Nissan is rumored to get a new rear-drive coupe in 2010, and it looks as though the automaker’s luxury division – Infiniti – will also be receiving a version of the new car in late 2010, just as Leftlane reported in May. The new coupe is expected to go head-to-head with BMW’s 1-series.
In keeping with Infiniti’s rear-wheel drive theme, the new small coupe will be based on the next-generation Nissan Z, albeit with smaller dimensions. However, look for Infiniti to slightly soften the Z’s suspension to provide a more luxurious ride.
Power is said to be sourced from a 2.5L V6, according to Edmunds, although no performance number have been released.
As previously reported, a concept for the new model will be unveiled within the year, with the Los Angeles Auto Show a likely candidate. Look for the yet-to-be-named coupe to roll into Infiniti dealerships in late 2010.
06/20, 1:03 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
why oh- why not a turbo 4? what is this little nissan going to compete with? it’s own Sentra SE-R, hell every other small compact with a turbo spanks the Se-R and this weak little 2.5 V6 will be no different- unless they keep weight down then it’ll be a different story
06/20, 1:41 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I recall Infinity selling Sentra R based small sedan. I don’t think it worked all that well, then again, SUVs killed hatch, small coupe market: they fell out of fashion. With gas prices as they are we will see reverse of auto fashion. V6 is probably to distinguish Infinity from Nissan.
06/20, 1:52 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Either a six or a turbo 4, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure it’ll rev like crazy and put 3 pedals down there so I can row it myself.
06/20, 1:54 PM
posted by:
mr.meanpants
Is the 1-series selling in your city? I’ve only seen one here in Atlanta.
06/20, 2:11 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Return of the G20? If any car ever needed a turbo, it was that one. My prediction: three days after this car comes to market, we’ll see the first aftermarket Z370 engine swap
06/20, 3:11 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Good, there needs to be more competition in the 1 series segment.
06/20, 4:43 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Good on Infiniti for making a small car that should be fun and not have the issues the 1 series has (the styling is a bit puggish and the price goes into 3 series territory).
06/21, 1:17 AM
posted by:
golf4me
Come to think of it, I have not seen a 1 series on the road yet. hmmm. Lots of 3 series and other BMW’s though. Strange…or not.
06/21, 2:36 AM
posted by:
maxcar
my neighbor has a 1 series. a bit of a chick car compared to the 3. looks better in person, though.
06/21, 9:37 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Yeah since the 1-series came out I’ve only seen like 1 or two at the most. But it just came out so it’ll be a while before we see more.
This could either go well or it could completely flop for Nissan/Infiniti. While I welcome as many RWD Small 2dr cars as the auto makers can (and I’ll look at them) if Infiniti was to style it after the G35 Coupe and give it a peppy high revving turbo 4 then I think it would sell like crazy, (and if it was somewhat affordable (high 20’s, low 30’s) I’d probably look into getting one over a Nissan 250SX or whatever they call it depending on looks and engine offerring.