Infinitis at double

Seen here officially for the first time, the Infiniti models are due to be unveiled at the New York Motor Show in April, and will go on sale in dealers here by the end of the year.

Top of the bill is the EX Concept, which is nearly ready for production. A rival to the BMW X3, the compact SUV will spearhead the launch of Nissan's premium brand. It gets the firm's latest corporate look, and showcases some neat technology inside, too.

Drivers will benefit from top safety features, including a Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system as well as an Around View Monitor (AVM), which uses front, side and rear-mounted cameras to help reduce blind spots.

The EX Concept will go on display alongside a sleek showroom-ready two-door, called the G37 Coupé. Designed to take on the Mercedes CLK, it is powered by a 330bhp 3.7-litre V6. With engineers aiming for 'best in class' handling, it will feature an advanced four-wheel active steering system. Inside, the G37 Coupé will be luxurious, and high-spec models will be equipped with a rear view monitor and a huge 9.3GB hard drive for storing digital music files.

All Infiniti models will be rear or four-wheel drive, and the range is set to feature five cars. The Coupé will be joined by a saloon, and both will compete with BMW's 3-Series. A 5-Seriesrivalling four-door Infiniti will follow.