Infiniti Bringing Back Front Wheel Drive Models

August, 29, 2011 - Drew Dowdell - CheersandGears.com

Infiniti's last front wheel drive model, the I35 (pictured above) died at the end of the 2004 model year. In what was essentially a Nissan Maxima Brougham, the 255 horsepower sedan didn't fit in with the all rear wheel drive sport sedan image that Infiniti was aiming for. However, at this year's Pebble Beach, Infiniti unveiled the JX series 3 row crossover due to go on sale in April 2012 in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations.

Following the JX will be an Infiniti electric vehicle based on the front wheel drive Nissan Leaf but with completely different styling and purpose. Also rumored is a small front wheel drive compact hatchback that Infiniti hopes to compete against the BMW 1-series and Audi A3.

Infiniti says that by going with a front wheel drive platform, they can increase interior room without increasing overall size of the car. This move makes BMW the last of the big luxury marques to hold to the "all rear wheel drive" claim, something that not even BMW will hold soon as the new i-series rolls out.

*evilsmirk*

Yeah... this should have been a Nissan.

Bit by bit, the 'argument' that 'everyone else' is sticking to exclusive platforms and all RWD gets chipped away and chipped away.

Whatever will be left to crow about when all the lux & near-lux brands are pimping FWD??

Part of the continued mediocritization of premium brands, but given that Infiniti used to play the FWD game and Lexus always has for their low end models, it's not surprising.

as soon as the i-series comes out, there won't be a single major brand that is purely RWD.

No SMK, Jaguar doesn't count.

as soon as the i-series comes out, there won't be a single major brand that is purely RWD.

No SMK, Jaguar doesn't count.

Jag's already been there w/ the X-type..

as soon as the i-series comes out, there won't be a single major brand that is purely RWD.

No SMK, Jaguar doesn't count.

Jag's already been there w/ the X-type..

I know, but it's not currently in production (I think)

Mercedes does not currently have a FWD vehicle in their lineup, IIRC.

Mercedes does not currently have a FWD vehicle in their lineup, IIRC.

Not in the US, but they've long had the A-class and B-class, with more to come..

FWD from a performance brand = Boooooooo. FWD on a hot hatch type of car is acceptable, but all RWD is still better. I don't get why all these brands want mediocrity over superiority.

FWD from a performance brand = Boooooooo. FWD on a hot hatch type of car is acceptable, but all RWD is still better. I don't get why all these brands want mediocrity over superiority.

if there was no reason to use FWD there would be no such thing

Mercedes does not currently have a FWD vehicle in their lineup, IIRC.

FWD from a performance brand = Boooooooo. FWD on a hot hatch type of car is acceptable, but all RWD is still better. I don't get why all these brands want mediocrity over superiority.

Because not all vehicles in the brand need to be RWD or RWD based to fulfill their mission. Nissan clearly understands that the target market for a luxury 3-row crossover/luxury electric vehicle/luxury hatchback is not concerned about apexing corners and is likely more concerned with interior room.

It is simply about picking the right tool for the job.... and in certain applications, FWD just makes more sense.