The Infiniti FX50 Sebastian Vettel Edition. Image: Infiniti
As one of the top drivers in Formula 1 (and the reigning world champion), Red Bull Renault driver Sebastian Vettel could easily afford to buy any car he wanted. Contractual obligations probably encourage him, strongly, to be seen in a vehicle from one of the teams sponsors, so you’d expect him to drive a Renaultsport-tuned Megane, or perhaps an Infiniti M56.
He doesn’t. In fact, Vettel’s personal ride of choice is an Infiniti FX50 crossover, albeit a specially-tuned one. Seb’s ride makes a bit more power than stock, and it rides on a stiffer suspension than the average Infiniti grocery-getter. He’s made a few tweaks to the interior as well, which is easy to do if you have an unlimited budget to work with. Short of breaking into an F1 paddock and hot-wiring Seb’s ride, you can’t really drive his FX50, but you’ll soon be able to buy one that Vettel’s consulted on.
The full reveal of the Infiniti FX50 Sebastian Vettel Edition won’t take place until the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but we know the crossover will get a new carbon-fiber front spoiler, an odd-looking rear wing, unique wheels (probably 20-inch), and an aerodynamically enhanced rear diffuser. It’ll make more power, too, although how much more than the stock FX50’s 390 horsepower and 369 ft-lb of torque remains to be seen. Reportedly, power output should be enough for the FX to reach a top speed of 186 mph.
Expect a firmer ride and an interior unlike anything else in the Infiniti catalog. You’ll get custom “Sebastian Vettel” badging, too, just in case you forget who signed off on the content of the special edition. There’s even rumor of a carbon-fiber trimmed and F1 inspired steering wheel, but we hope it’s not nearly as complex as the wheels from actual F1 cars.
We’re fans of the FX50, but we have a hard time imagining a “sporty” version of the Infiniti crossover. At least the styling isn’t too over-the-top, with the exception of the JC-Whitney-discount-auto-parts-catalog inspired rear wing. Does anyone really think that looks good, or will produce an actual aerodynamic benefit?
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
