Infiniti->ke36 is preparing to enter a new market segment with the launch of the JX crossover, a 7-seater luxury model. The vehicle officially made its official debut at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with the production version scheduled to be revealed in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. That being said, the vehicle won't be going on sale until Spring 2012 as a 2013 model.

Like we said before, Infiniti hasn't dished out any extravagant details for their new SUV model, but they have confirmed that the JX will have three rows of seats with room for seven passengers. The crossover's exterior design will follow along the lines of the Infiniti Essence Concept revealed at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and the interior will feature the next generation of Infiniti's telematics and infotainment technology.

2011 Infiniti JX Concept

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  • Model: 2011 Infiniti JX Concept
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Official Unveiling at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2011

Exterior

The hype surrounding the Infiniti JX Concept centered on the assertion that it would bring some much-needed spice to an otherwise bland 7-passenger, luxury crossover market.

After seeing what all the fuss was about, it's safe to say that Infiniti just might have something special on their hands.

The first thing that gets your attention when it comes to the JX Concept is the similarities it shares with the design language of the Infiniti Essence Concept while also carrying some hints of original styling. The new front grille is large and wide, exuding an imposing presence on the vehicle's front profile. The 'angry' headlight design also doesn't do anything to sway the JX Concept as a timid crossover with no flavor while the crescent-cut D-pillar is a fresh design take on an otherwise forgotten part of the crossover.

"The three-row luxury crossover segment is one of the fastest growing among all luxury vehicle segments, providing a huge opportunity for Infiniti," explained Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.

"And like every segment Infiniti enters, we plan to shake up the status quo – with a vehicle that is guaranteed to instantly become the new benchmark for style, hospitality, roominess, advanced telematics and safety technologies."

Interior

The true calling card for the Infiniti JX Concept lies in the interior, where it more than lives up to its promise of providing class-leading space for all of its passengers.

The crossover comes with three rows of seats with the 2nd row seat designed to tilt and slide forward providing exceptionally easy 3rd row access. Even the 3rd row of seats, usually cramped spaces that don't do a whole lot for comfort, has been been given "adult-sized room for all occupants and five-and-a-half inches of 2nd row forward-back adjustability."

The JX also carries some new technology, including the Blind Spot Intervention and the just-launched Back-Up Collision Intervention. The latter provides computer assistance to the driver by detecting crossing objects behind the car and in the event of imminent collision, the system acts and automatically engages the brakes even without the driver doing anything about it.

Other technological features added to the JX Concept include a 14-speaker Bose Studio Surround sound system with Waveguide bass technology, an advanced Infiniti Connection Telematics system that automatically syncs the owner's calendar with GPS responsibilities, and the new Infiniti Personal Assistant.

Performance

Despite breaking cover at Monterey, Infiniti has yet to reveal production details of the crossover, opting to spill all the beans at the LA Auto Show in November. Nevertheless, the word is that the JX will carry a powerful V6 engine that can either be customized for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The JX will also carry some firsts for Infiniti, most notably the use of a sport-tuned, fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission.

Pricing

No word on the pricing either, but rest assured, everything will come out at the LA Auto Show this November. Patience is a virtue, dear friends.

Competition

Infiniti is banking on the JX Crossover entering a market that has plenty of notable vehicles, including the Hyundai Santa Fe->ke1023, the Kia Sorento->ke1321 and the Ford Explorer.

We'll have a better grasp on where the JX stands against its rivals when all of its details are unveiled. From what we've seen of the vehicle so far, the new design language of the JX, combined with the interior configuration and all the new technologies, has instantly made it a formidable rival to the existing crop of holdovers in the 7-seater market.