New Infinitis Keep Coming
Upcoming products keep dealers happy

By LINDSAY CHAPPELL | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek

A year ago, Infiniti dealers were griping about a dearth of new products.

Today, they are having their wishes fulfilled. New products have sales running about 10 percent ahead of 2006, thanks largely to the arrival of the G35 sedan. Plans now call for a new product every year.

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G37: The coupe is redesigned for the 2008 model year. The chassis is more rigid than the previous generation; G37 models share the automaker's FM rear-drive vehicle platform with the Nissan 350Z. The 2008 coupe has a 3.7-liter V-6 that squeezes out 330 hp, compared with the sedan's 305-hp powerplant.

EX35: The 2008 crossover draws on styling themes from the G35 sedan. The EX, scheduled to reach the market in December, is smaller than Infiniti's FX and will be priced lower.

The EX is aiming for a slightly different demographic. The FX will become Infiniti's performance model, while the EX will stress a bit more luxury.

M: The 2008 M adds all-wheel drive and lane-departure technology. A redesign is slated for the 2010 model year.

Q: Infiniti quietly dropped its flagship sedan in 2006, but the sedan will return in a redesigned form for the 2009 or 2010 model year.

FX: Infiniti will unveil the next-generation crossover in March at the Geneva motor show. Sales of the redesigned model begin later in 2008.

A 3.7-liter V-6 engine will be standard, up from today's 3.5-liter V-6.

QX: The 2008 Infiniti QX56 receives a freshening and upgraded interior. Infiniti's full-sized SUV will be redesigned for the 2010 model year.

I'd say that Lexus has a lot to worry about when it comes to the Infiniti brand. It appeals to a much younger crowd which is what Lexus is desperately trying to do to secure it's future as top luxury brand in the US. Unfortunately, recent offerings have yet to show any sort of expressive styling trend and aging baby-boomers are buying these left and right. Lexus has the potential to become the new Cadillac or Buick ... as in, no one under 45 will buy one.

A new Q in 2009/2010!!!???

However, I'm nervous about the "new" price that'll go with it. It'll probably climb to match the LS460's...

Oh well, it's good for Infiniti... and bad for Lexus