Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Infiniti to Expand Sales Network in Europe and Italy
Infiniti has announced its intention to dramatically increase its network coverage in line with a fast growing product portfolio, which will include smaller engines and additional models, and a strategy to quickly raise awareness through a new multi-media brand campaign and ongoing partnership with Red Bull Racing.
New centers have been recently opened in France, Spain and Luxembourg and others are in plan in the key European markets. In Italy too the company's goal is to increase the current network, targeting where Infiniti is not currently represented but which show high potential for the brand.
Infiniti announced recently its intention to reach a 10% share of the global luxury car market by 2016 and is already preparing the ground for growth. The company recently launched its first hybrid petrol electric vehicle and, through a partnership with Mercedes-Benz, is now engineering four cylinder diesel and petrol engines to be launched in Italy next year. Beyond this, there are upgrades to existing models and entry into a new area of the market for Infiniti: the compact luxury segment with an innovative design influenced by the recent ETHEREA concept car and based on the latest small car platform from the Daimler group. By the end of 2016, Infiniti aims to be present in nearly all major segments of the luxury car market and with powertrains tuned for European needs.
Infiniti is also working towards a more environmentally friendly future. The Infiniti M Hybrid is not only the world's fastest accelerating full-hybrid, it is also amazingly fuel efficient for a car of its size and performance. At the recent Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti showed an electrifying new take on the sports car with the Emerg-e concept car. And within two years, the brand will bring to market what could be the world's first compact luxury zero emissions sedan.
In parallel, Infiniti recently launched a new Pan-European television campaign - a first for the brand in Europe. Furthermore, it is developing its partnership with the winning Red Bull Racing team to include more prominent branding and exchange of technical expertise. Plus Infiniti's Global Brand Ambassador, the Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, has put his name to the FX Vettel Version, the Infiniti's flagship, to be produced in 200 units only and with first deliveries planned for the beginning of 2013. Already Infiniti can see its awareness growing across Europe as a result.
Since its European launch in 2008, Infiniti has opened a new dealership every two weeks somewhere in the region and has entered 20 markets. Italy was one of the very first to launch. Infiniti has so far operated here with the support of Fassina S.p.A., a reliable partner that strongly contributed to the brand's performance luxury positioning and to a successful launch in Italy. Over this period, Fassina completed the start up phase, opening five centres in Milan, Rome, Padua, Bologna, Florence. As intended from the very beginning, Infiniti Europe is now ready to welcome new partners to join the brand growth.
Recognizing the strong contribution of Fassina S.p.A. over the past years, Infiniti will continue to work closely with this strategic partner: from 2012, the Milan based Fassina company will focus on the Northern Italy car market, while new partners will join the expanding Infiniti dealer network elsewhere in the country.
"Tony and Ado Fassina supported the establishment of Infiniti brand in Italy with great passion and dedication, and I thank them for that and for the valuable support they will continue to give to Infiniti in this crucial growth phase. Italy has proved to be a key market for Infiniti and has the potential to deliver more. We're keen to open our business to new players operating in luxury sectors," commented Infiniti Europe and Middle East Vice President, Bernard Loire.
Infiniti is investigating the best options in terms of new partners for opening additional sites. A solid experience in the luxury car market and a strong commitment to deliver the high standards of Infiniti in terms of welcoming hospitality and attentive customer care will be key factors in the selection and appointment of new partners.
Aware of the importance of the Italian market for the growth of the brand in Western Europe, Infiniti will also reinforce its sales organization for this strategic market with new appointments. More news on this will be announced shortly.
About Infiniti
Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand from Japan, reflects its brand promise "Inspired Performance" with a model line-up of sedans, coupes, SUVs and crossovers featuring exhilarating performance, emotive design and cutting edge technology. Infiniti continues to launch across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centers that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership. For more information, see www.infiniti.com
Love the Infiniti M but want a little more room?
The Infiniti M35hL, also debuting at the Beijing Auto Show, is the hybrid version of the new M LWB, and demonstrates Infiniti technological expertise at fulfilling luxury car owners' demand for ample horsepower with a restrained thirst for gasoline in a luxury performance car. It features a 5.9-inch (150mm) longer wheelbase than the standard Infiniti M, which provides more space to the rear seats, and upgraded function configuration.
Meanwhile, Infiniti announced it will launch in June the M35hL with another extended model, the M25L, tailored for Chinese customers. The M25L, also with a 5.9-inch (150mm) wheelbase extension, continues Infiniti's legacy of exceptional power, beauty and performance.
The new Infiniti M LWB's world premiere in Beijing reaffirms the automaker's commitment to the Chinese market.
An Extended Body Without Comprise in Beauty
The Infiniti M LWB's 5.9 -inch (150mm) longer wheelbase enhances roominess for passengers sitting in the rear. However, the extension doesn't disrupt Infiniti M's classic sports sedan signature. Drawing inspiration from the curvaceous Essence concept, the Infiniti M LWB has a decisively dynamic posture.
The distinctive rear-driven stance presents a strong sense of stability with properly applied weight on the rear tires and a well-finished deck design rendering obvious aerodynamic efficiency. The Infiniti M LWB also continues the automaker's signature double-arch grille.
Luxury Through and Through
The Infiniti M35hL show car's interior is finished in Java, similar to the regular production model, and features genuine Japanese White Ash trim with silver-powder. Driver and passengers are treated to upscale comfort, thanks to the premium semi-aniline leather seats with armrests and console side–pad covered by SOFILEZ, a proprietary material which is ultra-soft in feel and resistant to wear.
The space created by the wheelbase extension enables rear passengers to enjoy the comfort and versatility of added roominess. Other features designed to enhance the joy for rear passengers include rear seat entertainment displays; heated and reclining power rear seats; rear side and rear sunshades; reading light; and trunk and rear door auto closure. There are also separate audio and air conditioning controls for the rear passengers.
The Forest Air System creates a clean and fresh in-car environment by filtering out harmful elements and optimizing interior air control. Inside and outside odor is under the constant surveillance of the Auto Intake Control system. Once harmful or unpleasant odors are detected, the grape polyphenol filter acts to remove allergens and the PlasmaclusterÔ air purifier helps eliminates bacteria or micro-fibers to ensure clean air in the car. The moisture level is optimized when the air conditioner is on, while the varying breeze function provides natural air flow.
The entertainment hub centers around the tailor-made Bose 5.1 studio surround sound system incorporating 16 speakers. On the road, the AudioPilot adjusts the sound according to the speed and the Bose (ANC) helps cancel noise in the cabin to create a cleaner background for the audio system.
Infiniti also offers drivers an advanced Infiniti Connection system, recently introduced in the United States on the new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover, which provides full connectivity between the car and the service center. It is packed with features such as Theft Notification, Roadside Assistance, Emergency Call, and Destination Assistance.
The Powertrain That Delivers More and But Uses Less
The M35hL has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti's appeal. At the heart of the car is the new 3.5-liter VQ35HEV engine, the only hybrid engine recently listed among the "Top 10 Ward's Best Engines" by the prestigious Ward's Auto World Magazine. It provides unbeatable fuel efficiency for urban and highway driving.
The engine boasts maximum power output of 360 horsepower (240kW/6800 rpm) and maximum torque of 258 lb-ft (350Nm/5200 rpm), while a motor with two clutches drawing power from a lithium battery pack in the trunk area adds another 50kW and 199 ft-lb (270Nmin) power and torque respectively. The hybrid system is able to achieve the same level of acceleration with 30% less fuel consumption compared to a conventional VQ37 engine. The driver will not sense any loss of speed, dynamism and exhilaration in a hybrid Infiniti, yet can be proud of his or her green contribution.
The 2.5-liter VQ25 HR engine on the M25L is equally outstanding in its performance, impressively delivering max power output of 232 horsepower (173kW/6400 rpm) and max torque of 187 lb-ft (253Nm/4800 rpm). It is light, speedy and quiet, built with an aluminum-alloy cylinder head and block.
The electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with a drive-adaptive learning algorithm sense has played a positive role in further improving driving performance. It is also equipped with manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), and Downshift Rev Matching, which provides faster, smoother downshifts by raising engine rpm slightly. A unique Eco Pedal System also improves fuel efficiency by 5%. The system counteracts in advance with a pedal feedback control mechanism through a tactile indicator. At the same time, the driver can constantly monitor the level of fuel-efficient driving which is indicated by the color and flashing of a lamp on a dash meter.
Wrap-Around Safety
The M35hL and the M25L create a Safety Shield that wraps the cars on all sides. Safety in front of each car is protected by the combined technologies of Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range, Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)/Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW)/Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) provide maximum side and rear safety around the car.
Infiniti has initiated the world's first DCA and BSI technologies to further enhance safety around the car. The DCA system uses a three-fold approach to keep the driver at a safe distance behind other traffic. It provides a tactile warning through the accelerator pedal, and visual and audible warnings are also given if the driver doesn't respond. The system uses laser range sensors to detect another vehicle ahead, while a computer calculates if there is a threat present by measuring the vehicle speed, distance to the vehicle ahead and closing speed between the two vehicles.
The BSI works in synergy with BSW in the event of unintended drift. The BSW system illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sound. If the driver fails to respond the warning, the BSI activates selective braking to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the centre of the lane.
The LDW/LDP system works similarly as the BSW/BSI, by using a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle. Then it calculates the vehicle's position relative to those lane markers, and helps warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Infiniti Models to be Built in China from 2014
YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Infiniti will significantly raise its presence in China as it was today confirmed that two Infiniti models will be manufactured locally in China from 2014.
The Infiniti brand was first introduced to China in 2007, and continues to strengthen its product lineup and expand its sales network to satisfy customers in the growing Chinese luxury segment. Local production will allow customers increased access to Infiniti's high-quality products, contributing to further growth in brand awareness and market share.
"The expansion of the Infiniti business is a key pillar of the Nissan Power 88 mid-term plan," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President of the Global Infiniti & Luxury Business Unit. "This is an important milestone for Infiniti's growth strategy, and for the brand to reach its aggressive sales target of 500,000 units by 2016, local production in the world's largest automobile market is not an option but a necessity to our success," he added.
The two models, yet to be named, will be manufactured at facilities operated by Nissan's joint venture company in China, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL). The extremely productive partnership with DFL and its parent company, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), will enable Infiniti to quickly realize its production objectives in China.
Further details regarding the new manufacturing program will be issued at a future date.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM)
Founded in 1969, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (hereafter referred to as DFM), formerly named Second Automobile Works Co., is one of the major state owned enterprises in China. Headquartered in Wuhan, Hubei province, the DFM has a wide business scope covering passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, auto parts & components, and equipment.
The DFM sold 3.0587 million vehicles in year 2011 with operating revenue of RMB407.1 billion, ranking at 145th of Fortune 500 listing and 13th in TOP 500 of domestic enterprises and 2nd in TOP 500 of domestic manufacturers respectively.
With the corporate vision of ‘Building a centennial DFM, which is capable of sustained growth, an internationalized DFM, which is world oriented, and an open DFM which is capable of independent development’, the DFM is striving to become an open and independent enterprise with sustainable growth to compete in the global arena.
Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL)
Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. was established in 2003 as a result of a comprehensive, strategic partnership between Dongfeng Group and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. DFL is the first joint venture in China to have a full lineup of passenger vehicles, LCVs and H&MCVs, and has grown faster than the total market in China. Registered capital of the company is RMB 16.7 billion, the largest automotive joint venture investment in China, with Dongfeng and Nissan each holding a 50 percent stake.
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and its business in China
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the second-largest Japanese automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Nissan provided customers with more than 4.67 million vehicles globally in 2011. China is the largest single market for Nissan, representing more than a quarter of its total global sales. Nissan started its full-scale operation in the Chinese market in 2003 with the establishment of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. Nissan launched its luxury brand, Infiniti, in China in 2007. Nissan's sales volume, including both passenger and light commercial vehicles, has risen from 94,000 units in 2003 to approximately 1.25 million units in 2011. For 2012, Nissan is targeting sales of 1.35 million vehicles in China.
INFINITI
Infiniti reflects its brand promise "Inspired Performance" with a model line-up of sedans, coupes, SUVs and crossovers featuring exhilarating performance, emotive design and cutting edge technology. Infiniti continues to launch across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centers that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
2013 Infiniti JX Named to Ward's 10 Best Interiors for 2012 Listhttps://apps.dealer.com/social/socialSyndication/index#
The all-new 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover has been on sale in the United States for less than a month but it has already picked up its first major media award - being named to WardsAuto.com and WardsAuto World magazine's prestigious Ward's 10 Best Interiors list for 2012.
"The Infiniti JX carries over and improves on the excellent interior design language we saw in the M sedan a few years ago and in the QX SUV last year. The WardsAuto editors find the JX to be an ideal blend of premium wood, sumptuous leather and judiciously applied brushed aluminum trim. The entire interior feels meticulously crafted," Ward's editorial staff wrote in announcing the selection of the Infiniti JX.
"The value proposition is tremendous: $54,800 for a stylish, well-appointed 7-passenger cross/utility vehicle that still feels remarkably car-like and has a panoramic roof that fills the entire cabin with natural light. And climbing into the third row is no trouble at all thanks to the ingenious sliding, folding-clamshell second-row seats," they continued.
The 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover is available now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. Pricing starts at $40,450 USD for the Infiniti JX35 FWD and $41,550 USD for the Infiniti JX35 AWD, including standard leather-appointed seating and innovative multi-mode middle seat that provides entry to the 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.
The full article on the awards will be available in the May issue and online at WardsAuto.com on April 30th. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Dearborn, Mich. on May 17th.
"The initial response to the new Infiniti JX from consumers and media has been tremendous and we're thrilled by the early recognition from WardsAuto World," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. "We believe the JX's hospitality features are unmatched in the segment and it's great to have this important third party validation right out of the box."
Vehicles are selected to the Ward's 10 Best Interiors list after an intensive evaluation of dozens of nominated vehicles, each judged in areas such as materials, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall value and aesthetics.
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of
luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and
Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Infiniti and Red Bull Racing at the Chinese Grand Prix: Free Practice 1 and 2
Car 1 SEBASTIAN VETTEL
1st Practice P7, 2nd Practice P3
"It is tight between the cars. I haven't seen everything, but I think overall we can be quite happy. We tried a lot of things today and now we need to go through everything and see what the best set-up is. If you look at the car, you can see a big difference compared to the set-up we used for Malaysia, but driving it's hard to say, as I don't have a comparison to this track. It's cooler here than at the last two races; I felt more comfortable, but we'll see. It's tricky to say if we look competitive. McLaren look good in all conditions."
First Practice Session
Position: 7, Best Time: 1:39.198, Laps: 12
Second Practice Session
Position: 3, Best Time: 1:36.160, Laps: 27
Car 2 MARK WEBBER
1st Practice P6, 2nd Practice P4
"The sessions were mixed in terms of weather, but we were able to get some good information. We managed to run slick tyres this morning between showers and this afternoon we did a few long and short runs, so we're learning a lot quickly, which is important on a Friday. We've got a lot of stuff to go through tonight and will continue to find out more tomorrow and on Sunday. We've come from a track that's 50 ̊C to a cooler circuit, so we have more grip here which helps, but I think overall that we're moving in the right direction."
First Practice Session
Position: 6, Best Time: 1:38.977, Laps: 15
Second Practice Session
Position: 4, Best Time 1:36.433, Laps: 24
RED BULL RACING REVEALED...
Racing in Formula One is a team effort and the RB8 bears the signature of every department of Red Bull Racing, from reception to race track. But just how does each section of the factory contribute?
THIS RACE: THE GEAR BOX SHOP
People think that: we build eight gearboxes then take the rest of the year off. What they actually do: is maintain eight gearboxes to cover an entire race and test season. Race gearboxes need to complete five grands prix, while Friday units are required to cover 2000kms. We also maintain and rebuild three test and development gearboxes to cover daily dyno running in the factory and at Renault's Viry plant. We also maintain all the starters used to fire the cars up and the clutches that get them off the grid. Interestingly, John West of our gearbox department has a run of motorsport success that may be unique: he was part of the team which won the 1980/81 Paris-Dakar Rally with René Metge, he was then with Prodrive's Gearbox Shop in 1995 when Colin McRae won the World Rally Championship, the Williams Motorsport Sub-Assembly & Gearbox Shop when they helped BMW to win Le Mans in 1999 and of course the Formula One World Championship with Red Bull Racing in 2010 and 2011. That's a pretty decent run!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel Stars in Martial Arts Film With Actress Celina Jade
Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel started his Chinese Grand Prix weekend in unusual fashion today, starring in a martial arts short film alongside Hollywood actress, model and martial arts expert, Celina Jade. Filming at a studio just outside Shanghai, Vettel learned a series of Kung Fu moves from Celina, who can be seen in the upcoming Universal Pictures film 'Man with the Iron Fists', before taking to the nearby Tianma circuit where they swapped roles and he taught her performance driving skills aboard an Infiniti G Coupe.
The short film 'Kung Fu Vettel: Drive of the Dragon' - guaranteed to show the double world champion as he's never been seen before - is set for release in early May. It is the first of Infiniti's new 'Inspired Performers' series which will see Vettel and Red Bull Racing team mate Mark Webber swapping skills with other like-minded inspired performers who are leaders in their respective fields.
Commenting on the event, Vettel said: "Well that was the first time I've acted in a martial arts movie and it was great fun. It was something totally new for me which was good as I always like new challenges and experiences. I learned that just like with driving, you need balance, control and technique to be good at Kung Fu, but I think I'll still stick to my usual kind of fighting on track on Sunday!"
Saturday, April 7, 2012
What powers the new In-Vehicle Infotainment System that is seen in the Infiniti LE?
NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, New York, April 5, 2012 - Intel Corporation announced today that the next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI) for select NISSAN Motor Company* production vehicles will be powered by the Intel Atom processor beginning in 2013. The IVI system features an innovative twin-display that was unveiled in the Infiniti LE, a luxury zero-emissions concept vehicle, at the New York International Auto Show today. Infiniti is the luxury vehicle brand of the NISSAN Motor Company.
"Technology and vehicles are integral components of everyday life and by combining the two, we can we achieve a truly connected, mobile lifestyle," said Ton Steenman, vice president of Intel's Intelligent Systems Group. "The processing power of the Intel Atom processor enables NISSAN to deliver information and entertainment to drivers and passengers simultaneously in a safe manner and opens the door to more enjoyable driving experiences."
NISSAN selected Intel as a technology partner to jointly develop rich in-vehicle experiences that will keep NISSAN drivers and passengers informed, entertained and productive while maintaining optimal safety. The industry-leading, twin-display will enable the driver to see vital traffic information and navigation while simultaneously delivering entertainment, such as movies, to passengers.
"The Infiniti LE showcases the concept of smart hospitality," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president, NISSAN Motor Company and in charge of Infiniti. "The twin-display, developed with Intel technology inside, is a breakthrough feature that presents driving-related information in the right place and at the right time."
The product development builds on a longstanding relationship between Intel and NISSAN, which includes joint research through Intel Labs to explore new ways to customize applications and enhance mobile device connectivity in the car. Sharing a similar user-centric approach to research and product development, combined with Intel's experience in consumer electronic devices as well as expertise in delivering hardware and software computing solutions and NISSAN's strong understanding of the automotive industry and driving needs, the two companies are helping the automotive industry deliver new driver and passenger experiences.
The joint research focused on several areas of exploration, including mobile device-to-vehicle fusion, cloud-based services for vehicles, and vehicle video surveillance via smartphones, as well as vehicle access and control via smartphones. For example, by using in-car connectivity and cameras and sensors already in the car, the car is able to notify the owner via smartphone when the vehicle is struck in a parking lot. Additionally, using near-field communications or a barcode to securely pair a smartphone with a car enables the smartphone to become a virtual key for remote keyless entry to the vehicle.
The announcement follows additional efforts toward realizing Intel's vision for the connected car including the recent creation of the $100 million Intel Capital Connected Car Fund, the opening of a new global Automotive Innovation and Product Development Center in Karlsruhe, Germany, an academic outreach program focused on IVI and telematics, and the expansion of Intel Labs Experience and Interaction Research in automotive.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Meet the full electric Infiniti LE Concept
Infiniti unveiled its dramatic new Infiniti LE Concept, a near-production version of the performance luxury brand's first zero emission luxury sedan. Making its world debut during a press conference at the 2012 New York International Auto Show at New York's Javits Center, the Infiniti LE Concept combines an advanced electric vehicle drivetrain and wireless charging system with signature Infiniti luxury style and Inspired Performance. A production version of the LE Concept is expected to reach Infiniti showrooms in near-similar form within the next two years.
"Infiniti is about a unique fusion of performance and hospitality, and a distinct vision that challenges convention. Part of that vision, part of our challenger mindset, is a belief that the future of luxury is sustainable luxury," said Carlos Ghosn, president and chief executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "No other luxury brand has the corporate EV experience, the advanced battery technology, or the sustainable product credibility to claim a leadership position in zero emission luxury. No one except Infiniti."
Among the key features and innovations of the Infiniti LE Concept are:
-Luxury sedan style, combining signature Infiniti design cues with EV aerodynamic efficiency
-Exceptional acceleration and re-acceleration, providing a new level of luxury driving experience
-Leading-edge compact Lithium-ion battery technology
-Smart hospitality, featuring a quiet, luxurious Infiniti interior and next-gen Infiniti Connection, Infiniti Personal Assistant and EV connected services
-Innovative, intuitive home-based Wireless Charging System with Intelligent Park Assist
About the Infiniti LE Concept
From inception, the LE Concept has been designed as a pure Infiniti, rather than as an electric vehicle with luxury appointments. It starts with an advanced luxury styled sedan body, not a converted hatchback - its bold exterior defined by its underlying high performance. The LE Concept's dramatic exterior blends distinctive Infiniti design cues, such as its double-arch grille and crescent-cut rear-pillar, with EV aerodynamic efficiency to create a sleek, emotional silhouette. The large front grille features a solid finisher and a charge port hidden under the illuminated center Infiniti emblem.
The Infiniti LE Concept's compact EV platform maximizes interior space by placing the batteries under the passenger compartment floor. This positioning helps provide a low vehicle center of gravity for enhanced handling and maximizes trunk room, without compromising front or rear seat passenger legroom or comfort. Beyond its advanced packaging, the real beauty of the interior is its "smart hospitality" - combining a luxurious Infiniti environment with next-generation instrumentation, driver interface and connectivity.
Infiniti-EV meters combine modern digital display and timeless analog gauges, creating an atmosphere of both exclusivity and futuristic design. The center cluster features an innovative connected twin display powered by an Intel Atomâ„¢ processor. The elegant, bolstered seat and door trim design also comes from traditional roots, inspired by the "Eriashi" (collar) of a Japanese kimono. The seats are covered in a suede-and-mesh fabric with violet accents, and semi-aniline leather sides.
Targeting "impressive city and highway EV acceleration," the engineering team behind the LE Concept's e-powertrain sought a silent, smooth response for both accelerating from a start and re-accelerating, such as merging onto freeways or changing lanes. Torque of 240 lb-ft is instantly available immediately at all times. The Infiniti LE Concept's battery system is a proven laminated 24 kWh lithium-ion (Li-ion) design with a ChaDeMo DC50kW quick charger.
"A luxury car for a new generation of sustainable luxury buyers must not compromise on performance. Buyers want 'green,' but won't settle for any aspect of the driving experience being less than that of their current luxury vehicles," said Ghosn.
The Infiniti LE Concept's connectivity to the outside world includes the next generation of Infiniti Connection features, such as Infiniti Personal Assistant 24-hour concierge service, navigation, and POI search.
In terms of charging, the Infiniti LE Concept is equipped to utilize an integrated charging port, a DC Fast Charge option and an advanced Wireless Charging System, which is expected to be the first home-based wireless charging system if adapted for the production version.
The system's non-contact charging is via inductive energy flow, with a coil safely encased on the garage floor. The high-frequency AC-3.3 kW charging, controlled by the twin display or smartphone, is safe for children and pets and can be installed easily in a home garage.
In addition, taking inspired technology a step beyond, the Infiniti LE Concept features an Intelligent Park Assist with Around Viewâ„¢ Monitor to easily align the vehicle in the proper position over the wireless charging coil. The system uses e-steering, with full forward and backward capability, along with a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. It also bookmarks the parking place in GPS so that once the vehicle enters the garage, for example, the navigation system will automatically switch to Around Viewâ„¢ Monitor and the system is ready to park the car.
"A concept today, but a reality soon, the Infiniti LE Concept and its wireless charging system means that on top of no longer having to pump gas, you will no longer have to connect charging cables," concluded Ghosn. "In a rapidly changing world, Infiniti is well ahead of the game."
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M Sedan, EX and FX crossovers and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.
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