Rumor has it that Infiniti will unveil a new small premium car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, powered by Mercedes 1.8 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Designwise the car will be a three-door coupe hatchback like Mercedes CLC but its looks are inspired by the Essence concept.
So an Infiniti with a Mercedes engine, that sounds alright but there’s more brands involved! Apparently the underpinnings are based on a new Renault-Nissan small platform which will be used for the next generation Megane as well. Come to think of it, Infiniti will just put their badge on it… great work then!
Based on this cooperation, Mercedes will use Renault-Nissan’s electric systems and global infrastructure. That’s kinda odd because Mercedes already is working with Tesla and is fairly advanced in making electric cars. After all their SLS E-Cell is said to be the king of all EVs! Maybe they want Nissan’s technology for their smaller electric cars, in the same class as the LEAF. Then again they have the B Class Fuel Cell in this segment which is currently on a world tour.
Infiniti will also make a large luxury sedan based on Mercedes S Class platform in future.
