Infiniti Launches Limited Edition EX30d Black Premium in Europe, Throws in Special VIP Pass

A new special edition version of the diesel-powered EX30d crossover has joined Infiniti's European lineup. Production of the EX30d Black Premium will be limited to 150 units to be shared among all of the firm's European markets, with all buyers receiving a special VIP membership to a selection of high-class hotels and restaurants, usually available only by invitation.

All examples are finished in an exclusive for the EX Malbec Black paint. Other features include 19-inch five double-spoke alloy wheels, sunroof, polished aluminium roof rails, Bose sound system, graphite leather interior and, aluminium and black lacquer trims.

The EX30d Black Premium is motivated by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 diesel delivering 238-horsepower and 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque. Matted to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) with 224 g/km of CO2.

As part of the package, all buyers will receive a two-year membership in the exclusive Relais & Châteaux Club 5C. According to the company, with this VIP pass owners will be "looked after more like house guests than hotel customers." In addition, each of the special EXs comes with a Lys d'Argent, valid for a double room for one night, dinner with drinks and breakfast for two people in one of more than 200 Relais & Châteaux hotels around the world.

The EX Black Premium is available to order now, with pricing in the UK starting from £45,671.

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2011 Infiniti EX: New Pricing, Added Content and 7-Speed Automatic

Infiniti has rolled out the revised 2011 EX that is on sale now at the firm's dealerships across the U.S. Pricing (not including destination and handling charges) for the EX, which is offered exclusively with a 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, starts at $34,150 for the entry level RWD model and tops out at $37,750 for the Journey with all-wheel drive.

The most important update for the new model year is the introduction of a new and standard 7-speed automatic transmission that replaces a five-speed automatic version. Furthermore, there's a new white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display while all models come equipped with standard 18-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch) and Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (previously on Journey models only).

Other changes for 2011 include the introduction of three new exterior colors, the availability of Infiniti's advanced Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system, a revised Premium Package that combines previous Bose and Around View Monitor Packages and the renaming of the Premium Package to Deluxe Touring Package, which now also offers the option of 19-inch wheels.

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Infiniti Launches Second Diesel Model - EX30d On Sale in Europe from July

Following on from the recent announcement on the FX30d, Infiniti's European arm has now released pricing for the smaller EX30d. On sale across Europe from July, Infiniti says it expects the EX diesel models to account for eight out of every 10 EX sales in the continent.

The EX30d is powered by the same 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel found on the FX30d. It generates 238-horsepower and 550Nm (406 lb ft) of peak torque at 1750rpm, and is matted to a 7-speed automatic transmission.

The standard 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 7.9 seconds, while the crossover returns 8.5lt /100km (equal to 33.2mpg UK and 27.7mpg US) on the combined cycle with 224 g/km of CO2 emissions.

In the UK, the EX30d will be offered in three trim levels - basic, GT and GT Premium with prices set at £35,975, £37,305 and £41,220 respectively.

All EX30ds come as standard with active torque distribution all-wheel drive, Xenon cornering headlights, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, Scratch Shield self-healing paint, electrically adjustable front seats, power-fold rear seats, cruise control and a 7-speaker audio system with 6-CD changer, MP3 decoder, Aux-In and Bluetooth for mobile connectivity.

Geneva Preview: Infiniti's Diesel-Powered EX30d in Detail, Expected to Account for 80% of European Sales

Having already provided us with general information on its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine that was developed in cooperation with Renault, Infiniti has now released the first photographs and more details on the European market EX30d crossover that will debut in Geneva next week.

The EX30d will be the second model of the Infiniti range to get the new diesel V6 after the FX series, and will be followed by the M30d sedan. The diesel-powered EX crossover will go on sale this summer at prices to be announced closer to the launch date. Not surprisingly, Infiniti said it is expecting that, throughout Europe, eight out of every 10 EXs will be the new EX30d.

In all Infiniti models, the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel delivers 238 horsepower and a more than adequate 550 Nm (405 lb ft) of torque - greater than Infiniti's 5.0-litre petrol V8 at 500Nm.

The V6 is hooked up to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission, propelling the EX30d from 0-62 mph (100km/h) in 7.9 seconds.

According to Infiniti, the EX30d returns an estimated combined fuel economy in the European cycle of 8.4 lt/100km, equal to 28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 224 g/km.

In Europe, the EX30d will be available in three grades including a new Premium version, details of which are to be released at the Geneva Salon.

Infiniti Presents Its First-Ever Diesel Models: EX30d, FX30d and M30d with 238HP 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel

When the Renault-Nissan Alliance announced its decision to establish Infiniti as a global player, it was a no brainer that in order to succeed in key markets like Europe, the luxury brand had to offer buyers the option of a diesel engine, especially on SUV/Crossover models where diesel represents the bulk of sector sales.

And true enough, Infiniti has now presented its first ever diesel engine with the arrival of a newly developed 3.0-litre V6 that will be launched this year in Europe on the EX and FX SUVs as well as the M sedan.

Designated V9X, the new 238HP V6 diesel has been developed in Europe by Infiniti engineers working with other engineers from Renault and Nissan and it can be used to power front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models. It is manufactured in Cleon in France, some 100km west of Paris.

Renault premiered its version of the 3.0-liter V6 dCi turbo diesel in the Laguna Coupe at the 2008 Paris Motorshow, in October. On this model it produces 235HP and 450 Nm (332.9 lbs-ft) of torque.

There are a number of key differences between the Infiniti engine and the version used in front-wheel drive applications.

As used in Infiniti models, the V6 diesel has a different cylinder block, a new design of crankshaft as well as new or revised intake manifold, fuel injection system, exhaust gas recirculation, turbocharger, oil sump and manifold catalyst. Furthermore, Infiniti claims that it is tuned differently for more responsive performance.

In the EX30d and FX30d, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel produces a maximum output of 238 horsepower and a heft 550Nm or 405 lb-ft of peak torque available from 1,750 rpm to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 500 Nm or 368.7 lb-ft is available from a mere 1,500 rpm.

In order to fit under the the bonnet of both the EX and FX models, Infiniti went ahead and created a new front subframe, altered the front bumper designs to enhance air flow into the engine bay and redesigned the sheet metal within the engine bay to house additional radiators needed for cooling.

Matted to a standard 7-speed Automatic transmission, the V6 turbo diesel propels the EX30d to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and the FX30d in 8.3 seconds.

The EX30d returns a combined fuel figure of 8.4 lt/100km (28mpg US or 33.6mpg UK) in the European cycle with 224 g/km of CO2. The equivalent figures for FX are and 9.0 lt/100km (26.1mpg US or 31.8mpg) and 240 g/km.

"The new diesel engine allows us access to a far greater sector of the market without compromising on our core values. More than that, it's an exceptional engine, with impressive torque from very low revs helping to deliver progressive, linear acceleration with none of the typical disadvantages of unwanted noise and vibrations," says Jim Wright, Vice President, Infiniti Europe.

"By creating a bespoke sporting diesel, we have been able to maintain the combination of performance and luxury expected from an Infiniti with the added bonus of lower emissions and improved fuel economy. It's a win-win position," Wright added.

Infiniti's European division will first launch the EX30d and FX30d onto the market with the M30d to follow later in the year. The diesel models will have their world premiere at the Geneva Salon in the beginning of March.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance has said in the past that it wants to offer its new V6 diesel engine on certain Nissan and Infiniti models in the States, but the company has yet to announce specific plans.

Infiniti Prices 2010 EX35, Receives Additional Features and Revised Option Packages

Nissan's luxury division Infiniti has released pricing on the 2010 EX35 that is on sale now at the firm's U.S. dealerships. The MSRP (excluding tax, title and license fees) for the base EX35 RWD and AWD is $33,800 and $36,000 respectively, and for the better equipped EX35 Journey RWD and AWD, $35,200 and $37,400 correspondingly. While there are no cosmetic or mechanical upgrades with the EX35 retaining its 297HP 3.5-liter V6 engine paired to a five-speed automatic transmission and an available all-wheel drive system, Infiniti enhanced the 2010 model year's standard equipment and revised the optional packages.

More specifically, the base EX35 is now offered with heated outside mirrors and auto on/off headlights, while the EX35 AWD also gains heated front seats. A standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System is added to EX35 Journey models, while all audio systems have been enhanced with a USB Connection Port for iPod and a 2GB Music Box hard drive to the Bose Premium Audio system - only on vehicles without Infiniti's nav system.

As for the option packages, along with the new Bose and Around View Monitor pack, which includes an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with the so-called "Plasmacluster air purification", the Navigation Package has been upgraded with the addition of Bluetooth Streaming Audio, XM NavWeather™ and Zagat Restaurant Guide.