According to Nissan's global design chief Shiro Nakamura, Infiniti is considering adding new models to its lineup that will stray from Infiniti's current image. A new small car, a large "people mover", a GT-R based coupe and new smaller engines are reportedly in the works.
Despite record gas prices, Inifiniti's smallest engine remains the 3.5L V6, so Infiniti is working on a 2.5L for a new small car. Infiniti's last 4-cylinder engine was in the G20, which was dropped after 2002.
The new high-end sports coupe that could be built off of the GT-R platform is not entirely compatible with Infiniti's current lineup although significant interest within the company remains.
The new "people mover" model will be larger than both the FX and EX SUVs and will also be differentiated by different styling.
Full Story: Motor Authority
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Comments (6)
I can't help but think that introducing a small car with a small engine (probably starting in the low $20K's) at the same time they add a GT-R-based coupe (probably at $100K+) won't cause a bit of confusion and do some damage to Infiniti's reputation as an up-market brand.
Posted by Jason Litka | August 27, 2007 11:29 AM
Posted on August 27, 2007 11:29
Why not a 2.5 engine?
Mercedes first did a 4 cyl. with the 190E and was a success in sales. Even now Mercedes has a couple of 4 cyl. engines, and a V6 2.5:
Merc C230:
2.5L V6, 24 valve, 201 hp @ 6200 rpm, Ethanol
6 speed manual (standard) or 7 speed automatic transmission
19 mpg city / 25 mpg
and I doubt Infiniti's 2.5 will be slugish by any means.
And I forget to mention that in Europe Mercedes sells a COMPACT car, the A-Class, 4 cyl, smaller than a Nissan Sentra, I believe. Didn't hurt Mercedes one bit, au contraire, and since Infiniti is going to Europe next year, smaller cars make sense!
Posted by Sphere | August 27, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on August 27, 2007 15:18
If they make a 4 door GT-R, that would be a good competitor against the S4 and E55 AMG
Posted by John | August 27, 2007 5:04 PM
Posted on August 27, 2007 17:04
Apparently the Japanese designers are enjoying cheap holidays in Korea. First the Honda CRX, nee Sanssong copy, now
this Infinity, nee Hyundai jelly bean
Posted by rene | August 28, 2007 10:30 AM
Posted on August 28, 2007 10:30
I see no resemblance with this Infiniti and any Hyundai. I know the Santa Fe tried to look like an FX, but failed misarably.
I'm sure this one in person, and in another color (black, preferably) will look GREAT.
I love how the rear end looks so tight, planted on the road. Just like on the FX. The RWD drive based AWD, or RWD only will just make it sweeter.
Posted by Sphere | August 28, 2007 1:42 PM
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:42
I see not resemblance with this Infiniti and any Hyundai. I know the Santa Fe tried to look like an FX, but failed misarably.
I'm sure this one in person, and in another color (black, preferably) will look GREAT.
I love how the rear end looks so tight, planted on the road. Just like on the FX. The RWD drive based AWD, or RWD only will just make it sweeter.
Posted by Sphere | August 28, 2007 1:42 PM
Posted on August 28, 2007 13:42