Motoring News
Today, 20 October 2013Infiniti plans new four-door saloon
Japanese brand’s bold investment plan includes five-car range expansion and two flagship models
Infiniti is planning a sporty four-door saloon, in the style of the Porsche Panamera to become the joint flagship of an expanded range of models.The new car is part of an ambitious £4 billion plan to become a serious global luxury brand. Infiniti wants to carve out ten per cent of the market, equivalent to about 500,000 sales by 2020, and add a further five models to its range while overhauling the current line-up.The plan is backed up by Infiniti’s title sponsorship of Red Bull Racing, which is key to spreading awareness of Infiniti around the globe.The new range-topping model could be badged Q100, the same name as Sebastian Vettel’s Formula 1 car. It will take its styling inspiration from the Essence, which was first seen at the 2009 Geneva show. No dates have yet been confirmed, but a launch around 2017-2018 is being mooted.It’s possible the fastback-style car will be based on the Mercedes-Benz MRA platform that will underpin C, E and S-class models, just as Infiniti’s new Q30 is based on Mercedes’ front-drive MFA platform.Later in the decade, Infiniti’s plan calls for the production four-door to be joined by a mid-engined two-seater powered by a high-tech hybrid powertrain and inspired by the
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