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Infiniti puts EV plans on hold again

Think of it as the green-automotive industry's version of Groundhog Day. Nissan's Infiniti division is putting plans for its first mass-production electric vehicle on hold. Again. The Infiniti LE, whose concept version was unveiled 2012's New York Auto Show, is again being put up on the proverbial blocks, USA Today says, citing a presentation by Infiniti executive Michael Bartsch at a recent company event in Detroit. Essentially, the Nissan division has bigger fish to fry, in the form of boosting overall Infiniti sales, and doesn't yet want to put the effort into introducing the Infiniti LE. The Infiniti EV plans were first postponed by then-Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen during the summer of 2013, as de Nysschen wasn't quite buying into Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's ambitious electric vehicle sales projections. De Nysschen resigned last summer to join General Motors' Cadillac division. One issue may be the fact that the Infiniti wouldn't be all that different from the Nissan Leaf. Despite the fact that US sales of that EV surged 34 percent last year compared to 2013, to 30,200 vehicles, an Infiniti version was apparently not enough of a selling point within the company. While the Infiniti is sportier looking than the Leaf and would boast inductive, wireless charging, it would have a similar power output and single-charge range as the Leaf.

The Infiniti QX80 Monograph concept is fully revealed ahead of New York

The big Infiniti QX80, the largest SUV in the company's range and related to the Nissan Patrol sold around the world, is frankly in need of a facelift. The last time the big lug went under the knife was in 2014, and it was a pretty mild nip and tuck. The aging SUV was never much of a looker anyways, although it is certainly distinct. The Monograph concept, which is coming to the New York Auto Show next week, is a preview of where the QX80 is headed. And as we saw in the teaser last week, this styling direction is an improvement. The headlights migrate higher on the front fascia, making the thing look a little less like a sad porpoise and more like a tech-heavy SUV with serious presence. Some of this is simply concept car fantasy, sure – note the lack of mirrors, a favorite concept car trope that'll be replaced by real mirrors for production. But as Infiniti says, the concept "illustrates how the design of INFINITI's QX80 could evolve". Translation: expect the general shape and overall styling to make it to a production vehicle, unless somehow this concept gets roundly panned at the show. Since it seems to be an inarguable improvement over the current vehicle, the inevitable march towards production seems assured. Related Video: Design/Style New York Auto Show Infiniti SUV Luxury infiniti qx80 infiniti qx80 monograph

2023 Infiniti QX80 gets higher base price and Amazon Alexa compatibility

Infiniti has released pricing information for the 2023 QX80, its biggest and most expensive SUV. The body-on-frame family hauler costs more than during the previous model year, but it gains a handful of additional tech features and the Infiniti Premium Care maintenance plan. Offered in three trim levels, the 2023 QX80 carries a base price of $74,395 including a $1,695 destination charge. That figure corresponds to the rear-wheel-drive Luxe model, but "entry-level" is a relative term: it comes standard with 20-inch wheels, a 13-speaker Bose sound system, leather upholstery and wood interior trim. For context, the 2022 QX80 Luxe cost $71,995 including a $1,395 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: QX80 Luxe rear-wheel-drive: $74,395 ($2,400 more than in 2022) QX80 Luxe four-wheel-drive: $77,495 ($2,400 more than in 2022) QX80 Premium Select rear-wheel-drive: $78,995 ($2,215 more than in 2022) QX80 Premium Select four-wheel-drive: $82,095 ($2,215 more than in 2022) QX80 Sensory rear-wheel-drive: $86,045 ($2,415 more than in 2022) QX80 Sensory four-wheel-drive: $89,145 ($2,415 more than in 2022) While prices are up across the board, which is par for the course, Infiniti expanded the QX80's list of standard features with Amazon Alexa compatibility and a haptic feedback function in the steering wheel for the lane departure warning system. And, like every member of the 2023 range, the QX80 comes with the Infiniti Premium Care plan that includes up to three years of inspections, oil changes, and tire rotations. Built in Japan, the 2023 Infiniti QX80 will reach dealers across the nation in the coming weeks. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.