It’s supposed to be the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show’s time to shine as media day is under way today but Infiniti already has its sights set on the Detroit auto show in January. The Japanese automaker announced today that it will be bringing an all-new sports sedan to the show but won’t say anything more than that for now. It’s likely that the all-new sports sedan in question is the next-generation G sedan but there’s also a slight chance it could be a front-wheel drive model based off of a Mercedes-Benz platform.
More likely than not, this all-new sedan will be the next G sedan as the current model hasn’t seen a refresh since the 2007 model year. Early reports suggest the next-gen G sedan will utilize a reconfigured version of its 3.7-liter V-6 engine with the possibility of an available Mercedes-sourced mill as well. The racing-inspired G37 IPL trim may also see an aggressive bump in power with a twin-turbo V-6 engine rated at as much as 530 horsepower possibly in the works. We expect Infiniti to roll out a G coupe and convertible after the sedan makes its debut.
However, in the event that the next-gen G sedan does make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next spring and not in Detroit in January, that would mean a truly all-new sports sedan will be added to Infiniti’s lineup. If this is the case, it appears the long-rumored front-wheel drive luxury car will make its world debut in the Motor City next month. Infiniti has already made its intentions known about assembling a compact car, which will take bits and pieces from the Etherea concept, and it too will be built on a platform from Mercedes-Benz. This platform was designed to combat European rivals like the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3. This will help Infiniti in Europe, where BMW and Mercedes-Benz rule the luxury roost, and the Japanese automaker hopes that this new vehicle will fill 40 percent of its demand there.
As for what’s under the hood of the front-wheel drive luxury car, a variety of both gasoline and diesel engines are expected to be available. The 2013 North American International Auto Show is less than two months away so that can only mean one thing; leaked photos and more information about Infiniti’s announcement today so stay tuned.
Source: Infiniti
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