By Dan Trent
03 October 2008 10:29:33

Paris Motor Show: Infiniti launches new SUV

Nissan’s new (to Europe at least) luxury brand has already shown its wares earlier this year at Geneva. And since then we’ve had some early drives in its GS37 Coupe and EX37 sporting SUV.
Infiniti GX37 (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Infiniti GX37: click images to enlarge
But, with Infiniti’s first European dealership having opened the day before the show, the luxury brand is now officially on sale in Europe. And it’s kicked off in fine style too, the Mondial de l’Automobile hosting the world debut of a brand new model – the FX37.
 
The big brother to the sleek looking EX37 we drove earlier this year, the giant FX isn’t for the shy and retiring. Infiniti unveiled the second-generation European-spec model earlier this year at Geneva, the FX50 using a 5-litre 385bhp V8 for true SUV cred. The new FX37 uses a 3.7-litre V6, derived from the Nissan 350Z’s 3.5-litre unit.
Infiniti GX37 (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
This engine will underpin the entire Infiniti range for its European launch, the FX being joined by the EX37, G37 saloon and aforementioned G37 Coupe. A cabrio version of the latter is due to be revealed in LA in November to broaden Infiniti’s attack on key rivals like BMW, Mercedes and Audi.
 
So will European tastes warm to Infiniti’s extrovert model line up? Going live at Paris is certainly a bold statement of intent, although to really work here the firm badly needs a diesel option. Thankfully this will be coming, in conjunction with Nissan’s partner brand Renault and its new 3-litre V6 common-rail unit. 
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,