Luxury maker aims to "shake up the status quo"
After weeks of revealing teaser images of its new JX concept, Infiniti has officially unveiled the 7-seat luxury vehicle at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Infiniti says the three-row luxury crossover segment is one of the fastest growing among all luxury vehicle segments, so putting the JX into production makes sense. The production vehicle will be unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.
Infiniti's Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura had some strong words for the competition when speaking about the JX, stating "from the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment."
There's no doubt that Infiniti had families in mind when creating the JX. It claims that third row seating won't be the "penalty box" that it is in other vehicles, providing adult-size room.
Getting into the third row is usually a challenge in just about any vehicle, but Infiniti says by tilting and sliding forward, the second row seats will provide "exceptionally easy" third row access. Not only that, the automaker says a child seat can be latched onto a second row seat and still allow occupants to enter or exit the vehicle from the furthest row.
The production JX will be the first Infiniti vehicle to come with a continuously variable transmission. A sport mode can be activated, which will allow the driver to move through traditional stepped gears. The JX will use a V6 engine to provide power, and will be available in either front- or all-wheel drive.
Infiniti vehicles are no strangers to advanced technology, and the JX isn't about to change that. It will come available with a 14-speaker Bose-powered surround sound system, a telematics system that will allow the owner to sync his or her calendar to the vehicle, as well as the new Infiniti Personal Assistant, which acts as a 24-hour concierge service for owners of all 2012 Infiniti vehicles.
"As a premium crossover with a real 3rd row – along with Infiniti levels of hospitality and driving pleasure, the new JX is another breakthrough design from the brand that has been breaking new ground for more than 20 years," Nakamura added. "We will continue to challenge conventional thinking."
