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NAPA VALLEY, CA – For many years, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s Infiniti luxury division has taken a one-dimensional approach to the Lower Luxury Car segment, as defined by Ward’s.
From Acura to Volvo, most upscale brands have played both ends of the segment, making available fuel-efficient engines – some with four cylinders – as well as high-output 6-cyl. powerplants for those customers wanting more.
Infiniti has been the exception, positioning its stylish G at the upper end of the performance range.
In 2004, for instance, Infiniti was one of only two luxury brands (Acura was the other) with premium V-6s knocking on the door of 300 hp. At the time, Nissan’s 3.5L VQ V-6 produced 298 hp and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque and was the envy of the powertrain world, on its way to a 14-year run on Ward’s 10 Best Engines list.
What followed was a generation of smooth and powerful direct-injection 6-cyl. gasoline engines from various luxury auto makers eager to match – and in some cases surpass – the VQ’s capabilities.
But federal mandates to improve fuel economy loom large, so Infiniti has unveiled a new addition that should boost the brand’s average mpg, as well as its bottom line.
The G25 sedan, now on sale, joins the G37 sedan, coupe and convertible in the lineup.
While the latest 3.7L VQ in the G37 produces 328 hp and 269 lb.-ft. (365 Nm) of torque, the G25 makes do nicely with a smaller 2.5L version of the VQ (code name VQ25VHR) that generates 218 hp and 187 lb.-ft. (254 Nm) of torque.
