Infiniti may drop RWD in move to electrification
#1
Lexus Fanatic
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RWD vehicles may (?) be the next casualty at Infiniti as the automaker converts to hybrids and electrification.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...ar-wheel-drive
Most Infinitis are likely to be all-wheel drive in the future as the automaker looks to phase out its rear-wheel-drive platform found in the Q50, Q60, Q70 and QX70 models.
In an interview with GoAuto published Tuesday, Infiniti product chief Francois Bancon said the existing RWD platform, code-named FM and introduced in 2001, isn't compatible with the new electrification strategy the automaker plans to implement.
“We are going to have to change, this [FM] platform is a V-6 platform, it is rear-wheel drive,” Bancon said. “We are going to have to shift because this platform is not an electrified platform; you need a battery, you need an electric motor, it’s a different package.”
Bancon went on to explain that future Infinitis would probably be AWD, with an internal combustion engine and electric motor combo driving the front wheels and another electric motor at the rear.
“Since you shift electric you have a motor in the front and in the back, so RWD does not make sense anymore,” he said. “So with the new generation electrified platform…it’s a bit like Audi with its 4x4.”
Bancon said the introduction of the new platform will take some years, with the first model not due before 2021. Infiniti's older models will be prioritized, meaning the first model on the new platform is likely to be a redesigned Q70 hopefully styled like the Q Inspiration concept unveiled earlier this year. Recall, the current Q70 arrived in 2010 as a 2011 model.
The wait for the new platform may also explain why Nissan is yet to redesign its own models based on the FM platform, like the 370Z and GT-R (Godzilla rides on a unique version of the FM platform code-named PM). Bancon didn't confirm whether other brands from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance will use the new platform.
Infiniti has already started the transition away from RWD models with the 2019 QX50, which rides on a unique front-wheel-drive platform with available AWD. The previous QX50 was based on the FM platform.
https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...ar-wheel-drive
Most Infinitis are likely to be all-wheel drive in the future as the automaker looks to phase out its rear-wheel-drive platform found in the Q50, Q60, Q70 and QX70 models.
In an interview with GoAuto published Tuesday, Infiniti product chief Francois Bancon said the existing RWD platform, code-named FM and introduced in 2001, isn't compatible with the new electrification strategy the automaker plans to implement.
“We are going to have to change, this [FM] platform is a V-6 platform, it is rear-wheel drive,” Bancon said. “We are going to have to shift because this platform is not an electrified platform; you need a battery, you need an electric motor, it’s a different package.”
Bancon went on to explain that future Infinitis would probably be AWD, with an internal combustion engine and electric motor combo driving the front wheels and another electric motor at the rear.
“Since you shift electric you have a motor in the front and in the back, so RWD does not make sense anymore,” he said. “So with the new generation electrified platform…it’s a bit like Audi with its 4x4.”
Bancon said the introduction of the new platform will take some years, with the first model not due before 2021. Infiniti's older models will be prioritized, meaning the first model on the new platform is likely to be a redesigned Q70 hopefully styled like the Q Inspiration concept unveiled earlier this year. Recall, the current Q70 arrived in 2010 as a 2011 model.
The wait for the new platform may also explain why Nissan is yet to redesign its own models based on the FM platform, like the 370Z and GT-R (Godzilla rides on a unique version of the FM platform code-named PM). Bancon didn't confirm whether other brands from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance will use the new platform.
Infiniti has already started the transition away from RWD models with the 2019 QX50, which rides on a unique front-wheel-drive platform with available AWD. The previous QX50 was based on the FM platform.
#2
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Actually, from what I can tell, that's the way that Lexus has been doing hybrids for years...hybrid gas/electric drive up front, and electric motors in back, for an AWD effect.
#3
Lexus Champion
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The Lexus hybrid crossovers -- RXh, NXh and coming UXh -- are hybrid drivetrain in the front with an electric motor in the rear for AWD.
#4
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YES FWD + Rear Electric motor
NXh
RXh
UXh (this new system will bias more power to the rear with upcoming next generation powertrains)
NO RWD + Rear electric motor (* indicates EM in front for AWD)
GSh
ISh
LSh 600*/500*
LCh
RCh
Last edited by Hoovey689; 04-05-18 at 06:42 PM.
#5
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Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
That's not a good generalization.
#6
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I really hope the Q50 doesn't lose its RWD.
It makes more sense that the QX50 is on a FWD/AWD platform - it allows more interior space. I personally don't think SUV consumers really care if their SUV is RWD or not.
It makes more sense that the QX50 is on a FWD/AWD platform - it allows more interior space. I personally don't think SUV consumers really care if their SUV is RWD or not.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
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The BEST EV car currently available which is Tesla are RWD!
This is just BS speak from Infiniti to save money and not invest in a dedicated RWD platform.
Their brand is worthless.
This is just BS speak from Infiniti to save money and not invest in a dedicated RWD platform.
Their brand is worthless.
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#8
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The statement should read "these platforms are not electrified cheaply".
#9
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As far as Infiniti being a world class automaker, though they do make some nice products, at least part of that status, IMO, was lost some time ago....long before this move to FWD/AWD and electrification.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-06-18 at 06:30 AM.
#10
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The RWD Q45, though, perhaps the epitome of that effort, never sold at all in the American market with three different generations, even with the Q45a Active Suspension model. The RWD/AWD M37 and M56 series did somewhat better, but was never a serious threat, sales-wise, to any of its rivals.
As far as Infiniti being a world class automaker, though they do make some nice products, at least part of that status, IMO, was lost some time ago....long before this move to FWD/AWD and electrification.
As far as Infiniti being a world class automaker, though they do make some nice products, at least part of that status, IMO, was lost some time ago....long before this move to FWD/AWD and electrification.
With this change, they'll just become Acura.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
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Infiniti was hot for awhile when The original G35 sedan and coupe came out which really had 3series performance at a much lower price. Then it was followed by FX35/45 which still look amazing. Also the M35/45 of those years was very cool and performed well and actually outsold the GS for sometime.
For the next generation, Infiniti softened the designs and lessened the sport character to appeal to larger demographic - that was the beginning of the end.
For the next generation, Infiniti softened the designs and lessened the sport character to appeal to larger demographic - that was the beginning of the end.
#12
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I agree. Infiniti will turn into a Lincoln type division and or an Acura type company. Nothing wrong if that is what you want to do. But if Inifiniti wants to change a premium for their sedans, they need to keep the top end RWD.
#14
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#15
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The RWD Q45, though, perhaps the epitome of that effort, never sold at all in the American market with three different generations, even with the Q45a Active Suspension model. The RWD/AWD M37 and M56 series did somewhat better, but was never a serious threat, sales-wise, to any of its rivals.
As far as Infiniti being a world class automaker, though they do make some nice products, at least part of that status, IMO, was lost some time ago....long before this move to FWD/AWD and electrification.
As far as Infiniti being a world class automaker, though they do make some nice products, at least part of that status, IMO, was lost some time ago....long before this move to FWD/AWD and electrification.
If Infiniti is going to just do FWD and hybrids and electrics well then have fun not selling cars and sales plummeting. This is probably it for Infiniti if they do it.