Blog of RENAULT NISSAN Alliance

Spent the weekend driving the new Infiniti FX30d – the first application of an Alliance co-developed diesel engine for the Infiniti line-up in Europe.

Infiniti launched in Europe in October 2008 and now has 35 Centres selling the EX and FX crossovers and the G Line (sedan, coupe and convertible). To date, Infiniti has sold into Europe with a 100% gasoline engine line-up. With the introduction of a new Infiniti V6 diesel into the EX, FX and later this year, into the all-new M sedan, we can now access the largest part of the European premium market with these models.

The Infiniti V6 diesel was developed through cooperation across the Alliance with the core unit flexible enough to be used in front, rear and four-wheel drive applications for Renault, Nissan and Infiniti. For Infiniti, the engine was adapted to suit the demands of the premium market with unique components including cylinder block, crankshaft, intake manifold, turbocharger and manifold catalyst. With 238ps and class-leading torque for single turbo V6 of 550Nm, the engine has the specifications demanded by the premium market.

Looking ahead, Infiniti Europe sees the new V6 diesel taking 81% of EX sales and for the FX, 84%. With a dealer and market expansion (for example Austria starting in July) planned to create a network of 48 Infiniti Centres plus the addition of this new Alliance co-developed diesel, we should be seeing many more Infinitis on the roads of Europe.