Infiniti to build 1-series fighter

[tetsujin79]

A report in Autocar magazine, citing Infiniti[/URL] insiders as source, says it is the premium Japanese brand's intention to launch a rival for the BMW 1-series and Audi (http://www.just-auto.com/factsheet.aspx?id=204) A3. Yet crucially, Infiniti says the body style of its smallest model will be totally different from anything else in the segment.
There's speculation that the baby of the new Infiniti range could be a small, high-end SUV crossover, fitting in below the EX35 SUV — currently Infiniti's smallest offering, the report says.
A coupé-cabriolet is also a possibility. Whatever it looks like, this entry model would go on sale in 2010, according to Autocar.
Meanwhile, Infiniti is ready to launch a range of models in the UK from February next year. It's got modest expectation for the first five years of sales in Europe, but is likely to reinforce a premium appeal with boutique-like showrooms and bespoke customer service, Autocar adds.

-- [URL]http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=94692&lk=alrt3&amd=3069

[RobSE]

I'm anxious to see this, it needs to be lightweight and nimble in order to sell well.

[NIGHTMAREuki]

I'm anxious to see this, it needs to be lightweight and nimble in order to sell well.

and have VQ37:hi:

[tetsujin79]

and have VQ37:hi:
:thumbsup:

[Grzesiu]

they should of kept on building the g20, it was a nice car, just needed more power to compete with the tsx

[Mr Grey]

Wonder what it will look like. I haven't seen any new concepts in drawing or at the Auto shows about any new cars for Infiniti.


The G20 was a nice car.In my opinion it is doubtful it will have a VQ35/7. Maybe something in a 4 banger...I don't know.

[tetsujin79]

There is a picture at the site of the link on the 1st post, but it's blurry and shows nothing. :squint: I guess it depends on what the whole "will look different then anything in its class" thing Infiniti was quoted saying.

If the "class" is 1-series and A3, it's either a SAC (a 4 door sports actvity coupe (thanks BMW!) AMC Eagle looking mutha) or a 4 door coupe with flip-outs like Saturns, RX-8's, and Mini Clubmans, as the 1 is coupe/vert and the A3 is a wagon here.

It could also be a 4 door, but would you pay a premium for a RWD, tarted-up, and re-badged Sentra? Maybe it could be positioned as a RWD update of the G20, but with VQ power?

[Mr Grey]

I didn't see a picture :gotme:

The quote about it being different threw me off also. That could mean what you mentioned in both terms. Brand or auto class in general. RWD would be nice, but too soon to be speculating. I'll just wait and see.

[tetsujin79]

I didn't see a picture :gotme:

No, that's right. Had to find how I got there...

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/01infiniti-concept_450-op.jpg

More info --

An Infiniti sports car, you say?

Nissan’s upmarket division will show this sports coupe in the next year, probably late in 2008. The brand is considering launching a small 1-series sized car, but doesn’t want to do a me-too hatchback.

Infiniti sources say that a sports coupe like the one shown in this grainy silhouette is under consideration. This teaser reveals a very long bonnet and an unusually cab-backward stance for a smaller sibling to the existing G37 coupe.

An overhead, plan view of the red sports car was also displayed at the presentation, suggesting the concept car will have more curves than today’s soberly styled Infinitis.

Nissan’s European design chief Alfonso Albaisa told CAR Online that Infinitis would have a global design language, rather than localised styles for different markets. ‘When we talk about Infiniti, we talk about Michelangelo. It’s about surfaces and subtle body language.’ -- from CAR Online

Sounds like the design will be like the old M coupe... :ohmy:

[Mr Grey]

looks like a bad pic. looks more FX-ish to me. :gotme:
They were probably going to do a X-over til the saw the 1 Series wasn't a x-over.

[tetsujin79]

looks like a bad pic. looks more FX-ish to me. :gotme:
They were probably going to do a X-over til the saw the 1 Series wasn't a x-over.

Oh, good call!

[Ketchup83se01]

Ahh let me get this right, so build a 1 series fighter( 1 series = two door hotsex car) infiniti is gonna release ahh crossover suv???

[Mr Grey]

I think they changed their minds when they saw the BMW was a coupe. It might be the same drivetrain, but not the same shell. This thing does look shorter than most Infinitis

[Xmax]

Hey you guys remember that once picture of that short length 350z about a year ago, I wonder if that was a test mule for the platform of Nissan/Infiniti's 1-series fighter. Hmmm.......

[tetsujin79]

Hey you guys remember that once picture of that short length 350z about a year ago, I wonder if that was a test mule for the platform of Nissan/Infiniti's 1-series fighter. Hmmm.......

I think thar's gonna be the 370Z - http://www.chicagomaximaclub.net/showthread.php?t=7332

[DasTeknoViking]

EX35 is a failure I think, have you seen the back seat ? Its pathetic.

I've seen 1 on the streets so far, and its been out for a looong time now.