Infiniti takes EV upscale with LE concept

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW APRIL 4-15, 2012

By: Dale Jewett on 4/05/2012

Two years ago, Infiniti executives looked at design proposals for an electric car and didn't like what they saw--a lightly reworked Nissan Leaf.

Infiniti's bosses are much happier today. Nissan's luxury brand unveiled the dramatically styled LE concept Thursday at the New York auto show.

The Infiniti LE uses the Leaf platform, keeps its 106.3-inch wheelbase and gets a more powerful, 134-hp version of the Leaf's electric drivetrain. But the similarities stop there.

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Infiniti aims for families with JX crossover

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. -- Families want luxury, too.

That's the message Infiniti plans to pitch with the JX concept crossover unveiled here in advance of the vehicle's debut in U.S. showrooms in spring 2012. It will be the fourth crossover or SUV in the Infiniti lineup.

The seven-passenger JX will incorporate the automaker's new live-assistant communications system, a new back-up collision-prevention technology and a new telematics system that syncs personal schedules.

Infiniti's marketing for the new model will emphasize family convenience. Until now, Nissan Motor Co.'s luxury brand has been absent from the upscale, three-row crossover segment -- a market in which Acura and Buick have done well.

Ben Poore, vice president of the Infiniti Business Unit at Nissan North America, was among officials on hand as the JX debuted at a gathering of auto enthusiasts in Pebble Beach Thursday. He said the three-row crossover segment is one of the fastest growing pieces of the luxury market. While pricing will be announced closer to launch, the JX is expected to become Infiniti's volume crossover. The QX56 SUV generated U.S. sales of 6,649 units through July, followed by the FX crossover, with sales of 5,587, and the compact EX crossover, with sales of 3,464 units.

In addition to the new crossover, Infiniti plans a compact sedan and an all-electric, luxury sedan based on the Nissan Leaf. The front-wheel drive JX, which will be manufactured in Smyrna, Tenn., will be equipped with a V-6 engine and a continuously variable transmission. The model is designed with a second row that can slide forward to allow for adult-sized legroom in the third row. The second row can hold a baby seat that does not have to be removed to allow passenger access to the back row. "It is a segment we are not currently participating in," Shiro Nakamura, the automaker's head of design, said before removing the JX's covering. He said it is "suitable to the needs of family crossover customers."

Luxury touches

The luxury touches on the JX include the automaker's new Infiniti Personal Assistant telematics feature, a standard live-voice driver-assistance service along the lines of General Motors' popular OnStar.

But unlike OnStar's primary focus on safety, Infiniti's accent will be on concierge-like services. The feature permits an Infiniti call center to download driving instructions to the vehicle's navigation system.

The JX also will come with a new rear-collision prevention system. The technology will automatically apply brakes when a driver backs out of a parking space and threatens to make contact with an unseen object or vehicle.

Separately, Infiniti said Thursday it will add the G convertible to its fledgling Infiniti Performance Line.

The 3.7-liter 348 hp model will complement the IPL G Coupe, which Infiniti unveiled last year. Infiniti hopes to counter the performance subbrands marketed by Mercedes-Benz, Audi and others.

Infiniti is displaying the IPL convertible as a concept car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend, but has not said when it might reach U.S. dealerships.