QX80 to top renamed Infiniti range

UPDATE 30/08/13: Motoring has learned this morning that the QX80 will go on sale locally from the second-half of next year (2014).

A remodelled Nissan Patrol called the QX80 will top a revitalised Infiniti line-up by early next year, following the introduction of renamed QX70 crossover and Q60 coupe and convertible models in October, and the all-new Q50 medium sedan in December.

Infiniti has received Australian Design Rule approval for its range-topping QX80 SUV, suggesting a local launch for the Patrol-based large luxury SUV will occur within months. Though Infiniti's local arm is yet to confirm as such.

Already on sale in the US, the QX80 features an Infiniti-family nose on an otherwise identical Patrol body. Like its derivative, the full-size seven-seat four-wheel drive is offered exclusively with a 5.6-litre petrol V8. The gutsy quad-cam unit develops 298kW and 560Nm and is available only with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

In US-spec, the QX80 rides on 20- or 22-inch alloy wheels, depending on grade, and offers a standard equipment list that includes heated leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, 13-speaker BOSE audio system, tri-zone climate-control, remote start, powered tailgate, foglights, sunroof, xenon headlights and Bluetooth connectivity.

The QX80 will lead a refreshed ‘Q-centric’ portfolio of luxury models which will start with the QX70 (formerly the FX-series) and Q60 (previously G37 Coupe and Convertible) model lines from late October.

The large M sedan will be renamed the Q70 sedan in November, while the new Q50 mid-size sedan, which replaces the G sedan that is not sold here, will go on sale here in December.

The new ‘Q’ naming structure was announced in December and aims to bring Infiniti’s model names into a single international nomenclature, though little else will change.

All Infiniti models sold locally from November 1 will feature the new taxonomy. Outlining the Japanese brand’s new model nameplate convention last year, Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen said coupe, convertible and sedan models would adopt a ‘Q’ prefix to their badging, while SUV models would take on a ‘QX’ title. Each model will be further identified by a double digit representing hierarchy within the range (see chart below).

Engine and variant alterations within each of the Q- and QX-branded vehicle ranges will be identified by a second, smaller badge placed aft of the front wheel on the forward quarter-panel.

“Over the past few months, we have talked at length with our retailers, our customers, and our business partners about our brand. The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident,” explained de Nysschen.

“To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that ‘Q’ captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45 -- Infiniti’s first iconic flagship product in 1989.”

A local Infiniti spokesperson told motoring.com.au today that in spite of the name change, specification, pricing and equipment for the revised models will remain unchanged. He added that we can expect the newly badged models in showrooms within the next six to eight weeks.

Visually identical to the model it replaces, the Q60 coupe will supersede the current G37 coupe. It will be offered in two grades, GT Premium and S Premium, both of which will remain powered by Infiniti’s 235kW 3.7-litre V6 engine.

It’s a similar story for the Q60 convertible. The four-seat folding hard-top will take the place of the G37 convertible in Infiniti’s portfolio, and like its hard-top sibling, will be powered by a 3.7-litre V6. The Q60 convertible will be offered in a solitary, high-grade variant likely dubbed S Premium.

For Infiniti’s SUV range, the name change follows a similar theme. The FX range will now become the QX70 range with the current trio of engine offerings remaining. These include the same 3.7-litre V6 petrol found under the bonnet of the Q60 coupe and convertible, as well as a 5.0-litre V8 petrol and 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel.

The Q50 sedan range, which is due here from December, will likely include similar powertrain offerings to those found in the QX70 range. It is also likely that the petrol-electric hybrid-powered variant shown at the Shanghai motor show will follow in the new year.

Currently there are no plans to introduce other overseas models such as QX50 and QX60 SUVs to Australia.

Meantime, Infiniti parent company Nissan will also release a trio of new models here this year, including the Juke mini-crossover and redesigned Pathfinder large SUV in October, followed by the all-new Altima large sedan in December.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Don't forget to register to comment on this article.