The Future of Infiniti - The Next Five Years

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.

MrBratwurst - 3/28/2009 10:39:06 AM

+11 Boost

By dictionary definition, downhill companies are the ones that loose 90 percent of their profits.

By the way, the depicted Infiniti looks fantastic.

SmokeEm - 3/28/2009 10:45:51 AM

+12 Boost

bigeasy = Star = cappy

Yes, we know he is a jealous little child, having to put down other car makers because he is insecure. Keep putting down companies little boy, and keep showing us how insecure you are.

_43LE - 3/28/2009 10:28:13 PM

+6 Boost

Remember BigCheasy/Crappy, we're laughing at you not with you...

ThierryHenry14 - 3/28/2009 10:03:14 AM

+7 Boost

This is very ambitious for Nissan. I wish them the best, though I do not think that it will necessarily be the best move to increase product line, especially the large SUV segment. The flagship may be a niche they may be able to fit, considering Lexus did decent with their LS flagship.

As for the electric "1-series competitor", I believe it will be a success, because they have resources from the Nissan lineup that will help build the smaller vehicles...

DocMarten - 3/28/2009 10:53:29 AM

+6 Boost

As long as Infiniti doesn't produce a total failure like the X6, they will be successful. BMW profits down 90%, they might go bankrupt.

Even with all those cars planned, their lineup still won't be too big.

MrBratwurst - 3/28/2009 11:20:49 AM

+2 Boost

Why should Acura response to X6 be total failure. Teasers look really promising. Much better than the BMW, I'd say.

The X6 sales figure cannot be directly compared with its competition like the FX Infiniti since the X6 is some sort of coupe, niche version of BMW's rather popular X5. Combined numbers for X5 + X6 should be compared with the FX.

The idea of coupe SUVs is in fact very sound from psychological perspective only current economic climate does not tolerate these types of cars. Luxury SUV buyers absolutely don't care about any offroad capability of things they purchase. They want a high riding replacement for an executive car they'd normally order to feel safer and possess height advantage over ordinary road users. At the same time they want it to be as sporty as possible which is what these coupe SUVs deliver better than station wagon SUVs.

It may seem ridiculous but human greed and desire to rival others on the road allows these two tonnes coupe SUVs to cater conspicuous consumption society more accurately than anything else.

1dott8 - 3/29/2009 10:35:56 AM

-3 Boost

stupid. stupid. stupid.

_43LE - 3/28/2009 10:28:56 PM

+6 Boost

Remember, at you not with you.

BJS470 - 3/28/2009 2:10:02 PM

+4 Boost

Should be exciting for the future...the rendering looks great

dlin - 3/28/2009 2:13:05 PM

-4 Boost

What they really need is a 2 seater coupe/convertible. Not a seven seater or, even worse, 1 series competitor- What a disgrace.

VQ will be already pushed to the limit after DI. Time to consider turbo 3.0 new RB I6 engine.

Type707 - 3/28/2009 3:47:21 PM

+5 Boost

I think Infiniti is doing fairly well especially when they revealed that concept.

kpaxx - 3/28/2009 9:35:08 PM

-2 Boost

reminiscent of the the Hyundai Coupe

EL34 - 3/29/2009 1:15:34 AM

-6 Boost

Just another jelly bean with goofy headlights.

:-)~

pnsb24a - 4/3/2009 3:49:02 PM

+1 Boost

Infiniti IMHO has always been a secret in that you get more car,as good or better service, than a lexus for many thousands less. I have owned fxs and m45 etc and have been greatly pleased with their cars. I don't need the L on my car.

ryanquinnhines - 4/12/2009 9:56:05 AM

+1 Boost

I must say I really dislike that rendering a lot. It's too bubbly, curvy, 90s... I drive an Infiniti and I think they're great cars, but that one just isn't doing it for me.