Infiniti's Sebastian Vettel-Inspired FX50 Performance Concept Breaks Cover

When the doors open to the 64th IAA International Motor Show on September 13, Infiniti will premiere a new concept study that takes the firm's partnership with F1 racing team Red Bull to the next level.

The Infiniti FX50 Performance Concept was inspired by reigning Formula One World Champion and Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel. The 24-year old German, who is Infiniti's first ever Global Brand Ambassador, is said to have helped in the design of the FX50 study.

The Japanese company is keeping mum about the technical details of the FX50 Performance Concept, but the photo shows that it is based on the facelifted model featuring Infiniti's new corporate grille that we first saw earlier this month.

Unique elements to the concept include the redesigned front bumper with LED daytime lights incorporating a carbon fibre apron, the shape of which mimics the design of an F1 car's front wing.

Carbon fibre can also be found on the newly designed side skirts, the roof spoiler, and the rear bumper, while Infiniti did away with the roof rails. Also included are Vettel badges on the front fenders and newly styled alloy wheels shod in performance tires.

PHOTO GALLERY

2012 Infiniti FX Brings Mildly Refreshed Looks

It's that time of the year in the U.S. that automakers launch their new model year lineups. For the Infiniti FX, the luxury crossover enters the 2012MY with some mild styling changes inside and out along with new standard features and the presentation of a limited edition version.

The visual refresh concerns a new front grille and fascia design that is influenced by the Essence Concept and which we will see all future Infiniti models, plus a revised meter illumination with a more pronounced white appearance.

For 2012, all FX trim models are now offered with standard heated front seats, while other enhancements include a new exterior color (Graphite Shadow replaces Platinum Graphite); a new 20-inch wheel design for the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package; the addition of Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) to the FX50 Sport Package, and a shift of the quilted leather climate-controlled front seats to the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package from the Premium Package.

Infiniti has also introduced a new Limited Edition model based on the all-wheel drive FX35 model. It features an available exclusive Iridium Blue exterior color along with 21-inch alloy graphite finish wheels shod in P265/45R21 V-rated all-season tires, smoked out headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim.

Other standard features on the FX35 Limited Edition include aluminum roof rails and roof rail crossbars with graphite finish, aluminum pedals, graphite floor mats with bespoke blue piping, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System and Around View Monitor (AVM).

There are no changes to the engine range as the FX continues in 2012 with a choice of two powerplants, a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque in the FX35 and a 5.0-liter V8 producing 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in the FX50.

The 2012 FX will go on sale in the U.S. in October.

2012 INFINITI FX

2011 INFINITI FX