For the true racing fan and FX owner, Infiniti has also introduced a specially commissioned wrap for the car inspired by the Red Bull Racing livery.

The Infiniti FX World Champion Experience will be offered to just 10 UK customers who order an Infiniti FX.  This unique opportunity applies to any one of the nine strong range of diesel and petrol engined performance crossovers – not just Sebastian’s FX of choice which is, of course, the range-topping 390PS FX50S Premium.

These 10 lucky people will be invited to Red Bull Racing’s HQ in Milton Keynes, UK, early next year where a member of the team will take them on a behind-the-scenes tour unavailable to the public.  For motorsport fans, it will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  January will be a great time to visit, too, because Red Bull Racing will be in full preparation for the 2012 Season. Infiniti’s chosen customers will see the car-making in action throughout the three main areas of the factory: design, production and assembly.  Lunch will be served from the ‘race space balcony’ giving the ultimate view of the factory floor.  And at the end of their special day, each customer will be given a genuine piece of a Red Bull Racing car to take home.

This is a money-can’t-buy experience.  However the Infiniti FX, priced from £46,750, is available to order now through any of Infiniti’s six UK Centres.  The Red Bull Racing FX wrap is available as a no cost option to any World Champion Experience participants.  Current FX owners can give their car the Red Bull Racing treatment, too.  For fitted costs, they should contact their nearest Infiniti Centre.

Nissan’s luxury car brand is still relatively new to the UK and the firm is currently working to build brand-awareness across the country. It seems to be working as the brand starts to steal orders away from the competition, as Richard Braithwaite, Centre Manager for the Stockport branch explains: “The centre is in a fantastic location at the heart of a strong Infiniti demographic audience. We have already sold our first car – to an ardent Lexus driver.”

Infiniti Centre Stockport is on Bailey Road in Portwood, less than 100 metres from the M60 Stockport interchange with its easy links to all motorways within the North West region (including M6, M56, M61, M62, and M67). The sat nav address is: SK1 2BT.

Purpose-built on the two-acre site, Infiniti Centre Stockport covers the areas of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, North Wales, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria. Infiniti offers the unique customer service pledge of free car pick-up and delivery within a 150 mile radius.

The Centre is operated by Infiniti retail partner Mana Premiere Automobiles Ltd (MPA) which also runs Infiniti Centres Birmingham and Glasgow and has Infiniti Centre Leeds nearing completion. MPA is looking to have around eight Infiniti Centres in the UK by the end of 2013.

The Stockport opening corresponds with the UK launch of the latest Infiniti, the cleanest as well as fastest model in the range, the M35h. Using new-generation hybrid technology, the M35h offers CO₂ emissions of 162g/km and (combined) fuel consumption of 40.4mpg  despite being a large 155mph four-door saloon that can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds.

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The M37 and M30d, offering performance and luxury with V6 petrol or V6 diesel engines, join the M35h to form what is currently the only three-way engine choice in the executive saloon class in Europe.In Stockport the new M range sits alongside the G37 line-up of Saloon, Coupé and Convertible with electrically retractable hard-top; the trend-setting coupé crossover EX; and, Infiniti’s flagship as well as its top seller in some markets, the FX crossover which in potent V8 FX50S form is the preferred personal transport of a certain Sebastian Vettel.

According to Infiniti’s growth plan for 2016, laid out by Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn, key European markets such as the UK will feature around 40 Infiniti Centres in six years’ time.

The concept, which is likely to have input from FI partner Red Bull Racing, will have zero emissions capability, said Andy Palmer, Infiniti’s head of global planning and communications.

"If you’re looking for inspired performance it would be from a car with a two-seat, mid-engine layout," said Palmer, speaking to journalists at Frankfurt’s Infiniti Centre where the Sebastian Vettel inspired FX was driven into the showroom.

"We do concepts to test reaction and that’s just what the Geneva car will be," said Palmer.

It is part of Infiniti’s plan to have a product in most premium segments. This will extend to a C segment car based on the Etherea concept which was shown at Geneva this year and makes its German debut at Frankfurt.

Infiniti will also use four cylinder petrol and diesel engines from Mercedes-Benz as part of the co-operation agreement signed last year with Daimler, said Palmer.

He also explained the thinking behind the tie-up with Red Bull racing. "only 2.5 per cent of people in Europe were aware of Infiniti as a luxury brand. To raise awareness there are the Olympics – already taken by BMW, football which doesn’t fit with Infiniti’s image or F1 racing, so we went with the best team in F1."

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The relationship is already paying dividends, as Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko explained. The team was having problems with its KERS energy system at the beginning of the season which "the knowledge within Nissan-Infiniti has helped solve. We know have a small team looking at what else we can do."

The FX Sebastian Vettel was put together in less than six months after initial discussions at  the Geneva show in March, said Dr Marko, the mastermind behind the current world champion.

Source: Headlineauto.com.

Artists are invited to express their creativity using a combination of techniques, namely 2D or 3D projections holograms and can use elements of the Infiniti Centre retail outlet, such as the bespoke and luxury furnishings, to bring their creation to life. Any art submitted will need to meet key requirements which include a clear demonstration of the automaker’s Japanese DNA, whilst an Infiniti car must equally be present at the heart of the masterpiece.

A highly-respected team of experts from Infiniti and designboom will shortlist a total of 50 of the most inspirational and outstanding works from those uploaded. These will subsequently be put forward to a dedicated jury composed of highly-regarded names from the world of motorsport, the industry, advertising consultancies, design influencers, and internationally acclaimed personalities from the sphere of digital art.

Behind a closed door, members of the judging panel will combine their expertise to select three exterior and three interior winning artworks. Every artist who reaches this stage of the Infiniti Digital Art Competition will be rewarded with the opportunity to exhibit their art all over Europe during the opening ceremonies of dozens of new Infiniti Centresand in front of more than 1500 guests, either as a stunning internal centerpiece or external projection on the front of the unique buildings. Expanding rapidly across the globe, Infiniti was the fastest-growing import luxury brand in the United States in 2010 and in 2011, will open centres in some of the most beautiful European cities. Infiniti Centre are unlike any other automotive retail outlet, boasting luxurious surroundings reminiscent of a boutique hotel and art gallery, and every customer is treated to a high level of hospitality as expected in Japan.

The overall winner of each of the themes will be determined by the total votes cast online by visitors to each of the launch events where the artworks have been displayed, and will receive a prize of €10,000 in addition to a place in the Competition’s grand finale to be crowned the Champion of the contest.

Commenting on the unveiling of the Infiniti Digital Art Competition, Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Marketing Director of Infiniti Europe, explains: “We recognise the pool of untapped artistic talent which remains hidden across the globe, and our aim is for individuals to be inspired by the core pillars of the Infiniti brand, and bring their work and skills to the forefront of the public eye, which for many, will be the very first time.” Mr Diernaz adds: “The Infiniti Digital Art Competition will equally provide an exciting platform for which to communicate our brand values beyond the communities and markets in which we are present, whilst enjoying and curating the work of others in this unique arena.”

The first of the three distinct themesentitled ‘Inspired Performance’, which will be open for entry on the designboom and Infiniti websites from today until 08 July, 2011, will ask each of the entrants to draw their ideas from the beautiful and flowing design profile of the Infiniti model range, and the vehicle manufacturer’s partnership with the Red Bull Racing team.

To enter the competition and to view terms and conditions, visit www.designboom.com/Infiniti or www.infiniti.eu

The Drive Infiniti roadshow brought several of the car maker’s latest models into the city, where hundreds of visitors seized the opportunity to win an Infiniti FX for one month.

It was the final phase of the roadshow, which was launched last month to raise awareness of Nissna’s luxury brand in London and the South East. The event coincided with the announcement that Infiniti is teaming up with Red Bull Racing in an exclusive F1 partnership.

The cars first appeared at Broadgate Circle on Monday and Tuesday (14^th and 15^th March) and are at Canary Wharf until Friday (18^th March).

Competition entries have soared at the website www.driveinfiniti.co.uk which will remain open until 31^st March.

Enter the competition by visiting www.driveinfiniti.co.uk or text the word ‘infiniti’ to 60070.

In its technology, performance, luxury and standard equipment, the single M35h GT Premium model available in the UK is every inch Infiniti’s flagship saloon, as well as being the most powerful and most economical model in the new Infiniti M range. Over an equivalently specified M30d, the hybrid costs just £1200 more.

As the brand’s advanced technology showcase, the Infiniti M35h features a raft of cutting-edge engineering. At its heart is the Infiniti Direct Hybrid system, a new-generation drivetrain whose one electric motor/two clutch layout delivers performance and efficiency without compromises while enhancing the responsiveness essential for maximum driver appeal.

In addition the Infiniti M35h is equipped with innovative new hybrid electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system (VSP) to help ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

Unrivalled in the sector

The 364 PS (359bhp) petrol/electric four-door’s combination of power and low emissions is unmatched in the sector by any petrol, diesel or hybrid rival. The M35h delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds with an official EUDC fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 40.4mpg. CO₂ emissions are 162g/km.

The Infiniti M35h joins the V6 petrol M37 and V6 diesel M30d to form a unique three-pronged attack on the European executive car segment. Prices of the entire Infiniti M range represent impressive value compared to equivalently powerful rivals when equipped to a comparable level.

In the equipment stakes, the M35h GT Premium lacks for nothing with some of the most advanced safety, luxury, convenience and communication/ entertainment systems available anywhere fitted as standard.

Highlights include premium heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather front seats, White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish, bi-Xenon lights with adaptive front lighting system, power seats and steering column with heated steering wheel, a 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res touch screen, 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information, Forest Air^TM climate control and a 16-speaker Bose® Premium surround sound system. In the Dynamic Safety Shield, the M35h GT Premium has one of the most comprehensive anti-crash technologies available with systems that include Blind Spot Intervention^TM, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP). Also present is Infiniti’s innovative Eco Pedal to help save fuel.

There is just one option: metallic paint at £679.

Tax savings

The Infiniti M35h is in VED Band G for annual road tax of currently £155, much less than some equivalently powerful cars with higher CO₂ emissions.

There are also savings to be made for British company car drivers. With the M35h’s CO₂ emissions of 162g/km and taxable benefit at 22% of P11D value, a 40% taxpayer would face a bill of £4121 a year in 2011/12. That is less than the tax bill would be for the most powerful BMW 5-series diesel model available, and represents a near £2000 advantage for the Infiniti driver over a Jaguar XF V8 petrol of similar performance.

Exceptional efficiency

The Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system mates a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 with a single electric motor, at 67bhp one of the most powerful of any hybrid, in a two-clutch layout that maximises performance and efficiency and ensures silent, emissions-free running is employed at every opportunity. With advanced regenerative braking and a high output Lithium-ion battery, the electric motor alone can power the M35h at speeds as high as 62mph, extending the hybrid advantage from city streets to the open road. Tests have shown that in mixed driving, the infiniti M35h is able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time.

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In recognition of this the M35h is the first hybrid in the world to come with a standard audible pedestrian warning system. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) emits a pleasing, non-intrusive sound that varies in pitch and volume at vehicle speeds up to about 20mph.

At higher speeds on open roads the M35h’s no-compromise nature means 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph. With almost 50mpg on the official extra urban cycle, the M35h promises owners exceptional cruising economy and a touring range of up to around 750 miles.

Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, Etherea is styled to blend elements of coupé, saloon, hatchback and even crossover in one highly form, Nissan’s luxury car maker asserts.

At 4.4m, it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements.

Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

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“Etherea is about a new type of luxury for younger buyers,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is not just a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car.”

The Etherea makes its world debut on the Infiniti stand of the 81st Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 1 March 2011.

Infiniti has released further details of its new M35h hybrid model, before its grand reveal at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new model is set to become one of the fastest and greenest V6-powered saloon models available as it makes full use of its hybrid technology. Homologated figures show that the new model will have a combined electric and petrol power figure of 364 PS (268 kW) and achieve 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds. Emitting 162g/km of CO2, the car also achieves 40.4 mpg.

The Infiniti M35h’s innovative one electric motor/two clutch hybrid system is complemented by the Infiniti hallmarks of low drag – the Cd is down to an impressive 0.26 – and lighter weight, the M35h weighing less than its M30d diesel sibling at 1830kg.

The new Infiniti flagship to compete at the heart of Europe’s executive class has the additional claim to fame of outstanding cruising fuel economy with 5.7 l/100km on the extra urban cycle – impressive for a near 5m-long luxury sedan with a 155mph top speed and acceleration to embarrass many sports cars.

The Infiniti M35h’s near-50mpg extra urban consumption is 10mpg ahead of its main hybrid rival, while in the VED stakes its place in Band G is two bands lower, cutting the first-year rate of road tax for the Infiniti almost in half, from £300 to £155. Similarly the M35h’s lower CO₂ results in more affordable company car tax bills, with a liability in 2011/12 of 23% rather than its less powerful rival’s 26%.

The combination of high performance – tinged with true Infiniti driver appeal – and low emissions is the direct result of a 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor that can power the Infiniti M35h more often, at higher speeds and for longer periods than rival hybrids.

Capable of cruising on emissions-free electric power alone at speeds up to around 80 km/h, Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid system extends the hybrid’s advantage from slow-moving city traffic to the open highway. In real-world testing the Infiniti M35h has shown it can drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time on mixed routes. Even energy normally lost in deceleration or under braking is saved to help keep the batteries charged up.

Despite running in silent electric mode at every opportunity, the Infiniti M35h cannot surprise pedestrians and the visually impaired as it approaches thanks to Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP). The first hybrid in the world to come with such a valuable safety feature as standard, VSP emits a pleasing, non-intrusive sound that varies in pitch and volume at vehicle speeds up to 30 km/h.

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Innovative Hybrid Electric Power Steering (NH-EPS) and regenerative brakes, both developed especially for the Infiniti M35h in order to boost further its efficiency, are key technology highlights. The Infiniti M35h’s petrol engine is a 3.5-litre V6 with 306 PS (225kW). It is part of the same family of V6s as the 3.7-litre unit in the M37 but with torque characteristics to complement the low-down pulling power – 270 Nm at 1770rpm – of the electric motor.

The Infiniti M35h is just as luxuriously trimmed and equipped as the other Infiniti  M models while its 350-litre boot is capable of storing four golf-bags or two large suitcases.

Prices for the Infiniti M35h , which will be offered in either GT or GT Premium grades, are due to be announced before the Geneva Motor Show.

Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of Infiniti’s European markets, making it highly exclusive.  This limited edition model marries Infiniti’s passion for luxury and performance with the passion for hospitality and fine cuisine that is Relais & Châteaux. In what could be the most unique automotive partnership of 2011, each owner of an EX Black Premium is automatically entitled to join the Relais & Châteaux Club 5C.  Membership is otherwise by invitation only and the benefits simply cannot be bought.

Getting there

Launched simultaneously across all of Infiniti’s European markets, each 238 PS V6 diesel-powered Black Premium offers both a stunning drive and a spectacular way to arrive. Setting off its exclusive (for an EX) Malbec Black paint are 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof and polished aluminium roof rails. The interior is just as special, with its Bose® sound system, graphite leather interior and highlights of aluminium and black lacquer.

Hailed as one of the world’s first coupé crossovers, the Black Premium delivers everything the EX30d is known for including dashing looks, refinement, luxury and a class-leading 550 Nm of torque.

Based on the top-selling GT Premium, the Black Premium is comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of advanced technologies to top anything in the compact crossover class. Standard features include Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Scratch Shield paint, cornering xenon headlamps, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot Warning as well as state of the art entertainment, navigation and communication systems.

Staying over

As official automotive partner to Relais & Châteaux – a unique association of more than 500 of the world’s greatest hotels and restaurants – Infiniti is proud to be able to offer EX Black Premium owners something that literally cannot be bought – membership, for two years,  in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux  Club 5C programme.

Created in 2004 as a way of sharing more of the Relais & Châteaux experience with its most loyal clients, these Relais & Châteaux “ambassadors” are looked after more like house guests than hotel customers.

Like Infiniti, the  Club 5C is based on a philosophy of hospitality and in particular a passion to share some of the treasures behind the five key words – Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine – at the heart of the Relais & Châteaux experience.

Each Relais & Châteaux hotel has its own individual take on offering 5C members some unique gift or “Discovery Privilege”. Thus, the 5C member might create their own, customised scent in the Galimard studio, or visit the market with the chef to select the produce for lunch that day. They might enjoy a guided tour of the grounds from the head gardener, or be privy to cultural or historical insights on the property and the surroundings from the general manager.

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From the grandest establishments in capital cities to spectacular rural or coastal retreats, the EX Black Premium driver’s destination could be Europe – another excuse to take the EX for a drive then – or as far afield as Morocco. Or Mexico. Or French Polynesia.

With typical Infiniti attention to detail there’s even a Relais & Châteaux guide in the glovebox to help owners decide where to enjoy their memorable stopover.

Available to order now, the EX Black Premium costs £45,671.

Luxurious and offering the highest standards of customer care, Infiniti Centre Glasgow joins central London, Reading and Birmingham in the Nissan-owned network.  It extends Infiniti’s reach to most of the UK’s major population centres when the marque’s unique customer service pledge – free car pick up and delivery within a 150 mile radius – is taken into account.

Infiniti Centre Glasgow, two minutes off the M8 at Braehead near to Glasgow Airport, fulfils all the requirements that have made Infiniti’s unique retail environment such a worldwide success. A new build, the Centre uses stone, glass, light and space to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at odds with most people’s idea of a car dealership. With its lobby/lounge/display layout and emphasis on top quality décor and sustainable materials, the latest Infiniti Centre is more in keeping with a boutique hotel than a place to buy a car.

The Centre is operated by Infiniti retail partner MPA Ltd which also operates the recently opened Infiniti Centre Birmingham and has two more Centres under construction, in Stockport and Leeds and both due to open in 2011.

Jason Blane, former manager of a Scottish Toyota centre, has been appointed to run Infiniti Centre Glasgow. Jason, who has worked in the Scottish retail car industry for 14 years, is additionally responsible for all Infiniti sales throughout Scotland. Corporate sales specialist Steve Boland is appointed Sales and Development Consultant at the Glasgow Centre.

The Scottish opening ties in with the arrival of the M30d, Infiniti’s first diesel-powered performance saloon which recently made its UK debut at the MPH Show. Other models to take their place behind the new Centre’s glass wall over the coming weeks are the equally new M37 petrol V6 saloon, the G line of Coupé, Convertible and Saloon, and, in both V6 petrol and V6 diesel forms, the EX coupe-crossover and FX luxury SUV, the FX additionally available in V8 form.

As well as a six-car display area the Centre boasts state-of-the-art workshop facilities, including an alignment bay and the latest wheel balancing equipment for wheels up to 21 inches.

"We are happy to be able to make our workshop facilities open to owners of all premium brands," said MPA’s Bill McMaster. "Given the specialist nature of the equipment we have installed we expect the workshop to be busy."

In a high profile location close to Porsche and Audi dealerships, Infiniti Centre Glasgow is at 4 Braile Crescent, Braehead, Renfrew, PA4 OZJ. It is just two minutes off the M8 motorway at Braehead, about two miles from Glasgow Airport.  More details are available from www.infiniti.co.uk