Infiniti Plans to Produce New Body-on-Frame SUVs in Effort to Launch Five New Models Over Five Years.

      Infiniti

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      You may have overlooked Infiniti, but Nissan hasn’t. In spite of a decade filled with unmet promises and numerous false starts, the Japanese manufacturer has unveiled a new strategy to rejuvenate its struggling luxury brand. The new plan includes Infiniti producing a performance sedan and rugged SUVs, likely drawing inspiration from the revamped Nissan Xterra. Could this signal the return of the QX4?

      Over the next five years, Infiniti plans to launch five new models, comprising four SUVs and one sports sedan. The first release will be the new QX65, which debuted in New York earlier this month. This fastback two-row SUV is based on the three-row QX60 and is expected to reach dealerships in the coming months.

      While it's not officially recognized as the new Infiniti sedan, it has that potential. Nissan

      The next model on the agenda is a “high-horsepower” sports sedan that will feature an optional manual transmission, which is exciting. Details are limited, but it's important to highlight that Nissan showcased the next-generation JDM Skyline sedan during its presentation, and the previous iteration was marketed in America as the Infiniti Q50. (Apologies to GT-R fans, I know those taillights seem promising, but there's a rear door handle visible on the side.) Additionally, Nissan's goal to consolidate its product offerings around shared platforms suggests that this new Infiniti sedan might be based on the old design, though Nissan hasn't confirmed this. Tiago Castro, Nissan and Infiniti’s Senior VP of U.S. Marketing and Sales, also refrained from confirming its name.

      The third model will be a compact SUV utilizing Nissan’s e-Power hybrid technology, which operates as a series hybrid. In this setup, the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the battery pack, which in turn powers the electric motors that drive the wheels. There's a strong likelihood that this model will be a luxury variant of the Nissan Rogue.

      Infiniti

      This is where it gets intriguing: the fourth model will be Infiniti’s version of the forthcoming body-on-frame Nissan Xterra, which will come with both a V6 and a V6 hybrid powertrain. Those with a keen memory may recall Infiniti’s past attempt with the QX4 based on the Pathfinder in the early 2000s, which were well-regarded vehicles. If Nissan provides Infiniti a solid platform to work with, this new segment could be quite compelling. It’s also worth mentioning that Lincoln is reportedly developing a luxury take on the Ford Bronco.

      Castro did not disclose details about the final model but mentioned that the lineup needs only one sedan, can accommodate a minimum of five SUVs, and that the automaker has strategies that extend even further. There’s a real possibility that a future body-on-frame Nissan Pathfinder could spawn an Infiniti variant that sits positioned above the Xterra-based Infiniti, below the QX80, and alongside the QX60.

      One can hope. Infiniti

      Castro informed The Drive that he envisions a 700-horsepower QX80 SUV to compete with the Escalade V—suggesting that the SEMA build sparked interest—and mentioned that there is a market demand for such a vehicle. There may even be a less powerful option in development, around 600 hp, to expedite the release of a more potent model and boost sales.

      In the midst of all this, Castro noted that 2029 marks Infiniti’s 40th anniversary, which is significant for the brand. A few years back, its future seemed uncertain. Now, if it can successfully execute its plan, there’s a real opportunity ahead.

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