Infiniti Launches Inaugural "Inspired Performance" Award at Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours

- Also Sponsors On-site Media Center and Infiniti Pavilion Display -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - True to its dedication to providing vehicles with Inspired Performance, Infiniti has been announced as the inaugural sponsor of the Infiniti "Inspired Performance" Award at the 2012 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance, one of four events that make up the unique Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival.  More than 150 classic vehicles are expected for the Concours, which is held annually under the spreading oaks and flowing Spanish moss on scenic Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The Infiniti "Inspired Performance" Award, selected by credentialed media for the vehicle that inspires them most through its design, engineering and style, will be presented on Nov. 4th at the Concours.  Infiniti is also the media sponsor for the Festival and Concours.  In addition, an Infiniti Pavilion will showcase a selection of Infiniti vehicles and local retailer Infiniti of Hilton Head will provide Infiniti vehicles for a consumer ride and drive.

"Infiniti has long had a major presence at America's most prestigious Concours events as an exhibitor and sponsor, so we are pleased to expand this tradition to the Hilton Head Island event," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.  "With the categories of eligible vehicles ranging from classics and sports cars to motorcycles and American performance cars, we predict it will be very difficult to select just one ‘inspired' vehicle for this special award."

"We are pleased to welcome Infiniti as our Official Media Partner.  The Hilton Head event is quickly growing on the national Concours stage and we look forward to Infiniti's partnership in hosting national and international media at our world class event," said Carolyn Vanagle, president, Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d'Elegance.

Among the 2013 Infiniti vehicles on display at the Infiniti Pavilion will be the all-new 7-passenger Infiniti JX luxury crossover with its innovative Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) system technology and multi-mode middle seat design that provides entry to the 3rd row without removing a 2nd row child seat.

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, the QX full-size SUV and the all-new Infiniti JX luxury crossover.

Infiniti Announces U.S. Pricing for 2013 Infiniti QX

- Moving Object Detection Added to Standard Around View Monitor -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 11, 2012) - Infiniti today announced U.S. pricing for the 2013 Infiniti QX luxury SUV, which is on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide.  The Infiniti QX continues to stand out in the luxury performance SUV class with its unique combination of inspired design and performance.

For 2013, the advanced Moving Object Detection (MOD) system has been added to the standard Around View Monitor.  Also new are standard auto-dimming exterior mirrors and a new Smoky Quartz exterior color.  In addition, an upgraded remote control and interface is added to the Theater Package.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2013 Infiniti QX are:

Model	Engine/Transmission	MSRP
Infiniti QX56 2WD	5.6-liter V8 / 7-speed automatic	$60,650 USD
Infiniti QX56 4WD	5.6-liter V8 / 7-speed automatic	$63,750 USD

About the 2013 Infiniti QX
Now in the third year of the current generation design, the 2013 Infiniti QX continues to offer an unmatched combination of power, strength and luxury style – capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance.  Its drivetrain is rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped), while being equally at home transporting friends and family for a night on the town.

All 2013 Infiniti QXs feature a responsive 5.6-liter V8 engine, which combines the responsive acceleration of Infiniti’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) to produce 400 horsepower and 413 lbs-ft of torque.  A smooth 7-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models.

The QX interior is long on luxury and comfort, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View Monitor, Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System and available Bose Cabin Surround Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers, available perforated semi-aniline leather-appointed seating and an available Theater Package with dual 7-inch color monitors, which allows different sources to be played at the same time.

The 2013 QX is offered in two fully equipped models - Infiniti QX56 2WD and Infiniti QX56 4WD.

Red Bull Wins in Korea

Team extends lead in Constructors’ and Seb moves ahead in Drivers’

Car 1 SEBASTIAN VETTEL, Finish Position: WINNER! Start Position: 2nd
“I think it was a perfect day for me and the team. It was important to get a good start. I was able to out-accelerate Mark and get side by side. I had the inside for Turn 3 and a good exit, which meant I could stay ahead for Turn 4. I was in the lead, but we have seen before that it doesn’t always stick. My one mistake today was a lock-up going in to Turn 3, but with the tires it was marginal for everyone. You couldn’t push so much and my front right didn’t look too happy from the inside many times. We were able to pull away in the first and second stint and hold it for the third. We will have to do our best to remain where we are now. We have to just keep it simple and do our job.”

Car 2 MARK WEBBER, Finish Position: 2nd, Start Position: 1st
“I had a bit too much clutch off the line, which was disappointing. I put up a fight on the back straight with Sebastian, as it wasn’t all over. I tried to make a move, but once I pulled out of his slipstream, both of us were on the same speed. After that I was going quite well in the first part of the race. I couldn’t use DRS, due to the yellow flags and after that it became a tire battle. The second stint wasn’t so good, as I went a bit slower to conserve the tires, but that made the degradation a bit worse. The last stint was the strongest, but it was too late by then. Congratulations to Sebastian on the win and it’s great for the team that we got a one two, especially for the Constructors’, but I have mixed emotions. It was a good result, but of course, I wanted to get the top result today.”

CHRISTIAN HORNER, Team Principal
“A phenomenal team result. It was our first one two of the season and a great performance. Both drivers executed excellent races. Sebastian made the better start and he and Mark ran side by side all the way down the straight to Turn 3, but gave each other just enough room. Thereafter it was a case of tire management and executing a good strategic race, which we did with both cars to seal our first one two of 2012. It’s been a very positive ten days and it’s important we continue to build on the momentum going into the final four races.”

CYRIL DUMONT, Renault
“A fantastic result today. We started first and second and finished in the same positions, but with the drivers the other way around. Seb took the lead in the Drivers’ Championship which is very good result from this race. We have had a good feeling from the last two races and I just really hope we keep this momentum going for remaining four.”

Red Bull Wins in Suzuka!

Car 1 SEBASTIAN VETTEL, Finish Position: WINNER! Start Position: 1st
"It's been a fantastic weekend. Yesterday's qualifying was perfect and today again, the balance of the car was amazing. We didn't change too much at the stops; it just seemed to work fantastically well. I'm very happy, the guys have been pushing very hard and even though we didn't have major upgrades here, it still seemed to come together and the balance was there – and that's what made the difference today. It's a shame for Alonso, it's not something you hope for and it could happen to us at the next race. We've seen this year there are a lot of up and downs and things change quickly - we have to keep our heads down and take it step by step."

Car 2 MARK WEBBER, Finish Position: 9th, Start Position: 2nd
"I haven't seen what happened at the start, but it's been confirmed that it was Grosjean who hit me. We're trying to fight for results each weekend and it doesn't help so, yeah, it's frustrating as a few of the big guys suffered out there today. We went onto a one-stop strategy from then on, but I kept pushing, I didn't give up and got something from it. To finish eight seconds off fifth, after the fact I was in reverse at one point - and also the safety car came in before I caught the back of the field - was something. I'll come back in Korea."

CHRISTIAN HORNER, Team Principal
"A great result for Sebastian; to win in such a dominant fashion really closes up the Championship. It was a textbook drive for Sebastian today; he really was in a class of his own. The frustration for the team is the incident with Mark and Grosjean in Turn 2, where Grosjean completely misjudged the corner and hit Mark taking him out of the race. Mark then had to come into the pits for a safety check, change tires and the nose and then, before he had a chance to join the back of the pack, the race re-started, so he was 20 seconds behind. His recovery from that far back thereafter was excellent and he drove very well. It's a shame we couldn't have got even more from today, but it's always fantastic to win in Suzuka."

CYRIL DUMONT, Renault
"An awesome result - it was the perfect result for Sebastian with pole position, fastest lap and the race win. Unfortunately for Mark it was more difficult, we had the pace to be first and second, but everything was over after Turn 2 for Mark. He made a very good fight back after that. It's great to be in both Championships for the final races."

Infiniti Launches New "Infiniti Personal Assistant" Smart Phone App for iPhone and Android Devices

– Infiniti's 24-Hour Concierge Service Adds Even More Functionality, Including New Geolocation When Calling or Submitting a Request –

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Since its launch 14 months ago, the Infiniti Personal Assistant (IPA) has been providing 24-hour personal concierge service as part of the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience. The IPA service, which provides unlimited, 4-year complimentary access to a team of live professional assistants, is included with the purchase of any new Infiniti vehicle. IPA now includes a new smart phone app that has launched nationwide.

The IPA app is available for as a free download from the iTunes App Store, Google™ Play or at infinitipersonalassistantapp.com. It allows users to make requests from anywhere in the world with a cellular or data connection.

Among the app's available enhanced functionality features are:

•     Make a one-touch call
•     Submit requests without calling in
•     Send geolocation without a call or request
•     Access Infiniti retailer contact information

"Response to the Infiniti Personal Assistant has been incredible, with Infiniti owners enjoying the ability to speak with our specially trained concierge staff and receive truly personal service that goes far beyond automated response devices," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore. "Now, with the new IPA app, we're making access to our professional personal assistants even easier, no matter where in the world our owners are when making requests – from their phones, their vehicles or their homes."

The IPA app is currently available for iPhone 3G and above, iPad and iPad2, and smart phones running Android 2.2 and above. The app will be available for Windows Phone and Blackberry at a later date.

About Infiniti Personal Assistant
Infiniti Personal Assistant provides new Infiniti owners 24-hour access to an entire team of professional personal assistants, all at the push of a button! When an Infiniti owner calls the toll free number from their registered phone, they will be greeted by name by an Infiniti Personal Assistant.  From information requests such as directory assistance, weather forecasts and general trivia to arranging tasks on the caller's behalf, Infiniti Personal Assistant is always available.

Accessible through the owner's smart phone, either synched in-vehicle through the Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System voice command or away from the vehicle, callers can ask for answers or assistance on a range of topics and tasks, including:

•     Directory Assistance and Driving Directions
•     City Guides
•     Weather Forecasts
•     Dining Suggestions and Reservations
•     Movie Times and Reviews
•     Travel Arrangements
•     Emergency Assistance
•     Schedule Reminders
•     Stock Market Information
•     Sports Scores and Stats, General Trivia Answers
•     Consumer Product Reviews and Price Comparisons

Infiniti is the only luxury automobile brand to offer the service complimentary for 48 months. Infiniti purchasers are registered with the service before taking delivery of their new Infiniti M, G, QX, FX or EX, and can begin utilizing the service immediately. Along with owners' cell phones, assistance is also available via e-mails, text messaging, online portals and now this app. The Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit is offered at no cost for the first four years of Infiniti ownership.

In addition, 4-year companion accounts (providing access from an additional phone number) are also available at a minimal cost, as are 4-year Certified Pre-Owned and 1-year Infiniti pre-owned vehicle accounts.

Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel Takes to the Track Early in Japan for First Drive of the FX Vettel Edition

TOCHIGI, Japan - Formula One Double World Champion Sebastian Vettel's Japanese Grand Prix weekend started early this week, as he took to the track to drive his Infiniti FX Vettel Edition production car for the very first time.

Fresh from his inspired victory in Singapore, The Red Bull Racing star and Infiniti Brand Ambassador spent the day at Infiniti's global manufacturing plant in Tochigi to approve the first production models of the car he co-designed rolling off the production line. After a tour of the manufacturing process and a chance to meet the engineers and factory staff behind the car's development, it was then over to the Tochigi test track to put the special edition through its paces. He also test drove of a number of future Infiniti products currently being developed, giving valuable performance feedback to engineers and fellow test drivers.

A unique collaboration between Vettel and Infiniti's SVP and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition features a 5.0-liter V8 420PS engine and F1-inspired technology including advanced aerodynamic devices and carbon fiber components. It is available from €120,000 (depending on country). Vettel drove the prototype concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.

Commenting on the event, Sebastian Vettel said: "It was great to get a look behind the scenes at Infiniti, meet some of the people involved and of course drive the car. In F1, the first few laps testing a new car are when you find out if it's quick or not. It was the same today and I'm pleased to say the Infiniti team have done an outstanding job. It really delivers on the vision I had - it's very fast, and a car that driving enthusiasts are going to enjoy. It was also good to be involved in the testing of some future products and to work with the Infiniti engineers to develop the performance further."

For more interesting content on Infiniti in Formula One, visit www.infiniti- performanceteam.com/blog

Since the 2011 season Infiniti has been a major partner of the Red Bull Racing team and in 2012 the relationship has been deepened with Infiniti featuring even more prominently on the Red Bull Racing RB8 and the overalls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. Last year Sebastian Vettel was appointed Infiniti's first ever Global Brand Ambassador.

About 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 Centres that share a commitment to exceptional hospitality throughout the entire period of ownership.

INFOGRAPHIC: Infiniti's Snug Kids™ Celebrates a Decade of Helping to Secure the Safety of Children

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Infiniti is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Snug Kids™ program, the automotive industry's first-ever child safety seat fit initiative. Since 2002, Infiniti has voluntarily provided parents and caregivers with peace-of-mind by offering valuable tools and resources to help determine which child safety seats fit properly in Infiniti vehicles, as well as tips on how to achieve a secure fit when installing a rear or forward-facing child seat or booster.