Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes?
Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery
According to Car and Driver, Infiniti is readying a direct-injection system for its 3.7-liter V6 and plans to implement it on the refreshed G37 coupe and sedan before the redesigned G arrives in the next three years. A variant of the twin-turbocharged, 3.7-liter direct-injected V6 originally shown in the Essence concept will likely appear in the redesigned M – due in 2010 – and will reportedly put out between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos.
While Infiniti recognizes that it could use a successor to the Q45 (the company's slow-selling full-size sedan last roamed U.S. showrooms in 2006) to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, the project may be stifled by the floundering economy. Infiniti dealers were evidently shown a concept in Japan earlier this year, assumed to be the next Q, which was essentially a four-door version of the Essence concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. At this point, its future is uncertain.
Larry Dominique, Infiniti's veep of product planning in the U.S., wants to make sure that the automaker's resources are focused on its core products – namely the G and M series – but admitted that a QX56 replacement is in the works and will likely debut after 2010 once the redesigned Armada is released.
Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept
[Source: Car and Driver]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hike15 7:37PM (3/18/2009)
I still dont see the point of contuing to waste money on the qx56 but not having a new Q
i am looking forward to a new M and even more powerful g37
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Juan 8:30PM (3/18/2009)
My thoughts exactly. Why spend money on a QX56 replacement when a new Q45 would more than likely do wonders for the Infiniti brand, namely help further push its "tier 1" status. After all, the QX is literally just a re-badged Nissan Armada...
P.V. 9:14PM (3/18/2009)
Actually, the QX is pretty popular in my area (that's not saying much in the bigger picture, but hey, it's something) compared to the GLK, and is MUCH more popular than the Q or its Armada twin.
thomas 10:40PM (3/18/2009)
the next gen QX will likly be based on the Nissan Patrol, allowing it to continue to compete with the likes of the Audi Q (omg Qz) and Mercedes GL at a relatively low price. (how many would know a Patrol if they saw one, i mean really)
Boss 7:39PM (3/18/2009)
TT sounds nice, I hope they bring back the Q sedan.
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artandcolour 7:47PM (3/18/2009)
i have a 2001 Q45t and it's the best built and performing car i've ever had, including MBs, Saabs, Toyotas, a Tbird and a Lincoln. i'll probably never get rid of it. there has just never been anything wrong with it.
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nastinupe 8:53PM (3/18/2009)
I hate to be the negative one, but looking at the list of cars that you have owned in the past, I would expect it to be the best lol. Unless you owned a "current" MB, and even then, it depends on which one.
P.V. 7:47PM (3/18/2009)
I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to see the new VQ and a new Q (Q50?).
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P.V. 7:48PM (3/18/2009)
Oh, and I REALLY want to see the Essence in production too (Infiniti doesn't usually screw things up from the auto show to production).
Nick 7:50PM (3/18/2009)
twin turbo's at its only going to make 10-20hp more then the N/A version of the VQ?
something doesn't seem right. did they mean 440-450hp?
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Franz 7:53PM (3/18/2009)
"...but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos."
captainslow 7:53PM (3/18/2009)
"...and will reportedly put out between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos."
Direct injection is responsible for the 10-20 hp boost. It won't have forced induction.
the_MVP_X 8:08PM (3/18/2009)
Oh yeah the Infiniti-Lexus-Acura can beat the Merc, BMW, Audi trio if Acura can rise it's standards and bring back the NSX and RSX and make a TSX coupe not a stupid suv-coupe.
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416Hammy 8:38PM (3/18/2009)
Uh... this isn't some big game of Japs-vs-Krauts. This is Infiniti trying to get market share from *all* of its luxury-brand competitors--including Acura and Lexus.
cancercell 1:58PM (3/19/2009)
AMEN to that!!!
thomas 10:44PM (3/18/2009)
yeah how will the Acura SUV coupe compete with anything, oh i dunno, BMW has to offer?!?!?1
thomas 10:48PM (3/18/2009)
LOLZ @ Japs vs Krauts
im sorry thats racist and wrong! :D
eb110americana 11:48PM (3/18/2009)
Racist........
......or Delicious?
All I'm saying is sushi for dinner and German chocolate cake for dessert = WIN
catgirlshyla 8:34PM (3/18/2009)
Nissan President?
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Peter 9:40PM (3/18/2009)
^^wat ?
@article: It's about friggin' time the VQ gets some techno-lovin'. Nissan been riding the VQ wave for too long.