Report: Details emerge on new Infiniti flagship, will be a four-door coupe

More details have emerged on a rumored new flagship model from Japanese sports luxury carmaker, Infiniti. Though many enthusiasts have been waiting eagerly for a flagship sedan to succeed in the infamous Q45—a model that would normally go head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series. So the meaning flagship has attributed different meanings with Infiniti.

Reports and interviews have otherwise indicated a four-door coupe flagship to go against the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and the Porsche Panamera. And after speaking with Nissan’s executive vice president, Andy Palmer, the new car will be based on the Infiniti Essence Concept and isn’t expected before 2017 in production guise. So that means a four-door coupe it is.

Infiniti seeks to be a global luxury carmaker, like the kings from Germany and Lexus in Japan. But those expecting a Q45, will be disappointed.

“We won’t do a Merc S class or that type of car,” said Palmer. “We have had that before. We want a flagship car that’s appealing and different.”

Currently, the new four-door coupe is deep in the research and development phase, with the dimensions of the new flagship four-door coupe being configured as we speak. Rumor also has the new model being based on Mercedes-Benz’s latest modular rear-wheel drive platform amidst Infiniti’s alliance with Stuttgart’s finest.

“We have the halo car in the plan, but it is not signed off yet,” Palmer concluded. “The sales of [sedans] like the Q50 and SUVs like the QX60 will have to be going well and then I can go to our approval committee.”

Source: AutomotiveNews