The Infiniti stand had more than your regular performance slant at the Johannesburg International Motor Show. Taking pride of place was the Championship-winning Formula One car of Red Bull Racing, which is sponsored by the Japanese firm.
FX Vettel Edition
Infiniti took the opportunity to unveil a new range-topper. The FX Vettel Edition, takes its name from the brand’s “performance director”. Yes, the multiple Formula One World Championship now has a car named after him. Just 150 of these specially built (by Brabus of Germany) models will be available worldwide. The changes include carbon-fibre panels, bespoke 21-inch dark alloys and a louder exhaust system. Inside there are several sporting touches including Alcantara detailing.
Under the hood there is more power, 309 kW and 520 N.m (up from 287 kW and 500 N.m), which is said to endow the large SUV with a sprint time of 5,6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
Q50
Also on the cards for early next year is an all-new saloon, the Q50 (following the firm’s new naming structure – see below). It is the first step in the launch of Infiniti’s global expansion plans. The sporty saloon will have both diesel and hybrid power when it goes on sale here next year, a turbocharged petrol variant will be added to the range at a later stage.
The Q50 Hybrid features a 3,5-litre petrol V6 engine mated to a full hybrid electric drive system and is currently the world’s fastest-accelerating hybrid vehicle – the sprint from 0-100 km/h is claimed to take less than 5,5 seconds.
General manager at Infiniti South Africa, George Stegmann, said: “The Infiniti Q50 will be the first new model to be introduced to South Africa after the successful launch of the brand in 2012 and is just the beginning of the Infiniti brand’s growth in South Africa. We are all very excited about its arrival!”
The Q50 embodies Infiniti’s latest design language which follows from the brand’s in-house mantra: ‘Inspired Performance’. Q50 is said to to be the production culmination of three concept cars – the Infiniti EMERG-E, Infiniti Essence and Infiniti Etherea – with unique design elements such as the signature crescent-cut C-pillar, 3D double-arch grille and asymmetrical cabin layout
New names for existing models
As mentioned above, Infiniti is simplifying its naming structure. All existing models will take on new names effective immediately.
All Infiniti sedan, coupe and convertible vehicles now follow a ‘Q’ nomenclature while all crossover and SUV models feature a new ‘QX’ naming convention. The revised names also serve to better link the various models and their attached numerals indicate hierarchy within the Infiniti model portfolio.
Engine capacities, which were previously incorporated into the full model names, are now separated and reflected by badging on each vehicle’s front quarters.
Existing Infiniti range | New Infiniti range |
Infiniti G Cabrio | Infiniti Q60 Cabrio |
Infiniti G Coupe | Infiniti Q60 Coupe |
Infiniti EX | Infiniti QX50 |
Infiniti FX | Infiniti QX70 |
Infiniti M | Infiniti Q70 |