A NEW diesel engine is all set to power a fresh drive for luxury car sales by Infiniti.

But the motor developed for the EX and FX crossovers and the forthcoming M performance sedan is no ordinary compression-ignition unit.

Made from compacted graphite iron, the three-litre V6 engine is claimed to achieve fresh standards in refinement.

The first heavy-oil unit to be used by Infiniti, it produces 238PS and promises to open up new showroom opportunities for the Japanese premium brand, believes Infiniti Europe vice president Jim Wright.

"Even though we launched barely a year ago in one of the worst global recessions for a decade, we have sold more than 2,000 cars across 15 markets," he says.

"But we were aware from the outset that we needed diesel in order to offer a complete range, especially in the premium sport utility vehicle sector where this source of power represents the bulk of sales.

"We investigated the possibility of adapting an existing motor, but nothing met our requirements - we needed one that delivered exemplary refinement as well as stunning performance. This unit is so quiet that the only way a driver will know if it's running will be to look at the rev counter," he said.

To be shared with Nissan and Renault, the new engine will start driving Infiniti models in summer. Linked with a seven-speed automatic transmission, it is expected to power the EX30d model to 62mph from rest in 7.9 seconds.

Compared with grey iron, the most common form of cast iron used in engines, compacted graphite iron is said to be 75 per cent stronger and stiffer but 20 per cent lighter.