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Infiniti Pebble Beach retro concept is a '50s-inspired electric grand prix car

Infiniti will debut a retro-inspired race car at next week's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance that combines the style of classic grand prix open-wheel cars with modern design elements and powertrains. The car should fit right in at Pebble Beach alongside all the vintage machinery from the early days of motorsports. Simply dubbed the Infiniti retro prototype, it is Infiniti's idea of what could have been. Basically, the Japanese automaker imagined that it found a car hidden away for 70 years in southern Japan. They took that old look and married it with the brand's "Powerful Elegance" design language. We only have a couple of photos, but it looks like a sleek silver bullet with narrow-section bias-ply tires. We'll have to wait until next week to see the entire thing, but this teaser has us excited. As expected with any modern concept, the retro prototype eschews an awesome multi-carb gasoline engine in favor of Infiniti's EV technology. It's unclear if the car actually runs, but we'd all love to see this put some laps down at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Related Video:

Infiniti rolls out new badge, brand experience — even a brand scent

Infiniti kicked off a brand refresh Thursday, showing off a new logo (and corresponding changes to its physical emblems), dealership aesthetic and what brand representatives described as elements of its "multisensory experience." Do you know what Infiniti is supposed to smell like? Well, you're about to learn.  The alterations to the logo are subtle from dead on, but as you can see from our featured image above, its physical form is far more intricate and three-dimensional. This is the fourth generation of Infiniti's signature since the brand was launched in 1989. Yep — Nissan's upscale division is 35 years old this year. Can you believe that? The most significant visual difference is the alterations to the "road" in the center of the logo. Infiniti says this was done to emphasize the notion that the road is endless — infinite, if you will. The clipped point represents the horizon. The physical badges will be illuminated, "boldly" announcing the car's arrival.  "Our aim was to subtly evolve the INFINITI logo in support of the bright new chapter that lays ahead," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti SVP of global design. "Adding greater emphasis to the point where the infinite road intersects with the horizon, we are showcasing our steadfast commitment to always look forward to the future and to new horizons." The new badge will also be accompanied by a new signature scent and signature sound. The former is a blend of Japanese cypress, cedar and yuzu. The sound "creates a sense of anticipation by marrying powerful musical elements with more serene sounds to deliver a harmonious balance" and will be employed in marketing materials, advertising, dealership experiences and other consumer-facing assets.  A new architectural and interior design direction accompanies the update. The aesthetics are based on the Japanese concept of Ma — "a philosophy that considers the space between things," Infiniti said. The result looks modern, sophisticated and convincingly upscale, reminding us of a cross between a Volvo and Mercedes-Benz showroom. Not a terrible place to be.  Infiniti's new look rolls out today across its digital spaces.

Infiniti will offer free wireless Apple CarPlay upgrades for 2020-2021 cars

Owners of 2020-2021 Infiniti products with Apple CarPlay should be happy to hear this news. Infiniti just announced that owners of those vehicles are now eligible for a free upgrade to wireless Apple CarPlay. The list of eligible models includes 2020-2021 Q50, Q60, QX50 and QX80. All of those vehicles already have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but they operate via a wired connection only. This upgrade will make it such that you no longer have to plug into your Lightning cable to have Apple CarPlay splashed across the screen. If you own any of the above vehicles, we’d recommend getting a service appointment to have the upgrade installed — the update is said to take less than an hour. Infiniti says the complimentary software update will be available from now until March 31, 2022. Basically, get it while you can. WeÂ’ve asked Infiniti if a similar upgrade was coming for Android users, as many other manufacturers offer wireless Android Auto in addition to wireless Apple CarPlay. All a spokesperson would say is that "Infiniti is looking at Android Auto for future vehicle integration." The lack of wireless Android Auto will be affecting about 20% of Infiniti owners, as even Infiniti approximates that 20% of its luxury buyers are not Apple users. At the very least, those owners will still have wired Android Auto. Related video:  This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.