New Infiniti Q flagship still in doubt

Posted Mon Feb 4 2008 9:22 AM by Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Infiniti dealers are confident a new Q flagship will be introduced before the end of the decade but the man at the top, CEO Carlos Ghosn, remains undecided over whether to build a next-generation Q. The previous model ended production back in 2006 and at the time the base sticker price of the car was $58,750. The current range topper is the M45, which starts at $50,065, so there’s definitely room for a more upmarket model.

"We know something will come," Infiniti dealer Peter Wilson told Automotive News. "We just don't know what it will look like." Ghosn, on the other hand, is still waiting on management to come with a suitable business case for a new Q flagship. And one of the execs trying to make the case is the general manager of Infiniti North America, Mark Igo, who told reporters such a car would “help make the brand better” but it will take to time to show that it will be profitable.

The biggest hurdle is creating a car with global appeal. Infiniti is no longer a brand isolated to the U.S., and is in fact now sold in Korea, China, and Russia and soon it will be available in most of Western Europe. Dealers will need to find some common ground on the specifications for the new car but the task is proving difficult. Last month, Infiniti retailers from around the world met in Japan to discuss potential powertrain and transmission options for a new car but they couldn’t come to an agreement.

Reader Comments

Mon Feb 4 2008 10:33 AM
Beelzebub says

They really need to have a flagship sedan just make sure that they do it right next time. The G & M were great for their class & helped turn things around for Infiniti ... they just need to apply the same magic here.
Tue Feb 5 2008 4:39 AM
simple says

Dear Nissan/Infiniti, and all Infiniti retailers across the globe,

This is alot simpler than you might think. Many automakers around the globe follow a very simple yet very effective and proven strategy when it comes to offering high end luxury cars. Build one car on one platform and provide a number of V6, V8 powertrains with the addition of hybrid power. In your case however, you could take stretch the next gen M series platform (for cost effectiveness) and offer newer versions of your proven and highly acclaimed V6 and V8 engines. Develop new diesel variants of the VQ engines for european consumption. A VQ diesel with similar power would be something to behold of. Use next gen hybrid power based of the next gen Altima Hybrid and attach it either to a petrol or diesel unit. Present a concept to preview the next gen Q series to see consumer reaction, but be sure to further advance your design language and try to be a little risky and adventurous with your styling, unlike the subtle design change from the prev gen G to the current gen which was barely noticable at first. With attractive design with new technology mated to proven powertrains should give you an edge in the competition.

MotorAuthority