Autoblog

Could the Infiniti M replace the Q forever?

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST

2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look at the Infiniti line-up compared to other top-tier luxury automakers and something's missing. Nissan's luxury arm hasn't had biggie-sized luxo-barge after the brand killed the Q45 in 2006, and it doesn't look like a replacement is coming anytime soon.

Speaking with Automotive News, Toru Saito, Infiniti's veep of global business contends that the recently released M sedan will "play a flagship role" for the automaker going forward, and judging by the dimensions of the new M - which comes in around the same size as the old Q - he's partially right.

Despite matching Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz point-for-point on its entry-level and mid-size models, Infiniti's offerings have always straddled segments. The G37 is noticeably larger than the A4, 3 Series, IS and C-Class, while the M - which would traditionally take on the A6, 5 Series and E-Class - has grown considerably since it's last iteration.

According to Saito, if there's significant demand for a larger vehicle in Infiniti's line-up, the automaker will consider reviving the Q, but for now "the No. 1 challenge is the environment and efficiency."

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Could the Infiniti M replace the Q forever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti

Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Some concept cars are design studies, while others closely preview production models. But as much as we may have hoped, the gorgeous Essence concept unveiled by Infiniti earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show will remain firmly in the former, as company spokesmen have reportedly verified that the show-stopping show car will not be entering production.

Alright, so that may be no big surprise, but we're allowed to dream, aren't we? That doesn't mean elements previewed by the Essence won't be trickling down to production models. We certainly hope some of the breathtaking design will find its way into production sheetmetal, and reports suggest that the quirky kink in the C pillar could appear on future products from the premium Nissan division. The long-awaited successor to the flagship Q45, if produced, is tipped to borrow heavily from the Essence's design, while its concept drivetrain is expected to lead the way for a hybrid M as well. So while the show car itself will remain a glimmering memory, its bits and pieces will, in essence, resurface in future Infiniti products.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments