Infiniti Accelerates Product Overhaul, Showroom Redo

Infiniti  hopes to emerge from a multiyear slump in the U.S. with a major product overhaul and showroom redo.

The Japanese automaker’s comeback plan aims to help U.S. dealers increase sales to 100,000 vehicles by mid-decade, over twice the 46,619 the company sold in 2022.

The brand's growth depends on successfully implementing an ambitious product overhaul that will introduce four new or redesigned models, including two electric vehicles, by 2027. But before those vehicles roll off the line, a showroom redo will take place.

During a meeting in Los Angeles, approximately 200 Infiniti retailers from North America were given a sneak peek at what's to come, including a Japanese-inspired store redesign and fresh branding.

At the meeting, Infiniti Motor Co.’s incoming chief Jose Roman, Nissan Motor Co. global design head Alfonso Albaisa and Nissan Americas Chairperson Jeremie Papin assured retailers that the franchise has a future. And Nissan North America's sales and marketing chief, Michael Colleran, stressed Infiniti is a top priority and pledged to increase product and content differentiation between Infiniti and Nissan.

To get there, Infiniti promises to add both content and technology to boost transaction prices and profitability.

The automaker's product roadmap also includes expansion into new markets.

On the product side, global design head Albaisa and Infiniti brand design head Taisuke Nakamura showed dealers a redesigned QX80 SUV, a new two-row gasoline-powered midsize crossover, and a pair of battery-powered models.

The third-generation QX80 will arrive next summer with a $100,000-plus sticker price. Infiniti informed dealers that approximately 75% of buyers for the big SUV would be new to the brand.

The new QX80 will feature a fuel-efficient twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that pumps out 450 horsepower. The three-row SUV also offers:

• A prominent grille
• Recessed door handles
• Ultra-slim headlights and taillights
• An air suspension system that automatically adjusts height for easy ingress and egress
• A 24-inch display that stretches the length of the dashboard
• Front and rear touchscreens for climate control

The QX80 also comes loaded with connectivity, safety and driver-assistance technology. Its in-cabin sensors can detect occupants' body temperature and adjust air conditioning automatically.

Infiniti also plans to add a two-row midsize crossover, the QX65, in 2025 to compete with the Lexus RX, which sold over 96,000 vehicles in 2022. Built on Infiniti's best-selling QX60 platform, the QX65 sports a sharply raked rear window, protruding shark fin-like taillights, and the QX80's large grille.

However, Infiniti won’t bring a battery-powered model to market until the second half of the decade. The automaker sees demand for gasoline-powered vehicles continuing as consumers gradually warm to EVs and battery technology costs decline.

The first all-electric Infiniti is expected to hit dealership showrooms in late 2026. The sporty sedan will feature a longer wheelbase than the discontinued Q70, shorter overhangs, and a new headlight and taillight design.  

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today