Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

Over more than 30 years GS has meant adventure to millions of riders. GS is German for "gelande strasse" which means "off-road and road". In BMW Motorrad terms that spells adventure travelling.The venerable 650 GS has been a major part of that adventure with its simple and robust single-cylinder engine and nimble yet rugged chassis and build. Now it has been toughened further for more adventurous adventures with the Sertao.VALUEAt $12,700 it's not cheap for a single-cylinder bike. Runaway top-seller in the adventure category is the Kawasaki KLR 650 at just $7999 followed with less than half the sales by the Suzuki DL650A at $10,990 with ABS.However the Sertao has a more robust frame, more comfort, more features and a lot of quality BMW factory accessories. Value is also in long service intervals and legendary bullet-proof performance which is essential in the isolated outback. In all states except Western Australia it can be ridden by P plate riders.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the GS is the single-cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled Rotax engine that has plugged away for years with few changes. In Dick Johnson-speak it wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding,but it is a grunty little thing with its torque right where you want it - down low.Thanks to its low weight, it will rip off a standing start to 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and still spin out all the way to a top speed of 170km/h. Yet it sips fuel miserly and, if you are careful, will achieve range of more than 400km from its 14-litre fuel tank.DESIGNThe Sertao is distinguished by its white and blue livery which is reminiscent of the old Dakar models. But it's the substantially longer spring travel (210mm versus 170/165mm), and skinny wire wheels with a 21-inch front that makes this design more off-road friendly.The GS comes with a standard 800mm seat, a 770mm low option and a 840mm high seat, while the Sertao has an even higher 860mm seat as standard and a 900mm option. Since most off-road riding is done standing up, the higher the seat the less you have to move from seat to standing position.Despite the longer wheelbase and suspension travel, the Sertao is only 1kg heavier. Other differences from the standard GS are a luggage carrier in black, extended top front wheel cover, higher windscreen, hand protectors and alloy engine guard. As usual, BMW has an extensive range of accessories such as heated grips, charging socket with LED light, crash bars, and luggage.SAFETYThe disengageable BMW Motorrad ABS has been around for quite some time and it's been tweaked here for off-road use. It works so well you simply never need to turn it off, even in slippery mud or clay. There are hazard warning flashers if you do disengage it. An alarm system is also available as a factory accessory.RIDINGI rode the Sertao on part of the recent BMW GS Safari from Ballina to Forster in NSW. The roads were slippery in places from scattered showers, storms and even hail, but the Sertao ploughed on regardless.It is a comfortable, all-day bike even though the seat is low and the pegs are high. Tall people may feel a bit cramped but off road you tend to stand a fair bit, anyway, In the standing position, your head is perfectly aligned with the triple clamp which is great for balance and feel.One word covers this bike - soft. But that's a good thing. The power comes on softly so you don't break traction suddenly and the brakes have little initial bite so you don't lock the wheels in the dirt too easily. The suspension is also soft to absorb the biggest hits and the steering feels slow and steady. This translates to a very predictable and safe bike in all conditions.VERDICTNot everyone who goes bush wants to wield a 1200cc behemoth through the bulldust like Charley and Ewan. The Sertao is an affordable option for those who want to go further and deeper into the outback without sacrificing much touring comfort.BMW G 650 GS SertaoPrice: $12,700Warranty: 2yr/unlimited kmService: 10,000km/12 monthsEngine: 652cc, single, 35kW60NmTransmission: 5-speed, chain driveBrakes:, 300/240mm single discs, ABSTyres: 90/90 R21; 130/80 R17Dimensions: 2185mm (L), 920mm (W),Weight: 193kFuel: 14L tank, 3.2L/100km (at 90km/h) 

It was the loudest, smokiest and most expensive guard of honour when a collection of historic Bentleys showed up on Sunday for a high-society Ascot wedding. The collection of racing Bentleys had gathered at Ashgrove earlier in the day for the visit of Dr Clare Hay, a leading authority on the iconic British marque. After being photographed and interviewed for the British motoring author's forthcoming publication, several owners drove to Ascot for the wedding of Brisbane Audi Centre dealer principal Greg Willims and Suzanne Heinisch. "We feel quite honoured that this has all happened on the same day,'' said Mr Willims, who is the owner of an old Bentley and whose dealership also sells the Crewe-made vehicles, "You could hear them coming a mile off. Some of these cars have fantail exhaust systems with perforations down the side so they sound like an old aircraft trying to take off." The Bentley convoy, estimated to have a total value of $12-$18 million, included two rare 4.5-litre supercharged cars called "Blowers'' each worth about $4 million. A late inclusion was a Bentley formerly owned by English novelist Sir Pelham Grenville "PG"  Wodehouse.  

Luff will have one of the highest pressure jobs this weekend in the Sandown 500 when he partners the most successful modern-day endurance driver in V8 Supercars, Craig Lowndes. "Racing with Craig and TeamVodafone does and doesn't put pressure on me," Luff said yesterday after one of his stunt driving stints at the theme park. "Craig is the modern-day Peter Brock in every way; in is personality, attracting the fans and his driving. You don't get much bigger in the sport than Craig. "But in reality it is so good to go to a race meeting knowing you have a fantastic partner, car and race team; it makes the job a little bit easier. "I've been to Bathurst and Sandown before in cars that aren't competitive and you tend to over-compensate and drive too hard." Luff's best endurance results have been a third at Sandown in 2004 with Steve Johnson and a fifth at Bathurst in 2010 with James Courtney. "This is the biggest chance I've had to go all the way," Luff said. "Craig is driving the best he's ever driven and the team is doing a fantastic job." Lowndes, who has five Bathurst 1000 and seven 500km titles, says the endurance events place a lot of emphasis on the co-driver. "You need to have a co-driver equally as quick as you," he said. "It's more important to have two fast drivers rather than a tortoise and hare situation." Over the past few years Lowndes has been partnered by TeamVodafone colleague Jamie Whincup with whom he won three Bathurst titles in a row and touring car legend Mark Skaife, scoring a Bathurst first and second. "Luffy's not quite as quick as the regular drivers who are in the cars all year, but if you look at the co-drivers, I classify him as one of the top two," Lowndes said. "The other one I rate is Paul Dumbrell (Whincup's partner for the endurance rounds). "We've got the two best co-drivers in the field because both recently drove in the main game. "Warren lost his drive at the end of last year and Paul retired last year so both are really current drivers and they understand what is needed of them. "At the last test day Luffy did the majority of the running and he got all the seat time he needed." Lowndes also partnered Luff in an Audi R8 race car in the past two Bathurst 12-hour events but says he has never seen him perform in the Movieworld stunt show. "He keeps bugging me to see the show and to have a crack myself," he said. "One day I'll see it; just as long as he keeps four wheels on the deck at Sandown and Bathurst I'll be happy. "His stunt work shows he has good car control and his ability to adapt to different cars is extraordinary. "I've been lucky that I was able to partner up with him at the 12-hour with Audi where he had to adapt to paddle shift and left-hand drive. "Through that process I got to known him a lot better so we'll have a better understanding on race day." Lowndes says he is quietly confident going into the endurance rounds in a competitive fourth position in the championship. "We know what we have to do and we are happy with the car," he said. "We have all our ducks in a row. Now we just have to stay out of trouble."  

The bad news is that resale values are expected to be affected. Triumph Australia has announced a raft of price reductions on some naked bikes, cruisers and adventure machines for a limited time. Peter Stevens Importers spokesman Mal Jarrett says they have not had a price rise on Triumphs in the six years he has been working for the Melbourne-based importer. "The models we've adjusted on price are where we are being hit the hardest," he says. "We had to do it to remain competitive in the marketplace." Triumph has been one of the few marques to keep sales in the black during the downturn over the past few years. However, the market is up 3 per cent in the first half of this year while Triumph is down 3.8 per cent to 3078. Jarrett said they rode through the downturn on their "heritage, good quality products and low prices". "We kept pushing forward with development of new models whereas others didn't, like the Japanese, so that kept up the interest," he says. Triumph will introduce the Trophy touring bike in February with the 1200cc engine from the new Explorer and several cosmetic upgrades on 2013 models. They are also rumoured to be introducing some single-cylinder adventure bikes next year. Jarrett said he was baffled by this year's slow sales. "I can't put my finger on why (sales are down); maybe it's people's uncertainty with the economy. It's hard to say." But sales of their sports bikes are still strong, so no discounts have been offered. "Basically we don't need to," Jarrett says. "The Daytona 675 is selling quite well and we are out of 675 Rs until an update comes along." The biggest discount in the Triumph range is on the largest capacity production bike in the world, the 2.3-litre three-cylinder Rocket III Roadster. While the $4500 discount is only available on 2011 models, there is still a substantial $2000 slashed off 2012 models. They have also wiped $2000 off the Thunderbird ABS while the slightly bigger capacity Thunderbird Storm with ABS has been discounted $1500. Other cruisers copping a chop are the America and Speedmaster which are priced at $14,490 ride away. Triumph dominates the naked category with four of its naked machines in the top 10 sellers yet the classic Bonneville T100 Black is down $500 to $11,990 while the modern Speed Triple and Speed Triple ABS are slashed $1150 and the "R" ABS with Ohlins forks, Brembo brakes, Pirelli Supercorsa SP tyres and PVR wheels, is reduced $1300. Triumph has recently moved into the adventure bike class with the Tiger 800 last year and the 1200cc Explorer this year. While there are no price discounts yet on the latest model, Triumph has announced free factory panniers with every alloy-wheeled Tiger Explorer sold, amounting to a saving of about $1100. This is ahead of a wire-wheeled option in March. There is no word yet on the price, but the wire wheels cannot be retro-fitted to alloy-wheeled models, says Jarrett. Meanwhile, the Tiger 800 is down by $900 and the ABS version by $1400, and the XC models are down $800 and $1300 for the ABS version.  

French carmaker Renault has presented His Holiness Benedict XVI with two specially modified electric Kangoo Maxi ZE (zero emissions) vans. Modifications include an opening roof, electric folding door steps, removable rear side windows and “particularly comfortable” separate seats in the rear as the ageing Pope prefers to sit rather than stand. One will be used by the Pope for travelling at his summer residence and the other by the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City for the Pope's security. The Pope's “green'' van is white with the Papal coat of arms on the doors while the other has white and yellow livery. The new Pope Mobile is powered by a 44kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery with a range of 170km. Over the years Pope Mobiles have been based on a variety of vehicles including Mercedes-Benz SUVs, a Seat Panda and a big GMC pick-up truck. Some have been open air, but most have bulletproof glass since the Ali Agca assassination attempt in 1981. Some allow the Pope to sit, while others are designed to accommodate the pope standing. In Australia, Renault is introducing a range of electric vehicles over the next few years starting with the Turkish-made Fluence ZE expected to arrive later this year at under $40,000 plus the cost of leasing a battery.  

The gauntlet was thrown down when Aprilia called this mid-size scooter a "grand tourer". Aprilia says the SR Max 300 is equal to a GT sports/touring styled motorcycle."The SR Max 300 will be completely at home on motorways or touring long distances which is not really the domain of a typical scooter," they say. So I accepted the challenge and put this rebadged version of the Gilera Nexus to a 400km weekend test.VALUEAt $6990, it's highly competitive with other mid-size scooters and, if it proves to be a grand tourer, then it's a lot cheaper than any maxi scooter. Add to that the sporting heritage and street cred of the Italian marque and you have a good value proposition.For your money you get excellent build quality and a host of features such as a comprehensive instrument display with information such as range, average economy and speed, clock, odo and trip meters, top recorded speed, plus a heater that directs air from the engine on to your feet, and a light and 12V outlet in the generous luggage area.TECHNOLOGYIt's powered by a four-valve, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single with only 16kW of power, so it's not exactly a "GT. sports/touring styled motorcycle". And while it has a 155mm longer wheelbase than the Sport City 300, it's still no maxi scooter.However, it does have big 15-inch wheels, a solid double-cradle steel frame and a sophisticated suspension system from a larger scooter. Up front is a 35mm traditional telescopic fork with a hydraulic shock absorber and on the back are twin three-position adjustable spring preload shock absorbers.DESIGNThis scoot oozes Italian flair with taught lines, sporting heritage in the graphics, a compact nose and bold silver grille between the dynamic twin headlights. Even the boys on their sportsbikes gave me a nod as I rode past.There is a big screen and a generous saddle with lumber support for the rider and big handles for the pillion. Under the seat is enough room for two open-face helmets and gloves. Our test scoot was white, but there is also a "factory red" model which is race inspired with the livery derived from the RSV4 Factory.SAFETYThere is no ABS, but the brakes are strong with a 260mm disc up front and 240mm at the rear, not a drum. The 15-inch wheels prevent the familiar bump steer of most scooters and the wide tyres are tubeless.RIDINGI went nowhere near emptying the 15.5-litre fuel tank which at 3L/100km is good for about 500km range. I also went nowhere near getting saddle sore or sick of this ride. It may only have 16kW of power, but it has instant torque and enough acceleration for all traffic duties and also for pulling out of low-speed corners or roundabouts.It will hit 60km/h in about six seconds and 100km/h in a shade under 10. A pillion or a hill doesn't seem to make too big a dent on its performance, either.This scoot may not increase the pulse rate of a sportsbike rider but it did startle a few when I rounded them up in the tight and twisty sections of my favourite mountain pass. The 15-inch wheel, grippy rubber and sophisticated suspension make it quick through corners while the longer wheelbase provides stability at high speeds.The indicated top speed in the on-board computer reads 142km/h and while I didn't set it, I have no reason to dispute it. This scoot will travel comfortably at legal highway speeds all day. I found the screen a bit short for me, but it is wide and gives plenty of cold morning protection.VERDICTThis is a proper touring scooter.Like a maxi scooter it will take you inter-city in style and comfort, even with a partner along for the ride. Yet it is still compact enough to get you to work or the local cafe economically and park in places a maxi scooter won't fit.Aprilia SR Max 300Price: $6990Warranty: 2yrs/unlimited kmService Intervals: 10,000km (transmission belt 15,000km)Engine: 278cc single-cylinder 16kW/23NmTransmission: CVT autoDimensions: 2110mm (l), 780mm (w), 815mm (seat)Fuel: 15.5 litres; 4L/100km

It has anti-lock brakes (ABS) as an option, making it the smallest capacity Kawasaki with the feature, while the smallest bike in Australian showrooms with ABS is the Honda CBR250R. The Ninja 300 also comes with the added safety of an assist and slipper clutch, a feature more common on 600cc supersports or 1000cc superbikes. Slipper clutches prevent dangerous rear-wheel lock-up on quick downshifts. Kawasaki Australia marketing spokeswoman Gina Costello says ABS is available as an option or standard on the majority of its road bike range. "It's been a positive, particularly for the learner range," she says. "Anything that helps riders stay safe while learning skills is a positive." The Kawasaki ABS unit is the smallest in the world which makes it more applicable to use on small bikes such as the Ninja 300. "Advancements in technology are also making it more affordable, so it adds to what we can offer a learner especially," she says. ABS is now standard on all road-going 650cc Kawasakis which are learner legal in all states of Australia except Western Australia. Kawasaki also has ABS as standard on the Versys 1000, ZX-10R, ZX-14, Ninja 1000, 1400 GTR, Z1000 and Vulcan 1700 cruiser range. In July BMW became the first Australian bike importer to have ABS as standard on all road bikes in its fleet, while many other manufacturers are extending its availability throughout their road fleet. Costello says Kawasaki is "confident of reclaiming the number one position with the new bike which will sell alongside the Ninja 250R, a top seller in Western Australia. "They'll sell side by side. There's still 250 stock out there," she says. Prices will be announced in the next week. The Ninja 300 is powered by a fuel-injected 296cc twin engine with dual throttle valves. In terms of power the 300 will gain 5kW with an output of 29kW. Stability is improved with a rigid diamond frame and wider 140mm rear tyre. It features aggressive Ninja styling with big dual headlights, floating windscreen, fairings and wheels. Riders will feel cooler on the bike with large openings in the fairing and a new radiator fan cover to divert engine heat. It will be available in pearl stardust white, ebony or a special edition lime green. Kawasaki Ninja 300 Price: from $6199 Engine: 296cc twin, 29kW  

You might want to get rid of your old car soon – its value is falling further and faster than ever. While we’re buying new SUVs and utes in record number, used cars are headed toward historically low resale values. “We have seen significant discounting over the last three to six months as well as new model prices fall or features added at no additional cost, which pushes down resale values on used cars,'' Glass's Guide sales and marketing manager Nick Adamidis said. “As the Australian dollar remains above parity against the US and at record highs against the Euro, we will continue to see the importers provide high-quality product at cheaper prices which puts pressure on resale values on used cars.” Mr Adamidis said resale values will bottom out by 2020. “Historically Australian resale values have been much higher than in Europe or the US,'' he says. “A three-year-old car here will retain about 45-50 per cent of its value whereas in the US and Europe it's about 35 per cent. “As our dollar remains strong, our residual values will drop down to Euro and American levels. It will take about 7-10 years. It's a long-term trend.'' One of the best gauges of resale value is the percentage of the model's sales to private as opposed to fleet buyers. “Most cars are being sold to fleet or novated leases so they're holding on to them for about two to four years, whereas private individuals would hold on for four to seven years or longer,'' Mr Adamidis said. “If a car sells 50,000 and 45,000 of those are sold to private, then 45,000 will be held out of the used car market for longer so they will be rarer and therefore retain more value. But if they are sold mainly to fleets they will hit the market sooner so there will be more on the market and resale values will be down. Resale values in the US are expected to increase after the global downturn, but not here. “During the recession, fewer new cars were made, so availability of recent used cars is down in the US, leading to better retained values,'' Mr Adamidis said. The US market dropped from about 16 million a year to 12 million, whereas the Australian market dropped only about 10 per cent from one million to about 900,000. So supply of recent used cars is still strong.  

Our newest brand has stalled on the starting line. Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota. Except Lexus has a host of models and dealers all over the country while Infiniti has launched with just two models, two dealers and no showrooms yet.Over the next few months a Melbourne dealer will join Sydney and Brisbane and their showrooms will be open. Dealerships in Adelaide and Perth will follow by the end of next year. It's a big call for the American-centric brand and none of the global chiefs who attended the press launch on the Sunshine Coast last week is shying away from the fact.But at least the two models they have launched are quality vehicles that will target growing sectors where customers seem to be seeking even wider choice. The models are the FX mid-sized luxury SUV and the M luxury saloon.The FX is competitive on price with the Audi Q7, BMW X5/X6, Mercedes ML and Lexus RX. It's a larger vehicle than the Lexus, but like its Japanese colleague, it comes with a full suite of standard features while the Germans charge substantially more for those "extras".The M competes with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Lexus GS, and has a similar high level of standard features. However, both models charge an eyebrow-raising $1500 for metallic paint.Warranty is four years and 100,000km which seems low kilometres for our wide, brown land.Resale is not yet established, but Infiniti won a major award in Canada for residual values. Infiniti says services can only be done at qualified centres and with just two dealers currently in Australia that could be problematic.However, their generous roadside assistance program has provisions for accommodation, accident coordination, alternate vehicle supply and will even extend to Infiniti customers' other cars or other vehicles they are driving but don't even own. Infiniti Australia general manager Kevin Snell expects the FX will account for about 80 per cent of sales.FX is the older model of the two and comes with older technology. It is powered by a choice of V6 petrol or diesel engines and a 287kW five-litre petrol V8 that guzzles fuel at 13.1L/100km.The M range is all V6-powered with a petrol, diesel and hybrid set-up. The latter has an impressive total output of 268kW that sips fuel at a lower rate than the diesel. It will also operate in full electric mode up to 100km/h if there is enough battery charge.Snell expects only 10 per cent will opt for the V8 or the hybrid models while the others will be evenly split. All models have seven-speed automatic transmissions with downshift rev matching and magnesium paddle shifters. Drive in the FX is via an intelligent system that defaults to 100 per cent rear-wheel drive and delivers up to 50 per cent torque to the front wheels when the lights go green, when the back wheels start to slip or in cornering.The M is a more traditional rear-wheel drive. The analogue clock on the centre console of both vehicles is contradictory to the digital technology that abounds, especially in the M. While both have Bose sound systems, the M includes active noise cancellation that is similar to Bose headphones.There are two microphones in the ceiling that monitor engine noise between 2000-6000 revs, and then creates a reverse soundwave to cancel that sound. It works whether the sound system is on or off, but it doesn't negate road noise and it deactivates if you open a window or door.You can breathe easy in the saloon which has a "Forest Air" airconditioning system with humidity control, a grapeseed polyphenol filter to decrease allergies, airflow that replicates natural breezes, aroma tropical oils that can reduce stress levels of occupants, sensors that switch between fresh and recirculating air depending on oxygen levels and aromas, and an ion generator to remove bacteria and smells.M also has active four-wheel steering in the top trim level where the back wheels turn the same direction as the front. At up to 40km/h the front wheels turn more than the back, but at higher speeds, the back wheels steer more. FX has an auto tailgate which is a must with any SUV with such a large rear door.These Japanese-made vehicles are specifically designed for Americans, so there are some bold slaps of chrome and a macho grille outside and fake wood, big cup holders and wide, wide seats inside.But neither will offend Aussie tastes.The FX is actually a delicate and almost feminine design that looks more like a Porsche Cayenne than the macho X5. It's also lower and wider than an X5 for a very dynamic, road-holding appearance. There is a Jaguar S Type feeling about the exterior design of the M and a not unlike Jag feeling of gentlemanly glamour in the cabin.Rear seat accommodation in both vehicles is generous although the transmission and seat hump in the middle of the back row means being the fifth person is a little uncomfortable. There is also plenty of boot space in both models, except in the M hybrid which positions the large battery behind the rear seats leaving a puny amount of luggage space.FX has been crash tested in Europe for a five-star result, while the M has yet to be tested. Both come with a suite of standard safety features including six airbags, rearview cameras and blind spot warning.Product planning manager Zac Loo says the M has two world firsts in safety: blind spot intervention and total surround view, both available in the Premium trim. They go further than similar systems found in most other luxury cars.The flagship M models also get distance control assist which is similar to adaptive cruise control, but way better.Instead of only working when you select a speed at which to cruise, when this system is activated, it works at any speed whether you have selected cruise speed or not.It also actively warns when you are closing on a vehicle in front too quickly by pushing back on the accelerator. If you are closing to overtake, then you can easily override the system by pressing harder on the throttle.Since it's designed for litigious Americans there is a plethora of annoying warning beeps that you have to manually disengage to preserve your sanity. Neither model has a full-size spare. Instead, they get a mix of a repair kit or temporary tyres depending on trim level and model.Infiniti Australia managing director and CEO Bill Peffer hates being comparisons with Lexus, but it's unavoidable. There is more of a sense of being in a Lexus than a German car when you ride in either of these vehicles.Both have high quality build, tasteful amounts of bling, a quiet environment and a feeling of super-refined engines. Peffer says their vehicles are more performance oriented and a quick dash through the hills and dales of the Sunshine Coast hinterland testify to that.All engine variants we tried were strong and powerful and the cars and SUVs handled with a nimble agility expected of much smaller vehicles. The four-wheel steering takes some getting used to, initially feeling dead and then becoming more alive as your hands relax and stop fighting for control.Certainly the old "Elk test" (a high-speed swerve-and-recover test) is much more controllable with four-wheel steering, cancelling any whiplash effect. It also pays dividends in tight and twisty sections of smooth tarmac, however the diesel models feels more nose heavy with a slower turn into corners.There is plenty of grip available in both models yet the ride is on the plush side over the broken patches of country road pummeled by milk trucks. Seats are big and wide without a lot of support, so you slide around in corners, but they are comfortable with a supple leather.Some of that Lexus quietness is due to the Bose noise-cancelling system as well as double-glazed windows, yet there is still some road noise evident. As for the Forest Air, we noticed a faint diesel smell as we tailgated a colleague in the diesel model for a while, but it quickly disappeared again.We love the distance control assist system and would prefer it as the default setting rather than having to turn it on every time you get in the car. You can't even program the computer to accept it as a default.The M sedan is bristling with technology and style that should attract those who are tired of the competitors and crave something different. The FX is a big and comfortable luxury SUV that will appeal to those who aren't particularly concerned with fuel prices. A hybrid is not coming until the next model.

Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, will have a dealership in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley with AP Eagers and another in East Sydney with Suttons, but has announced that a deal with Penfolds in Melbourne has fallen through.However, the Sydney dealer will not open its showroom for two more weeks while the Brisbane showroom will open in seven weeks. Infiniti Australia general manager Kevin Snell said a new Melbourne dealer would be announced in the next three to four weeks with a showroom open by Christmas.He was speaking last week at the Sunshine Coast media launch of the M sedan ($85,900-$99,900) and FX SUV ($83,900-$114,900). Snell said they were not hampered by the lack of dealers or showrooms. He said the brand had a comprehensive data base from their website and public displays of the cars at the Formula One in Melbourne and Cirque de Soleil events around the country.Snell also confirmed they would have their new models plus two coming models the G Coupe and Convertible at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October. “In the past six months more than 10,000 people have visited the website and we collected more than 200 expressions of interest at the F1 in February,” Snell said.“Our marketing starts next week and we'll have a heavy emphasis on the FX. “We expect to make (dealer) appointments in Perth and Adelaide in the next six months.” Infiniti Australia managing director and CEO Bill Peffer said the Australian market was one of the most crowded in the world with 65 brands. “We offer a new choice for customers that don't follow the rest of the crowd,” he said.“First we have to get the brand awareness established. We're not pushing for volume; we want to establish the brand.” Peffer said Infiniti would be a separate entity to Nissan, but would access the Nissan financial service for loans. “That will be a huge advantage for us,” he said.