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Infiniti G And Mercedes C To Share Platforms, M3 Fighter Planned: Report

The next generation of Infiniti's G range will reportedly move away from its current Nissan-developed platform, looking instead to the architecture of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline, and soon to hit Aus

Mike Stevens

01:1317 April 2012

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Infiniti G And Mercedes C To Share Platforms, M3 Fighter Planned: Report

The next generation of Infiniti's G range will reportedly move away from its current Nissan-developed platform, looking instead to the architecture of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline, and soon to hit Australia in G37 Coupe form, the current Infiniti G shares its versatile FM underpinnings with the larger M sedan, the EX and FX SUVs, and Nissan's 370Z.

A new report at US website Motor Trend claims that an Infiniti insider has confirmed the switch to Merc's C-Class platform, with a 50mm wheelbase extension giving the new G similar interior dimensions to the current model.

If the report is accurate, the project would form part of the Renault Nissan alliance's partnership with Daimler, which has already lead to the debut of the new Mercedes-Benz Citan van, based on the Renault Kangoo.

The source added that Infiniti is developing a "totally new" 3.7 litre twin-turbo V6 engine, at last giving the Infiniti Performance Line a rival for BMW's M3 hero - along with the G's Lexus IS F countryman.

The engine will reportedly develop more than 400kW, putting it in the same class as the Nissan GT-R's 404kW 3.8 litre twin-turbo V6.

As for styling, the report claims we can look forward to a front-end design inspired by last year's Etherea concept, with a body more in-line with the look of the smaller LE concept revealed this month.

The new G is expected to enter production in 2014, nearly eight years on from the debut of the current model.