Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's global design chief, revealed that plans to expand the Infiniti lineup could include a small vehicle to slot in below the current G, a two-door high-powered flagship and some form of people mover that would fill the gap left by the EX and FX CUVs.
Since the GT-R will find its way to U.S. shores sporting a Nissan badge (and rightfully so), Nakamura maintains that a halo car, either a coupe or convertible, would fit well into the Infiniti lineup. Although details are scarce, the idea of installing a modified version of the GT-R's twin-turbo V6 into Infiniti's flagship shouldn't be out of the question.
On the other side of spectrum lies an entry-level model that would sport a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in favor of the 3.5-liter or 3.7-liter V6s that populate the majority of Infiniti's models. It stands to reason that the 200 HP QR25DE four-pot powering the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V would be a good fit, and if Infiniti decides to continue with a focus on RWD vehicles, we smell a sales sensation.
Nakamura is quick to point out that, "These are just ideas we are thinking about." But if Carlos Ghosn's optimism for the brand is matched with the right amount of R&D dollars, there's little doubt that good things could be on the horizon.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Harold Kerrick @ Aug 27th 2007 8:13AM
If Infiniti wants ideas on a possible small car, I say how about a small 2 door coupe/convertible, RWD, powered by the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder (sort of an updated Nissan 240SX). As the former owner of a G20, I think it was a shame that Nissan/Infiniti walked away from the small car field.
Mike @ Aug 27th 2007 8:48AM
I like the way you think. A 200+ HP small engined 2-door coupe with Infinity styling would really hit the spot.
glitched @ Aug 27th 2007 8:37AM
Um, where have you been? There HAS been talk of a returning small, cheap RWD Nissan for a while now, and even pictures of the thing wearing chopped up Z skin.
This is just more "proof" that the car is on its way in both Nissan and Infinity skin I guess.
416Hammy @ Aug 27th 2007 9:25AM
Um, you're talking about a car under the Nissan brand. This is about a car under the Infiniti brand.
The Urge, aka short-wheelbase Z, is a possible platform, but that's a coupe. It's more likely that Infiniti is talking about a small sedan, a la G20, to compete with the Acura TSX, BMW 1-series, etc.
glitched @ Aug 27th 2007 9:35AM
Um, Infinity is Nissan, yes, just like how the 350z and G35 are basically the same car in different "skin"
This story is basically telling me that there will be a infinity version of the rumored nissan we have been hearing about.
jg @ Aug 27th 2007 11:41AM
'It's more likely that Infiniti is talking about a small sedan, a la G20, to compete with the Acura TSX, BMW 1-series, etc.
'
The 1 series is a coupe, not a sedan.
Infinity has to do this. People who couldn't afford or just wouldn't pay for the expensive 3 used to see the G35 as the best alternative (it is IMO), now they will go to the 1 instead of the G.
Aetius @ Aug 27th 2007 8:47AM
I think they have enough cars in the Nissan/Infiniti lineup already. Maybe they should focus on improving Nissan's design language and interior build quality?
Jason @ Aug 27th 2007 9:29AM
As a current owner of an earlier G20...I really hope Infiniti comes out with a new version of the car. I haven't driven many front-wheel drive cars that can handle as good as the earlier body style ('91-'96).
Aetius @ Aug 27th 2007 11:14AM
I was talking about Nissan's design/interior quality. Have YOU sat in a Nissan lately? Go sit in the Altima Coupe. I havn't seen plastics this cheap since the Pontiac G6. Even the base level Hondas have been build.
Aetius @ Aug 27th 2007 11:15AM
This response was to N_V_D
N_V_D @ Aug 27th 2007 10:25AM
"I think they have enough cars in the Nissan/Infiniti lineup already. Maybe they should focus on improving Nissan's design language and interior build quality?"
When was the last time you got into a Nissan/Infiniti product? The interior build quality has been well on pace with the competition lately.
Personally, I was originally against the smaller car idea for Infiniti, but the fact that the brand is going to be in Europe now means they have to compete with smaller versions from other the other lux players. I still don't see a solid place for it in the states, but if it comes, it must retain the RWD basis Infiniti (how can anyone comment on the brand and still not know they spell it with an "i" not a "y"?) has moved towards.
Kiiks @ Aug 27th 2007 11:01AM
To reply to the specific doubt you have in your post, I think a small RWD coupe would fit perfectly into the void left between the Miata and the S2000 (for imports) and perhaps something to rival the V6 Mustang for domestics. I for one, can't stand ragtops so a sporty coupe around 20k would win instant consideration. There isn't a RWD import coupe that can be had for less than the 350z. Not to mention, amidst all the Civic Sis, MS3s, GTIs, Imprezas and the bunch there should be at least one capable rear-driver? Aside from antiquated 240's and AE86s and the occasional MR2 that nobody's willing to let go of? How about an affordable car that people will love, not gimmicky or flashy or ricey or front-wheel-drive?
iamhoff @ Aug 27th 2007 12:58PM
A small rwd TSX/1-series competitor (in both 2 and 4 door) would be a great idea. 200 hp 4cyl and maybe a top version with the 3.7 to compete against the 135 and the inevitable TSX with a turbo from the RDX. Starts in the mid-20s and tops out at around 31-32, just where the G starts.
Level @ Aug 27th 2007 2:51PM
what they need to make is a contender to go against the Lexus LS and Benz S-class....
Papi L-Gee @ Aug 27th 2007 8:46PM
They've been talking about bringing back the Q for a while now.
If it comes out in '09 like I remember reading somewhere, they're keeping any pics or details well under wraps.
Don @ Aug 27th 2007 3:03PM
Oh, geeze...another G20 in the works.
brian Mita @ Aug 27th 2007 3:08PM
my guess is that the small car will probably be built on the Bluebird Sylphy. it already has infiniti design cues in it.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/3051221.001/nissan-bluebird-sylphy-sedan
Jonathan Hicks @ Aug 27th 2007 3:26PM
I don't think Infiniti needs to sell a small high powered 4-cyl sedan to slot below the G. When will the flagship Q sedan return? I desprately miss the Q.
tbirdkatz @ Aug 27th 2007 4:33PM
Seems to me that what most of you G20 fans are asking for is an Infiniti badged Sentra Se-R. I think that a car like this would sell very well, especially to younger people who would love to drive luxury cars but don't want to fork over $40,000+. Basically, all Infiniti would have to do is use the Sentra platform.
N_V_D @ Aug 27th 2007 8:06PM
No way - there should be no way they bring back a FWD vehicle to this line. No one is ever satisfied. For years, Infiniti gets lambasted for slapping badges on Nissan products, and now people are saying, "just use the Sentra?" Not interested. First of all, the last thing they need is something that produces tiny profit margins. If they want to jump into the sub-$25K drop-top race, so be it, but they spent so much to bring themselves in line as a luxury brand that to drop a $20K car reduces the image.