The new Infiniti Performance Line was just introduced a few months ago at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but already rumors are swirling that Nissan's tie-up with Daimler could spawn "Powered by AMG" badges for the range.

The first of the IPL cars doesn't wear the tag, however, as it gets what is essentially the same VQ-based 3.7-liter engine the NISMO 370Z uses. The first of the supposedly AMG-powered IPL cars would be the M sedan, according to Autocar, getting the 6.2-liter V-8 from the E63 AMG.

Unsurprising may be the best description for the new report, as we've already heard the new G and M sedans could be based on Mercedes-Benz's E-Class platform. On the other hand, it puts a point on the question we raised then: what impact might such sharing have on the Mercedes-Benz, and now, AMG, brands?

Sliding architecture under the sheetmetal of another marque's cars is one thing--it's out of the public eye, a fact likely to be known only to enthusiasts. But start sticking badges on cars, and the fact that you can get a discounted, restyled Mercedes/AMG product for (very likely) far less cash becomes readily apparent.

We'll believe it when we see the badges, but it's certainly not beyond the range of possibility. In the mean time, we'd like to hear from you: would you choose the cheaper AMG-powered Infiniti over the real thing? Or would you prefer to spend for the original?

[Autocar]