Infiniti JX Concept: First Look

• Looks like: Luxury-loving families have a new option
• Defining characteristics: Bulbous body panels and itsy-bitsy lights
• Ridiculous features: None; this is what the real thing will look like
• Chances of being mass-produced: Will go on sale next spring

Infiniti has been teasing the JX three-row crossover with close-up images that don’t reveal much. Now that we can finally see it all at once, the JX looks to be the best adaptation of Infiniti’s recent design to a large vehicle. Neither the QX nor FX has universal appeal that the G and M sedans have managed. The JX splits the difference.

That appeal will mean a lot because the production JX scheduled to go on sale next spring will look nearly identical to the “concept” you see here. A production version will be revealed at the 2011 L.A. Auto Show.

Reader Review of the Week: 2011 Infiniti G25

“Fast Gal” from Chicago recently traded in her all-wheel-drive BMW 325ix for another all-wheel-drive sports car, the 2011 Infiniti G25x. That should make Infiniti execs ecstatic. While the G25 has proven to be comfortable over long trips, its gas mileage and performance are less than stellar, Fast Gal says. Continue reading the full review — she gives a six-month report — to find out more. Once you’re done, write a review about your own car here.

Cars.com Podcast: 2011 Kia Forte Five-Door, 2012 Infiniti M56X, 2011 Nissan 370Z Roadster

There’s a little bit of everything in this week’s podcast. Kia has been on a roll lately with its Optima sedan and Sorento SUV, but they’ve got compacts, too, and unlike Hyundai, they have a hatchback version of the Forte compact sedan. Does it make the Forte platform more versatile? And how do editors Joe Wiesenfelder, Kelsey Mays and Mike Hanley feel about the new Infiniti M56X and Nissan 370Z Roadster?

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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.

Henry Rollins: Infiniti's Hardcore Voiceover Man

Celebrities’ lending their voices for commercials has been a huge trend in the automotive world the past few years. Hyundai made a splash getting Jeff Bridges as its gruff-but-soulful pitchman. Mercedes-Benz’s new cars are pushed by Jon Hamm, who portrays ’60s ad exec Don Draper in “Mad Men.” And Chevy uses everyman comedian Tim Allen to sell everything from big trucks to electric Volts.

A few weeks ago when I heard on the radio the unmistakable voice of underground music icon Henry Rollins talking about Infiniti’s latest sales event, I assumed the Japanese luxury brand decided to follow the trend and simply picked someone with more “attitude.”

Rollins is Infiniti’s voice, but he wasn’t handpicked because of his considerable persona. It was his voice, with no name attached, that won him the job.

Most Revealing Look Yet at the Infiniti JX Concept

Infiniti is revealing a close-up shot every week of its upcoming three-row crossover concept, the JX. The most recent photo (above), released today via Facebook, shows the hood, front end and grille in relation to the headlight close-up we saw earlier.

Today’s photo is a dramatic revelation that shows the swoopiness of the headlights isn’t carried over through the front. Instead there is a boxy, snub-nosed design, and the grille’s bottom seems to jut out a bit like a Scion xB.

It’s hard to come to any conclusions from the few images we’ve seen, but the JX may not be just a bigger version of the FX.

Reader Review of the Week: 2011 Infiniti EX35

“Average Joe” from Berkeley Calif., was looking for something larger than the coupe he owned, so he traded it in for a new 2011 Infiniti EX35. The new crossover fulfills two important aspects that he and his wife were looking for: enough room to ferry the in-laws and to do so in something stylish. Continue reading below for the full reader review. Once you’re done, share your comments about your own car here.

Infiniti Adds Free Concierge Service

Infiniti has added a 24-hour concierge service — including access to free driving directions — for all its new-car owners.

On top of free driving directions and directory assistance, the hotline provides access to weather forecasts, dining suggestions and emergency assistance, among other services.

The service, which rolled out today, can be accessed via phone, email, text message or online, Infiniti says. No directions or other information is shown on the car's display screen. 

The service is free for four years on all new vehicles. Infiniti will also make the service available to certified pre-owned vehicles at what the company calls a “minimal cost.”

The concierge service comes on top of Infiniti’s four-year, unlimited-mile roadside assistance program.

2013 Infiniti JX Teased

Today, Infiniti released the first official image of its new seven-passenger crossover, the JX. Infiniti says this is the concept version of the car, though even from this glimpse, it looks ready for prime time. The vehicle more closely resembles the Infiniti M series sedan over the QX56 SUV, the luxury brand’s other seven-passenger family hauler. The crossover will offer easy access to the third row, Infiniti says. A production JX is coming to the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and more details about the concept will arrive in August. The JX is expected to go on sale in spring 2012.

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2013 Infiniti JX Crossover To Come in Spring 2012

Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Infiniti QX56

In today’s world, where most three-row family haulers are sleek car-based crossovers, the 2011 Infiniti QX56 is a rare breed. The QX56 is an old-school SUV with a brawny exterior look and the ability to tow 8,500 pounds. But unlike bygone SUVs, which typically had cramped interiors and truck-like handling, the QX56 offers tons of space and is surprisingly fun to drive, according to Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek. But will car shoppers get past this Infiniti’s questionable looks?

2011 Infiniti QX56 Review