Luxury Japanese car maker Infiniti is something of a niche brand in the UK, selling luxury performance cars to a small number of drivers. Alongside the traditional premium car makers such as BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Audi there are also the luxury elite, including Lexus and Porsche, all vying for the attention of buyers with deeper pockets than most. Infiniti has tried to separate itself from the crowd by promising performance to go alongside the luxury, not least in its stylish FX crossover SUV. But when the best racing driver in the world comes calling, standard specification just won't do. Sebastian Vettel is a multi-title winning F1 driver and one of the best racers to ever grace the sport, so when a custom Infiniti FX was suggested, the Nissan-owned brand knew it would have to pull out all of the stops. Vettel was no stranger to FX cars - he has been driving one all this year and says he 'loves' the car. According to the Red Bull driver, the Infiniti FX fits his lifestyle perfectly and is great fun to drive. But, he said, it could go a little faster…" What was delivered was nothing short of incredible. Created to Vettel's own specifications, a 414bhp V8 engine is the most powerful ever fitted to an Infiniti car and sends it to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds. The car can go on to reach nearly 190mph and, after suggestions from the Red Bull driver, has improved aerodynamics to increase stability and shed 46kg of weight thanks to the introduction of carbon fibre components. It has been touted as the fastest Infiniti and the most exclusive crossover ever made - and we were one of a handful of publications invited to get behind the wheel of the crossover King at a recent launch in Monaco. Infiniti FX Vettel price Once the initial inspection of the car's carbon fibre upgrades to the grille, splitter and rear diffuser, exclusive 21-inch black multispoke alloy wheels with silver rims and aggressive new LED daytime running lights, it is time to see the price list. Which, to be frank, is a bit of a shock. New Infiniti FX Vettel prices are £50,000 more than standard FX models at around £100,000 - and optional extras can add to the cost further. Take, for example, the rear spoiler. When Infiniti first designed the car it did not have a spoiler but due to popular demand it was added at a cost of £4,400 to the customer. Infiniti FX Vettel equipment So what do you get for the eye-watering price? Inside, there is carbon fibre-filled cabin, Leather seats with exclusive purple stitching with Vettel branding are added along with Alcantara steering wheel and gearshift paddles. Equipment includes a 'Connectiviti+' infotainment system with a host of gadgets as standard. Infiniti itself says a luxury car should come without a long list of extras and as a result climate control, satellite navigation et al are all included in the price. There's even a metal plate on the centre console bearing Vettel's signature for added exclusivity inside, with Vettel badges adorning the exterior of the mean-looking crossover. Infiniti FX Vettel first drive We were lucky to be one of a handful of publications to be invited to the launch of this superstar SUV and the first drive did not disappoint. Not much has been done in terms of performance additions, but a new exhaust helps to boost the power and get the most out of the 5.0-litre V8, producing 414bhp. The new exhaust comes with 'loud button', which makes the exhaust sound louder whenever a bit of extra noise is required. For a car that can reach 60mph from standing in 5.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 180mph, this is never actually a problem - but it does add a note of drama to the occasion. The car looks and sounds amazing and the only complaint is that the steering can be a little light at times, even with stiffer springs and re-rated dampers that have been added to the FX for the Vettel edition, along with a sports chassis and a lower ride height. To generate enough stopping energy, opposed 4-piston and 2-piston calipers for the front and rear brakes respectively are also added. The Infiniti FX Vettel is a powerful, luxurious brute on the road and although its size means it will never be a neat-handling sports car, it is surprisingly nimble for such a big car. The Vettel Edition's real draw will be in its ultra-exclusivity. Only 150 will be made in total with around 15 heading to British shores. For £100,000, drivers can buy a car specced-out especially for a two-time (and potentially three-time) World F1 Championship winner, decked out in his signature and logos throughout. And for this little slice of history, there will be more than enough buyers willing to shell out the extra money to make it their own. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsnPu_spCCQ
