Infiniti has experimented with efficiency automobiles earlier than—keep in mind the Q60 IPL? Whereas it by no means matched the efficiency of a BMW M or Mercedes-AMG mannequin, the IPL badge did give the Q60 a bit of additional aptitude, including extra energy and sharper styling. Now, nonetheless, Infiniti appears able to take efficiency extra critically.
In a latest interview with Automotive Information, Nissan Americas’ product planning chief, Ponz Pandikuthira, mentioned the corporate intends to construct a “true efficiency” automobile, one that would stand alongside choices from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. That might imply considerably extra energy than what Infiniti’s former IPL badge provided.
Nonetheless, in line with Pandikuthira, turning Infiniti into a real AMG or M rival received’t be straightforward:
‘Clients need final efficiency however don’t need to compromise on luxurious, quietness, and high quality design … It’s straightforward simply to do one other 20 hp, however how do you ship 50 p.c extra horsepower with reliability?’
Infiniti Guide Sports activities Sedan Rendering by Motor1
Photograph by: Theophilus Chin | Motor1
Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier added in the identical Automotive Information interview: “It’s about making a halo—one thing that individuals aspire towards. You need to have a product that’s the finest in school, particularly within the premium section.”
Infiniti has already confirmed {that a} handbook efficiency sedan—possible the subsequent Q50—is on the best way. The corporate additionally plans to increase its new efficiency line to SUVs just like the QX65 and QX80. At SEMA, Infiniti even revealed a QX80 idea powered by a GT-R engine. Whereas that precise setup in all probability received’t attain manufacturing, right here’s hoping one thing shut will.
