mmarshall

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.

mmarshall

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.

Sulu

Correction... The GS, LS and LC Hybrids are front-engined, RWD (without AWD).

The Lexus hybrid crossovers -- RXh, NXh and coming UXh -- are hybrid drivetrain in the front with an electric motor in the rear for AWD.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

That's not a good generalization.

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

mmarshall

OK, agreed.....maybe I could have broken it down a little more. The main issue, though, is that Infiniti seems to be adopting a system that Lexus used years ago, even if not on all of its vehicles. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, at least IMO. And I'd rather see Infiniti put their money into things like this than stuff like the Direct-Adaptive Steering.

BippuLexus

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.

RNM GS3

SW17LS

Agreed, if they do this its the end of considering Infiniti at all a world class automaker. One of the only saving graces of Infiniti IMHO was their commitment to selling vehicles overall that are on dedicated luxury RWD platforms.

The statement should read "these platforms are not electrified cheaply".

mmarshall

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.

SW17LS

The Q45 was only one car, and it was never packaged/presented well. The Q50 being a true RWD platform as well as the FX being a true RWD platform car and other cars they've had along the years has been a bright spot in their otherwise troubled lineup.

With this change, they'll just become Acura.

RNM GS3

Toys4RJill

S2000toIS350

That was BS

My Q50S Hybrid AWD is a RWD based hybrid with AWD

spwolf

And in Japan, they have had AWD 300h powertrain for RWD platforms for 3+ years I am pretty sure

UDel

The first Gen Q45 would have sold better if it was not for that utterly stupid and confusing marketing campaign that normally never showed the actual car, SNL even made fun of it with a Infiniti toilet sketch. The first Gen Q45 was a solid car and competitor. The 2nd Gen M35/45 actually were a threat sales wise, they sold well, beating the Lexus GS several months and they were very well reviewed and rated by Consumer Reports, then they dropped the ball with the 3rd Gen with the forgettable boring styling that was way too close to a G37, raising the price too much, and a harsher ride that did not yield better handling.

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.