INFINITI ANNOUNCES JX LUXURY CROSSOVER TO JOIN ITS LINE NEXT SPRING
Infiniti has
announced an all-new three-row luxury crossover designated the Infiniti JX that
will go on sale at its retailers in spring 2012 as a 2013 model.
An exterior sketch of the Infiniti JX suggests a vehicle that pushes the
boundaries of what a luxury crossover can be - with signature styling cues of
the brand, such as dynamic and elegant line treatments inspired by nature. The
brand styling theme continues with a "crescent cut" greenhouse design
influenced by the Infiniti Essence concept car. More details will be provided
when the Infiniti JX concept is shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
this August. The production version will make its global debut at the 2011 Los
Angeles Auto Show in November.
"The all-new Infiniti JX crossover will allow us to continue to expand the
Infiniti brand's presence in the Americas," said Carlos Tavares, chairman,
Nissan Americas. "In 2010, Infiniti was one of the fastest-growing luxury
brands in the United States, and this year we will expand our presence further
to Mexico and Panama, followed by Chile in the first half of 2012."
"There aren't a lot of choices for luxury families today. The all-new Infiniti
JX is the 7-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out
there right now," added Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Americas. "The
Infiniti JX will have a stunning interior, while offering exceptional seating
flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle
technology- including next-generation telematics. A fitting addition to our
line, it will challenge the status quo in its class."
In addition to the JX announcement, Infiniti said that the New York
International Auto Show will be the regional debut of its IPL G Convertible
Concept and Infiniti-sponsored Red Bull Racing Formula One car.
The IPL G Convertible Concept, which made its world debut at the Paris Auto
Show last fall, features unique aerodynamic styling, the performance of an
IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and system, 19-inch IPL aluminum wheels, three-piece
retractable hardtop and a dramatic red leather-appointed interior set against a
Malbec Black exterior. The IPL G Convertible Concept will be displayed near the
limited production IPL G Coupe, which is available now at Infiniti retailers in
the United States and Canada.
The competition-tested Red Bull Racing Formula One racer will also be on
display, representing Infiniti's marketing and technical collaboration
agreement with the current Formula One World Champions. As part of the
partnership, Infiniti has branding presence on the racing car, drivers clothing
and related team uniforms and equipment.
The 2011 New York International Auto Show runs April 22 through May 1 at the
Jacob Javits Convention Center.
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2012 INFINITI M HYBRID FEATURES AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN WARNING SYSTEM
The new 2012 Infiniti
M35h is not only the first-ever Infiniti Hybrid, it is the word?s first hybrid
to feature a standard audible pedestrian warning system. The new Infiniti M
Hybrid is set to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in early 2011,
following its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
With its advanced Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system, which includes a
unique 1-motor, 2-clutch, powertrain with compact Lithium-ion battery, the
Infiniti M35h is capable of traveling faster and farther on electric-only mode
than conventional hybrid designs. The new audible warning system, called
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP), uses a range of distinctive
sounds to help ensure the safety of other road users. VSP automatically works
from start-up to approximately 20 miles per hour, cutting back in at
approximately 15 miles per hour as the vehicle slows.
The computer controlled system links an in-car sound synthesizer with a speaker
built in to the front bumper. Instead of just a single tone, a range of
high-low sounds at different volume levels was chosen after an extensive
research program to find the most effective, but least intrusive, noise. The
VSP development team worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists studying
areas including pedestrian behavioral patterns and noise pollution. The result
is a sine-wave sound that extends from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of
600Hz. It is a range readily audible to all age groups, while avoiding a sound
range (around 1,000Hz) that would add unnecessary noise to the environment.
The noise sweeps from high to low frequency depending on vehicle speed and
whether the Infiniti M35h is accelerating or decelerating. It is loudest at
start-up to give a clear indication the vehicle is beginning to move off, while
an intermittent tone is used when reversing ? both sounds calculated to ensure
the Infiniti M35h cannot surprise pedestrians and the visually impaired as it
approaches.
Although the Infiniti M35h can travel at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour on
engine noise-free electric power alone, road noise past approximately 20 miles
per hour means the vehicle generates sufficient sound for the VSP to remain
off. An extensive testing program during the hybrid?s development showed that,
in mixed driving conditions, the Infiniti M35h was able to drive in
electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time.
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