Next Infiniti G Gets Some Help From Their New German Friends

[William Maley]

Next Infiniti G Gets Some Help From Their New German Friends

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

September 1, 2011

Back at the New York Auto Show in April, Infiniti was planning on showing off the next generation G with sales beginning in September. But the showing never happened and now the next generation G is due out in... 2014! Why the long wait?

Last April, Infiniti's parent company, Renault/Nissan signed a deal with Daimler (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) to share components (engines, platforms, etc). Their first fruits of this alliance will be shown in the next gen G.

The next G will be using a brand new Mercedes-Benz platform. The decision has caused designers to re-style the exterior, which will allow designers to add design cues from the Etherea and Essence concepts.

Under the hood, Infiniti will stick with the VQ V6 engine. The current 3.7L V6 will be downgraded to a 3.5L and fitted with a turbo to produce somewhere in the range of 300 horsepower and have the best fuel economy in the class. Infiniti is also considering using the hybrid powerplant in the M35h and a Mercedes-Benz diesel.

The G is expected to be shown at the 2014 New York Auto Show.

Source: Motor Trend

[Drew Dowdell]

Is Infiniti getting an 8-speed also? Otherwise I don't think they'll beat BMW for best in class MPG with a turbo 3.5 and a 6-speed.

[William Maley]

Is Infiniti getting an 8-speed also? Otherwise I don't think they'll beat BMW for best in class MPG with a turbo 3.5 and a 6-speed.

Doesn't say, but I do know Infiniti does use a 7-Speed for their lineup.

[Drew Dowdell]

er... yeah... that.

[loki]

ECO boost for all... oh wait... not a ford engine? lol

[smk4565]

A turbo 3.5 liter would make more than 300 hp. The 3.7 makes 330ish hp, a few years back when the VQ V6 was a 3.5 liter they were near 300 hp with it. Perhaps they will turbo the 2.5 liter V6 and combine with the 7-speed, which could get near 300 hp and high mileage. I'd think a turbo 3.5 liter would be 360-370 hp. The Mercedes diesel is a nice addition.

[pow]

The current G is a great car to lease right now: high residuals, low MF (made even lower with MSDs), and a good chunk (5%) off MSRP. It amounts to ~$300/mo for a G37 Journey with $0 down for 12K/yr.

[caddycruiser]

Interesting combo. Mercedes? Really?

The 3.5L Turbo will also be intriguing. The current VQ in the G, aside from powerful, is gruff and as everyone who's ever had or driven one can say, a thirsty sucker. Not sure how they'll improve on that much with a 3.5T, but have to wait and see.

[FAPTurbo]

A Japanese manufacturer's French corporate owner is sourcing the platforms and engines from a German rival?