Infiniti Flagship Models to Sport as Much as 600 HP

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

Infiniti plans on launching two flagship models, both of which will feature powertrains with as much as 600 hp.

The Japanese automaker will produce a high-performance flagship that’s positioned well above the Q70 while the other will be a halo high-performance car for the brand. So expect one to seat four while the other will be a dedicated sports car for Infiniti.

SEE ALSO: Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept Might have 500HP

As for what the flagships will resemble, don’t expect the automaker to bring production versions of its Emerg-E and Essence to the market. According to Infiniti CEO Johan de Nysschen, the flagships won’t be midengined like the Emerg-E and they won’t be hybrids. Since the powertrain has to be used in more than one car to reduce costs, the automaker is opting not to make them mid-engined.

Infiniti plans on launching two major models every year from 2016 to 2019. Expect the first of those major models to be the Q30.

GALLERY: Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept

[Source: Edmunds]

Discuss this story at our Infiniti forum.

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • Chicagokevo Chicagokevo on Feb 10, 2014

    Recently bought a 2014 Q50S fully loaded. While there are known software issues w/ the introductory InTouch system, I love my car. Very attractive & the Japanese craftsmanship is undeniable w/ this car. I have it in beautiful "liquid platinum" w/ graphite interior & maple wood trim. While most initial Q50 owners are likely Infiniti "super fans" (like myself) who were hoping for a more powerful version of the VQ, this engine is definitely satisfying & has proven its leadership in performance amongst its competitors' offerings. Hearing these rumblings about a (possibly) 600hp (my god!) engine, STOP. THE. PRESSES. And that Eau Rouge? Masterful enhancement over an already beautiful machine. I like where De Nysschen is finally taking a grip on the Infiniti brand, essentially saving it. Here was a brand that was surviving on an aging G model that saw minimal transformation versus its far distant competitors--Lex, MB, and Audi, too. De Nysschen decided to launch Infiniti Motor Co, Hong Kong--completely & legally separate from its more "economical"-branded parent co., Nissan. Now, Infiniti can focus on its new position as a stand-alone luxury brand, operating with its own board & its own marketing efforts. By introducing new models every year beginning in '16 (although technically this introduction phase began last year, with the release of the '14 Q50), Infiniti is well on its way to finally competing with the big boys. De Nysschen did it with Audi; Infiniti has a strong performance & reliability reputation. It's all about saturating the market with new models & making the brand relevant to consumers (marketing). He's already started doing that with some of the new Q50 ads. Maybe I'll be trading in my Q50S early once I hear more about this 600hp...

  • Chicagokevo Chicagokevo on Feb 10, 2014

    Recently bought a 2014 Q50S fully loaded. While there are known software issues w/ the introductory InTouch system, I love my car. Very attractive & the Japanese craftsmanship is undeniable w/ this car. I have it in beautiful "liquid platinum" w/ graphite interior & maple wood trim. While most initial Q50 owners are likely Infiniti "super fans" (like myself) who were hoping for a more powerful version of the VQ, this engine is definitely satisfying & has proven its leadership in performance amongst its competitors' offerings. Hearing these rumblings about a (possibly) 600hp (my god!) engine, STOP. THE. PRESSES. And that Eau Rouge? Masterful enhancement over an already beautiful machine. I like where De Nysschen is finally taking a grip on the Infiniti brand, essentially saving it. Here was a brand that was surviving on an aging G model that saw minimal transformation versus its far distant competitors--Lex, MB, and Audi, too. De Nysschen decided to launch Infiniti Motor Co, Hong Kong--completely & legally separate from its more "economical"-branded parent co., Nissan. Now, Infiniti can focus on its new position as a stand-alone luxury brand, operating with its own board & its own marketing efforts. By introducing new models every year beginning in '16 (although technically this introduction phase began last year, with the release of the '14 Q50), Infiniti is well on its way to finally competing with the big boys. De Nysschen did it with Audi; Infiniti has a strong performance & reliability reputation. It's all about saturating the market with new models & making the brand relevant to consumers (marketing). He's already started doing that with some of the new Q50 ads. Maybe I'll be trading in my Q50S early once I hear more about this 600hp...

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