New York show: Infiniti set for all-new JX SUV

NISSAN’S luxury division Infiniti has used the New York auto show to announce it will produce an all-new large luxury crossover – the JX – that will reach US showrooms by mid-2012 and is expected to form part of the Australian model range after the brand makes a comeback here late next year.

Nissan Australia spokesman Jeff Fisher has told GoAuto that details such as the vehicle’s right-hand drive production were still to be confirmed.

“As to whether or not it makes the starting line-up for Infiniti late next year, it’s a bit early still,” he said. “There is no concrete study on that at the moment.”

The three-row, seven-seat large SUV was expected to have been shown in the metal in New York, but Nissan now says a concept will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August while the production version will make its global debut at the Los Angeles auto show in November.

The JX will enter production in the US in the first half of next year and will be sold as a 2013 model.

Left: Infiniti FX. Below: Infiniti Essence concept.

It will be positioned above the smaller EX SUV and will either replace or sit above the large FX SUV. Some overseas media outlets have reported as fact that the JX will replace the FX, but this is still to be confirmed.

Nissan claims the exterior sketch issued this week suggests the vehicle “pushes the boundaries of what a luxury crossover can be”.

The company says it carries signature styling cues of the Infiniti brand, such as “dynamic and elegant line treatments inspired by nature” while the “crescent cut” greenhouse design is said to be influenced by the Essence concept car.

“The all-new Infiniti JX is the seven-passenger antidote to the ho-hum luxury crossovers that are out there right now,” said Infiniti Americas vice-president Ben Poore.

“The Infiniti JX will have a stunning interior, while offering exceptional seating flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle technology, including next-generation telematics.

“A fitting addition to our line, it will challenge the status quo in its class.”

Nissan Americas chairman Carlos Tavares added: “The all-new Infiniti JX crossover will allow us to continue to expand the Infiniti brand’s presence in the Americas.

“In 2010, Infiniti was one of the fastest-growing luxury brands in the United States, and this year we will expand our presence further to Mexico and Panama, followed by Chile in the first half of 2012.”

As GoAuto has reported, Nissan Australia made its Infiniti commitment official last month with the announcement that it would return Down Under in September next year with at least three new models from launch – the FX, the G37 mid-size coupe and convertible, and M large sedan – to compete with top luxury marques such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus.