Infiniti Plots Porsche Panamera Fighter, Electric Car
Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen surprised many when he announced that he was leaving his position and taking over the reigns at Cadillac, but the plans he put into place at Infiniti will still come to fruition.
Nissan’s luxury arm has been approved to increase its model offerings by 60 percent, and the company has a new Porsche Panamera fighter and a Leaf-based electric vehicle on the way.
The new Q80 or Q90 will be a four-door coupe that is set to arrive in 2017 or 2018, positioned above the Q70. The car will target the Porsche Panamera, and will likely ride on Mercedes-Benz’s rear-wheel drive modular architecture, getting its power from a turbocharged V6 making somewhere between 600 and 700 hp.
SEE ALSO: Infiniti, Mercedes Officially Announce Mexico Plant
The Infiniti LE, a Leaf-based electric vehicle, was originally expected to launch in 2014 but was postponed. Now, Infiniti plans to release the car in 2017 or 2018 with a next generation battery pack that will exceed the Leaf’s range of about 90 miles. The car will also have its own unique exterior style and a luxury interior.
A high-horsepower version of the Q50, previewed by the Q50 Eau Rouge concept, is also still being considered. It would use the twin-turbo V6 from the GT-R, producing 560 hp. The car would arrive in 2016 or 2017 with a price tag of over $100,000, and only be produced in limited quantities.
Refreshes are coming to a few of Infiniti’s existing products as well, with the Q70 getting a makeover in 2015 along with the QX80.
GALLERY: Infiniti LE Concept
Discuss this story at our Infiniti Q50 Forum
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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