NISSAN CANADA - An "Inspired Performance" is guaranteed at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 28 - July 1), the first year that Infiniti, the performance luxury automotive brand from Japan, is acting as an Official Sponsor of the UK's iconic motoring and motorsport celebration.
Making its world debut on the hillclimb will be the first running prototype of the UK-designed and built range-extender concept, Infiniti EMERG-E - surely the planet's most beautiful hybrid sports car as well as one of the most forward-thinking.
Jerry Hardcastle, Global Chief Marketability Engineer, commented: "The Festival of Speed crowds will be seeing EMERG-E in action for the first time ever, even before many of Infiniti's top executives have seen it. Goodwood's spectators will see not just an exquisite design but an example of our and our partners' technologies for an environmentally-friendly car brimming with true Infiniti driver appeal."
Also powering up the Earl of March's driveway will be the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition - certainly the world's most exclusive SUV with just 50 units confirmed for Europe. Lighter and more aerodynamic, with 30% higher downforce, the 420PS FX Vettel Edition is virtually unchanged from the Frankfurt Motor Show concept and ranks as Infiniti's most powerful car as well as its most expensive (circa €120,000/£100,000 ). This will be the first chance to see the FX Vettel Edition in action ahead of deliveries which begin in the first quarter of 2013. Be quick, 7 have already been sold.
Taking pride of place in the FoS-Tech arena will be the Infiniti M35h hybrid - the world's fastest-accelerating hybrid saloon. According to Guinness World Records anyway.
As usual Infiniti will be doing things just that bit differently from everyone else, making full use of the English garden party atmosphere to showcase Infiniti hospitality - one of the brand's pillars - as well as thrilling the crowds with some of the world-class superstars from road and track that define Infiniti's passion for performance.
There could be only one man of course to drive the FX Vettel edition up the hill: F1 double World Champion, Sebastian Vettel. Sebastian is scheduled to demonstrate the Infiniti that bears his personal stamp, as well as his name, before the Goodwood crowds on Saturday. Red Bull Racing team-mate Mark Webber is scheduled to drive the EMERG-E on the Sunday.
And in the welcoming luxury of the Inspired Performance Lounge - uniquely located between the Supercar Paddock and Goodwood House - will be another world champion that sums up the brand: the Infiniti-sponsored Red Bull Racing RB7 that took both Red Bull Racing and Sebastian Vettel to Formula One Championship titles in 2011.
"Like the Festival of Speed, Infiniti is driven by performance which is why it is a pleasure for us to take a leading role in this year's event, especially with three cars that embody Infiniti in such an exciting way," said Bernard Loire, Vice President Infiniti Europe, Africa and Middle East.
The Earl of March, Festival of Speed founder, added: "I am delighted to welcome Infiniti to the Goodwood family, with its distinctive and highly-original way of showcasing its products and brand philosophy. I am proud that Infiniti has chosen the Festival of Speed to dynamically debut exciting products such as the FX Vettel edition and EMERG-E concept globally as well," he added.
As well as display cars, Infiniti's Inspired Performance Lounge will feature 'Value Added,' the third prize winner from the Infiniti Digital Art Competition, along with photographs by Jacques Cochin - all in a relaxing environment that extends the hospitality of the brand's unique Infiniti Centres to all of Goodwood's visitors.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs between 28 June and 1 July and tickets can be booked in advance by visiting the website - www.goodwood.co.uk/festival-of-speed
