Infiniti announced U.S pricing for the 2012 QX full-size SUV and the 2012 EX crossover. The QX was redesigned in 2011, so changes to the 2012 model are non-existent.

The full-sized SUV will be offered in both a 2WD and 4WD setup, and some options have been changed to make some features more accessible in lower-level packages. One change on the 2012 model is the Blind Spot Intervention system available with the Technology Package. This option alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot area. Both the QX models will utilize the 400-hp 5.6-liter V8 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 2012 2WD model will start at $58,700 and the 2012 4WD model will start at $61,800.

The 2012 EX will be available in four models including the EX35 RWD ($35,600), EX35 AWD ($37,000), EX35 RWD Journey ($37,900) and EX35 AWD Journey ($39,300). The crossover also gains the HomeLink Universal Transceiver as standard equipment on the EX35 Journey. All four models will utilize the same 297-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

GALLERY: Infinti EX35/ QX56

Infiniti has embarked on a one-off project, donating a 5.6-liter 400-hp engine from the full-size Qx56, to help students from a local community college build a luxurious boat.

Infiniti engineers are working with a team of automotive technical training program students from Tennessee Technical Center-Nashville and Nashville State Community College on the project.

The Infiniti boat project is well underway after the team extracted the QX engine and prepped it for marine use. “The genesis for the Infiniti QX-powered luxury boat project came about when a group of us were talking about our full-size SUV’s standing as the perfect luxury tow vehicle – capable of carrying tons of weight, and lots of people and their cargo, in style,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.”

“It’s great to involve students from the local community in this project, especially since Infiniti QX engines are manufactured in nearby Decherd, Tennessee,” added Poore. “It’s our hope that someday students in these automotive programs who will learn from the Infiniti QX we donated to the Technical Center will go on to work at our company or Infiniti retailers’ service departments.”

With Infiniti already having announced that it would debut the all new 2011 M at a private event the evening before the LA Auto Show, news has now leaked that the automaker will use the venue to showcase two more vehicles.

First up is the new G37, which is expected to get only minor changes, as shown in these leaked photos. The updates include tweaks like revised bumpers with separate fog lights. The photo above (obviously) shows the sedan, while the close-up photo below shows the updates to the front fascia of the coupe.

In addition to the G37, it has been reported that the new QX model will debut at the same venue. Little is known about this model other than what the spy photos (below) show. The truck does get a stylish new look that is certainly more cohesive than the old QX… plus, there’s plenty of chrome. Don’t expect big changes under the skin, however, as Infiniti isn’t likely to have invested too heavily in a model that, due to the recession and recent downsizing trends, is becoming increasingly unpopular.

As for the new 2011 M, expect a 330-hp 3.7-liter M37 model as well as a 400-plus horsepower 5.6-liter M56.

AutoGuide will be on hand with live coverage from the Infiniti event starting December 1st.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: Updated Infiniti G37

GALLERY: New Infiniti QX

GALLERY: 2011 Infiniti M

[Source: TheInfinitiSource]