There’s no denying just how excellent a platform the Nissan GT-R is. It appears that the head of advanced planning at Infiniti, Francois Bancon, shares the same sentiments about the GT-R. “It’s too good a platform to use only on one model,” he told CAR magazine.

Infiniti is definitely planning a supercar, according to Bancon, with three or four proposals being considered, one of which is based on the 542-hp GT-R platform. But using the GT-R isn’t so cut and dry for a luxury brand like Infiniti. Even if it does wish to achieve supercar status, the brand still has a reputation of luxurious comfort to live up to.

“Our Infiniti model would have to be softer than the GT-R and that’s extremely difficult to do. You can’t easily tweak the GT-R to deliver the sophisticated, more refined performance we would need on an Infiniti. We have three or four proposals we are looking at right now. Once we have launched the new smaller Infiniti (coming in 2015), the time would be right to have a flagship,” Bancon said in the interview.

This report comes at a rather interesting time, since Infiniti recently announced its Emerg-E plug-in hybrid which will sport a mid-engine powertrain configuration (throwing out the possible use of the GT-R’s platform) and is supposed to be their new flagship performance vehicle. We suppose that the GT-R-based supercar could just be way down the road on Infiniti’s roadmap, but either way… we hope more exciting things are on the horizon from the Japanese automaker.

GALLERY: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: CAR]

Infiniti has announced that its upcoming plug-in hybrid sports car concept will be called the Emerge-E.

Using a gasoline range-extended to add power and range to an electric powertrain, this will be the first such system used in an Infiniti product. The “advanced sports car concept” will also be the first Infiniti to use a mid-engine powertrain configuration.

Few details are yet known about the brand’s new flagship performance vehicle but Infiniti is promising a zero emissions mode as well as “vivid performance.”

Watch the latest video teaser for the Emerge-E below:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Infinti is pointing their cross hairs squarely at the Japanese luxury crossover market, hoping that their new JX will be a hot seller capable of boosting the brand, but there could be an arduous road ahead.

Their biggest competition: the Acura MDX and Lexus RX crossovers are their brand`s top sellers, meaning Infiniti will have to pick a few pockets to put the JX in their aspired sales bracket.

“It will become our second-best-seller this year, right behind [the] G [lineup],” Infiniti’s North American vice president Ben Poore said to WardsAuto in an interview.

Despite their high sales ambitions, Infiniti isn’t undercutting the competition, at least not completely. Poore said they plan to start the JX at $41,400 including the destination fee. That means it starts off cheaper than the Acura MDX’s $43,815 tag and pricier than the Lexus RX for $39,950.

As far as specifics for those ambitions are concerned, Poore didn’t name any exact sales targets. Despite that, we know the company’s best-selling G coupe and sedan sold 58,246 total units last year.

That could be a tall order given that the brands current runner-up, the QX SUV, only sold 13,428 units last year. Maybe that’s why Poore is playing coy about actual figures. His statement could suggest a relatively low sales target or a tough push against the competition.

Given that last year Lexus and Acura sold 82,595 and 123,299 RXs  and MDXs respectively, it would seem to be in Infiniti’s best interests not to irk the juggernauts, but instead to siphon off a sliver of tired customers from each when it goes on sale as a 2013 model this March.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

[Source: Ward's Auto via Motor Trend]

Chances are a burnout is pretty far from the picture when you think of a hybrid, but in this case speed is the name of the game.

Last friday we posted a story about a teaser video featuring the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid titled “World’s Fastest Full Hybrid,” but just when you thought the message was clear, an Infiniti M35h showed up in the shiny Porsches’s paint. Well, it’s official: the M35h is faster than the Porsche, meaning it’s the fastest accelerating hybrid in the world.

Just when we thought Audi had a headlock on the cheeky advertising niche, Infiniti jumped up to prove that they too could pull sneaky shenanigans over the competition. The teaser video turned out to be the first little bit of the full clip which, not surprisingly, showcased Infiniti spanking Porsche in a heads up race.

The video is a dramatization, though reading the small print reveals that the company did have Guinness World Redords there to keep things fair. In the end, the M35h scored a 13.41-second quarter mile, though there was no small print to show how Porsche fared. We get verification that Infiniti won the race, though the video isn’t a trustworthy source of the margin of victory.

Regardless, the M35h gets an impressive 39 mpg while managing to hit 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. That beats the Porsche’s maximum 30 mpg highway by a big margin, meaning the Infiniti takes a win in both columns, something all but the most brand-loyal customers will likely be concerned with. On top of that, opting for the Infiniti, which starts at $53,700 means room in the budget to buy a couple of new economy cars for the kids, versus the $95,000 Porsche price tag.

That said, you should make up your own mind. Watch the video below.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

In Parenting Magazine‘s first “Genius” issue, a new magazine committed to helping parents find ways to best help their children unlock their “genius” potential, the all-new Infiniti JX SUV was chosen as one of the “Smartest Family Cars Of 2012.”

Editorial Director for the Parenting Group Ana Connery said, “By recognizing today’s smartest cars, Parenting hopes to make it easy for families to use technology on the road, whether it’s for quick run to the store or for an extended road trip vacation. Our editors’ top picks have thought of everything so that parents don’t have to.”

The Infiniti JX, available at Infiniti dealerships by spring 2012, was selected for its many smart, high tech, and family-friendly attributes, including 360-degree external cameras and collision sensors that engage the brakes, actively assisting in accident avoidance. The JX also provides a Google Calendar sync to its infotainment system, so that parents could better manage their busy schedules.

Infiniti America Vice President Ben Poore said, “The Infiniti JX’s features were inspired by families who told us they wanted a luxury vehicle with features like the world’s first Backup Collision Intervention system, an Around View Monitor and not having to take out a child safety seat to get access to the 3rd Row. We’re proud that Parenting magazine recognized our desire to make hectic family lives a little more efficient and much more enjoyable.”

Among the list of “Smartest Family Cars of 2012″ is another Nissan product, the Quest minivan. Click here for the complete list of “Smartest Family Cars.”

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

And the world’s fastest hybrid is? The Porsche Panamera Hybrid S? Sure… that sounds believable, especially after watching the teaser video below. But wait…

The hybrid Porsche sedan isn’t the only car in the clip below. Watch carefully at the 0:15 mark and you’ll see the reflection of another car in the Porsche’s shiny paint. Why yes…. that is an Infiniti M35h.

Infiniti already pulled a stunt in the UK to promote the M35h as the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid, but since then Porsche has released its new 380 hp gasoline-electric sedan with a claimed 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds.

So which car is actually faster? You can check back on January 23rd to find out.

Be warned, this is the most dangerous Infiniti ever built and it has nothing to do with safety ratings or recall notices. No, the real danger here is that once inside, you may never want to leave.

In their second, and undeniably remarkable, redesign of the Infiniti EX37 interior, Bulgarian design studio Vilner has our attention. The rich brown leather and soft black suede are seductively luxurious, while conservatively placed metal pieces emphasize the sophisticated look. Various stitching patterns on the seats, dashboard and sun visors give the sort of hand-made feel you ache for with such craftsmanship.

Aside from the rich upholstery, the special EX37 gets a steering wheel dressed up in Nappa leather and chrome. The sound system gets enhancements and the cabin is further cushioned against outside noise than other editions.

GALLERY: Vilner Infiniti EX37

Infiniti has announced pricing for their new JX crossover with the FWD starting at $40,450 and the AWD priced from $41,550. Both models come with a 3.5L V6 powerplant with 265-hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.

The JX is packed with tons of Infiniti’s newest technology features including the world’s first Backup Collision Intervention technology. Infiniti also announced pricing for the options available for the all new crossover.

The JX will come standard with Intelligent-AWD, but optional packages will also be available and their pricing is as follows: Premium Package ($4,950), Theater Package ($1,700), Driver Assistance ($2,200), Deluxe Touring ($2,550), and Technology Package ($3,100).

The Premium Package includes an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with an 8-inch touchscreen display that has plenty of features such as XM NavTraffic, Infiniti Voice Recognition and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth. Buyers will also get dual occupant memory seats, Enhanced Intelligent Key, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, Maple interior accents and auto-dimming inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.

The Deluxe Touring Package outfits the JX with a Bose Cabin Surround 15-speaker sound system. The outside receives 20-inch, five-spoke wheels along with a panoramic moonroof with power rear sunshade. Inside there’s Advanced Climate Control System, climate-controlled front seats and heated second row outboard seats.

The Theater Package outfits the JX’s interior with a pair of 7-inch color monitors, wireless headphones, remote control and rear headphone jacks with volume control.

Accessories for the JX include 20-inch polished wheels that are available for $1,600, roof rails for $370, splash guards for $180, rear bumper protector for $200, cargo package for $200, illuminated kick plates for $295, roof rail cross bars for $290 and dual DVD entertainment system for $1,850.

GALLERY: 2013 Infiniti JX

Infiniti knows sexy. Their cars have flowing curves that look right at home next to car show babes, a set of golf clubs or a well-manicured lawn.

That’s why it really was a tease when they released photos last October of their new extended-range electric sports car. The company is still playing coy about the concept, but we know that it’s going to take the same philosophy as the Chevrolet Volt by implementing a 1.2-liter mid-mounted engine.

A few days ago Infiniti released their third teaser, which included a few snippets of information about the car. What’s probably most intriguing is that Infiniti is committed to making a car that has zero emissions capability and track-ready performance in the same vehicle.

Francois Bancon, Infiniti’s Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Planning, says the car will be a guilt-free experience with exceptional handling.

What’s really interesting is how different manufacturers are approaching the marriage between performance and efficiency. On the one hand, you have the Tesla Roadster, which is fully electric and fun to drive albiet with less sports car speed than you might hope. On the other, there are cars like the Scion FR-S, Toyota’s soon-to-launch sports car that uses a Boxer 2.0-liter four cylinder.

The FR-S is far from a zero-emissions car, but as performance coupes go, we’re expecting pretty mild EPA estimates. That brings us back to Infiniti’s take on the whole thing. They’re saddling up right in the middle, with both electricity and gasoline. It’s set to debut in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, where we’ll bring you coverage of the event.

You can watch the video below, but be warned, you may fall asleep. This video makes your uncle’s tired family Christmas stories sound as epic as Homer’s Iliad.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

As with all new products, analysts are quick to analyze its success after its first year of sales. When Nissan reported that its Leaf electric vehicle sales tallied 9,674 units last year, industry analysts claimed that the poor sales number proved that a market does not exist for electric propulsion.

CEO Carlos Ghosn saw differently, and explained, “The only reason we couldn’t sell more is because we couldn’t build more. We’re expecting in 2012 to double that number.”

Furthermore, the initial release of the Leaf was small and only seven initial launch markets were available for early adopters in 2011. For 2012, availability of the Nissan Leaf will expand to all 50 states. Ghosn added that he believed there are, “pent-up demand for electric cars which is today not being recognized.”

Confident of the future of alternative energy, Renault-Nissan have planned to boost annual production capacity of electric vehicles to 400,000 units by 2015. A significant portion of said cars will be assembled in the Smyrna, Tennessee, plant.

Finally, Ghosn expressed optimism for 2012 overall, noting that Nissan has prepared the launch of several important products, starting with the Pathfinder at the Detroit Auto Show as well as updates for the Sentra and Altima sedans. Quite boldly, Ghosn claimed, “We think the next Altima will be a strong contender competing for the number-one spot.”

Renault-Nissan’s joint venture with Mercedes-Benz looks to be a mutually beneficial alliance as well. Nissan’s Tennessee plant will be responsible for building the German 4-cylinder engines, which will find its way underneath both Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti products starting 2014.

GALLERY: Nissan Leaf

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

Infiniti‘s brawny 5.6 liter V8 proves to not only motivate land yachts but actual maritime yachts as well. Students at the Tennessee Technical Center-Nashville and Nashville State Community College have removed the titanic power plant from a donor Infiniti QX56 to ready it for maritime duty in an iconic 1962 Chris-Craft “Holiday” mahogany speedboat.

The 400-hp engine has been sent to Westbrook, Maine, where the engine bell housing was modified to be compatible with a ZF/Hurth marine transmission. Next, a shop in Alabama puts the Infiniti engine through a program called “marination, ” involving custom water-cooled exhaust manifolds and the adaptation of a closed cooling system. Then, the big V8 will be taken back to the Infiniti engine facility in Decherd, Tennessee so it could get tested on a dynamometer to assure that its performance numbers are still up to factory specifications. Finally, the engine will await for its final installation into the Chris-Craft’s hull.

In the past, Chris-Craft boats adopted engines including a 431-cubic inch Lincoln marine engine and a pair of 440-cubic inch Chrysler Hemi marine V8s. However, George “Dodo” Brockman, owner of Freeport Boat Outlet, and the director of the Infiniti boat project says, “The use of the powerful Infiniti QX56 V8 is fitting with the history of the particular craft. The Infiniti V8 is actually lighter than all of the previous powerplants and won’t require any special bracing or hull modifications to fit into the original engine bay.”

In line with its handcrafted heritage, the 1962 Chris-Craft “Holiday” is currently lying upside down in Freeport Maine ready to undergo a painstaking restoration process involving more than 600 board feet of high grade sustainably harvested mahogany to cover the framework, hull, transom, and deck. 15 coats of special marine varnish will be applied to the craft over a period of a month.

Brockman continued, “Before the future Infiniti lake cruiser can return to the water, we’ve had to tear it down to virtually nothing and start building it back up with fresh wood… Ultimately, it looks like we’ll have to replace nearly 85 percent of the original wood, one piece at a time, due to age and rot.” Brockman adds, “When the 20-foot Chris-Craft Holiday model was introduced in 1962, it was said to be one of the best performing Chris-Craft hulls ever produced. It cornered well, was easy to come on plane and was often used in nationally sanctioned water skiing events for just those reasons. We can’t wait to see how this classic design performs with the new engine.”

When the mahogany speedboat is complete, a custom boat trailer to match a 2012 Infiniti QX56 will also be built.

GALLERY: Infiniti Chris Craft

A recall has been issued by Infiniti on the 2011 FX crossover and the 2012 M coupe. A faulty oil filter component is being cited as the culprit of the problem.

Infiniti says that certain bolts that connect the engine oil cooler to the oil filter were not manufactured to the specific strength specifications which are causing the failure. If these bolts fail it causes a major oil leak in the system which leads to engines seizing, loss in oil pressure and one great big mess.

Some Nissan models are tangled up in these oil leak issues as well. These weak bolts also affect the 2011-2012 Frontier, 2011-2012 Xterra, 2011-2012 Pathfinder and 2012 Nissan NV.

Owners of all vehicles listed above will be contacted to have their faulty bolts replaced free of charge. If anyone is looking for more information, feel free to contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.