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Infiniti unsure about flagship sedan, small RWD coupe more likely

 
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Infiniti unsure about flagship sedan, small RWD coupe more likely

Infiniti unsure about flagship sedan, small RWD coupe more likely

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The growing push towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles could possibly lead the charge for changing consumer perceptions of what defines a luxury car, according to Nissan's global design director Shiro Nakamura. When asked about a possible flagship sedan for Infiniti, Nakamura replied that while the company is working to establish itself as a 'Tier 1' luxury brand, it is still "not sure a big sedan is necessary for a luxury brand," and that in the coming decade "luxury may be defined by technology, quality and design."

Infiniti has not had a large flagship sedan since 2006, when the Infiniti Q45 filled this role. Previous rumors had the Q45 being revived, but they were subsequently squashed. Talks have most recently turned to an Infiniti-branded four-door version of the Nissan GT-R, which would certainly add some serious performance credibility to the lineup. On the other hand, it's hardly small enough to be a lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicle, nor is it likely to be built large enough to afford flagship-sedan interior space.

While the next-generation Q45's future remains unclear, there is greater hope for an entry-level Infiniti that would be smaller than the G37. Previously we reported that Nissan execs had hinted that the mechanicals from the upcoming 350Z successor could be borrowed by Infiniti to create a small coupe, although the Infiniti version would likely have a smaller engine compared to the 370Z.

Despite an entry-level model still being over three years from production, Nakamura said tentatively that any new Infiniti models should be RWD in keeping with the premium image of a Tier 1 luxury brand.



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Comments (7)

  1. By Michael D. Posted: 9/1/2008 2:28pm PDT

    I does sadden me in Infiniti does not get a flagship; the M35/M45 is a great sedan, but not up to a flagship, and with the Lexus LS and upcoming "Teir 1" Acura RL successor, Infiniti would now fall short. I don't scoff at a smaller RWD coupe entering the lineup, but just as an addition and not to possibly sacrifice a flagship sedan.

    Here's a scenero that could work for Infiniti if a Q successor does not materialize:

    1) Bolster up the next-generation M35/45 where the size is increased to perhaps 197"-200" where the last Q45 stood, give it bolder, more expressive styling like the new FX and even G 37's, and give perhaps turn the M35 to an M37 with the 335hp V6 and the M45 to an M50 with the 390hp V8 from the FX50.

    2) Give Infiniti a halo vehicle in the form in the Nissan GT-R (which dealerships wanted all along) but with an elongated platform for a CLS-like 4-door coupe/sedan and a tuned V8 instead of the GT-R's turbo-fed V8 to give it a more sophisticated luxury feel. The resources are in place on all of this and it would make sense.

    Who knows, this could be the plan all along and if this is true, than the Q successor would not be needed.
     
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  2. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/1/2008 5:09pm PDT

    Well Michael Caddy is ditching its plans for a large flagship sedan, in today's economy and with gas prices it makes sense. I am however glad they are working on small sporty cars, it is a good pay off for losing the large limo cars.
     
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  3. By Michael D. Posted: 9/1/2008 5:25pm PDT

    Caddy and Infiniti are not about humility, and the large Limos are smaller volume vehicles anyway, and those in position for such purchases will have fuel mileage as a lesser concern, especially if they can afford the vehicle and to insure it. Caddy's flagship may be ditched,but, to my knowledge, not the Zeta DTS/STS successor, it may be delayed perhaps.

    As a car guy, I don't want to see things go backwards like the 70s & 80s again and the great rides, though I will never afford one, it's just so much better that they exist and of course will benefit the privileged ones than obtain these.
     
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  4. By adi Posted: 9/1/2008 8:42pm PDT

    I have come to a long wait that someday "infiniti" is not a JUST luxury brand, but as a sporty-luxury that competes with porsche. Let coupes and coupe-like SUVs alone and just get rid of those sedans (sedans are for grandpas/gransmas who use chaffeur services *kidding*) and gigantic awkward SUVs (i hate QX a lot)... so the line up shall be G coupe, EX, FX and hopefully GT-R and Z/Fairlady will be tag as Infiniti.... and they all have a hybrid version! (the world is getting warmer and warmer for God sake)
     
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  5. By NoNameDenton Posted: 9/1/2008 8:52pm PDT

    The world is getting warmer? True, but not by the hand of man, just nature.
     
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  6. By Keith Posted: 9/2/2008 8:38am PDT

    A tier 1 company has a flag ship. Luxury is already defined as quality and design luxury may be defined by technology, so I dont get this statement. Sounds like a cop out to me. Just bring the damn Q back as a real competetor to the S class and make everyone happy.
     
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  7. By NaBUru38 Posted: 9/2/2008 10:34pm PDT

    "Infiniti has not had a large flagship sedan since 2006 [...]" Is two years an eternity? Even Japanese carmakers take at least four years to replace a car. Ok, the Q is old-school ugly like the DTS or Buicks, but anyway...

    NoNameDenton, you may forget about carbon dioxide. But there's only a limited amount of petroleum on this planet, and we need it for uses other than fuel. Let's burn as little as we can, let's build and drive more fuel efficient cars, ok?
     
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