Infiniti has announced that starting from the 2014 model year, a new nomenclature will be implemented on all its vehicles.
The new naming system will use a combination of a single letter prefix “Q” for all sedans, coupes, and convertibles, while the prefix “QX” will be used for all crossovers and SUVs.
A two-digit designation following the prefix will indicate the placement of each vehicle in the model range. The first vehicle to carry the new Q badge will be the Q50 sport sedan, which inherits the position of the G sedans and will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January.
In contrast to the new simplified naming system, the current system contains several model prefixes:
G - sport sedans, coupes, and convertibles
M - luxury sedans
EX - compact luxury crossover
JX - 7-passenger CUV
FX - performance CUV
QX - full-sized SUV
Under the new nomenclature, the G Sport Coupe and Convertible will become the Q60, while the M sedans will become the Q70 sedan. The EX, JX, FX, and QX will become the QX50, QX60, QX70, and QX80 respectively.
Car companies often make changes to the individual vehicle names (e.g. VW Rabbit vs. Golf) or the trim-level hierarchy, but a complete shift like this is very rare.
According to the official press release, the change “reflects Infiniti’s desire for clarity and cohesiveness as it embarks on ambitious growth plans, including significant expansion of the Infiniti portfolio.”
“The need for a new identity and direction to promote consumer familiarity with our model range as we expand the portfolio became evident,” Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., said in the release.
“To achieve this, we clearly needed a simple and consistent nomenclature framework. After exhaustive research and evaluation, we concluded that ‘Q’ captured the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models, as well as emphasizing our performance credentials while harking back to our heritage with the Q45—Infiniti’s first iconic flagship product in 1989.”
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