Detroit show: Infiniti teases G sedan-replacing Q50

INFINITI has geared up for the reveal of its G sedan replacement – to be called the Q50 – at next week’s Detroit motor show by releasing a solitary teaser video and accompanying image.

The Q50 is set to be unveiled via webcast on January 15 and is scheduled to arrive in Australian Infiniti showrooms in late 2013, where it will join the current-shape G coupe and cabriolet, as well as the M sedan and FX SUV.

Official details are scarce, with the initial image showing little more than a sleek headlight design bordered by daytime running lights in the style of Audi and Hyundai.

Power for the BMW 3 Series-rivalling Q50 is expected to come from a range of new Mercedes-Benz-designed inline four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to be built by Infiniti’s parent company Nissan in the US, as well as the familiar Nissan petrol V6 that features in the Infiniti FX SUV and M sedan.

As reported, the G sedan-replacing Q50 will be the first Infiniti model to feature its new nomenclature, which will eventually see all passenger models begin with the prefix ‘Q’, and all SUVs to feature the prefix ‘QX’.

These letters will be followed by a number representing each model’s place in the company’s hierarchy, with the G coupe and cabriolet to be re-named Q60 when the new-generation models launch globally in around twelve months time, and the M sedan to eventually become the Q70.

The FX crossover, which is the only Infiniti SUV currently sold here from its Australian network of three East Coast dealers, will be re-named the QX70 when the next-generation launches in a few years’ time.

The Q50 will be unveiled following a special performance by Cirque du Soleil (which has a high-profile sponsorship deal with the Nissan-owned brand).

Following the reveal, Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen will outline his vision for the brand in future years and provide details of future technology and model lines. Infiniti will launch a compact premium hatch in 2014, and is expected to produce a new pure electric four-door by 2015.