2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Infiniti FX37

PARIS — Nissan's upscale Infiniti brand is marking its entry into Europe in

a big way, launching the FX37 crossover vehicle at the upcoming 2008 Paris

Auto Show and opening its first European Centre on the eve of the show.

The FX37 is virtually identical to its U.S.-market sibling, the FX50, except

that it sports a more modest 3.7-liter V6 rated at 316 horsepower and mated

to a seven-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Infiniti says

the all-wheel-drive FX37 will sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 6.8

seconds, with a top speed of 145 mph. Prices in France start at a

breathtaking $79,400, including taxes.

The new model is available in Europe initially in two variants, the FX37 GT

and the FX37S. Standard equipment on the GT includes 20-inch alloy wheels,

leather upholstery, heated and ventilated power front seats, cornering xenon

headlamps and parking sensors and cameras. The FX37S adds sport seats,

continuous damping control and 21-inch wheels and tires.

Infiniti's new Paris showroom opens in October on the Avenue de Versailles.

It will be the first Infiniti Centre in Europe.

What this means to you: Although Infiniti has not announced plans for the

U.S., look for high fuel prices to bring forward the American launch of the

six-cylinder FX. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent