Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Infiniti, Luxury
It’s not uncommon for an automaker to be evaluating several potential products at the same time, but those models usually hover within the parameters of the company’s existing line-up. Not the case with Infiniti. Nissan’s luxury division is reportedly looking at going both up-market and down with a pair of new products to give it a much father reach than the current range.
First up is a halo model, and after looking at the competition, Infiniti has reportedly come to the conclusion that, in order to lure buyers into showrooms, they’ll need something attractive and high-end. And while a successor to the Q45 flagship sedan was once seen as a potential route, reports indicate that, if given the green light, a sportscar to rival the likes of the Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and even the Lexus LFA would be the way to go. The show-stopping Essence concept previewed that notion, but Infiniti is reportedly still mulling the idea over, and the presence of the Nissan GT-R surely isn’t helping focus the picture.
At the other end of the spectrum, Infiniti has long been considering the idea of an entry-level hatchback model to take on the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30. Arch-rival Lexus became the first of the Japanese luxury brands to earnestly pursue the segment with the CT 200h, and if Infiniti is serious about getting a younger demographic, it could opt to follow suite in short order.
Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept
[Source: Ward’s]
Report: Infiniti debating anchoring line-up with both entry-level and halo models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Chrysler has unveiled a new company-owned dealership in California, called Motor Village of Los Angeles, that will sell and service the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck, Fiat and Mopar brands. A five-story glass structure will house separate salons for each of these marques. This new dealership, which marks Chrysler’s return to central LA after a 10-year absence, will be used as a test bed for new ideas that could one day filter down to the rest of the Chrysler’s dealer network. Click past the break for all the details in the official press release.