and designed with the luxury, performance and craftsmanship of its flagship SUV.
“The genesis for the Infiniti QX-powered luxury boat project came about when a group of us were talking about our full-size SUV’s standing as the perfect luxury tow vehicle – capable of carrying tons of weight, and lots of people and their cargo, in style,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. “So what better object to tow than a boat custom-outfitted to QX-inspired standards, starting with its powerful but fuel-efficient engine and continuing with semi-aniline leather on the seats, XM® satellite radio system with NavWeather™ and Bose® speakers, and signature Infiniti analog clock.”
The first step in the Infiniti luxury boat project is well underway with the extraction and maritime prep of the QX engine. With assistance from Infiniti engineers and training managers, a team of automotive technical training program students from Tennessee Technical Center-Nashville and Nashville State Community College removed the 5.6-liter engine and 7-speed automatic transmission from a 2011 Infiniti QX. Infiniti donated the rest of the vehicle to Tennessee Tech for continued use in their automotive curriculum.
Check out this new ad “Challenger,” which reinforces Infiniti as the opposite of the status quo. The series of ads, the first of which includes a 60-second “brand anthem,” emphasizes Infiniti’s distinctive designs, more powerful engines and industry-changing technologies.
This morning, Infiniti released the first official image of the seven passenger luxury crossover, the Infiniti JX, which is shown above. The global debut of JX will take place on August 18, at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Nissan left the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) two years ago to focus on larger debuts in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City. But for 2012, Nissan will be present for both press conference days, on a stage in front of 5,000 journalists from 41 states and 60 countries (who attended 2011′s press days). But unlike 2011, blogs around the world won’t post their horror stories of covering a single 16-hour day of press previews: major manufacturers like Nissan, Ford, GM and Chrysler have supported the two-day press conference schedule. No more passed-out journalists or media room fighting.
“We’re thankful that NAIAS is, once again, an important part of Nissan’s international auto show strategy,” said NAIAS chairman Bill Perkins. ”NAIAS remains one of the most important motor events in the world, and our manufacturer partners know that we do everything possible to create an exciting, supportive venue.”
The logo for Infiniti is displayed at the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place in Chicago on February 9, 2011. UPI/Brian Kersey
Today, Infiniti announced that a total of $500,000 has been raised for Coaches vs. Cancer as part of its sponsorship of the Round by Round Bracket Challenge! They also presented a $100,000 check in the name of University of Florida men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan’s designated charity, the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation, for winning the inaugural Infiniti Coaches’ Charity Challenge. Thirteen other coaches’ charity organizations will receive $10,000 donations on behalf of Infiniti.
Read the full press release below for more information!
Infiniti “Round by Round” Bracket Challenge Raises $500,000 For Coaches Vs. Cancer® Charity Effort
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (May 2, 2011) – Infiniti today announced that a total of $500,000 has been raised as part of its sponsorship of the “Round by Round Coaches vs. Cancer” bracket game and CBSSports.com’s “Bracket Challenge” during the recent 2011 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. The charity-based effort was part of Infiniti’s comprehensive corporate partnership with the NCAA, CBS Sports and Turner Sports.
Fan participation was a key element of Infiniti’s donation to Coaches vs. Cancer, a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Fans, who registered at cbssports.com/Infiniti, made picks for each of the 67 match-ups throughout the championship tournament, including the First Four™ and the Men’s Final Four®. Participants were encouraged to return to the bracket and select their picks throughout the six competition rounds and were eligible to win weekly prizes, including computer tablets and a grand prize of a trip for two to next year’s 2012 NCAA Men’s Final Four in New Orleans.
“Infiniti thanks all those who participated in the ‘Round by Round Coaches vs. Cancer’ brackets this year and helped push our donation to nearly a half million dollars – money that will help further the American Cancer Society’s great work,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “We also want to thank all the coaches and people associated with Coaches vs. Cancer for their continuing efforts in raising awareness in the ongoing fight against cancer.”
This is the best time of year for many sports fans. Baseball season is underway (and with it, the promise of spring), the NFL Draft is around the corner, the NBA is gearing up for the postseason and, of course, the excitement of March Madness culminates with the Final Four and the crowning of a new national champion.
Bullz-Eye and Dashboard News will be on hand in Houston for the Final Four, along with our friends at Inifiniti, who debuted ads for their sleek new M Hybrid during tournament telecasts this year. Many consider March Madness the greatest event in sports, and to see two Cinderellas fight for the chance to meet two of the game’s most respected programs in the title game will be memorable, for sure.
Below, we’ve detailed five things we’re most looking forward to as we prepare for this weekend’s games. Check them out, but first, learn more about the all-new 360 hp, 32 mpg Infiniti M Hybrid, the high-performance hybrid.
This year, Infiniti is proud to team up with coaches to help raise up to $500,000 for Coaches vs. Cancer. They’re offering six chances to win a trip to the 2012 Final Four and all you have to do is fill out a CBSSports.com Round by Round bracket. Every correct pick you make helps out a great cause.
