#InfinitiFx

When Infiniti announced the Sebastian Vettel FX Edition, we couldn’t blame automotive enthusiasts for scratching their heads over why the Japanese automaker would leverage its Formula One champion with a special edition SUV rather than a sports car.

Last month, we got word that Sebastian Vettel was working on filming a film titled Kung Fu Vettel: Drive of the Dragon. Now Infiniti has launched the official film starring its Formula One champion and Hollywood actress, Celina Jade.

Kelley Blue Book has announced the winners of their 2012 Best Resale Value Awards with Toyota being the best resale value brand and their luxury counterpart, Lexus, topping best resale value luxury brand.

Infiniti’s FX is clearly evolving to become a real winner, first with the Sebastian Vettel Edition and now world-famous Mercedes-Benz tuner turning their attention to the Japanese crossover. It’s rather surprising to see Lorinser working on a Japanese vehicle, with their portfolio of tuning programs almost strictly covering only Mercedes vehicles.

Sebastian Vettel’s Version of Infiniti‘s FX is now official, packing 414-hp, improved aerodynamics, 21-inch wheels and carbon fiber components giving the FX over 101-lbs in weight savings. The special edition FX was designed to Sebastian Vettel’s vision and built by Infiniti in just six months and is based on the V8 FX50S Premium. And best of all, we’re glad Infiniti and Vettel changed more than just the FX’s good looks on their collaboration.

When it was first revealed that Infiniti was planning a Sebsatian Vettel edition model, the immediate assumption was that it would be some sort of G37 Coupe. Not so.

The original assumption of Sebastian Vettel collaborating with Infiniti to produce a special edition IPL G37 Coupe may still be accurate, but now rumors are stirring that the Sebastian Vettel Edition Infiniti may actually be based on the FX model, rather than the G37. The belief is that Infiniti has already enhanced the G37 with the IPL line, and it wouldn’t make as much sense to further customize it by adding a Sebastian Vettel Edition.

In a new teaser video regarding the Vettel collaborating with Infiniti, a hint is dropped that the debut of the special edition model may occur at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Unfortunately everything is speculation right now, but Infiniti is causing some curiosity with how they’ll be taking advantage of their partnership with Vettel and whether or not it’ll pay off in the long run. Hopefully whatever model it is, Infiniti has done more than just some aesthetic changes but rather some serious performance modifications to give it a true Vettel-inspired driving experience.

Check out the video after the jump:

[Source: Jalopnik]

Infiniti is at your service… with a sweepstakes that could have you driving away a new car.

Infiniti has released photos of its refreshed 2012 FX ahead of its debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The luxury crossover gets a revised front grille and front fascia design that clearly draws inspiration from the Essence concept. Other changes on the vehicle include newly-restyled 20-inch wheels (FX35 Deluxe Touring package), an updated instrument cluster and heated seats that come standard.

Automakers are stepping up their game to entice car buyers to choose their brand. Upping the ante is Infiniti – they have just launched the complimentary Infiniti Personal Assistant benefit. This service offers new Infiniti owners unlimited 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants.

It looks as if Vilner had a light bulb go off recently, discovering that there’s a market for custom luxury interiors for various vehicles. Recently they decked out a MINI Cooper with a Bentley-styled interior package, and now they’ve added their fine touch to Infiniti’s EX and FX models. For the EX, Vilner went with a yachting theme, while the FX features your standard interior upgrades to add more luxury to the SUV.

Starting out in the United States more than 20 years ago, the Infiniti brand began an aggressive expansion into markets outside North America a few years ago.

Infiniti‘s FX crossover is getting a price cut for the upcoming model year, in light of a sales drop of 12.4% year-to-year. The FX35 gets a $1,250 reduction while the FX50 gets a $2,600 discount.

A rear-drive FX35 will start at$41,600 while the all-wheel-drive model will cost $43,050. The V8 powered FX50 tops out at $56,400.

The FX’s downturn is highlighted by its drop from 2009 sales, which were poor by normal standards. While Infiniti is up significantly this year, the FX appears to be lagging behind the rest of the lineup, and the brand is looking for ways to help move more units.

[Source: Infiniti]

Infiniti doesn’t offer a diesel engine in North America, but not having one in Europe is tantamount to brand suicide. The first oil-burner from Nissan’s premium brand will be the FX30d GT, retailing for £45,150, or roughly $67,000. For another£2,000 ($3000), buyers can upgrade to the FX30d S, which is the “sportier” trim level. Both FX models come with all the goodies, but their Lane Departure Warning System is a first for the European market.