May7
It was reported earlier this month that Infiniti was readying a new entry-level model to do battle with the like of the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and now we have our first visual evidence that such a program is underway, albeit a grainy photo taken with a camera phone.
Car Magazine says the image was taken at an Infiniti design event. Nissan officials say the new model will be like nothing currently offered in the segment, and the image seems to back that claim. The coupe has a very dramatic front end with its lines ending in a far set back passenger cabin. Although a coupe was on display, a convertible is still possible.
Car also says that we can expect to see a concept version of the car sometime before the end of 2008.
If the project ultimately gets the green like, a road-going version of the car should be at your local Infiniti dealer sometime in 2010.
will it get more than 23 mpg?
Let me guess… it will be named PX-25…
As if the G and the EX arent small enough The G20 wasnt a bad car I guess it will be front drive based on the current Sentra/Rogue platform. Im thinking N25
I hate the 1 series btw A car magazine (I forget which one ) said to spend the 4 grand and get the three if you have the $$$
The G20 was decent during its day. But they are going to need something better than a gussied up Sentra SE-R to compete with the 1 series.
Of course I think the 1 series will flop anyways. It’s not signifigantly smaller or cheaper than the 3 series.
And 1115… it was C&D that said pass on the 1 and buy the 3.
‘Nissan officials say the new model will be like nothing currently offered in the segment’: by any chance do you think they mean it might tip the scales at something less than a NASCAR Stocker? Sorry, but old school here. Anything north of 3000lbs is not a small car, and somebody correct me if I’m wrong but the Audi and the BMW both are.
My guess it would something with European flare and Nissan fuel frugality. Nissan knows how to achieve mileage as well as Honda. Infinity is on the roll.
give it a turbo-4 nissan
and i swear nobody knows how to spell infiniti
^ Infiniti, not “infinity”. Nissan isn’t that great with fuel economy, compared to its Japanese contemporaries. Heck, it had to buy Toyota’s Synergy drive technology to pump out its Altima hybrid (which has horrible sales numbers).
I’m not sure if they will revive the G20 name but I do think the ‘entry lux’ category will grow now that gas will be north of $4/gallon AND developing countries with very high taxes on engines of higher displacement.
johnnycanuck has a good idea of trying to keep weight down (less than 3000 lb would be fantastic, but tough to obtain with all the safety features consumers “demand” in today’s markets.
Just a thought.
I have now a FX45 (traded the old S60R, tired of waiting for the Alfa 159 GTA) and it’s a great car. Not as much as the RR but it handles better.
premium small cars are the next hot trend. It’s already happening in Europe
I don’t think Infiniti could make a CUV below the EX. The backseat in the EX is ridiculously small.
There are couple of reasons why weight much below 3000 lbs is impractical: first and foremost is ride. You shouldn’t need mother in law in the back seat to have a decent ride. Can anyone point to a car that has good ride and less then 2800-3000 lbs? We are talking luxury here not boy-racer.
Public does expect 6-10 airbags in a car and I think it is a good idea: crap happens why not be ready for it. Sunroof will add heft as well as all power windows and door locks. How many teenagers know how to open window without power button? But Nissan had and has very respectable mileage, on par with other Japanese cars. Datsuns (Nissan in US before 1985) I owned had great mileage, but with help of left foot. Even Maxima with 6 cylinders was about 30-32 on highway. SX200 on highway was better then 40 mpg - I thought fuel gage was broken.
Another small premium car is a welcome addition to the market especially when it comes from Infiniti. Given their position in the market, it’ll be a lot cheaper than what the germans are offering. It’d be a perfect economical little car for everyday use that doesn’t embarrass in the amenities department.
…but we are talking about what is supposed to be a small car here. And the SX200 was a nice car by the way. I even remember it causing a bit of a stir back in the day. How can you say though, that with all the advances in shock, strut and suspension technology they couldn’t make a decent small car with a decent ride that fits 4 normal sized humans and comes in at less than 3000lbs. I mean we’re talking premium small car here so use some premium materials in the construction. My Sebring sedan tips the scales at about 3300 and it’s a mid-size. C’mon, it can’t be that tough.
Johnny, I was normal size when 200SX was a small car. We in US are oversized. 4 humans today weight between 700 and 1000 lbs, and I am not talking subhuman mother in law! 2200 lbs car may not work.
JS Speed you speak the truth ! The rear seat may be bigger in a Yaris I couldnt believe how small that car was and forget about cargo room
Coupe/convertible and johnny wants it on the south side of 3000 lbs, sounds like a Miata (and who said it would be a FWD???) If Mazda can consistently sell the Miata with profit since the 90s, there is no reason why Infiniti can’t do it with a bit more luxury.
If this indeed is going to be a coupe/hard top convertible/ convertible, it can’t be the G! That had always been a four door. There is also already a G Coupe. Maybe something to replace the old M30 of the early 90s, but it wouldn’t fit in with the M35. I guess they just need to start another letter.
240SX predecessor would be sweet (try find used one for sale). Anything FWD would be a huge dissapoiintment and wouldnt fit Infiniti sporty character.
Anut:Weight has less to do with how smooth a car will ride then chassis stiffness, tire profile and suspension compliance.
They already sell a G35 (nissan skyline) in Japan with a 2.5lt V6….
Oh, and there is already a convertible coming out next year. G37 hardtop.
“infiniti” is spelled correctly.
WOOOOOOOOOOW that’s one hell of a car pictured!!!!!
Yeah you can really see SOMETHING there! Don’t know what but there’s SOMETHING there! LOL
That car would come in higher resolution or will it remain as a VGA?
wow, that picture is incredible ! Where did you get it, the trash can?
looks like the loch ness monster…nice ****in picture..
Oh, good- it’s not just me. I was almost ready to switch to a lighter beer.
If they do come up with this the nissan twin will probably be the new 160-250sx
Small rear drivers that are based on the same platform
???? Those grainy UFO shots are more detailed than this.
I think I see Jesus…wait no…thats Virgin Mary….no…Its…could it be?…yes it is it is an Infiniti, hurry up and sell it on eBay
Hesus, definitely!
you all are all wrong- its the ghostly image of a car that will never make it into production