Infiniti was supposed to unveil the next-generation G in April at the 2011 New York Auto Show, with an expected on-sale date in September, but it now looks like we'll have to wait until... 2014.
Why? Simply because the new model will be the first tangible result of the new alliance between Daimler (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) and Renault/Nissan. However, based on the information released so far, the redesigned G will definitely be worth the extra wait.
The car's chassis will now be developed and supplied by the German automaker. Such a dramatic course change at such a late stage meant the exterior had to be re-styled, allowing Infiniti to apply design cues from its Etherea and Essence concepts.
While some initially feared that the new platform would spell the end of Nissan's renowned 3.7L V6 for the G, this apparently won't be the case. Expect the same highly-successful VQ engine, but downgraded from 3.7 to 3.5 litres and fitted with a low-pressure turbocharger that delivers around 300 horsepower and, based on preliminary estimates, one of the best fuel economy ratings in its class.
The hybrid powertrain of the recently-launched Infiniti M35h and a Mercedes-built diesel V6 are also being considered for this car, although no decision has been made yet.
That's great news for all G fans, but will the gutsy gamble of extending the current model instead of launching an all-new one after five years really pay off? With no major upgrades scheduled for the next three years, Infiniti will likely have a tough time keeping up with the competition.
Source: MotorTrend
Why? Simply because the new model will be the first tangible result of the new alliance between Daimler (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) and Renault/Nissan. However, based on the information released so far, the redesigned G will definitely be worth the extra wait.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
The car's chassis will now be developed and supplied by the German automaker. Such a dramatic course change at such a late stage meant the exterior had to be re-styled, allowing Infiniti to apply design cues from its Etherea and Essence concepts.
While some initially feared that the new platform would spell the end of Nissan's renowned 3.7L V6 for the G, this apparently won't be the case. Expect the same highly-successful VQ engine, but downgraded from 3.7 to 3.5 litres and fitted with a low-pressure turbocharger that delivers around 300 horsepower and, based on preliminary estimates, one of the best fuel economy ratings in its class.
The hybrid powertrain of the recently-launched Infiniti M35h and a Mercedes-built diesel V6 are also being considered for this car, although no decision has been made yet.
That's great news for all G fans, but will the gutsy gamble of extending the current model instead of launching an all-new one after five years really pay off? With no major upgrades scheduled for the next three years, Infiniti will likely have a tough time keeping up with the competition.
Source: MotorTrend