Infiniti Will Abandon the V8 Engine
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:23 am
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Infiniti confirmed it will stop production of the V8 engine due to stricter CO2 restrictions and fuel economy.
“I don’t think any car that is on Infiniti drawing boards from here onwards we should expect a V-8 to be included in that plan,” said Infiniti global president Johan de Nysschen.
He also said that the engine has a longer life cycle than that of a car, as the new powetrain can be offered for around 15 years. Currently the V8 engine can be seen at the QX SUV, FX and M sedan models, but in the future the automaker will rely on hybrid powerplants and turbocharged V6s. The future 4 or 6-cylinder engines that will replace the V8 will be able to offer similar performance but with an improved fuel efficiency.
Other automakers have already adopted the smaller engine trend, with Lexus introducing its new GS mid-size luxury sedan in the States without a V8 option. Audi, Mercedes and BMW are also working to replace the V8 with turbocharged V6. But this change can’t be made over night if we are to take into consideration that V8 engine in Infiniti’s QX56, M56 and FX50 are recent designs.
“The V8will remain as part of our line for several years to come. We expect that these (new technologies) will supersede our V-8 engines some time in the future,” said Infiniti’s Kyle Bazemore.
source:InAutonews
