Nissan ’s Infiniti brand wasn’t quite an overnight success, but the 2003 re-launch of the company’s popular G series really put the marque on the map. Not wanting to be known as a one-hit wonder, the Japanese automaker is working on several new models, with the hopes of regaining some of the original G35’s momentum.
Speaking with Automotive News, John Capps, chairman of the Infiniti National Dealer Advisory Board, revealed that at least three new or heavily updated models are on the way for the Infiniti brand, with a fourth highly likely.
Perhaps most surprising is the revival of the company’s QX SUV nameplate in a smaller package. The QX4 went out of production in late 2002, but Capps says the SUV will be brought back to give the brand a more mainstream alternative to its EX and FX SUVs. “You could call it a car that will appeal to the soccer moms,” he told Automotive News. “So it’s going to have to have something that’s got some size, some style and some luxury. The people in that segment are looking for utility.” Capps sees the new-age QX4 going toe-to-toe with Lexus ’ RX, although it remains to be seen if the new model will be called the QX4.
Capps also revealed that dealers are heavily lobbying Infiniti for another near-luxury model — something along the lines of the current G. However, the new model would likely offer several different derivatives.
In 2010, Infiniti will launch its first hybrid model. Capps failed to mention if the hybrid would be an all-new model or a modified version of an existing car.
Finally, Capps confirmed an all-new version of the company’s M is in the works. The new M should bow sometime in 2011, and will serve as the company’s flagship model. Capps says there are still no plans to revive the Q45 nameplate to compete with the likes of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series .
