Live Photos and Video of the Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition

Infiniti FX Vettel

Infiniti is relying on its partnership with Red Bull Racing and the blessings of reigning Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel to promote a sportier image for the brand

At this week's 64 International Auto Show in Frankfurt, the Japanese automaker put the spotlight on a one-off Infiniti FX50 designed in conjunction with Vettel. The special crossover features a host of aerodynamic, styling and mechanical improvements, all designed with Vettel's input.

Hardware upgrades include a more potent version of the FX50's 5.0-litre V8 delivering 420-horsepower thanks to a new exhaust system and a software reprogramming, along with a longer drive ratio for the transmission, and a 20mm lowered suspension.

The Vettel Edition rides on lightweight 21-inch black multispoke alloys with silver rims, which along with the new carbon fiber parts on the outside such as the front splitter, rear diffuser, side sills, front grille and mirror covers, help shed 46kg (101 pounds) off the standard FX50S Premium dropping the total weight to 2,049kg (4,517 lbs).

The aero kit also does its part to improve the coefficient of lift (Cl) by 30 per cent improvement and reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) by 5 per cent.

Infiniti claims that that the FX50 Vettel version needs 5.6 seconds for the zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint, or two tenths of a second faster than the standard car, and can reach a top speed of 300km/h (187mph).

The tune is complimented by bespoke fittings in the interior including real carbon fiber trims, the use of Alcantara on the steering wheel and gearshift paddles and new sport seats.

Even though Infiniti is keeping its cards close to its chest, word has it that the Japanese company is mulling the introduction a limited series based on the one-off show car bearing the name of the F1 champ.

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IAA 2011: Sebastian Vettel's 420HP, 300km/h One-Off Infiniti FX50 Special

Infiniti FX Vetel

After many teasers but only six months since the idea surfaced during a conversation between Infiniti’s Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura, and Red Bull racing driver Sebastian Vettel, the Japanese firm's one-off FX50 Performance Concept dedicated to the reigning Formula One World Champion has been fully revealed. Sebastian Vettel, who already owns an FX as Infiniti's Global Brand Ambassador [sic...], cooperated with the company's engineers to create the concept model that sports several changes over the standard production version both mechanically and cosmetically.

On the outside, the priority was given to improve the luxury crossover's aerodynamics with a 20mm lower chassis and an aero package that includes new front and rear bumpers.

Carbon fibre was used for the front splitter and rear diffuser (the styling of which was inspired by Red Bull's F1 car), side sills, front grille and mirror covers.

As a result of these changes, there's a 30 per cent improvement in the coefficient of lift (Cl) and a 5 per cent lower coefficient of drag (cd).

The FX50 Vettel concept rides on 21-inch black lightweight alloys with silver rims.

Infiniti says that the alloy wheels and carbon fiber components help reduce the concept's weight by 46kg (101 pounds) over the standard FX50S Premium at 2,049kg (4,517 lbs).

The crossover concept's dashboard, center console and door panels are trimmed in real black carbon fibre, while Alcantara is used on the steering wheel and gearshift paddles. The special sport seats with added support are covered in black quilted suede cloth finished with purple stitching and special “SV” logos, while the material also features on the pillars, roof lining and sun visors.

Rounding up the interior upgrades is a metal plate on the centre console featuring the World Champion’s signature.

Under the hood, the FX50 Vettel concept is fitted with a lightly upgraded version of the standard model's 5.0-liter V8 engine featuring a retuned ECU and a new exhaust system that help lift output from 390HP to 420HP.

Infiniti's engineers also removed the speed limiter and added a longer final drive ration allowing the FX50 to reach a top speed of 300km/h (187mph). The longer overall gearing reduces the horsepower gains, but with a 5.6-second time for the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint, the concept is still two tenths of a second ahead of the standard car.

Other changes to the FX50 include stiffer springs and re-rated dampers.

“This is the first road car I have helped develop," commented Sebastian Vettel. "Usually I have hundreds of engineers building one car just for me. So it is fantastic for me to contribute to the design of a car. The result is an Infiniti I am very proud to have my name on. It is all I hoped for: 300km/h, plenty of downforce – and I can still fit my mountain bike in the back. Plus it is totally exclusive – and as an Infiniti driver, that’s important,” Vettel added.

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