Infiniti Changes Lineups Naming Scheme for 2014

InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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will change its entire lineup's naming scheme for the 2014 model year and appear to be making it more confusing.

The new Infiniti scheme will be an alphanumeric with Q standing for cars and QX for trucks. Infiniti says that this is meant to relate back to the original Q45Infiniti Q45Japan, 1989 > 20063 series
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sedan. It believes that the new scheme is simpler than the outgoing one. 

The first car to use the new nomenclature will be the Q50, which is the successor to the G sedanInfiniti G Gen.4Japan, 2007 > present35 versions
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that will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show. 

From there the Q60 will be the name of the current G Coupe and convertible. The Q70 will be the name for the current M seriesInfiniti M Gen.3Japan, 2010 > present22 versions
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of cars.

For the trucks, the QX50 will be the new name for the EXInfiniti EXJapan, 2007 > present13 versions
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; the QX60 will be the new name for the JXInfiniti JXJapan, 2011 > present3 versions
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; the QX70 will take over for the FXInfiniti FX Gen.2Japan, 2009 > present27 versions
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; finally the QX80 will replace the name for the QXInfiniti QX Gen.3Japan, 2010 > present1 Version
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. 

The old Infiniti naming scheme seemed simple enough - the higher in the alphabet, the more luxurious or larger the model. It has been that way since the brand was introduced with few exceptions. The two numbers following the letter showed the engine's displacement. 

"The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident. To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that ‘Q’ captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials," said Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen.