Infiniti's bi-turbo V6 enters production

Infiniti has announced the production start for its 3.0-litre twin-turbo VR30 V6 at Nissan's Iwaki plant in Japan.

This new engine, which the prestige brand describes as 'state of the art', will power Infiniti models exclusively; it won't be shared with any Nissan or Renault models.

Producing either 224kW or 298kW, the VR30 will be introduced in a sporty variant of Q50 sedan, followed by the Q60. As we've reported previously, both variants are confirmed for Australia, starting from the fourth quarter of this year for the Q50, with the 298kW version of the engine tipped to power the Q60 variant that will follow the Q50 to market.

"Infiniti is in the middle of a major product offensive, significantly expanding and refreshing our product portfolio," said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Motor Company.

"With the new V6 engine, Infiniti vehicles will become even more powerful and more fun to drive.

"The experienced team at the Iwaki Plant will deliver the engines with the highest levels of quality for our customers around the world."

Despite an automation rate of 60 per cent, the Iwaki plant still employs 600 staff and produces 560,000 engines a year, of which 85 per cent are fitted to Infiniti vehicles.