Infiniti appears to have some impressive products in its pipeline, including a next-generation G powered by a twin-turbo V6 with 530 hp.

The relationship between the Japanese automaker and Mercedes-Benz is picking up full steam and will go beyond the upcoming Benz-based compact. For 2014, Infiniti will be producing next-generation four-cylinder engines for both Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti models at its Nissan Tennessee plant. And as we reported before, the first C-segment hatchback will be produced by Magna Steyr in Austria.

But the big news is that the next-generation G will start production in 2014 and is slated to go on sale by summer of that year. The Japanese automaker’s goals is to build on top of its highly-successful model by launching it in 70 countries worldwide. Apparently the design for the next G was finalized in June of last year and is shared with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform.

Overall length and width is expected to stay the same as the current-generation G, but it will have a lower roofline in the style of a four-door coupe. The sedan will debut first in 2014, with the coupe variant following in 2015. Infiniti is also considering a crossover variant, which makes sense.

What has us uber excited is that the IPL-spec G will feature a 3.7-liter twin-turbo V6 powerplant pumping out 530 hp and will probably be priced competitively with the GT-R, if not more In fact, the inside source that reported to Motor Trend compares it to the C63 pricing. The new IPL engine will be hand-made in the same plant where the GT-R is produced out in Tochigi, Japan.

Will this be the new supercar from Japan that will be somewhat affordable?

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100

March 21, 2012 at 4:45pm by David Gluckman

Some complain of the soullessness of alphanumeric car badges, but they do come in handy when forecasting future products. Infiniti has applied for trademarks on G35h, G30t, and G22d, giving us a glimpse of possible powertrain options for the G lineup. Here’s what we know:

G35h: Hybrid Likely On the Way

Assuming a normal six-year product cycle, the G coupe and sedan should get a redo for 2014. (The current G37 sedan is shown above.) Based on the G35h trademark filing and a recent conversation we had with Ben Poore, Infiniti’s U.S. boss, we believe the third-generation G will offer hybrid power. When asked about wider use of the M35h‘s gas-electric setup, Poore said one could “imagine what that powertrain would be like in a smaller car,” adding that the electrically assisted 3.5-liter V-6 would make for a very quick G. Infiniti marketing for the M35h focuses on the car’s quickness (we hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds) as well as its fuel efficiency, and both qualities should improve in a smaller, lighter vehicle. This approach would mirror that employed for the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and upcoming ActiveHybrid 3, which share a powertrain.

Details on the other two badges are a bit murkier, and it’s important to point out that the act of filing for a trademark doesn’t necessarily mean the automaker will use it.

G30t: Turbo Four or Six?

We read the G30t name as implying the adoption of a turbocharged engine, which would allow Infiniti to deliver satisfactory output while keeping EPA-rated efficiency in check. (Infiniti has in the past used the “t” suffix to denote a Touring trim, but its emergence here alongside a new number suggests to us a new engine.) Without knowing the engine’s strength or cylinder count, however, it’s tough to speculate on whether it would signify an entry-level model, a top-spec performance machine, or if it might be a powerplant that would perhaps supersede either or both of the G’s two V-6 engines (the G25‘s 2.5-liter and the G37′s 3.7).

G22d: G-iesel

The G22d, on the other hand, is easier to parse. Infiniti’s European diesel offerings all end in a little d, but currently don’t include a diesel G sedan or coupe. It’s highly possible that the G22d would be sold only in Europe like the oil-burning M, EX, and FX, but such a G could offer an easy path into the U.S. diesel market. We expect the engine to be a four-pot, given the G’s size, and that the “22″ indicates a 2.2-liter displacement.

And, Finally, the Engines

We do have some insight into what might power these for-now-theoretical new models. As part of its deal with Mercedes, Infiniti plans to use four-cylinder powerplants from the German firm; we’ve previously reported that the plan was to share the M274 gas engine and the OM651 diesel.

The M274 would seem like a good match for a G30t, while the OM651 is a 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four that could be installed in a G22d. (Mercedes rounds the diesel’s 2143-cc displacement up to 2.2 liters when it describes the engine, so it would make some sense for Infiniti to do the same.) It’s possible that Renault/Nissan engines could be used for either application, although it seems Infiniti is making a real effort to distance itself from the rest of the group in the powertrain department.

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100

• CAR REVIEWS

Different looks with solid performance chops for a crossover

By: Greg Migliore on 3/30/2012

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: The Infiniti FX is one of my favorite crossovers to look at. It is one thing to make a sports car look good, but this five-passenger crossover is killer. The bulging fenders bookend a long hood, the headlights are piercing and there’s chrome in all the right places, calling attention to vents on the quarter-panels and highlighting the greenhouse. Plus these wheels look like something straight from SEMA. It all flows and works together in harmony, making an everyday vehicle anything but average.

I was impressed with the cabin, which is nicely done in black leather in this tester. It’s simple and presents well. The atmosphere is also quiet, with just a bit of wind and tire noise entering at expressway speeds. The navigation system is sharp, too, offering three-dimensional graphics to show off landmarks along the way. I saw Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre in dramatic clarity on the screen even before I realized I had almost rolled past it on Woodward Avenue.

The V6 is strong, eager and propels this decent-size vehicle to speed with ease, and it works well with the seven-speed automatic. The FX35 is a solid execution, and I think it’s one of the standard-bearers in the segment.

DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: I’ve been hard on some of our Infiniti fleet cars. The G37 IPL and the M35h just never really clicked with me, being reasonable entrants in their respective classes but nothing special. And for the price Infiniti still commands, they’d better be something special.

Fortunately, the FX35 lives up to its billing. It’s not often that a crossover stops me in my tracks, especially one from the Ace and Gary School of Design. But the theme works well on the FX: 20-inch wheels help what’s essentially a tall design appear to squat down in fluid motion even standing still, and the black chrome adorning everything from the wheels to the grille to the luggage carrier was just gorgeous against the deep blue paint worn by our tester.

Inside was more of the same. Where I’ve found some Infiniti models sterile because of the lack of appointments, the FX seemed to offer just the right blend of luxury and European spartan design ethic. The driving position was instantly comfortable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the glove-leather texture of the steering wheel–get the steering wheel right and I can forgive a few sins. After all, it’s the gateway to the driving experience.

The FX sports Z-car roots, and the heritage is apparent after just a short drive. Unlike the similarly sized Nissan Murano with its dowdy CVT and front-drive bias, the FX35 requests that you sit back, look out over the long hood and proceed to go as fast as you like, as quickly as you care to get there. The outstanding VQ-series V6 and the seven-speed autobox are happy to service your request. Big binders clamp down to get you out of trouble, and the FX handles with aplomb in most situations short of an actual racetrack.

Quibbles are limited to steering that’s a bit too sensitive at freeway speeds–it adds to the sporty feel but can require too much concentration at times–and the Infiniti’s rather prodigious thirst. A mere 21 mpg highway doesn’t cut it in this day of the 28-mpg three-row Ford Explorer. Even the Infiniti’s direct competitor, the BMW X3 xDrive 35i, manages a solid 26 mpg on the open road.

The FX35 is expensive, too, slotting comfortably into BMW and Mercedes-Benz territory in the low-$50,000 range. It’s so different, though–an avant garde sport-luxury crossover?–in so many ways that it’s tough to pigeonhole the Infiniti into any specific category. That alone makes it worth consideration.

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100

Terry Hoffman of Infiniti and Pro Driver Nanette G. Casanova

Mr. Hoffman trained the sales personnel and management team on the numerous features of the JX35.

Terry Hoffman training on the JX35 at Infiniti of Coconut Creek

The JX has many new technologies seen for the first time on an Infiniti model and only available from Infiniti.

Previewing the JX35 at Infiniti of Coconut Creek

Customers wishing to view the new JX before it hits our showroom in March 2012 can visit us from 3 pm – 8 pm on Feb 21, 2012.

Much more than a rear camera, Around View Monitor uses four exterior cameras on every side to give a virtual 360-degree view. The bird’s eye perspective is displayed on your in-dash monitor to help you see all around your Infiniti.

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100

Infiniti has announced its advanced sports car concept is to be called the INFINITI EMERG-E.

The electric car will be seen publicly for the first time at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. The reveal will take place on March 6 at the Infiniti stand, number 1030 in Hall 1, at 10:15 Central European Time (CET). The event will also be transmitted live for those who cannot be there via Infiniti’s European website,www.infiniti.eu.

The INFINITI EMERG-E will be the first car from the brand to have not only a range-extender drivetrain offering vivid performance with zero emissions capability but also one mounted in a mid-ship package for optimal handling.

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100

Refuse to blend in and know that you are always making a statement with the Infiniti G Sedan.

Contact: Infiniti of Coconut Creek 5501 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, FL. (954) 861-6100