NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Ahead of this weekend’s U.S. Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel got behind the wheel early today, driving INFINITI’s latest premium sports sedan. Aboard the INFINITI Q50, he demonstrated the vehicle’s capabilities in slalom and handling tests at the Nashville Superspeedway.
The INFINITI Director of Performance and quadruple Formula One World Champion drove the 328-hp, 3.7-liter V6 model at the Tennessee venue, demonstrating to passengers the dynamic qualities of the all-new production-spec sedan.
Earlier in the day, the INFINITI Red Bull Racing driver visited INFINITI’s U.S. headquarters in Nashville where he met staff including key members of the U.S. engineering teams.
Sebastian Vettel said: “North America is INFINITI’s biggest market so it was great to meet the U.S. team today and see how they work. Having had some input into the Q50 during its development, I’ve driven the finished production model a number of times now and am pleased with the results. Driving on a big U.S. superspeedway was fun too – certainly a different challenge from the circuits I normally drive, and it provided a good opportunity to push the car to the limit.”
The all-new Q50 brings distinctive design, engaging performance, world’s first technologies and unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization. Depending on the market, it is powered by a refined 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 or 3.5-liter Hybrid featuring INFINITI’s Direct Response Hybrid System with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control.
Sebastian Vettel will continue his role as INFINITI’s Director of Performance through the development of an upcoming premium compact model previewed in the INFINITI Q30 Concept.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand’s portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI’s Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI, visit INFINITINews.com, "like" INFINITI on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @INFINITIUSA. For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
About INFINITI in Formula One
INFINITI, the premium automotive brand, starts the 2013 season as Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing. With a deepened technical collaboration across people, process and technologies, an ‘open door’ approach is enabling both sides to access a pool of innovation, new technologies and R&D resources in the shared pursuit of precision and performance.
Since the partnership’s inception in 2011 it has already seen the launch of the INFINITI FX Vettel Edition and product development input from Sebastian Vettel and test driver Sebastien Buemi for the all-new INFINITI Q50 premium sports saloon. INFINITI continues to be the most visible automotive brand in Formula One, and the deepened partnership will ensure closer alignment on an increasing number of future team collaborations.
For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
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