Engine

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.

Should electric vehicles make an artificial noise or be allowed to run silently? Opinion is divided both within the industry and among other interested parties and it’s a subject we have debated many times.

Those that want to keep them silent argue that one of the attractions for city centre driving is the noiseless glide of an EV – once speed is above 20mph tyre noise is enough to warn people that a car is approaching.

Those that argue for adding artificial noise are worried that pedestrians, especially those who are elderly or incapacitated in some way – impaired hearing or sight, for example – need a distinctive audible warning of a car’s approach.