Infiniti JX Concept

First we’ve got Infiniti’s latest luxury crossover, a vehicle set to arrive on the showroom floor inside 2012, the Infiniti JX Concept. This vehicle is a seven-seat, three seat row having, V6 engine running four-wheel or front-wheel drive and a CVT (continuous variable transmission) that’s both fuel-efficient and mimics a stepped transmission for sport-tuned performance. This vehicle has Bose audio, Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention, and a whole heck of a lot more. Check it out in our feature post Infini JX Concept Unveiled to the world at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance where you’ll see additional details and photos galore.

Infiniti Etherea

Infiniti’s second work here made its debut back at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, this being its first public North American outing. Its illuminated grille, lovely C-pillar like the JX Concept, and “four-door coupe” styling makes this vehicle a sight to behold. This smaller vehicle still holds the continuously variable transmission like the JX Concept, only in front wheel drive in this case, with a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine capable of 250 horsepower. All this is paired with an electric motor for all your modern hybrid needs. This vehicle is still only a future potential production model, but what a unique vision it is already – check out our Infiniti Etherea at PebbleBeach Concours d’Elegance post for more details and additional photos.

IPL G Convertible

The final reveal this week by Infiniti is the IPL G Convertible, an open-topped powerhouse with retractable hardtop roof with a 3.7-liter V6 – all this based on the existing Infiniti G37 Convertible. This vehicle of course contains an IPL-tuned engine, exhaust, and suspension as well as a smooth red interior. This vehicle features 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, one of many features the Infiniti group notes will very likely reach the final production model next year. This production version will be shown at the LA Auto Show this November. Check out our full post on the vehicle at this event in IPL G Convertible at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2011 – photos included.

Thank You Infiniti

Lastly we’d like to thank Infiniti for hosting SlashGear at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 2011! We had a wonderful time and look forward to the future!

Brought in concept form to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this weekend, the IPL G Convertible shows off its IPL-tuned engine, exhaust and suspension as well as a specially crafted red leather interior. There are also eye-catching 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, and Infiniti says the production model will share most of the equipment and styling when it goes on sale next year.

The production version of the Infiniti 2013 IPL G Convertible will go on show at the LA Auto Show this coming November, where the company will announce details like performance and pricing. Given the IPL G Coupe starts at $48,900 and that the convertible version of the G37 carries a roughly $9k premium over its regular Coupe cousin, we’re guessing the IPL G Convertible will fall somewhere in the late $50k region.

Infiniti Hardtop Convertible G37 Test Drive:

In fact, the JX Concept is arguably more impressive in terms of what Infiniti has done inside than out. The second row of seats both tilts and slides for access to the last row – itself promising adult-sized accommodation, though taller people should probably claim a chair closer to the front – meaning you can leave a child seat strapped into the middle and not have to remove it to climb in. A V6 engine and a choice of all-wheel or front-wheel drive will be paired with a CVT (continuous variable transmission) that mimics a stepped transmission for sport-tuned performance but with fuel-efficiency too.

As well as the Bose audio, there’s Infinit’s Connection Telematics system that can pull over your calendar and automatically offer GPS navigation to your next appointment, along with the Infiniti Personal Assistant concierge service. 24-hour access to the service will be included with every 2012 model year car.

Safety features include Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention; Infiniti weren’t too keen on the idea of SlashGear reversing at high speed into objects, but the system did warn us when we were at risk of backing over things out of sight of the driver. Push it further, and it will even put on the brakes for you.

Crossover styling can be an acquired taste, though in the metal the JX Concept is less brutal than the promo shots might suggest. Infiniti’s surface detailing helps break up long expanses of metal and catches the light nicely, and though there’s no shortage of chrome trim there’s still less than we’ve seen on some rivals. Inside it’s a sea of leather and wood, still light thanks to all the glass in the roof, and with a huge display for the ICE and PND functionality.

More details in our gallery and videos (later tonight)!

Originally started as a private social event and small-scale road race, over the past six decades the Concours d’Elegance has evolved into a collector’s paradise. It’s a rare opportunity to see cars that would normally be locked safely inside an air-conditioned garage.

We’ve been invited out to Pebble Beach by Infiniti (which, for the sake of transparency, has hosted us here with hotel and flights) but there are hundreds of marques on show from many names you’ll recognize (and more than a few you might not). Last year Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Lexus and Porsche all debuted new concepts at Pebble Beach, and we’re expecting some seriously exciting metal, carbon-fiber and chrome in 2011.