Infiniti - Coming to the UK

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Nissan's luxury brand Infiniti is to launch in the UK in autumn 2008, Autocar can reveal.

The upmarket Japanese marque will come to Britain with four new models. They will be a new BMW X3-sized crossover 4x4, its dramatically styled full-sized SUV sibling the FX45, a BMW 3-series-challenging small executive saloon, and a similarly sized two-door coupe – of which a teaser image has just been released.

The European breed in detail

nfiniti's two-door coupe will be shown for the first time at the New York motor show in April. It'll be called the G37, and its design is likely to be a close match for that of the Infiniti Coupe Concept, which was shown at the Detroit motor show in 2006. It will use a 3.7-litre V6 that, with two turbos attached, will also power next year's Nissan GTR.

Another of the new-generation, UK-bound Infinitis will be a soft-roader, also due to be revealed at next month’s New York auto show, but this time as a concept called the CUV. Based on the same rear-drive ‘FM’ platform that will underpin all Infiniti models, it promises to be as dramatic-looking as the larger FX45.

Moving on again, that larger 4x4 will be replaced next year, in time for the European launch. The new X5 rival will come with a choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines at launch.

Infiniti’s BMW 5-series-sized M45 is slated for replacement in 2010 and Europe will get that car the same year, with the same choice of petrol and diesel engines as in the FX 4x4. Neither Infiniti’s current flagship saloon, the Q45, nor the QX45 (a larger-than-Range Rover-sized 4x4), are planned for Europe, however.

Setting the brand apart

“Our distinguishing points will be really strong styling, a range of high output engines and sporty handling, which makes Infiniti more like BMW than Lexus,” said Brian Carolin, Infiniti’s most senior executive in Europe.

An Infiniti dealer network will be established in the UK, run by one of the country’s biggest dealer groups with outlets in the main urban centres, and as entirely standalone and separate entities from Nissan outlets.

These dealers will get to sell a brand-spanking-new model range. All Infiniti’s European model range will be replacements for models already on sale in the US and some European countries, like Russia. Each will be freshly engineered, with European tastes in chassis tuning and interior style in mind.

“We know how important European tailoring is to success here,” said Carolin. “The cabin quality needed for success in the US is lower than that in Europe; the new generation of Infinitis will have levels of material and build quality comparable with the best there are.”

In 2009 the brand will add a high-output, sub-3.0-litre V6 diesel engine (considered a prerequisite of success in the European premium segment) to its model ranges.

 

[Tornado]

“Our distinguishing points will be really strong styling, a range of high output engines and sporty handling, which makes Infiniti more like BMW than Lexus,”

Translation: Old people buy Lexii.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, Infiniti is great in all, but don't go about expecting that they are going to clean-house against BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. It has been proven time and time again that they can compete with a wonderful chassis and driveterrain, but come up short when it comes to overall refinement and quality.

They are good cars though, and I wouldn't be ashamed to have one in my driveway. I quite liked the origional G35 (ie Skyline), and the current model is excelent as well. The FX-class is a nifty idea in doing a small-ish sport utility vehicle, however, it isn't the best in the class. Arguably the best product that Infiniti has on the table is the M-Class itself, simply an awe-inspiring work of art that has never stopped impressing despite its growing age. That said, I personally wouldn't consider it the best vehicle out there, but certainly it is one of the best no less...

One thing that does surprise me is how long it has taken Infiniti to get to the UK. We've had them in America since what, '89 or '90 (or am I thinking of Lexus?)? I know I did see an article in CAR a few years back where they made a big deal over importing the G35 Sport Coupe....

Huh. Well, they're good cars. Hope you like them.

 

[Tornado]

One thing that does surprise me is how long it has taken Infiniti to get to the UK. We've had them in America since what, '89 or '90 (or am I thinking of Lexus?)?

They were both set up in 1989.

 

[Philly]

I honestly think that there are better cars out there, so I wouldn't expect too much out of them. The G35 has always caught my eye, but that's about it. I prefer Lexus in the BMW wanna-be battle. The FX is a bit wierd, but may be fast. The big one is useless as anything but a DUBmobile, so you guys won't miss it.

We were excited about Opels coming over here, and it seems that we got this reaction from you Europeans.

 

[YSSMAN]

^ Well, I whole-heartedly disagree on the whole Lexus thing, but thats a matter of taste. Some people have it, others don't (oh snap! lol. I kid...).

As someone who has driven an FX45, I can confirm the speeds achievable in that machine. It is simply amazing how fast the truck can not only accelerate, but also take corners, brake, etc. We took it down some back roads, and it was amazing. Cramped inside, but amazing. Not too bad for a 350Z on stilts...

As for the QX56, I've always hated it, and always will.

It just screams "HATE ME!"

...Build quality is outstandingly poor, particularly when compared to models like the Escalade, Navigator, GL, and Q7. I mean, yes it is based on a pickup truck (Nissan Titan), but so too is the Escalade and Navigator, and they aren't that bad. If you want a rattle-box, I'd suggest buying a Cross-Lander.

---

BTW: Hows the Honda Legend (Acura RL) working over there? I haven't seen many on the streets, although they have been well-liked by the press...

 

[V1P3R]

I hope the UK didn't ask for this? Why would you want a luxo Skyline... when you can GET a Skyline? xD

 

[Tornado]

...Build quality is outstandingly poor, particularly when compared to models like the Escalade, Navigator, GL, and Q7.

Which is even worse when the Navigator is, what, 5 years old? Arguably 9 years old?
Even funnier: The Armada isn't actually that bad, yet the QX56 is.

 

[YSSMAN]

Which is even worse when the Navigator is, what, 5 years old? Arguably 9 years old?
Even funnier: The Armada isn't actually that bad, yet the QX56 is.

Well, the 'updated' Navigator from what I saw/felt was pretty nice outside of the outrageous cira-1963 Lincoln Town Car gauges. The F150 that it is based upon is a solid truck, no bones about it, and that has transfered well into the new model.

^ I'm talking about that one. The new one. ^

...And I'd agree for the most part that the Armada isn't too bad. The improvements have certainly helped overall, but quality from what I have seen/felt still isn't a match for the new GMT900s, easily the class-standard when it comes to quality these days.

Whats funny is that later this year you can get the Armada's 5.6L V8 in the 'itty-bitty' Pathfinder. I'm not sure why they think it is necessary, but IMO, that would basically delete the purpose of the Armada altogether.

 

[SagarisGTB]

The G, M and FX are top notch products, much better than comparable Cadillacs and Lexus, and in many ways also better than germans. About time they brought them to Europe.

 

[Jay]

Well then I hope Infiniti return to Australia, there has been rumors of it.

Infiniti debuted in Australia in 1991 (from memory) and sold about 10 cars then disappeared. They didn't sell many because they were severely overpriced (worse than the usual overprice).

 

[a6m5]

I'm not a fan of the QX56 either, and you guys know I like Fords...... but that Navigator is 100 times uglier than the Infiniti counterpart.

Edit:

Well then I hope Infiniti return to Australia, there has been rumors of it.

Infiniti debuted in Australia in 1991 (from memory) and sold about 10 cars then disappeared. They didn't sell many because they were severely overpriced (worse than the usual overprice).

Interesting, I had no idea. Was this overpricing on the official import of the Infinitis? I mean I've heard about overpriced videogame consoles in Australia before, but Infinitis? Crazy.

 

[Wolfe]

I hope the UK didn't ask for this? Why would you want a luxo Skyline... when you can GET a Skyline? xD

Nissan doesn't sell the V35 Skyline there, and there's no difference between the V35 Skyline and the american G35 anyway. They're both equally "luxo."

Then there's the fact that american car magazines have praised the G35 and rated it as a close competitor to the 3-series, which is one of the best-selling cars in the UK. It should be successful if it breaks past the "new guy on the block" phase.

 

[Jay]

Interesting, I had no idea. Was this overpricing on the official import of the Infinitis? I mean I've heard about overpriced videogame consoles in Australia before, but Infinitis? Crazy.

Yep it was Official, checking again it was Infiniti Q45 in 1989.

 

[YSSMAN]

The G, M and FX are top notch products, much better than comparable Cadillacs and Lexus, and in many ways also better than germans. About time they brought them to Europe.

I don't know if I would call them all better than the Germans, but they are certainly good at what they do. IMO, I'd say the SRX and the X5 are better than the FX45 on size alone, beyond that overall carrying capacity. The M is a class-leader, but I generally wouldn't pick it over the updated E-Class. IMO, the G is by-far the stand-out product at Infiniti, and overall gives me the greatest amount of doubt when looking anywhere else. I guess I'd have to wait to see what the Sigma II CTS performs like, but if it remains a battle between the G35 and the 3-series, I'd take the Bimmer any-day, any level of spec.

 

[SagarisGTB]

I don't know if I would call them all better than the Germans, but they are certainly good at what they do. IMO, I'd say the SRX and the X5 are better than the FX45 on size alone, beyond that overall carrying capacity. The M is a class-leader, but I generally wouldn't pick it over the updated E-Class. IMO, the G is by-far the stand-out product at Infiniti, and overall gives me the greatest amount of doubt when looking anywhere else. I guess I'd have to wait to see what the Sigma II CTS performs like, but if it remains a battle between the G35 and the 3-series, I'd take the Bimmer any-day, any level of spec.

That is why i said "in many ways", but not entirely. The FX45 is the best SUV to drive, but falls short in size (not that the germans are anywhere close to being big anyway) and the G35 and M45 have their faults as well. I wouldnt buy an SUV, but if i was choosing between a G35 and any competitior, id take the G35. Not the M45 though, great car, but ive always had a soft spot for the five series.

 

[Pupik]

It just screams "HATE ME!"

It actually screams "Over-poach me, so I can't breed!" Okay, maybe to people who work for Lexus.

If Lexuses don't sell in huge numbers in the UK, than I doubt Infiniti will fare much better.

 

[TheCracker]

I don't think the UK car buying public really equate 'Luxury' with 'Japanese', Lexus don't really do all that well. i think it will take too much to prise the Merc, BMW or Audi keys out of that market segment owners hands.