Geneva Motor Show 2008

Nissan luxury brand makes a splash in Geneva

What better way to mark your arrival in Europe than to unveil a new model? That's how Infiniti got noticed in Geneva.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

05th March 2008

Set to launch in Europe later this year, Infiniti is the luxury marque everyone is talking about in Geneva this week.

Not only does the firm have on display its three core models, but it has also revealed a brand new sporting SUV to take on Porsche’s Cayenne and the Range Rover Sport. Called the FX50, the Japanese model’s striking looks and V8 performance are sure to appeal to fans of fast 4x4s.

Power comes from a 385bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol, which will be joined in 2010 by a new V6 diesel engine that has been co-developed with Renault. The key to the FX50’s pace and efficiency is its relatively light weight. Aluminium bodywork and a plastic tailgate help it to be the lightest model in its class.

When Infiniti goes on sale in the UK in April next year, the line-up will also include the G37 saloon and coupe and the EX37 cross-over SUV.

The G37 is powered by a 306bhp 3.7-litre V6. It mixes muscle with chic styling, an impressive standard specification and lots of technical innovation.

Meanwhile the EX37, which blends coupé looks with four-wheel-drive versatility, and is being billed by Infiniti as the “world’s first compact coupé crossover”. It has a luxury interior, commanding driving position and all-wheel traction.