2000 Infiniti XVL Concept

Infiniti XVL Concept Sedan - Sheer Fun for Drivers Passionate About Performance

Just over ten years ago, the original Infiniti Q45 reset the luxury car dial permanently on the side of performance.
With its advanced, 289-horsepower 32-valve DOHC 4.5-liter V8 engine, it brought to life what was at the time an overused, under-delivered term: 'driver's car.' The original Q45 became -- and remains -- the purest definition of Infiniti.

With the introduction of XVL Concept Sedan, Infiniti has created a distinctive embodiment not only of the Q45, but also of where Infiniti is going as it heads into its second full decade of business in North America.
The XVL, Infiniti's first-ever concept car, carries the soul of the Q into new territory with advanced driving dynamics, a powerful V6 engine, 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension, powerful styling and exquisite comfort.
The XVL makes its Únited States debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It is dimensionally similar to many entry-level European luxury division sedans and is designed to provide premium performance at an attainable price.
'We've found that luxury buyers don't buy by segment, they buy their desire. The first step in the XVL development process therefore involved bringing together the soul of who we are as a company and those customers who share our passion for automobiles,' said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. 'Luxury today is the ability to have it all. These customers want as many of the flagship attributes as possible at every level and the XVL Sedan has them in abundance.'

Source - Infiniti

Infiniti XVL Concept Sedan Introduction

Presented by Tom Orbe, Vice President and General Manager,
InfinitiDivisionJanuary 10, 2000

Good afternoon. Thanks for joining us for the debut of Infiniti's first ever concept car, the XVL.

We have a few special guests joining us today, (introduce guests as needed).

Before bringing out the XVL, a quick update on Infiniti is in order. We've just closed our first full decade in business with our best sales year ever — over 72,000 vehicles.

This is an increase of 14 percent from the year previous.

We're heading into the new year and new decade with tremendous momentum and a stronger product lineup.

In our first 10 years, we've learned a lot· and grown a lot.

We're still committed to and still delivering on the industry's best program of customer care with the best dealers in the industry. We call this the Infiniti Total Ownership Experience.

From a product standpoint we're focusing on luxury vehicles for Infiniti's special 'enthused' buyers.

Infiniti was defined 10 years ago by the original, high performance Q45 and that spirit, that soul of the first Q, is being infused in all new Infiniti products — beginning with our recently introduced 2000 Infiniti I30.

The I30 is off to the hottest start in our history, selling almost 10,000 in the first three months and bringing enthusiasts back into our showrooms.

We're proud to say that Ward's Communications has named the I30 engine as one of the '10 Best Engines' for the six years running.

The Automobile Journalists' Association of Canada also named the I30 'Best New Luxury Car' and Kiplinger's named it 'Best in Class $25 — $35,000'

Next up for us is our 2001 QX4, which puts driving performance back into the equation in a very powerful way — 240 horse-powerful ways.

And, the next generation Q45 will not only be infused with the soul of the original, it will blow the doors off it. We'll give you a chance to preview the new Q in a couple of months at the New York Auto Show.

We'd like all of our future cars — indeed, Infiniti itself — to replace caffeine as the world's greatest stimulant.

We want to provide thrilling driving solutions through expressive designs, with advanced vehicle dynamics, and a superior ownership experience.

As we look to our future, we don't have to look very far. It's here today, right now, in a sedan that promises — and delivers — sheer fun.

Ladies and gentlemen, please take a look at the Infiniti XVL Concept Sedan.

(REVEAL XVL)

II. XVL Overview

Tom Orbe

First and foremost, the XVL Concept Sedan is designed for drivers passionate about performance with its powerful V6 engine, rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel independent suspension, 17-inch wheels and tires and front mid-ship engine placement.

The XVL is designed to provide performance in all dimensions and luxury by every definition.

The XVL Concept is built on a new-generation rear-wheel drive platform. Dimensionally, it offers a wheelbase that's a couple of inches longer than the Infiniti I30, yet overall length is about two inches shorter.

It is slightly narrower yet taller than an 'I', and the front-midship engine placement gives it an ideal weight balance.

As a result, XVL offers large sedan comfort and ride, yet with the maneuverability of a smaller vehicle.

The styling is elegant and sophisticated, with short overhangs, Infiniti-style grille with large Xenon headlights, stepped-up deck and smooth rear finisher.

The coefficient of drag is just 0.28.

The XVL's maximized body proportions give it a roomy interior and cargo area.

Inside, the designers sought a sense of functionality, simplicity and luxury.

The XVL Concept utilizes an advanced V6 engine, automatic transmission and 4-wheel ABS braking system.

And, like our current lineup of Infiniti vehicles, the XVL is designed to invigorate rather than isolate the driver.

It's an active partnership between car and driver.

Obviously, the XVL Concept is a very real, very attainable vehicle — a 'dream car' for people who dream about performance, style and fun without having to wait for their IPO to come in.

I hope you will all join us in New York in April, where we'll provide additional information about the future of the XVL.

III. QX4 Overview

Tom Orbe

There's another vehicle that shares the original Q45's performance soul — the new revised, refined and reinvigorated 2001 Infiniti QX4.

(Lighting highlight on QX4)

Imagine the ideal luxury vehicle — we have it in the new QX4.

It has all of the performance, styling and features of a world-class luxury sedan, topped with all of the confidence and versatility of a SÚV.

Like our new I30, this QX4 has all the best thinking.

The new QX4 raises the standard in the luxury sport utility class,,, very quickly,

Here's what I mean: the new QX4 features an all-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing an incredible 240 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque — increases of 41 percent in power and 32 percent in torque.

Another way to look at it is this — the QX4 now offers more power than any other V6-equipped and most V8-equipped SÚVs in class.

The new V6 engine is based on the award-winning I30 VQ powerplant, though it was specifically created for use in SÚV applications.

This new V6 is mated to an enhanced, 4-speed automatic.

For 2001, we've also enhanced the exterior styling, redesigned the interior with a new instrument panel and console and a long list of luxury enhancements, and we've made available a 2-wheel drive model for buyers in the sunbelt.

Though pricing hasn't been finalized, we expect to hold our comparably equipped MSRP at about the same level as the 2000 QX4.

More details on the engine, interior and styling are available in your press kit.

What we couldn't put in the kit, however, is the QX4's incredible feel — both luxury and performance.

It's an unbeatable combination of power, comfort, convenience and style — half off-roader, half luxury sedan. (concept carz)

We've come a long, long way in our first 10 years. And, if you're as passionate about driving as I am, the next 10 are going to be really phenomenal.

Thank you. Now I'd like to ask Jason Vines to come up for a few announcements.

IV. Housekeeping

Tom will be available to answer any questions about the XVL, QX4 or the Infiniti Division one-on-one right here by the XVL.

We also have some other Infiniti executives available, including (TBD). (TBD) will be standing by the QX4 and (TBD) will be by the new I30.

Press kits are located (TBD) and as always, please call on any of the Infiniti Corporate Communications staff for any assistance.

Also, please stop by here Friday night during the Charity Black Tie event — we'll have special guests Strunz & Farah performing for your listening pleasure.

Thanks, see you for the launch of the new Q45 in New York.

Source - Infiniti