In fact, Infiniti recently announced that Vettel is the company’s new Director of Performance. Infiniti says that the new Q50 will go on sale this summer at dealerships around the country and is available to pre-order now starting at $36,450. A “popularly equipped” Q50 Premium featuring the optional navigation system will carry an introductory price of $40,700. The vehicle will be available with two powertrain options.

One of the available powertrains is a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with the other being a 3.5-liter Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system. The Q50 is also available in rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. The starting price for a Premium hybrid in rear wheel drive is $43,700. The Hybrid Sport all wheel drive will start $47,900.

The Q50 Sport all-wheel drive with the 3.7 L V-6 engine will start $44,750. As with any premium automobile, a number of available options can push the price up significantly. The new Q50 has some interesting new performance technology including Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control. The special adaptive steering system promises to transmit the driver’s intentions from the steering wheel to the wheels of the car faster than a mechanical system. The Active Lane Control system uses cameras able to detect lane markers and enhance on center driving capability and vehicle stability for the driver.

[via Infiniti]

The reason for the recall is a sensor that could be faulty which would result in the front passenger’s seat airbag not deploying when it is needed. Such an issue poses a potentially serious safety concern, and as a result the five affected models have been recalled. The number of vehicles that are being recalled is still being calculated.

The affected vehicles are comprised of the 2013 Nissan Altima sedan, the Nissan Sentra, the Nissan Pathfinder SUV, the 2013 Nissan Leaf EV, and the 2013 Infiniti division’s JX35 luxury SUV crossover. The information comes from data posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The faulty sensor’s discovery was made when Nissan observed airbag warning lights at one of its automotive plants, as well as warranty claims being made. The problem was traced back to the sensor’s supplier, which altered the process it uses to make the sensors. Those with the affected vehicles will begin receiving notifications in April.

[via USA Today]

Infiniti expects the new hybrid crossover to achieve 26 mpg fuel economy on the combined city/highway driving cycle. That represents a 24% increase in fuel efficiency over the non-hybrid QX60 SUV. Infiniti expects the fuel efficiency of its hybrid SUV to make it the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger vehicle in its segment.

The hybrid system that Infiniti uses in the vehicle doesn’t compromise performance, interior roominess, or cargo space compared to standard non-hybrid versions of the vehicle. The hybrid version of the QX60 won’t be significantly more expensive either and is expected to be priced at about $3000 above the standard non-hybrid SUV models. The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine paired with a 15 kW electric motor.

Both the gasoline-engine and the electric motor are connected to an advanced CVT transmission. Infiniti estimates that net system horsepower will come out 250 hp. The vehicle uses Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system using a compact lithium-ion battery and electric motor providing the power of a 3.5-liter V6 with the economy of a four-cylinder engine. The vehicle also makes use of an Infiniti Intelligent Regenerative Braking system to charge the battery during braking. More details to be available at the New York International Auto Show on March 27.

[via Infiniti]

The numbers after the Q or QX branding will indicate where the vehicle falls within the Infiniti heirearchy. For example, the Q50 model number will be applied to the G sedans, while the Q60 model number will be used for the convertible and coupe varieties of the G model. Along with the new Q and QX designation will be a new badge, the first of which will be displayed on the Q50 in January.

Infiniti Motor Company’s President Johan de Nysschen offered this statement. “Over the past few months, we have talked at length with our retailers, our customers, and our business partners about our brand. The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident.”

And thus this change marks the company’s “ambitious growth plans,” and precedes what will be an eventual expansion of what Infiniti has to offer. You can check out the first Q-branded Infiniti model in a few weeks at the North American International Auto Show. Stay tuned to Slashgear and we’ll keep you updated on the happenings.

The LE is based on that rather plain looking Nissan Leaf EV and will be Nissan Motor Company’s first luxury EV to hit the market. The car is very attractive with nice curves and reminds me of something that might come from Fisker. The car gets power from a 100 kW synchronous electronic motor with 134 hp and 240 pound-feet of torque.

That is a healthy gain over the Leaf that has an electric motor with 110 hp and 210 pound-feet of torque. The Infiniti LE uses the same 24 kWh battery pack, the same single speed transmission, and the same McPherson strut and torsion beam rear end that the Leaf hides underneath its homelier body. Infiniti LE concept is estimated to have a 100-mile driving range on a full charge. The interior is much swankier than that of the Leaf as well with the new infotainment system powered by the Intel Atom processor that I mentioned earlier. The production version of this vehicle is expected in about two years at an undisclosed price. With the Nissan Leaf carrying an MSRP of about $35,000, I would wager the Infiniti LE MSRP would be around $40,000-$45,000.

[via Wired]

The technical specs on the Emerg-E haven’t been revealed yet, but it’s expected to be a range-extended electric car similar to the Chevrolet Volt. This means that it will be a plug-in hybrid that has a gas engine that acts as a backup generator. The engine will be mid-mounted for better weight distribution and improved handling, while the electric portion will be similar to the Nissan LEAF’s drivetrain but probably a more advanced battery with greater capacity.

It will be interesting to find out what type of performance this amazing-looking electric supercar has in store for us come next month’s Geneva Motor Show. It certainly has the looks down pat and hopefully it pushes through the concept state to production. But even so, we likely won’t get to see the vehicle on commercial show floors until 2014.

[via TreeHugger]

In the video below you’ll find racer Sebastian Vettel, mastermind Infiniti design chief Shiro Nakamura, and a sea of flashbulbs. Most of the video is thankfully the two main men here speaking on what’s inspiring between their two worlds, the current F1 champion sharing a few tips and laughs with one of the world’s most innovative minds, Nakamura. See if you can guess what they’re speaking about before the video is over:

Now the vehicle they’re MORE than likely speaking about is the Infiniti FX50 Vettel edition, expected to be shown formally at the Frankfurt motor show in September 15-22. It was chosen and modified by Red Bull racing’s hero driver, it being quite the looker for a racecar-inspired version of a four-door. There’s a 20-button steering wheel, LED fog lights, likely carbon fiber all around, oversized Infiniti wheels in charcoal gray and wrapped in Bridgestone rubber. What more could you ask for? I’m sure the rest of the info will be sent out as the time draws near.

Exciting!

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:

The Etherea is a significantly smaller car than the seven-seater JX, however, and Infiniti’s “four-door coupe” styling makes it look even more compact. The continuously variable transmission is carried over, though here only in front wheel drive, with power from a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good, the company says, for 250 horsepower.

That’s paired with an electric motor for hybrid convenience, the Earth-friendly side taking charge for low-speed driving or giving an extra boost at high-speed. Infiniti is still saying the Etherea is an “exploration” of a future potential production model, and we wouldn’t argue with the looks – especially if the company can keep the distinctive rear suicide doors.

Infiniti Etherea coming shortly.

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.