Infiniti is gearing up for its entrance into Europe, but something's missing from its lineup: a small car. With BMW's 1-series being a popular choice for badge-obsessed consumers abroad, Infiniti needs something similar to solidify its place in the luxury hierarchy, but what form it will take is unclear.
According to Autocar, Infiniti insiders are planning to unleash something that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, but unnamed sources at Infiniti are quick to point out that the shape will be something entirely different than what's currently being offered by its competitors. The two options, according to Autocar, include a smaller crossover that would slot in below the EX35 or a hardtop convertible. Whatever it looks like, expect the new B-class Infiniti to be revealed sometime in 2010.
[Source: Autocar via JustAuto - Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John Starnes @ May 1st 2008 2:36PM
Cool....I hope it draws its looks HEAVILY from that voluptuous red wall sculpture that Nissan just unveiled!
Benfolio @ May 1st 2008 2:36PM
Sentra rebadge, solid swing axle and all.
BizReporter @ May 1st 2008 5:04PM
My sister-in-law drove something like that called the G20. It was a dog -- the car, not my sister-in-law.
Xcountryflyer @ May 1st 2008 2:37PM
We don't need another CUV! Entry-level luxury cars should be fun and sporty, not tall and heavy.
Cornholio @ May 1st 2008 2:43PM
Totally agree. I was excited to hear that Infinity wanted their own 1 series, right up until the point of the "crossover" reference.
Do a small, sporty, RWD car, with good power to weight ratios, competent handling, and a manual gearbox, and I'd put it on my short list. Not interested in a "sport crossover" thing....
mk @ May 1st 2008 2:46PM
how about a small coupe, or sedan under the G size, based on the shortened 370Z arrangement, with I4 and V6 options.
Infiniti won't do FWD, they'll leave that to Nissan or Renault.
I wonder if this will revive the "I" or "J" moniker.
But definitely not another bogus CUV abomination.
MikeW @ May 1st 2008 8:46PM
If Infiniti won't do front wheel drive, then they won't do an I4.
VQ25HR!!!
mk @ May 1st 2008 10:51PM
Yeah, because nobody does a RWD I4, not the 1 series, Genesis Coupe, or anyone. Not even Nissan's own 240SX.
What the heck would preclude an I4 with RWD?
Not saying that a V6 would not be an option...
Torrent @ May 1st 2008 2:48PM
Dude, they should just make it look like a tiny G37 convertible.
A Crossover? To compete with the 1 series coupe and convertible? And the A3? AUDI A3 Compact Hatchback? No this won't work.
why not the LS2LS7? @ May 1st 2008 2:52PM
Of course. In these days of $4 gas, no company should be without a smallish car that gets 17/25 mpg.
SMALLISBETTER @ May 1st 2008 3:03PM
Good news!
Good news!
The G35/37 is just tooooo big.
Brandon @ May 1st 2008 3:04PM
I hear It will be up to $5 plus by this summer ,
I say lets make a mid size car that gets 50/80 MPG Call me Crazzy I think something like that would be the thing to go after .
Jason @ May 1st 2008 3:04PM
A new G20 with RWD would be absolutely wonderful....
Michael @ May 1st 2008 3:23PM
You got that right right Jason, I would buy one!
StickShift @ May 1st 2008 3:30PM
Agreed, especially if Nissan gets a new 240SX out of it.
Torrent @ May 1st 2008 3:49PM
Really though, that'd be nice.
psarhjinian @ May 1st 2008 3:31PM
Why not just drop the Sentra's 2.5 in a cloth-seat equipped G35? Or would that be "slumming"?
Cornholio @ May 1st 2008 4:12PM
'Cause it's still too big. A modern RWD G20 is more like it.
MikeW @ May 1st 2008 8:43PM
No, VQ25HR V6 & 7 speed automatic.
SPG @ May 1st 2008 6:04PM
Heck I'd love for every company to have a real 1-Series competitor.