Infiniti – now it’s the Infiniti Diesel

Infiniti FX30d S will launch in the UK this year

Infiniti are launching the EX30d, FX30d and M30d in 2010 fitted with a new V6 Infiniti diesel engine.

Infiniti are trying hard with their offerings and Europe, but one thing that’s been missing in their lineup is a diesel engine. Any diesel engine. And unlike the US – which is probably Infiniti’s key market – where diesels are as rare as hen’s teeth, the UK and Europe are quite partial to a diesel.

So Infiniti must be chuffed that they’ve finally got round to delivering a diesel lump to stick in cars across the range. And it’s not just any old oil-burner, but a decent spec 3.0 litre V6, 235bhp lump with a good wodge of torque – 406lb/ft.

Infiniti have chosen to build their new diesel engine -which will also find its way in to Nissan and Renault – using Compacted Graphite Iron which they say – although heavier than aluminium – offers weight savings over cast iron and doesn’t need the stiffening and sound insulation an aluminium block does.

Infiniti are going to launch the EX30d and the FX30d in the summer, and the new engine will also be available as the Infiniti M30d when their new saloon alunches later this year.

No word on prices yet or on economy and emissions. But Infiniti do say that the new diesels will “…offer outstanding performance [and] competitive CO2 emissions and economy”.

Guess we’ll have to wait until nearer launch to get the numbers. But the new diesel should help Infiniti sales in the UK up from the current level of 60 cars.