Elegant, Inspiring and Powerful: Infiniti Shines with Double Debut at Beijing Auto Show

BEIJING – Apr 23, 2012: Infiniti has unveiled seven performance luxury cars at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

Making its global debut is the Infiniti M long-wheel-base available with both hybrid and naturally aspirated engines, which was developed specifically for the Chinese market. Making its Asia premiere is the EMERG-E concept – an exploratory mid-engine sports car with range extender technology. These exciting new luxury cars are on display alongside the Red Bull Racing RB8 Formula One race car and the current Infiniti family comprising: SUV QX, SUV FX, Crossover EX, and sports G series featuring inspired performance, emotive design and cutting-edge technology.

Nissan Executive Vice-President, Mr Andy Palmer, said. “Infiniti is dedicated to innovation in technology, performance and hospitality; a key component of our brand DNA is the determination to challenge the establishment, to dare to be different, to be the newcomer with attitude. The cars we have on display in Beijing are evidence of these Infiniti values.

“The Infiniti M long-wheel-base - available inM35hL hybrid and M25 normally aspirated versions - is the first high-end Infiniti luxury sedan tailor-made for Chinese customers. It strikes a perfect balance between outstanding performance and environmental sustainability and brings a new challenger to China’s premium car market,” concluded Palmer.

Global Debut of Infiniti M Long-Wheel-Base Hybrid
The M35hL, which makes its debut at Auto China 2012, embodies Infiniti’s cutting-edge technologies coupled with Infiniti’s unmistakeable design.

The class-leading, extended 3050mm wheelbase (standard wheelbase 2900mm) is the most prominent feature of the M35hL, adding substantial space and comfort for passengers, particularly in the rear. The unique exterior design is influenced by the stunning powers of nature. The curved form echoes the natural forces that inspired the Infiniti M’s creators - ocean waves in its arcing lines and shifting dunes in its flowing roof line.

The Infiniti M35hL boasts an array of Infiniti’s most innovative and high-tech safety and comfort features. These include Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and other systems comprising the Dynamic Safety Shield, along with a 16-speaker 5.1 channel BoseŽ Premium Surround Sound system, Active Noise Control and Forest Air™, an innovative climate control system designed to promote alertness and relieve stress.

Further proof of Infiniti’s technology leadership lies in the M35hL’s high performance hybrid engine, the VQ35. This new-generation technology brings a no-compromise approach to luxury performance motoring that enables the M35hL to excel across the performance spectrum – from silent, emissions-free gliding in town to ultra-efficient highway cruising and sports car speed and responsiveness on challenging roads. This was the only hybrid engine listed in the “2012 Ward’s 10 Best Engines” by the prestigious Ward’s Auto magazine. As Ward’s Editor in Chief, Drew Winter said at the awards’ ceremony: “This engine represents a significant step forward in hybrid technology… It is a spectacular technological achievement.”

Alongside the M35hL, Infiniti also released the M25L with a normally aspirated engine. The M25L delivers equally outstanding performance impressively delivering max power of 173kW/6400rpm and peak torque of 253Nm/4800rpm. Its aluminum alloy cylinder head and block ensure the engine is light, quiet and quick.

The Infiniti M LWB will be launched and on sale this June.

Infiniti EMERG-E Makes its Asia Debut
The Infiniti EMERG-E Concept, a highly advanced mid-ship sports car that provides an exciting glimpse into Infiniti’s future, was launched to worldwide acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Infiniti EMERG-E is physical proof of Infiniti’s intension to produce a bold halo model befitting the brand’s promise of Inspired Performance, and also signals an array of exciting new technologies that the brand may adopt in its quest to build dramatic and sustainable high performance cars.

The Infiniti EMERG-E is also significant as it is the first Infiniti to be designed and developed largely in Europe - at the Nissan Design Europe in London and at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield, England.

This 300kW mid-engined, twin motor, electric motors-powered sports car is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just four seconds - and from zero to 130mph in a single, seamless 30 second burst. EMERG-E is a new way of thinking about the sports car of the future.

Infiniti Confirms its Commitment to China
On the fifth anniversary of Infiniti’s launch in China, the company’s level of activity at Auto China 2012 reflects the commitment the company has to China. The star models revealed - M35hL hybrid, and M25L normally aspirated - will soon be on the roads of China and will place Infiniti in a very strong position to challenge China’s mid-end luxury car market.

Alongside launching inspiring new vehicles, Infiniti is extending its reach across China through dealership expansion and innovative marketing campaigns. By the end of 2012 Infiniti will have about 90 dealers covering the major cities throughout China. Later this year, Infiniti will roll out Global Flagship Plus stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and other key Chinese cities; all delivering Infiniti’s Total Ownership ExperienceTM to an increasing number of Chinese customers.

As Mr. Allen Lu, General Manager of Infiniti China Business Unit, points out: “Infiniti is carving out a new ‘Challenger’ image. We blend uniqueness with tenacity in everything we do; these are the foundations on which Infiniti builds its differentiation from others. Along with China’s economic rise we are delighted to see the emergence of a new generation of luxury car buyers; individualists who don’t accept mediocrity, buyers who are looking for new luxury brands with substance as well as style. This is where our greatest opportunity lies in China. We have set a sales target of more than 25,000 for 2012. I believe we are destined for great success, drawing strengths from our excellent product design, leading technologies, unique hospitality and our innovative and progressive ‘Challenger’ spirit. Our roots in China are growing ever deeper; we are committed to China and to our growth here.”