2000 Infiniti G20 on 2040-cars

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Infiniti previews four upcoming models on its path to electrify by 2030

Nissan and Infiniti have been “also ran” automakers for years, but a shift to electrification presents new opportunities to break through the noise and climb back up the sales charts. To get there, Infiniti is looking at a range of new models in body styles familiar and futuristic. The luxury automaker recently announced four new models that it said will lead its transformation to an all-electric company by 2030. The concepts have familiar shapes with futuristic touches that donÂ’t appear in the automakerÂ’s current lineup. InfinitiÂ’s Vision Qe concept illustrates its vision of the modern sedan, with a striking fastback shape and unique lighting elements that give it a real Tron vibe. Similarly, the brandÂ’s QXe concept blends that styling philosophy with advanced tech and a crossover body style. Infiniti also previewed its new QX80 flagship SUV, scheduled to arrive in 2024. The automaker previewed its upcoming luxury three-row with the QX Monograph concept earlier this year at Pebble Beach, and the new model looks to be a refinement of the existing SUVÂ’s boxy, upright shape. Infiniti said the cabin will feature upscale materials and high-end tech that elevate the experience. Finally, the QX65 is a new midsize crossover coupe that Infiniti said will channel its FX crossovers from years ago. The automaker promised the new SUV would be a “stylish two-row alternative in the cluttered midsize crossover segment.” Infiniti didnÂ’t show a closeup of the vehicle, but we can get a hint from the teaser image, which displays a small crossover with seeping lines and a unique roofline. Infiniti and parent company Nissan have work to do before they are anywhere near level with their rivals, but they havenÂ’t been able to capitalize on missteps by others, including the fact that heavy-hitters Toyota and Honda have been slow to move on electrification. NissanÂ’s Ariya saw significant delays and landed well after its intended release date, losing what could have been an impressive early mover advantage. The good news for brand hopefuls is that the shift to electrification should open the door to more flexible vehicle designs and technology-sharing opportunities with the companyÂ’s alliance mates, Renault and Mitsubishi.     Design/Style Green Tokyo Motor Show Infiniti Nissan Concept Cars Electric

Infiniti Q30 is the company's first small hatchback

Well, here it is. Despite every attempt to show us the car via teasers, Infiniti has made it to the week of the Frankfurt Motor Show before introducing the all-new Q30, the company's version of the jointly developed Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback and the first compact from the Nissan-owned luxury marque. The Q30 will be available with a wide and varied array of gas and diesel powertrains for its appearances in other markets. There will be two 1.6-liter gas engines, in 120-horsepower and 154-hp varieties, and two diesels. The oil-burners, which will not be coming to the US, displace 1.5 liters and 2.2 liters, respectively. As for North America, the Q30 will follow in the footsteps of its Mercedes cousins, the CLA- and GLA-Class, and offer a single 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Although it displaces just as much as the CLA's 2.0-liter turbo and matches that car's output, enthusiasts will appreciate the six-speed manual transmission being offered alongside the Mercedes seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. Say what you will about its Mercedes roots, but Infiniti's decision to offer a six-speed stick here in the US should be respected. The specific set of drive wheels isn't mentioned, although if the A-, CLA-, and GLA-Class are any indication, the Q30 will offer standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. That's speculation on our part, but it's a logical assumption. The Q30 has retained the A-Class' front McPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension arrangement. But while it uses an identical design, Infiniti has tuned the shocks to its own specification. Depending on trim, the Q30 will ride on either 18- or 19-inch wheels. Speaking of those trims, there are three of them. The base trim is, um, basic – Infiniti spilled very little ink on the entry level model. In fact, aside from a few simple descriptions, equipment details on the other two trims are quite scarce. Choosing the Premium line will net you unique 18-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, heated door mirrors with body color housings, and twin chrome exhausts. The Sport brings a bit more to the table, making a functional change by lowering the ride height by 0.6 inches and fitting 19-inch alloys. Gloss black and dark chrome accents on the more aggressive front and rear fascias round out the exterior enhancements.

Another Infiniti Q30 image found ahead of Frankfurt debut

Infiniti will introduce the new Q30, its smallest vehicle ever and its first foray into the compact, premium hatchback segment, next month at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The company confirmed the debut when it issued a single image of the new car last month. Now, we have a second shot. Released by the Twitter account of Infiniti's British outfit, the new shot is part of the #Q30Challenges campaign, which asks users to pick an object they'd like to reinvent. It shows the stylish hatch in the same bronzish-brown hue featured in the first image, but gives us a very wide front three-quarters view. We can see Infiniti's trademark C-pillar treatment, as well as a pair of wavy character lines. The shot also provides an especially good view of the Q30's long hood. The Q30 enters a segment that's nothing if not competitive, even here in the United States where small cars are a relatively recent phenomenon from premium automakers. Audi offers its A3, BMW is in the game with its 2 Series, Mercedes has its CLA and GLA and Lexus competes with the long-running CT 200h. The Q30 will be part of a two-pronged attack that will also include a QX30 crossover. We'll have a whole heap of additional information and images of the all-new Q30 when it makes its global debut next month in Germany. Stay tuned.