A flagship luxury car, a new all-wheel-drive seven-seat flagship SUV, and an all-electric entry-level model are in the pipeline for growing Japanese premium car maker Infiniti.
2009: AN ALL NEW M-BADGED 5-SERIES CHASER
This year, we’ll see the introduction of the Japanese firm’s all-new 'M'-badged mid-size executive sedan
This car will be engineered to accept a new direct injection version of Infiniti’s 3.7-liter V6 engine and the current 5.0 liter V8 found in the FX50. Expect power increases for both engines. A hybid version is expected to make up a third model for the M-range. For European markets, there will be an optional 3.0 liter V6 turbo-diesel. Both the EX and FX SUV's will get the V6 turbo-diesel engine before the new 'M'.
2010: A BRAND NEW FLAGSHIP SUV
A new QX large SUV will be launched the following year based on the Japanese domestic market Nissan Patrol. This car will sit above the FX, offer all-wheel-drive and seat seven in comfort.
Like the current QX56, the sheer size of the new model will make it much more suited to the American and Russian markets than the narrow roads of Europe. It’s likely to be available to Western European buyers only via special order.
2011: INFINITI GOES AFTER THE QUATTROPORTE
Three years from now, Infiniti will launch two all-new sedans: an executive flagship, and the replacement for the current entry-level G37.
The firm’s biggest four-door will be badged ‘Q’ and will take over from the Q45 sedan that Infiniti discontinued in 2006. Infiniti executives have already been shown an early concept version of this sedan, based on the recently shown Essence Concept.
The next G-badged model family should account for the majority of Infiniti’s sales. Little detail is known, other than that diesel engines will not be featured in the G-range until this new model arrives. Expect new direct injection 3.7 liter V6 engines with the possibility of twin-turbocharging.
2012: AN ELECTRIC 1-SERIES COMPETITOR
Infiniti’s distant plans currently include a battery-powered compact model, although building it is still very much an ambition for the company rather than a concrete part of the product schedule.
In order to be effective as an electric car, it would have to be reasonably small, low, and aerodynamically efficient. However, in order to be a true Infiniti it will also have to have either rear or four-wheel drive.
BEYOND 2013: A SLEEK SEVEN-SEATER
Another Infiniti seven-seater may be along before too long. A lower, sleeker seven-seat model is in the pipeline and if it’s approved it could be on sale before 2015.