the infiniti ‘FX sebastian vettel’

first acclaimed at the 2011 frankfurt motor show, the infiniti ‘FX sebastian vettel’ concept car, designed in close collaboration with the F1 world champion racecar driver, is now entering production in a limited run edition. sebastian vettel, infiniti’s global brand ambassador, is also set to star in a cross-platform advertising campaign this spring, uniting digital media and films, collectors’ posters, and television spots.

attaining 300km/h (186mph) with 420bhp, the 5.0-litre V8 car features optimized aerodynamics and was considered the most focused sports crossover ever built, but until recently it remained a one-off prototype. now it is to be produced in a run of 200 vehicles. the car’s lightweight build utilizes carbon, including a carbon rear wing that provides the high downforce desired by vettel. design elements like the splitter, diffuser, and rear fog light are taken from the F1 racecar itself.

infiniti FX sebastian vettel 3/4 rear view

infiniti FX sebastian vettel rear view

sebastian vettel was already an infiniti FX driver when he met the company’s chief creative officer shiro nakamura at the 2011 geneva motor show, and in mentioning a few of the changes he would personally prefer in his roadcar, nakamura invited him to help develop a new model. ‘we are always keen to listen to what our customers have to say about our cars, whoever they are,‘ nakamura explains. ‘equally we are always keen to show how individual our cars are, and how personalization can subtly alter their character. making the perfect FX for sebastian was the ideal demonstration of this.’

the concept car was developed over the course of six months, designed with each of the specifications that vettel sought.

infiniti FX sebastian vettel steering wheel and central console

teaser video of the ‘FX sebastian vettel’

infiniti FX sebastian vettel the set during filming

vettel is also set to take part in infiniti’s first global advertising campaign, comprising the release of an international TV ad and online media, as well as specialty collector’s posters. the TV ad is set to launch the weekend of the 2012 monaco grand prix may 26th – 27th, 2012.

infiniti FX sebastian vettel another behind-the-scenes look at the filming of the ad