Nissan's Infiniti announces that it is launching a performance line putting it in the same league with of Mercedes-Benz' AMG; BMW M and Lexus F.
It's kicking it off the Infiniti Performance Line with its first production vehicle, the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line , or IPL, G Coupe, based on a G37. Infiniti released a few photos, but we'll get to see the real thing as the car debuts at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It comes to showrooms in December.
The Inifiniti IPL can come with a stunning red interior
By Toshi Oku
Says Infiniti:
The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, will focus not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance. IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line.
"IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti's Inspired Performance," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.
Adding a performance division is a great way to burnish a luxury brand, and the cars come with higher pricetags that can help add profits. But it can take a lot of extra effort.
The 2011 IPL G Coupe is a rear-wheel drive model with its own front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. It has 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires. It comes in two colors: graphite silver or black. Inside, there is a choice of a black or red interior. As you can see from the photo, that red interior is quite eye catching. And the engine?:
The IPL G Coupe's advanced 3.7-liter V-6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL model.
Standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation.
No price yet.