Infiniti: Development and Technology News
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Southern California
Oh no! Not Again!!! Infiniti to drop name and rename.
Infiniti will reportedly pull the plug on its Infiniti Performance Line, better known as IPL, in favor of a new Eau Rouge performance range.
Infiniti launched IPL in 2010 with the hopes that the performance division would eventually rival brands like BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG, but those plans never fully materialized. The IPL treatment was offered on Infiniti's G coupe and sedan, but the performance tweaks were never enough to really stir the soul.
It appears as though Infiniti is ready to give up on the short-lived IPL sub-brand as Edmunds is reporting that all future performance Infiniti models will be sold under the Eau Rouge banner. Infiniti introduced the world to the Eau Rogue name at the 2014 Detroit auto show with a high-performance version of its Q50 sedan.
Infiniti hasn't announced when the first Eau Rouge vehicle might launch and Michael Bartsch, vice president of Infiniti Americas, admits that the Japanese automaker doesn't quite know what to do with IPL brand. Although pure speculation at this point, it's possible Infiniti could position Eau Rogue against M- and AMG-tuned vehicles while IPL competes against brands like Audi's S-line.
The Eau Rogue concept features an aggressive body kit and a twin-turbocharged engine with at least 500 horsepower on tap, and we'd expected to see similar hardware on the road-going version of the performance sedan.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti...#ixzz2qhTwimKp
We've done such a great job at confusing our potential customers already, let's do it again!!
Infiniti launched IPL in 2010 with the hopes that the performance division would eventually rival brands like BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz's AMG, but those plans never fully materialized. The IPL treatment was offered on Infiniti's G coupe and sedan, but the performance tweaks were never enough to really stir the soul.
It appears as though Infiniti is ready to give up on the short-lived IPL sub-brand as Edmunds is reporting that all future performance Infiniti models will be sold under the Eau Rouge banner. Infiniti introduced the world to the Eau Rogue name at the 2014 Detroit auto show with a high-performance version of its Q50 sedan.
Infiniti hasn't announced when the first Eau Rouge vehicle might launch and Michael Bartsch, vice president of Infiniti Americas, admits that the Japanese automaker doesn't quite know what to do with IPL brand. Although pure speculation at this point, it's possible Infiniti could position Eau Rogue against M- and AMG-tuned vehicles while IPL competes against brands like Audi's S-line.
The Eau Rogue concept features an aggressive body kit and a twin-turbocharged engine with at least 500 horsepower on tap, and we'd expected to see similar hardware on the road-going version of the performance sedan.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/infiniti...#ixzz2qhTwimKp
We've done such a great job at confusing our potential customers already, let's do it again!!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
IPL was such a failure.
As long as they got the goods to back it up, then people can overlook it.
if they offer a 500hp RWD Q50/Q60, that compete with M3/M4 and AMG. It doesn't really matter what they call it. People will remember it.
As long as they got the goods to back it up, then people can overlook it.
if they offer a 500hp RWD Q50/Q60, that compete with M3/M4 and AMG. It doesn't really matter what they call it. People will remember it.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
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Flagship Sedan and Coupe Plans
Cool. Let's see how they look...but, let's see if these can compete remotely with the German's Big 3 and Lexus.
From here: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...flagship-plans
From here: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...flagship-plans
Infiniti hasn’t had a proper flagship since 2006, when the Q45 filled this role. Previous rumors had the Q45 being revived, but these were subsequently squashed. While only a year ago Infiniti was unsure of what direction to take for any new flagship, the brand is confident now that it will be able to find success with not one but two high-end models to top its lineup.
Speaking at the recent 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen said the brand would launch a high-performance sedan positioned well above the Q70, and also a more sports-oriented model. Being flagship models, sales will be limited so to spread costs de Nysschen has previously said that two models sharing the same platform made sense.
The sedan won’t be a conventional 7-Series and S-Class rival but more of a shapely four-door coupe akin to the Porsche Panamera. The sports-oriented model, meanwhile, will be a large coupe.
The sedan is expected to arrive first, with Car and Driver reporting a launch date in 2016. The coupe is expected to follow a year later. Power in either model is expected to come from turbocharged V-6 as Infiniti is no longer interested in V-8s.
Before then, Infiniti will launch a new Q30 hatchback based on its concept of the same name. A next-gen QX50 should also arrive before 2015, and the current G37 sedan (yes, it’s still on sale) is expected to be renamed a Q40 and offered alongside the Q50 as value-oriented alternative.
Speaking at the recent 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen said the brand would launch a high-performance sedan positioned well above the Q70, and also a more sports-oriented model. Being flagship models, sales will be limited so to spread costs de Nysschen has previously said that two models sharing the same platform made sense.
The sedan won’t be a conventional 7-Series and S-Class rival but more of a shapely four-door coupe akin to the Porsche Panamera. The sports-oriented model, meanwhile, will be a large coupe.
The sedan is expected to arrive first, with Car and Driver reporting a launch date in 2016. The coupe is expected to follow a year later. Power in either model is expected to come from turbocharged V-6 as Infiniti is no longer interested in V-8s.
Before then, Infiniti will launch a new Q30 hatchback based on its concept of the same name. A next-gen QX50 should also arrive before 2015, and the current G37 sedan (yes, it’s still on sale) is expected to be renamed a Q40 and offered alongside the Q50 as value-oriented alternative.
I'm the Firestarter
Joined: Mar 2004
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de Nysschen is like the Chris Bangle of Infiniti, only instead of ruining styling he's ruining the naming. In a few years he will get promoted and the next guy will rename all that stuff yet again.
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Infiniti hasn’t had a proper flagship since 2006, when the Q45 
filled this role. Previous rumors had the Q45 being revived, but these were subsequently squashed. While only a year ago Infiniti was unsure of what direction to take for any new flagship, the brand is confident now that it will be able to find success with not one but two high-end models to top its lineup.
Speaking at the recent 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen said the brand would launch a high-performance sedan positioned well above the Q70
, and also a more sports-oriented model. Being flagship models, sales will be limited so to spread costs de Nysschen has previously said that two models sharing the same platform made sense.
The sedan won’t be a conventional 7-Series and S-Class rival but more of a shapely four-door coupe akin to the Porsche Panamera. The sports-oriented model, meanwhile, will be a large coupe.
The sedan is expected to arrive first, with Car and Driver reporting a launch date in 2016. The coupe is expected to follow a year later. Power in either model is expected to come from turbocharged V-6 as Infiniti is no longer interested in V-8s.
Before then, Infiniti will launch a new Q30 hatchback based on its concept of the same name. A next-gen QX50 should also arrive before 2015, and the current G37 sedan (yes, it’s still on sale) is expected to be renamed a Q40 and offered alongside the Q50 as value-oriented alternative.
filled this role. Previous rumors had the Q45 being revived, but these were subsequently squashed. While only a year ago Infiniti was unsure of what direction to take for any new flagship, the brand is confident now that it will be able to find success with not one but two high-end models to top its lineup.Speaking at the recent 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen said the brand would launch a high-performance sedan positioned well above the Q70
, and also a more sports-oriented model. Being flagship models, sales will be limited so to spread costs de Nysschen has previously said that two models sharing the same platform made sense.The sedan won’t be a conventional 7-Series and S-Class rival but more of a shapely four-door coupe akin to the Porsche Panamera. The sports-oriented model, meanwhile, will be a large coupe.
The sedan is expected to arrive first, with Car and Driver reporting a launch date in 2016. The coupe is expected to follow a year later. Power in either model is expected to come from turbocharged V-6 as Infiniti is no longer interested in V-8s.
Before then, Infiniti will launch a new Q30
hatchback based on its concept of the same name. A next-gen QX50 should also arrive before 2015, and the current G37 sedan (yes, it’s still on sale) is expected to be renamed a Q40 and offered alongside the Q50 as value-oriented alternative.
Moderator
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I would think it's that massive Nissan Armada twin, fancied up Infiniti-style, that subtly injects perfume into the HVAC system to give the cabin a nice scent.
Nope, QX50 (or did the article mean Q50?) is the EX35 replacement
wait, what?
Pinky all stinky
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Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
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From: Maryland
I do not understand what was wrong with the previous model designations.
If Infiniti wasn't making their sales targets, the issue was the vehicle not the name.
I'm assuming that "X" no longer means all-wheel drive.
Otherwise you'd have someone looking at a QX50 and a Q50x and heads would explode.
If Infiniti wasn't making their sales targets, the issue was the vehicle not the name.
I'm assuming that "X" no longer means all-wheel drive.
Otherwise you'd have someone looking at a QX50 and a Q50x and heads would explode.
Azine Jabroni
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 9,243
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From: Austin, TX
Senior Moderator
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Infiniti Boss Hints At Using GT-R Engine in More Models
The twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 in Nissan’s GT-R produces a stout 600 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque in its most potent form, so it’s understandable Nissan would be keen to drop the engine into some of its other models. While most other Nissans couldn’t command the high prices necessitated by the installation of the hand-built engine, some Infinitis certainly could.
In fact, we’ve already seen the GT-R engine installed in the Q50 Eau Rouge concept car, which is yet to be confirmed for production but almost certainly will given the positive attention it’s received. Now Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen has revealed that more Infiniti models could end up receiving the GT-R engine.
“I think that we should expect to see at least three different car lines across the Infiniti lineup that feature that powertrain,” de Nysschen told Motor Trend. “You can imagine a high-end coupe, you can imagine a real high-performance luxury four-seater…and it seems to me a logical evolution to do the new Q60.”
The Infiniti boss also hinted that we’ll likely see a new sedan slotting in between the Q50 and Q70 models, likely to be a four-door coupe version of the new Q60.
But before you get too excited about new Infinitis packing GT-R power, note that pricing for the cars are likely to match or even exceed the GT-R’s $103k starting price. When asked by Motor Trend how much a production version of the Q50 Eau Rouge might be, de Nysschen responded that “we’re probably looking at a $100,000 car."
He explained that these types of cars will be largely hand-built and have production runs numbering in the mere hundreds. Low volumes plus low expected lifespans for the special models means pricing will be high.
In fact, we’ve already seen the GT-R engine installed in the Q50 Eau Rouge concept car, which is yet to be confirmed for production but almost certainly will given the positive attention it’s received. Now Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen has revealed that more Infiniti models could end up receiving the GT-R engine.
“I think that we should expect to see at least three different car lines across the Infiniti lineup that feature that powertrain,” de Nysschen told Motor Trend. “You can imagine a high-end coupe, you can imagine a real high-performance luxury four-seater…and it seems to me a logical evolution to do the new Q60.”
The Infiniti boss also hinted that we’ll likely see a new sedan slotting in between the Q50 and Q70 models, likely to be a four-door coupe version of the new Q60.
But before you get too excited about new Infinitis packing GT-R power, note that pricing for the cars are likely to match or even exceed the GT-R’s $103k starting price. When asked by Motor Trend how much a production version of the Q50 Eau Rouge might be, de Nysschen responded that “we’re probably looking at a $100,000 car."
He explained that these types of cars will be largely hand-built and have production runs numbering in the mere hundreds. Low volumes plus low expected lifespans for the special models means pricing will be high.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
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From: Los Angeles
i give them props to want to compete with the big boys in the niche market (4 door coupe offering)
But i would to tell the infiniti boss "learn how to walk first before you can run" Fix you god damn Q50 and Q60.
GTR can charge that much even though it is a Nissan because it is a GTR, it has its own prestige and fan base. GTR name alone will sell cars.
That will not work for a $130k Infiniti Q60GC IPL or whatever they might call it.
But i would to tell the infiniti boss "learn how to walk first before you can run" Fix you god damn Q50 and Q60.
GTR can charge that much even though it is a Nissan because it is a GTR, it has its own prestige and fan base. GTR name alone will sell cars.
That will not work for a $130k Infiniti Q60GC IPL or whatever they might call it.
Last edited by oonowindoo; Jun 5, 2014 at 02:09 PM.
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/i...ototype-paris/
At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti unveiled the Project Black S design study, which gauged consumers' reaction to a potential trim line that merged Infiniti's road-car tech with Renault's Formula 1 tech. This year, a Project Black S prototype is headed for Paris, and it's apparently functional.
Infiniti announced that it will bring the Project Black S prototype to the 2018 Paris Motor Show next week. Initially just a design study, Project Black S relies on a bit of Formula 1 technology to create something Infiniti calls a "dual-hybrid" powertrain. The car will receive its official unveiling on Monday, Oct. 1, the day before the show opens to the press.
The Project Black S prototype charges the electric side of its hybrid system in two different ways. Like many other modern hybrids, it is capable of capturing energy during braking and generating electricity from it. But in a F1-flavored twist, it also has two generators on the gas engine's twin electric turbochargers, which harvest the heat created during acceleration to generate even more juice. Both these systems are present on modern F1 race cars.
On its own, the Project Black S prototype's 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 puts out 400 horsepower. Combined with the boost from the prototype's hybrid system, net output rises to a proper 563 horsepower. Infiniti believes the car's power-to-weight ratio is sufficient for a 0-to-62-mph run in less than four seconds.
Looking at pictures of last year's design study next to the photo Infiniti provided with its release, the two vehicles don't look all that different. The new prototype gets some yellow accents on the tires and front fascia, but otherwise it looks the same as before -- gaping-maw aerodynamics up front, big ol' air extractors on the hood and a stonking wing out back. Roadshow will be on the ground in Paris, so we'll get up close and personal with the car to see if anything else has changed.
Infiniti announced that it will bring the Project Black S prototype to the 2018 Paris Motor Show next week. Initially just a design study, Project Black S relies on a bit of Formula 1 technology to create something Infiniti calls a "dual-hybrid" powertrain. The car will receive its official unveiling on Monday, Oct. 1, the day before the show opens to the press.
The Project Black S prototype charges the electric side of its hybrid system in two different ways. Like many other modern hybrids, it is capable of capturing energy during braking and generating electricity from it. But in a F1-flavored twist, it also has two generators on the gas engine's twin electric turbochargers, which harvest the heat created during acceleration to generate even more juice. Both these systems are present on modern F1 race cars.
On its own, the Project Black S prototype's 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 puts out 400 horsepower. Combined with the boost from the prototype's hybrid system, net output rises to a proper 563 horsepower. Infiniti believes the car's power-to-weight ratio is sufficient for a 0-to-62-mph run in less than four seconds.
Looking at pictures of last year's design study next to the photo Infiniti provided with its release, the two vehicles don't look all that different. The new prototype gets some yellow accents on the tires and front fascia, but otherwise it looks the same as before -- gaping-maw aerodynamics up front, big ol' air extractors on the hood and a stonking wing out back. Roadshow will be on the ground in Paris, so we'll get up close and personal with the car to see if anything else has changed.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 23,362
Likes: 4,273
From: Los Angeles
They really need to do something dramatic in 2019, they are being forgotten as we speak.... as a former owner of 3 G35/G37s, i feel very bad.
Step 1: change the naming thing back to G35 and G37. G37S sound so much better than Q50 and Q60...
Step 1: change the naming thing back to G35 and G37. G37S sound so much better than Q50 and Q60...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Orlando, Fl
BEIJING -- Nissan's premium brand, Infiniti, said it will exit western Europe early next year as it restructures its global operations and turns its attention to sales in China and the United States.
Infiniti said it will discontinue the Q30 and QX30 models and cease their production by the middle of 2019 at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England. Both vehicles are sold globally but produced only in Sunderland.
The move will mean the end of 250 manufacturing jobs in Sunderland, although Nissan said it hopes to find alternative work for the employees affected.
Infiniti plans to divert its resources to markets with bigger opportunities from a region where non-European premium brands are struggling to compete against local players such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
"Western Europe remains the most challenging and competitive region for premium cars," Infiniti's chief spokesman, Trevor Hale, said. Infiniti's sales in western Europe almost halved last year to 5,800 vehicles.
Infiniti will continue selling cars in Russia and eastern Europe, it said.
Infiniti has struggled to effectively meet emissions and other regulatory requirements in Europe, Hale said, referring to stringent Euro 6 emissions requirements and other regulatory challenges.
"The commercial reality for Infiniti in western Europe is that there is simply no visibility of a viable and sustainable business, especially given the regulatory challenges," he said.
Infiniti said an exit from western Europe will allow it to focus on its initiative to "electrify" a good portion of its product portfolio from 2021 and discontinue diesel offerings.
The brand plans to focus more on its crossover/SUV lineup in North America, bring five new or significantly-redesigned vehicles to China over the next five years, improve quality of sales and residual value and realize more synergies with Nissan.
"This is all part of Infiniti's vision to become a top challenger brand in the premium segment," it said.
As it prepares to withdraw from western Europe, Infiniti said it is working to find alternative opportunities for employees who would be affected, consulting with employee representatives where necessary and identifying opportunities for transition and training support where appropriate.
Infiniti has 51 employees in its western Europe operations. There are 55 Infiniti retail stores in western Europe.
Nissan also recently scrapped plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Britain amid the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, saying it had taken the decision to optimize its investments by building the next generation model in Japan.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturi...focus-us-china
Infiniti said it will discontinue the Q30 and QX30 models and cease their production by the middle of 2019 at Nissan's plant in Sunderland, England. Both vehicles are sold globally but produced only in Sunderland.
The move will mean the end of 250 manufacturing jobs in Sunderland, although Nissan said it hopes to find alternative work for the employees affected.
Infiniti plans to divert its resources to markets with bigger opportunities from a region where non-European premium brands are struggling to compete against local players such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
"Western Europe remains the most challenging and competitive region for premium cars," Infiniti's chief spokesman, Trevor Hale, said. Infiniti's sales in western Europe almost halved last year to 5,800 vehicles.
Infiniti will continue selling cars in Russia and eastern Europe, it said.
Infiniti has struggled to effectively meet emissions and other regulatory requirements in Europe, Hale said, referring to stringent Euro 6 emissions requirements and other regulatory challenges.
"The commercial reality for Infiniti in western Europe is that there is simply no visibility of a viable and sustainable business, especially given the regulatory challenges," he said.
Infiniti said an exit from western Europe will allow it to focus on its initiative to "electrify" a good portion of its product portfolio from 2021 and discontinue diesel offerings.
The brand plans to focus more on its crossover/SUV lineup in North America, bring five new or significantly-redesigned vehicles to China over the next five years, improve quality of sales and residual value and realize more synergies with Nissan.
"This is all part of Infiniti's vision to become a top challenger brand in the premium segment," it said.
As it prepares to withdraw from western Europe, Infiniti said it is working to find alternative opportunities for employees who would be affected, consulting with employee representatives where necessary and identifying opportunities for transition and training support where appropriate.
Infiniti has 51 employees in its western Europe operations. There are 55 Infiniti retail stores in western Europe.
Nissan also recently scrapped plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Britain amid the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, saying it had taken the decision to optimize its investments by building the next generation model in Japan.
https://www.autonews.com/manufacturi...focus-us-china
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,841
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From: NC
Digital Trennds
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/i...ric-car-plans/
Infiniti bets its future on a hybrid system that has flummoxed other automakers
By Stephen Edelstein November 7, 2019 9:47AM PSTInfiniti has said it will offer a hybrid or all-electric powertrain on every model by 2021, but has been short on other details. Now, the Nissan luxury brand has revealed that hybrids will make up the bulk of its electrified lineup, but with a powertrain design that relies more on electric than gasoline power.
Future Infiniti hybrids will not have transmissions, and their gasoline engines will be used only as generators. Rather than powering the wheels directly, they will produce electricity for a pair of electric motors — 1 for each axle, enabling all-wheel drive. As with all other current hybrids, a battery pack will store enough electricity for all-electric running. Infiniti did not discuss a plug-in hybrid version of this powertrain, so the gasoline engine will be the only way to charge the battery pack.
The powertrain is based on Infiniti parent Nissan’s e-Power system, which is already used in small cars for the Japanese market. It’s what is known in the industry as a “series hybrid” setup, as opposed to “parallel hybrid” configurations that use an internal-combustion engine to directly power the wheels. A series hybrid offers one major advantage when it comes to fuel efficiency: the engine can operate at a more steady speed, rather than having to dramatically increase or decrease rpm to match wheel speed. That should increase gas mileage.
Yet series hybrid systems aren’t very common. The BMW i3 REx and Karma Revero are the only two currently on sale, and they’re low-volume luxury models. The Chevrolet Volt was supposed to be a series hybrid, but Chevy ended up adding a parallel hybrid mode that allowed the engine to directly drive the wheels in certain situations. Honda’s current hybrid system also comes close, but still couples the engine to the wheels sometimes.
It’s also worth pointing out that Infiniti doesn’t plan to use the word “hybrid.” Its press materials use the confusing phrase “gas-generated EV” instead. Infiniti tested “hybrid” with American car buyers and it came across as negatively perceived, Eric Rigaux, Infiniti global general manager for product strategy and planning, said in an interview with Green Car Reports. But Infiniti runs the risk of confusing potential customers, as General Motors did with its bungled advertising for the Chevy Volt.
Whatever they end up being called, the Infiniti hybrid models will launch beginning in 2021, according to Green Car Reports. The website reports that Infiniti will launch production versions of three recent concept cars — the Q Inspiration sedan, QX Inspiration SUV, and Qs Inspiration fastback. Infiniti previously said its 1st all-electric production model will arrive in 2021 as well.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Orlando, Fl
In 1989, Toyota and Nissan both launched U.S. luxury divisions as part of the Japanese automakers' coming-of-age, and in an attempt to squeeze out higher profit margins amid voluntary export restrictions. One of those brands redefined what luxury and reliability were in the modern age, and forced every other automaker in that space to up their game. The other brand was Infiniti.
It's safe to say that aside from a few hits, like the original Q45 sedan and the G series sedans and coupes of the 2000s and 2010s, Infiniti has struggled to ever make a splash. In addition to spending most of its existence as a home for slightly nicer export-grade Nissans from Japan and Europe, it's suffered from the same problems as its parent company lately: outdated technology and an unclear brand identity and value proposition.
As recently as a year ago, it seemed Infiniti was poised to lead the charge (pun intended, I guess) as Nissan's electrified brand. But that was before everything went to hell. Now that Infiniti's in the midst of a huge cash crunch, an emergency executive shuffle and aggressive global cost-cutting. A planned tie-up with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler has largely fizzled out as well.
Where does that leave Infiniti? A move downmarket, reports Automotive News: away from competing with Mercedes and BMW and more like "Nissan-plus." It means more platform sharing with existing Nissan cars—sort of like it was in the 2000s. From the story:
Under the shuffle, Infiniti's trademark rear- wheel-drive coupe and sedans — epitomized by the Q50, Q60 and Q70 — may eventually die off. In their place would come a Nissan platform, possibly pulled from the Altima or Maxima sedans, that accommodates the company's e-Power hybrid setup.Infiniti, which saw global sales stagnate and then fall over the past four years, will focus mostly on the U.S. and China and get its own high-performance variant of e-Power to set it apart from rivals.
"We will bring back Infiniti as Nissan-plus, in terms of product and technology," Gupta told Automotive News in discussing Nissan's larger restructuring. The efficiencies brought by piggybacking Infiniti on top of Nissan are envisioned as powering a rapid rollout of new models.
The first Infiniti vehicles under the new approach should debut by 2023.
"Infiniti will be great again," Gupta pledged.
The story goes on to say that this is kind of a necessary move since Nissan has to make billions of dollars in cuts, so it can't afford to pump tons of money into rebuilding an already shaky luxury brand to fully compete with Lexus and the Germans. (It also says that former Nissan-Renault megaboss Carlos Ghosn "wanted Infiniti to account for 10 percent of the world's luxury market and rack up annual sales of 500,000 vehicles," which is ambitious and comical in equal measure.)
That story's worth a read in full, and it also notes that Nissan has work to do with its U.S. Infiniti dealers, who also aren't happy with the current regime's abysmal sales and may not love this new cut-rate direction. At least we're getting a new Z on the Nissan side.
It's safe to say that aside from a few hits, like the original Q45 sedan and the G series sedans and coupes of the 2000s and 2010s, Infiniti has struggled to ever make a splash. In addition to spending most of its existence as a home for slightly nicer export-grade Nissans from Japan and Europe, it's suffered from the same problems as its parent company lately: outdated technology and an unclear brand identity and value proposition.
As recently as a year ago, it seemed Infiniti was poised to lead the charge (pun intended, I guess) as Nissan's electrified brand. But that was before everything went to hell. Now that Infiniti's in the midst of a huge cash crunch, an emergency executive shuffle and aggressive global cost-cutting. A planned tie-up with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler has largely fizzled out as well.
Where does that leave Infiniti? A move downmarket, reports Automotive News: away from competing with Mercedes and BMW and more like "Nissan-plus." It means more platform sharing with existing Nissan cars—sort of like it was in the 2000s. From the story:
Under the shuffle, Infiniti's trademark rear- wheel-drive coupe and sedans — epitomized by the Q50, Q60 and Q70 — may eventually die off. In their place would come a Nissan platform, possibly pulled from the Altima or Maxima sedans, that accommodates the company's e-Power hybrid setup.Infiniti, which saw global sales stagnate and then fall over the past four years, will focus mostly on the U.S. and China and get its own high-performance variant of e-Power to set it apart from rivals.
"We will bring back Infiniti as Nissan-plus, in terms of product and technology," Gupta told Automotive News in discussing Nissan's larger restructuring. The efficiencies brought by piggybacking Infiniti on top of Nissan are envisioned as powering a rapid rollout of new models.
The first Infiniti vehicles under the new approach should debut by 2023.
"Infiniti will be great again," Gupta pledged.
The story goes on to say that this is kind of a necessary move since Nissan has to make billions of dollars in cuts, so it can't afford to pump tons of money into rebuilding an already shaky luxury brand to fully compete with Lexus and the Germans. (It also says that former Nissan-Renault megaboss Carlos Ghosn "wanted Infiniti to account for 10 percent of the world's luxury market and rack up annual sales of 500,000 vehicles," which is ambitious and comical in equal measure.)
That story's worth a read in full, and it also notes that Nissan has work to do with its U.S. Infiniti dealers, who also aren't happy with the current regime's abysmal sales and may not love this new cut-rate direction. At least we're getting a new Z on the Nissan side.