Autoblog

Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants

Chris Paukert — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Infiniti

We've known since mid-December that Infiniti's new global model naming convention would turn the current-generation G37 Coupe into the Q60 Coupe starting next year, but we haven't been clear on whether the model-range-formerly-known-as-G would get a successor, especially as its volume has traditionally been a lot lower than its sedan counterpart.

Thankfully, Infiniti president Johann De Nysschen (above) has stepped up to confirm that the newly revealed Q50 sedan will receive a two-door counterpart, though perhaps not as quickly as some would like. According to an interview with Australia's CarAdvice.com, De Nysschen says "the coupe we can probably expect two-and-a-half to three years down the road." That news also suggests that if there's an eventual convertible version, that it's a long way off, too. Why so long? Infiniti has "a lot of priorities" - priorities that undoubtedly include an already-confirmed front-wheel-drive small hatchback/crossover.

The report also indicates that Infiniti has some aspirations for stretching its new Q50/Q60 range in a higher-performance direction to take on competitors like BMW and Audi, the latter being De Nysschen's former employer. There's far from a firm timetable offered, of course, with De Nysschen saying "someday in the future we will be able to offer more high performance versions [of Q50] than we have today... the dynamic capabilities of this platform are very significant. It can handle far higher power than the engines we are using at launch."

Infiniti has long envisioned itself as Japan's answer to BMW, and from where we sit, high-performance models would likely help keep the brand focused as it branches out into new segments like that of the JX, a three-row crossover with few sporting pretensions. In addition, its nascent Infiniti Performance Line [IPL] franchise could use the help - we've been underwhelmed with the pricy IPL G Coupe and Convertible to this point, and Infiniti will need to work harder if it truly wants to align its products with its growing Formula One marketing efforts.

Infiniti boss De Nysschen confirms next-gen Q60 Coupe, ponders high-performance variants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

Chris Paukert — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

Remember when the price of entry to the "entry-level luxury" space was around $30,000? These days, that's the average price of a new car, nevermind something with premium brand cachet attached. Forgive our rose-colored glasses for a moment, but we've just come across the pricing announcement for the new-for-2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible and it starts at $60,600, *plus $895 for delivery. (If a fixed head is more your speed, the IPL G Coupe starts at $50,500). That's a whole lot of ducats.

Of course, this is the full-tilt Infiniti Performance Line model, with its 343-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ V6, spidery 19-inch wheels, tightened-up suspension, sportier exhaust and the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed paddleshift automatic, to say nothing of the trick folding hardtop.

In truth, Infiniti's rivals from Bavaria ask even more for their BMW 335is convertible ($60,800) and it only has 320 horsepower. Audi and its 333-hp S5 Convertible is a wee bit lighter on the wallet, meanwhile, commanding at least $59,300 and offering all-wheel drive, but it doesn't make the same sexy noise that the the IPL does.

Of course, Infiniti still has some nice G models in the 30-$omething range and there's a full family of models in between to satisfy every junior executive's wallet. Us? If we really wanted a droptop from Nissan's upscale outpost, we'd probably forgo the IPL bits and content ourselves with the far less costly G37 Convertible - all $46,650 and 325-horsepower's worth - at least until the rumored 530-hp, twin-turbo IPL arrives.

Scroll down to read all of the pricing info for Infiniti's 2013 G Coupe and Convertible family.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti working on 530-HP twin-turbo IPL model for G

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

We certainly like the idea behind the Infiniti Performance Line, but execution has left us largely underwhelmed. Instead of an M or AMG fighter, buyers are left with little more than fancy paint and a stiffer suspension. But according to Motor Trend, Infiniti may have something more impressive brewing.

An unnamed source spilled the goods on the future of the G line, including a juicy detail about a hyper performance coupe. The next-generation G is set to hit the market during the summer of 2014, bringing with it a rash of changes.

One of those is the introduction of an IPL-specific 3.7-liter V6. The source claims the engine is all-new and features direct-injection and two turbos to help it produce a whopping 530 horsepower. This time, it seems Infiniti has its heart set on stepping up to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and BMW M3. The engine will be built in Japan alongside the powerplant for the Nissan GT-R.

Now for the bad news. The shadowy source says the high-performance IPL will be priced in line with the GT-R, at least in Japan. On this side of the globe, the brawny Nissan commands a price well north of the $58,930 MSRP on the C63 AMG, which leads us to believe there's still some pricing to be sorted out on that front.

Infiniti working on 530-HP twin-turbo IPL model for G originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

More Consonants, More Raw

There's an almost infinite amount to love about the Infiniti G37 line. In sedan or coupe form, X or S guise, the vehicles deliver that difficult-to-attain blend of rear-wheel-biased performance, content and refinement with a manageable price tag. With the excellent VQ37 3.7-liter V6 engine pounding under the hood and the buyer's choice of manual or automatic gearboxes pushing power to the rear or all four wheels, the G37 family is one of the market's best arguments against sliding behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series. That is, unless you wanted a truly serious performance machine.

German titans like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been lapping European racetracks under their M and AMG banners for decades, honing performance hardware that customers would merrily plop down fat stacks of cash for later. While Japanese luxury automakers have been somewhat slow to embrace performance sub-brands, recent years have seen an explosion of consonant-laced badging stuck to sharper machinery. Among Japanese automakers, Lexus first dipped a toe in those waters with the company's F-Sport goods, and Infiniti has risen to the challenge with its new Infiniti Performance Line. By gracing the G37 Coupe with more horsepower, a sharper suspension, larger brakes and unique interior appointments, Infiniti has taken a first step into a world dominated by some of the world's most storied badges.

But is the IPL G37 a serious performance contender or simply a bolt-on queen with delusions of grandeur?

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

2012 Infiniti G37 IPL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti

Any luxury automaker worth its burlwood has to have a performance division. BMW has M. Mercedes-Benz has AMG. Audi's Quattro GmbH churns out S and RS models. Lexus has the letter F. Cadillac has V. And Infiniti has IPL.

The Infiniti Performance Line launched last summer with the IPL G Coupe, essentially a G37 Coupe that'd been fiddled with for an extra measure of sportiness. Much speculation and anticipation followed as to what the IPL team would do next - leading to rumors over potential tie-ins with Red Bull Racing and Mercedes-AMG - but a Sebastian Vettel edition FX55 notwithstanding, this has been the first follow-up product since.

Previewed in thinly disguised concept form just a month after the coupe's debut, the IPL G Convertible is set to make its production debut at today's Los Angeles Auto Show. It's essentially the same as the coupe, only with the retractable hardtop of the G37 Convertible on which it's based. The 3.7-liter V6 has had its mapping adjusted and breathing optimized to generate 343 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque - 18 and 6 more than stock, respectively, but 5 and 3 less than the coupe despite more heft to move.

Power is driven to the rear wheels exclusively via a seven-speed paddle-shifting, rev-matching automatic transmission. Other enhancements enacted for the IPL G Convertible include a firmed-up suspension, 14-inch front brakes rotors (13.8 in the rear) with alloy calipers, 19-inch alloys, and a revised aero kit. Only two colors are available - Moonlight White and Malbec Black - while the leather interior can be had in Stone or Monaco Red. Like what you see? Check out the full details after the jump and the high-res images in the gallery for more.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible drops its top for LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version approved for production, may result in AMG-like tuning arm

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan, Rumormill, Luxury

Running a luxury brand used to be simple. Tart up a few mass-market sedans with leather interiors and power accessories, slap on a big hood ornament, jack the price through the roof, then sit back and watch the gravy train flow. These days it couldn't be more different. You need dedicated luxury platforms and halo cars and marketing tie-ins. And if you really want to be taken seriously among the cognoscenti, you need an in-house performance tuner to craft your own AMG or M-series line of cars.

Which brings us to Infiniti, the formerly North American-only luxury brand. It has been going toe-to-toe with Mercedes and BMW in some product segments for years, but with aspirations of competing with the big two luxury marques globally, it needs to put some muscle behind its nascent Infiniti Performance Line brand. So that 414-horsepower Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version you saw at Frankfurt? Yep, it's coming, according to an interview with Nissan Executive Vice President Andy Palmer on the company's corporate blog. And although it won't necessarily be branded an IPL car, Palmer says the Vettel FX will serve as a pilot, to prove that Infiniti can sell "low-volume, very special versions, and be able to charge a premium."

Vettel took his second straight Formula 1 title with a victory in Japan this weekend, and Infiniti might as well capitalize on its marketing partnership with Red Bull Racing. You don't spend upwards of $10 million on a racing deal if you're not going to use it to sell cars. Of course, Vettel is hardly a celebrity in the U.S., so we'll have to wait to hear some official word about North American plans. "Right now," Nissan PR told us, "it is still simply a concept."

Watch the entire interview with Palmer after the jump.

Continue reading Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version approved for production, may result in AMG-like tuning arm

Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version approved for production, may result in AMG-like tuning arm originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti to roll out special Sebastian Vettel edition [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Infiniti

Sebastian Vettel in the IPL G Coupe at ICAR - Click above to watch the video after the jump

With the United States Grand Prix set to join the calendar next year in Austin, Texas, the only current stop the Formula One circus makes in North America this season is in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix. And while he was in our neck of the woods, the guys over at FastLaneDaily got a chance to meet up with Red Bull's defending champion, Sebastian Vettel.

The champ took the FLD crew for a few laps in a Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) G37 Coupe around the ICAR circuit at Mirabel airport, where we were schooled a couple of years back at the Jacques Villeneuve Academy. Surely an experience in and of itself, because young Seb is widely regarded as - and sufficiently proven to be - the best driver on the grid right now. But while they were at it, the video gurus of everything automotive got a juicy tidbit of information.

Through their two-pronged partnership with Vettel and his team, Infiniti is planning a special Sebastian Vettel edition road car. This is apparently separate from the new vehicle which RBR is reportedly developing with Infiniti, and will likely come about a little earlier, though it's not clear what markets it will be offered in. As to what the model will entail - beyond some ad-ons and special badging - remains to be seen, but we'll be keeping an eye out. In the meantime, follow the jump for the run-through with FLD's Shakedown.

Continue reading Infiniti to roll out special Sebastian Vettel edition [w/video]

Infiniti to roll out special Sebastian Vettel edition [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Bull Racing to collaborate on Infiniti performance model

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 May 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Infiniti

History and the contemporary automotive market hold no lack of examples of F1 teams translating their checkered flags into road cars. It's practically Ferrari's raison d'être, after all. McLaren's following suit, as well. Even Williams has collaborated with Renault on performance-oriented Clios, and now with Jaguar on the C-X75. But though each of these teams has claimed its share of championships and then some, these days it's Red Bull Racing that's on top. Trouble is - PlayStation fantasies notwithstanding - Red Bull doesn't make automobiles beyond a small batch of single-seaters for Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel. That's where Infiniti comes in.

Powered by sister company Renault's engines, the Red Bull team this year features prominent sponsorship from Infiniti - a move which is expected to turn into a more comprehensive re-branding scheme in the future. In the meantime, Infiniti is keen to capitalize on its tie-in with the world champion F1 team (particularly since its only previous racing activities involved limited success in converting the Q45's V8 for Indy racing), and now reports are suggesting that a collaborative road car project between Red Bull Racing and Infiniti could be underway.

Citing the Renault Clio Williams as precedent, the Japanese luxury automaker is reportedly looking into making a performance-oriented version of one of its current products to go beyond the current Infiniti Performace Line. The G37 coupe would be the likeliest basis, but a substantial re-engineering effort could (unlike the Renault Williams tie-up) involve the F1 team's engineers to transfer their competencies to the road. Sources expect the project to be complete within two years from now.

Red Bull Racing to collaborate on Infiniti performance model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Infiniti Performance Line could benefit from AMG power

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has M. Lexus has F. Cadillac has V. In short, any luxury automaker worth its grille badge needs a solid sport range. Infiniti has been trying to get in on the game with its Infiniti Performance Line, but emerging reports from across The Pond suggest it could be poised to get some help from none other than AMG.

According to reports, the Infiniti Performance Line could grow to include everything from aero kits to full-on performance models, the latter built on the same assembly lines as the existing models but carrying engines sourced from the Mercedes-Benz performance division.

The reports stem from parent company Renault-Nissan's recent deal with Mercedes-Benz to receive technology from the German automaker. Since the deal was penned, the rumormill has run rampant with speculation on possibilities as to how the Franco-Japanese automaker alliance might best implement Daimler's know-how, running from platform sharing to engine swaps, but this mooted IPL powertrain connection could be the most interesting yet.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe: First Drive

Photos copyright (C)2010 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Infiniti Performance Line could benefit from AMG power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti continues to roll out its new Infiniti Performance Line, IPL, and naturally the next vehicle to get the sporty kit is the G37 Convertible. The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible lines up next to the already-revealed IPL G Coupe and shares the same aggressive body kit and stylish 19-inch, seven-spoke graphite wheels.

We suspect power will be slightly down compared to the IPL G Coupe, much like how the standard G coupe is slightly more powerful than its respective convertible counterpart. Pricing has yet to be announced as this is technically a concept, but with the IPL G Coupe trickling up to the $50K mark we expect the convertible to cross that threshold. Have a look at Infiniti's more aggressive droptop G in the gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe priced from $47,950

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti announced the launch of its own in-house tuning company in August of 2010. The IPL, or Infiniti Performance Line, seems to be about providing slight visual and performance tweaks to the existing lineup of vehicles. The first vehicle to model the IPL line is the G37 Coupe, now reborn as the 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe and available with either the seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Things we already knew about it include the power upgrade (up 18 for a total of 348 horsepower), the styling tweaks (exclusive 19-inch IPL wheels, two exterior color choices and aggressive visual cues) and the interior upgrades (new sport seats with thicker bolsters). What we did not know was the price - until now. Infiniti has announced that the MSRP for the IPL G Coupe will start at $47,950 for the manual and $49,850 for the automatic.

That is no small amount of money for a car that is not vastly sportier than the standard G37. A 2010 Infiniti G37 coupe starts at $36,050 while the G37 Sport 6MT pricing begins at $40,400. Both cars are fun to drive thanks to the rear-wheel drive setup and 330 hp 3.7-liter VQ37HR V6. The IPL does offer upgraded suspension, exhaust and steering components so it would be very interesting to line up an IPL and non-IPL G coupe for back-to-back canyon runs. We'll hold off on making an opinion until our butts get some seat time.

If you're already thinking the IPL isn't worth the cost, perhaps there is something else in the 2011 Infiniti G lineup that may pique your interest. The regular-grade coupe and convertible see an increase of just $150 for each available trim, except for the Sport 6MT which climbs $2,000 (Base-$36,200, Journey-$37,650, AWD-$39,300 and Sport 6MT-$42,400) due to the fact that the Navigation Package is now standard equipment.

The new Limited Edition convertible starts at $56,750 and features exclusive content like a Monaco Red leather interior. You'll find a couple of press releases waiting for you after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe (G37)

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe priced from $47,950

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe priced from $47,950 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept - Click above to enlarge image

The first Infiniti Performance Line offering was unveiled at Pebble Beach last month in the form of the IPL G37 Coupe. The 348-horsepower G hardtop wears a factory-designed bodykit and came with engine and chassis tweaks to make things slightly firmer and faster. It goes on sale in December.

This week, its droptop brother will arrive at the Paris Motor Show. Infiniti hasn't announced power output, but we expect the IPL G Convertible Concept will probably be a shade less muscular than the coupe, as is the case with the non-IPL models. The automaker hasn't given away any hint of pricing, either, but VP Ben Poore did say "IPL promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices," if that's any consolation. Stay tuned for complete details later in the week.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Up until recently, Infiniti wasn't entirely sure what its brand was all about. But since its latest reboot, the brand has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker - in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it's taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW's M division or Mercedes' AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what's been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn't released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we're hoping the price premium isn't excessively high for what's essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe (G37)

Continue reading Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) is coming this year

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti Performance Line teaser - Click above for high-res image

Hot on the heels of the recent revelation that Infiniti is working on a duo of new G-based vehicles slated to debut at this year's Pebble Beach extravaganza, we've come across a trademark filing by Nissan North America for "IPL." What's IPL you ask? Infiniti Performance Line, a new catalog of in-house developed upgrades which - according to the filing - will include everything from air filters to cat-back exhaust systems, and - more intriguingly - "automotive engine parts, namely turbochargers and superchargers."

The approach is likely to be similar to how NISMO develops and markets parts for Nissan or, more accurately, Lexus' launch of its F-Sport performance line.

This new line of performance parts will likely be unveiled this August in Pebble Beach and be fitted to the G37 coupe. How extensive the modifications are remains to be seen, but as previously reported, one of the models set to debut will be "performance oriented," and if forced induction is part of the package, we're anxiously awaiting our rendezvous with the modded coupe this summer.

Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) is coming this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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