Infiniti JX Revealed At Pebble Beach

Nissan luxury offshoot Infiniti has revealed its all-new 2012 JX seven-seat SUV at this week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The unveiling follows a relentless flood of teaser images over the past month.

Technically a concept, the JX shown at Pebble Beach offers what is likely a near-certain look at the production model that will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

On the styling front, the JX shares more than a few design cues with the recently updated FX SUV, with both models drawing on the look of the popular Essence coupe concept.

“With the JX, you will even be able to leave a child seat latched to the second row while getting in or out of the third row - just one example of the vehicle’s inspired flexibility and versatility,” Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore said.

“The third row isn’t the typical penalty box either, with adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of 2nd row forward-back adjustability.”

Power for the JX will be provided by a V6 petrol engine, although technical details won't be revealed until its Los Angeles production debut.

The engine will be mated to a "sports tuned" CVT automatic transmission designed, Infiniti says, to replicate the performance of a step transmission "when the Sports mode of the Infiniti drive selector is engaged." 

Australia

An Australian launch for the new model is under consideration, although so far only the FX crossover, the G37 coupe and convertible, and the M sedan now confirmed for the local market.

Speaking with TMR, Infiniti Australia General Manager Kevin Snell confirmed that the seven-seater is on the agenda.

"Whilst not yet confirmed for Australia, the JX is certainly on our radar and we are in discussions with Japan about the potential for introduction after our initial launch phase," Mr Snell said.

"In addition to the Infiniti FX, at launch we will also have the new Infiniti M sedan with its performance hybrid, petrol & diesel engines as well as the powerful Infiniti G Coupe & Convertible models," he added.

"These four launch models will be further complimented by a range of exciting additions in the subsequent years."

Internationally, Infiniti is working to grab 10 percent of global luxury sales by 2016 - a goal that will include a line-up of more than 10 different models, compared to seven in the current range.