Infiniti Plans SUV Above The QX80

Having already expanded into the entry-level premium segment with the QX30 crossover, Infiniti is now considering to add a new large SUV to its lineup. According to Infiniti's executive design director Alfonso Albaisa, the SUV in question would be a flagship vehicle placed above the QX80, currently the brand's largest and most expensive offering.

"[The new SUV will be] something new... probably more in the portfolio of expansion than renovation," he told AutoGuide at the 2015 New York Auto Show. "There is the potential for people to pay more than they are for a car like the QX80," he added, hinting toward a six-figure sticker.

Although it already has the QX80 Limited as a high-grade rival for the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator, it seems Infiniti is actually pondering a larger and more expensive model to compete against the Premium and Platinum trims of the longer Cadillac ESV model. Albaisa didn't say how expensive this SUV would be, but he did indicate that Infiniti is considering at least one model priced from over $100,000.

For the 2015 model year, Infiniti's most expensive models are the Q60 IPL Convertiblefrom $62,100, and the QX80 from $63,250. A fully loaded QX80 comes in at a little over $90,00.

Continue reading to learn more about Infiniti's future SUV.

Infiniti Plans SUV Above The QX80 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 April 2015 16:00 EST.

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Posted on 09.4.2012 12:00 by Justin Cupler Filed under: Infiniti Nissan | sedan | government | pickup trucks | Infiniti M | crossover | Nissan Titan | luxury cars | Infiniti FX | future cars | Nissan NV2500 | Cars | Car News

Just recently, we reported that Johan de Nysschen left Audi USA to head up Infiniti, and it appears he is already making some necessary changes. According to Car Sales, Nysschen confirmed that it, like many other automakers, is heading away from V-8 engine configurations to help reduced CO2 emissions and help it meet the anticipated CAFE standard of 54.5 mpg by 2025. He was quoted saying: "I don't think any car that is on Infiniti drawing boards from here onwards we should expect a V8 to be included in that plan"

This means that models like the FX50, M56, and other V-8-powered Infinitis will opt for a turbocharged or supercharged V-6 or 4-cylinder engine. Ironically enough, the sister company of Nysschen’s former employer is going the exact opposite route, cutting out its turbocharged V-8 in favor of a V-12 configuration.

It is admirable seeing luxury automakers willing to take a step forward to help meet the needs of the world, as fuel prices continue to rise. This is a sharp contrast to his former employer stance, as Volkswagen has spoken out pretty harshly against these upcoming regulations and is one of only a handful of car manufacturers that has not signed the CAFE agreement. We wonder if this was a ideological difference that helped push Nysschen away from Audi and VW.

Keep an eye out for the next generation of Infiniti cars to be lacking the all mighty Nissan 5.6-liter V-8 engine and we are now awaiting Nissan to announce a similar changeover. This would entail changes to the Nissan Titan and NV van lineups. Ford has already shown that a turbocharged V-6 engine works great in a pickup truck and we’re sure it translates well to a van too.