The tradition of rear-wheel drive and V6 engines has played a significant role in shaping Infiniti’s image since its inception in 1989. However, there is a forthcoming evolution for the luxury brand owned by
Nissan. In a recent conversation with the Australian publication
GoAuto, Infiniti’s Vice President of Product
Strategy, Francois Bancon, indicated a consequential change in the brand’s platform.
“Every new product beyond 2021 will integrate electrification and will be harmonized with the forthcoming package or platform,” shared Bancon in an interview with
GoAuto. When inquired about the
Infiniti FM platform that serves as the foundation for the Q50,
Q60, and Q70 models dating back to 2001, Bancon expressed, “We are bound to make a shift. This platform is tailored for V6 engines and rear-wheel drive. Given the necessity for an electric motor and battery, we must transition to a platform conducive to electrification. It necessitates a different configuration.”
Bancon elaborated that the inevitable replacements for the existing Infiniti models will likely not adhere to rear-wheel drive. He stated, “There’s a probable shift towards all-wheel drive, with a more balanced distribution, possibly favoring the rear in a 50:50 ratio compared to the prevailing 60:40 ratio. As the transition to electric powertrains unfolds, with motors located at the front and rear, the concept of rear-wheel drive loses its rationale. Hence, with the
next-gen electrified platform, the setup mirrors the all-wheel-drive system akin to Audi’s four-by-four model.”
Inquiries were made to Infiniti regarding additional information on the future direction of the brand concerning drivetrains and electrification. An Infiniti spokesperson communicated via email to The Drive, “In January, [Infiniti] unveiled plans for all upcoming models to feature electrified powertrains from 2021, coinciding with the launch of our inaugural pure electric vehicle. We intend to offer a blend of fully electric and [e-power] vehicles, the latter incorporating a compact gasoline engine that charges a high-capacity battery, obviating the necessity for external charging infrastructure. This intensified focus on low-emission technologies anticipates that more than half of [Infiniti]’s global lineup will embrace some form of electric propulsion by 2025. No further statements have been made regarding our future product portfolio.”
Therefore, the fate of rear-wheel-drive Infiniti models is not set in stone, but it seems that all-wheel drive will become the new benchmark once electrification becomes prevalent. Anticipation surrounds what Infiniti has in the pipeline for the future and how its fresh product strategy will shape the landscape of the luxury vehicle sector.
