Infiniti Targets Family, Entry Segments

Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division, sees an opportunity for growth in two segments — one addressed by the three-row JX crossover, the other by a future model that slots below the brand's popular G25/G37.

Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti's U.S. business unit, sat down with us at the recent L.A. Auto Show to talk about the brand's potential. With inventories outpacing the industry average — unusual for a luxury brand — sales improved 3 percent in November, but they remain down nearly 4 percent this year. Poore notes the year-over-year results compare to a huge sales year (2010) for Infiniti, but says better inventory should help the road ahead.

He has high hopes for the JX crossover, a car he says targets "a very different market" from the QX SUV despite both having three rows of seats. While the $58,700 QX56 boasts V-8 towing capacity and a flashier clientele, Poore says the $40,450 JX35 hits the jackpot segment of luxury crossovers: the "luxury family."

2012 Infiniti FX: Ch-Ch-Changes

Infiniti’s latest-generation FX SUV hasn’t set the world on fire over the past few years despite a terrific powertrain and high-end interior. Perhaps the strange, shark-like styling had something to do with it.

For 2012, Infiniti has adjusted the look of the front end … but that’s about it. Besides the new grille, bumper and surrounding bodywork not much has changed for 2012.

You still get the same engine choices — a 303-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 or 390-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 — both teamed to a seven-speed automatic. The FX35’s base model has rear-wheel drive; the rest of the lineup is all-wheel drive.

Prices have increased for 2012. The 2011 base FX cost $42,600 and the 2012 FX base now starts at $43,450, not including an $895 destination charge. The 2012 FX50’s price has increased to $59,350 from $57,600 for the 2011 model. Infiniti hasn’t announced what features have been added to the 2012 FX50. The 2011 FX50 came standard with a navigation system and other features that were optional on the FX35.

2012 Infiniti Lineup: Ch-Ch-Changes

The big change for Infiniti’s 2012 lineup is a new hybrid variant of the M sedan and a minor refresh for the FX crossover. The Infiniti M35h went on sale in March, and the FX goes on sale in the October.

You can learn more about the Infiniti M35h here:

• 2012 Infiniti M35h
• 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid Priced at $53,700

The 2012 FX receives a revised front grille and front end design, a new instrument cluster and standard heated front seats on all models. There’s also a new Limited Edition trim for the FX35 AWD, which includes 21-inch wheels, navigation and an exclusive Iridium Blue exterior color option, among other trim changes.

The rest of Infiniti’s lineup received updated packaging for 2012.

Infiniti Lowers FX Price, Raises M a Tad for 2011

Infiniti announced pricing for its 2011 Infiniti FX35 and FX50 SUV and interim price bumps on the redesigned 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 sedan, which went on sale last March. While the modest increase on the M likely won't make much of an impact on its sales, we wonder if a lower price on the controversially styled FX will help remind people that it's still a terrific SUV to drive.

The Infiniti FX35 gets a price cut of $1,250, and the FX50 gets a $2,600 reduction from the 2010 model year. In addition to the lowered pricing, the power liftgate will now be standard on all models starting later in the model year.

The 2011 Infiniti M sedan sees an interim price jump of $250 for the M37 and $350 for the M56 effective immediately, according to the automaker. Besides that, nothing has changed on the model.

For detailed pricing, continue reading after the jump.

Ch-Ch-Changes: 2011 Infiniti Lineup

Infiniti is making slight changes to its entire 2011 model year lineup, in addition to redesigned models like the M sedan and QX56 SUV. 

The G series will receive two new “product extensions” to be announced Aug. 13-14, the company says. These could be new body styles or performance variants. We’ll keep you posted when we get more information on that later this summer.

Read below for more information regarding the 2011 updates to the rest of the Infiniti range:

Infiniti Offers 0% Financing Deals Through June

Infiniti is offering financing deals through the end of June on both 2010 and 2011 models.

The 2010 G37 sedan, G37 coupe, G37 convertible and EX35 all have zero-percent financing deals for 36 months, while the FX35, FX50 and QX56 all have 0.9% financing offers for 60 months.

As far as 2011 models, the redesigned M37 and M56 both have 2.9% APR financing for up to 60 months.

If you’re an Infiniti owner already, check with your local dealer for Owner Loyalty Cash offers. Infiniti has these financing deals set to run through June 30.

2010 Infiniti FX35 Video

Here in Chicago, we get plenty of opportunities to put cars to the test when it comes to winter driving. In this video, Cars.com’s Joe Bruzek demonstrates how the 2010 Infiniti FX35 handles in tough winter conditions that include ice and snow. The FX35 comes with a feature called “snow mode,” but will that be enough to earn it a thumbs-up from Bruzek?

2009 Infiniti FX35: She Said, She Said

Last year, Infiniti revamped its midsize SUV, the FX. It boasts a new interior and exterior, as well as a powerful V-6 engine in base FX35 form. It was that model that Beth and Amanda tested for this review.

Beth: It took me about 15 minutes to be completely won over by Infiniti’s FX35. I’ve always liked this crossover’s striking looks, and once inside my affection only grew. It wasn’t just that I was dazzled by the Around View Monitor, which displays a bird’s-eye view of the car when you shift into Reverse, it was how easy it was to use all the other gadgets it offers. Whether it was answering my phone using the FX35’s Bluetooth system or skimming through playlists on my iPod — displayed right there on the navigation screen — every command came completely naturally and intuitively in this car.