Infiniti Planning Sporty Executive Sedan for 2017

InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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has not had a true executive sedan in its ranks since the Q45Infiniti Q45Japan, 1989 > 20063 series
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ended production in 2006, but with the brand’s rebirth as a more world-focused brand that is set to change. It is planning a new sporty executive sedan that will follow the lead of the Panamera.

The new executive sedan may borrow a Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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platform in a similar way that the Q30Infiniti Q30Japan, 2014 > present compact uses the Mercedes compact platform.

Because Infiniti is new to global luxury car competition, it does not think it can take on the established brands directly. Instead, it is trying to fine new niches of buyers who have been ignored by the mainstream luxury brands.

“We won’t do a Mercedes S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class 6Germany, 2014 > present39 versions
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. We want a flagship that’s appealing and different,” said Nissan vice-president Andy Palmer.

The styling is reportedly inspired by the Essence concept from 2009. Although, that car was a two-door GT, not a four-place executive sedan, so it will take some tweaking. The new car will not launch until 2017 at the earliest.

The company hopes to be a major player in the luxury car market by 2020 with 10% global luxury market share with 500,000 sales a year.

“We don’t want to get too far from the center of gravity of the brand. We have the halo car in the plan, but it is not signed off yet. Sales of saloons such as the Q50Infiniti Q50Japan, 2013 > present12 versions
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and SUVs like the QX60Infiniti QX60 Hybrid AWDJapan, 2014 > present will have to be going well, and then I can go to our approval committee,” said Palmer.

Source: Autocar