Infiniti wants a 1-series competitor
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 2:36PM (5/01/2008)
Cool....I hope it draws its looks HEAVILY from that voluptuous red wall sculpture that Nissan just unveiled!
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Benfolio 2:36PM (5/01/2008)
Sentra rebadge, solid swing axle and all.
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BizReporter 5:04PM (5/01/2008)
My sister-in-law drove something like that called the G20. It was a dog -- the car, not my sister-in-law.
Xcountryflyer 2:37PM (5/01/2008)
We don't need another CUV! Entry-level luxury cars should be fun and sporty, not tall and heavy.
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Cornholio 2:43PM (5/01/2008)
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 2:46PM (5/01/2008)
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.
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MikeW 8:46PM (5/01/2008)
If Infiniti won't do front wheel drive, then they won't do an I4.
VQ25HR!!!
mk 10:51PM (5/01/2008)
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 2:48PM (5/01/2008)
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.
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why not the LS2LS7? 2:52PM (5/01/2008)
Of course. In these days of $4 gas, no company should be without a smallish car that gets 17/25 mpg.
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SMALLISBETTER 3:03PM (5/01/2008)
Good news!
Good news!
The G35/37 is just tooooo big.
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Brandon 3:04PM (5/01/2008)
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 .
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Jason 3:04PM (5/01/2008)
A new G20 with RWD would be absolutely wonderful....
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Michael 3:23PM (5/01/2008)
You got that right right Jason, I would buy one!
StickShift 3:30PM (5/01/2008)
Agreed, especially if Nissan gets a new 240SX out of it.
Torrent 3:49PM (5/01/2008)
Really though, that'd be nice.
psarhjinian 3:31PM (5/01/2008)
Why not just drop the Sentra's 2.5 in a cloth-seat equipped G35? Or would that be "slumming"?
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Cornholio 4:12PM (5/01/2008)
'Cause it's still too big. A modern RWD G20 is more like it.
MikeW 8:43PM (5/01/2008)
No, VQ25HR V6 & 7 speed automatic.
SPG 6:04PM (5/01/2008)
Heck I'd love for every company to have a real 1-Series competitor.
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