Three new models will be introduced to the Infiniti range in as many years, company sources have revealed while adding that the new models will be smaller than their existing offerings.
Infiniti revealed that of the three proposed models, one will be a rival to the Audi A3, another will be an entry-level SUV while the third model is going to be a hatchback that will run on electric power and will be based on the Nissan Leaf. Infiniti is pinning hopes on the Audi A3 rival to drive its volumes in Europe.
The luxury car maker has said that the A3 will be based on new front wheel drive Mercedes A class platform, a fall out of the association between Renault/Nissan and Daimler. Some sources at Infiniti have also revealed that the new proposed mini SUV too can be based on the same platform. In fact, as per reports coming in, Infiniti may also have access to four cylinder diesel and petrol engines from Mercedes on account of its tie up with Daimler so that some of the forth coming Infiniti models may well have any of these engines under its hood.
The company at present has on offer only V8 and V6 petrol engines with an all new V6 diesel ready to render service from the middle of next year onwards. However, it is the four-cylinder engines that happens to be the most sought after powertrain in European and Chinese markets.
Infiniti boffins are of the opinion that the company will have a lot to gain if they make use of engines sourced from the Mercedes stable and the first all new model from Infiniti to come equipped with a Mercedes engine will perhaps be the next iteration of saloons and coupes belonging to the G family. However, at the same time, the possibility of engineers at Infiniti putting together a four-cylinder diesel engine on a fast track basis for is EX SUV range of vehicles cannot also be ruled out.
