All-New Infiniti QX SUV Coming Next Year

[GT-R]

All-New Infiniti QX SUV Coming Next Year

By: Eric Mayne
WardsAuto.com, Sep 3, 2009 10:55 AM

SAN JOSE, CA – A new Nissan Quest minivan, as well as a new version of the Infiniti QX56 SUV, are due next year in the U.S., a top Nissan North America Inc. official tell Ward’s.

In the new Quest, “we certainly think we’ve got the right product,” Larry Dominique, vice president-product planning-the Americas, says here during a Nissan 370Z event.

But he is tightlipped about possible features of the Quest, such as a flexible-seating system similar to that of Chrysler Group LLC’s Stow ‘n Go.

“We’ve got to have the kind of size, utility, capacity, capability everyone else has got,” Dominique says.

While the Honda Odyssey is the best-selling single nameplate in the U.S. minivan market so far this year, combined sales of the Chrysler Town & Country and platform-mate Dodge Grand Caravan lead the segment.

Through August, minivan sales were down 33.6% from like-2008, to 293,477 units, more than the overall industry’s 27.8% decline in the period, Ward’s data shows.

The Quest was last new in 2003, while the QX56 debuted in 2004. Nissan has tweaked each model at least once over the years, famously doling out $70 million to redo the interior of the Quest for ’07. Quest interior received $70 million redo for ’07.

Quest sales tumbled 56.9% through August, while the QX56 was off 41.2%, according to Ward’s data.

Nissan has said it will shift production of both vehicles from its Canton, MS, plant to Japan next year.

Against a backdrop of tightening fuel-economy restrictions, Dominique concedes concern about the impact utility vehicles such as the large QX56 and its twin, the Nissan Armada, might have on the auto maker’s fleet.

While he welcomes the boost Nissan expects from its all-new Nissan Leaf electric vehicle next year, he also suggests a large SUV, such as the rugged international-market Nissan Patrol, could resonate with U.S. buyers as well.

[Locksmith]

Nice interior, the outside looks kind boxy though.

[da mayor]

very Range Rover-ish

[Mr.PotatoHead]

i like it. the really boxy look makes the wheels look small tho.

[4DGS]

That looks terrible.

Looks like the cube and pathfinder got busy. They will probably change a few things to make it infiniti though. Just like the 56 and Armada.

[GT-R]

Originally Posted by Mr.PotatoHead

i like it. the really boxy look makes the wheels look small tho.

I'm sure the Infiniti version is going to have 20 or 21 inch wheels.

This thing has potential, it does have the profile of a Range Rover.

The interior reminds me of the new FX.

[Wannabe6MT]

I'm sure it will look nice.

I am just such a fan of the current QX though. My favorite luxo truck on the market.

[MobbinTehG]

I think infiniti will pull it off, like others said I would be shocked to see it roll out without 20" rims (or at least optional 20"+ premium rims). The grill needs work before it can be branded as an infiniti IMO. The plastic looks too cheap.

[Q8y_drifter]

hmmm, I've seen those same pics about a year ago saying it was the new Nissan Patrol?

[chilibowl]

The Nissan Patrol has nothing to do with the new QX/Armada....its just part of the article.

[Q8y_drifter]

I didn't read the article, I'm just saying those same pictures were used a year ago saying it's the new Nissan Patrol.

[Red_G35]

edit

[Red_G35]

ok maybe 1
<snip>

[N50]

Doesn't look too bad from this angle. Very Lexus / Land Rover-ish. Of course, I can't see the whole thing. I do understand you won't post any more pics. I'm sure this leak will not win you any friends over at Corporate. :P

[GT-R]

Originally Posted by Red_G35

i have photos of it, not supposed to share

What does the front look like? A description is fine.

The rear 3/4 view looks awesome!