- The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept inspired by F1 world champ Sebastian Vettel is bound for production, Infiniti announced on Tuesday.
- Details of the production version, including pricing and launch date, have not been revealed.
- Infiniti said in a statement that the FX Sebastian Vettel version is "about our equivalent of Mercedes-Benz AMG or BMW M Cars."
ROLLE, Switzerland — The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept inspired by F1 world champ Sebastian Vettel is bound for production, Infiniti announced on Tuesday. The concept was introduced last month at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Details of the production version, including pricing and launch date, have not been revealed.
"Doing the FX Sebastian Vettel version for Frankfurt was fun, but it's also kind of a pilot," said Andy Palmer, Infiniti executive vice president, in a statement. "It's about our equivalent of Mercedes-Benz AMG or BMW M Cars. We wanted to test the organization and see if it could cope with this type of special version.
"Sebastian's FX demonstrates we are able to do low-volume specials, and the FX Sebastian Vettel version is one of the first that will go to market."
The concept is equipped with a 414-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and a high-downforce aerodynamics package developed by Infiniti in collaboration with Red Bull Racing. Infiniti is a sponsor of Vettel's Red Bull F1 racecar.
The production announcement comes on the heels of Vettel winning Sunday's Korean Grand Prix and clinching the constructors' championship for Team Red Bull.
Infiniti said Vettel had a hand in designing the concept following a conversation with Infiniti Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show.
Inside Line says: Does Vettel have a post-racing future as an auto designer?
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pittbull101 says:
02:53 PM, 10/19/2011
Where's the Beef? (horse power) When all is said and done this vehicle is going to cost between $75,000.00 and $85,000.00. This price does not reflect the other mark ups that will be added at the dealership. Do they expect customer to plop down that kind of money for a 414hp High Performance suv?
This is proof that Infiniti isn't serious about competing against BMW, Mercedes AMG, Porsche, Jeep SRT 8 and Bently is building and SUV. If this SUV is going to represent the performance wing of Infiniti then it needs massive HORSEPOWER. Horse power sells cars.
I am going to trade in my FX 45 for a Jeep SRT 8, at least Jeep understand that Horse power sell cars.
smallfield says:
07:28 PM, 10/18/2011
'Sorry but with 414 hp is not comparable with the M" - funny - what is the exact hp of the current M3???
5lv8 says:
07:12 PM, 10/18/2011
How many people thought that said Vette-Inspired? Vette-Inspired=Wow. Vettel-inspired=snore.
_pioneer_ says:
06:09 PM, 10/18/2011
No, many people still love naturally aspirated engines for pure sound/feel and Infiniti is the only attainable premium company that keeps this trend.
I'm not saying turbo/superchargers are bad, but you can't replace a naturally aspirated V8.
gtrguy2012 says:
02:46 PM, 10/18/2011
bravo1ve
you pretty much hit the nailed it. Go all in with IPL or not at all.
lions208487 says:
02:34 PM, 10/18/2011
@bravo1ve
Usually I would completely disagree with you because of how much I like the Infiniti lineup, but I agree with you here.
If this is the perfect Infiniti, than why not utilize the twin turbo 3.8 liter in the GTR and make a True IPL? I love the G37 Sedan/Coupe with their current VQ platform, but the price tag for their IPL line doesn't justify the lack of a performance price.
bravo1ve says:
12:54 PM, 10/18/2011
Sorry but this is a fail by Infiniti in my opinion. This is nothing more than an appearance package and can't even be considered in the same league as a M series BMW, AMG series Mercedes and so forth. They did the same thing with the IPL G37 and I really doubt that sold much. If they really want to make things interesting I say throw in a twin turbo 3.8 V6 into a G37 sedan... essentially making it a four door GTR. Then work on modifying the M56 to have some more grunt and lighter weight. That would be a great start and even though they may not sell alot of them for their first run, it would definitely set a good baseline for a Infiniti performance division. I say go all in or don't bother.
rayzor says:
12:22 PM, 10/18/2011
I like it alot, too bad it has little utility to speak of, so I have no excuse to buy it...
lookatmyshoes says:
10:28 AM, 10/18/2011
Sorry but with 414 hp is not comparable with the M or AMG, either one has at least 100 hp more but are also super heavy.
Would like to see the full specs but if is lighter, and with better handling may be close in performance. The other concern is the pricing the top of the line FX is almost 60K so this will should be more expensive. I rather save some money and buy a Jeep GC SRT8.
Finally a two time F1 champion does not deserve to have an ugly Crossover in his honor, for the best driver in the world, Infinity should make a G Coupe RBR edition with the GT-R engine with an aggressive aero package and wheels in order to beat and M3 in every single possible comparison.
06sti says:
09:18 AM, 10/18/2011
The front spoiler looks cool, and could double as a snow plow.