From the NY Times:
Future Infiniti G Could Get Mercedes-Benz 4-Cylinder By PAUL STENQUIST
The Infiniti G comes with a 3.7-liter V-6, but automakers are turning more toward smaller fuel-efficient engines for even their luxury cars. Nissan’s Infiniti G will someday be available with a Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder engine, said Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Renault and Nissan, in a conference call with reporters this week. Mr. Ghosn’s informal announcement came after a Wednesday press conference in which Daimler and Nissan announced a strategic partnership. The use of modest displacement, fuel-efficient engines in luxury and near-luxury automobiles has been common in Europe for many years, but until now United States car buyers have mostly not been offered that choice, nor have they clamored for it. But with a flood of electric and fuel-stingy cars pouring into every level of the automotive market, it appears that efficiency will no longer be the sole province of small, inexpensive cars. Mr. Ghosn didn’t reveal any details on the specific Mercedes engine that might be used in the Infiniti G or when this might happen. Any 4-cylinder would almost certainly be the entry-level engine for Infiniti G, because all versions of that car are sold in the United States with a Nissan-produced 3.7-liter V-6. One potential candidate from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio of 4-cylinder engines might be the 1.8-liter, 204-horsepower gas engine that’s available in some European Mercedes-Benz C-Class automobiles. A more interesting choice might be the 2.1-liter 4-cylinder diesel available in European E-Class models. With direct injection and a two-stage turbocharger, the diesel produces 204 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, as marketed in Britain. It is not known whether that engine could meet United States emission standards. The use of either engine, or another Mercedes-Benz 4-cylinder, in the Infiniti G could help Nissan achieve the more stringent C.A.F.E. requirements that are scheduled to go into effect in 2016. And if the price at the pump is sufficiently steep, a less-thirsty Infiniti could prove popular with United States motorists.

Infiniti will lose if they do this IMO. It will be a sad day.

 

i heard about this when it was a concept car. they are going to make a 2.0 SC G

 

Vq25hr!!

 

4-cylinder G for gas purposes

 

From a performance standpoint, a turbocharged 4-cyl engine may not be that bad. In fact, low-end torque curve may even be better than the 3.7L V6. Of course then G is becoming more like Mitsu Evo or Subaru WRX.

 

Most BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class sold are lower models with smaller V6s (like the 2.5L V6 that's going into the G next year) or I4s (sold outside the US). So it makes sense that Infiniti would look for ways to reduce the cost of the car while still keeping it the same on the outside.

 

What's the big deal? If you don't want a 4 cyl engine, they aren't going to force you to buy one.

 

Don't think it's a bad idea as long as they also keep the V6 as an option. Also if they want to sell cars in Europe not only to they need a 4 cyl version the need a diesel.

A hybrid version of the Altima engine would not be bad idea either as long as they don't kill the V6. Or if they do kill the V6 replace it with a more efficient more powerful 4 cyl turbo.

With new higher MPG standards coming up in the near future get your high power V8 and V6 now before they become extinct.

 

I dont blame them. They are trying to target a whole new market of consumer. Good for them. You will buy the car with the engine you want. Not a big deal.

 

I disagree, at least in the short term. Automakers are responding to higher gas prices and demand for better mileage through technology -- direct injection, cyl deactivation, etc. Just look at how far car engines have come in the past 20 years (e.g. Mustang GT in the 80s/90s v. upcoming economy and power of new 5.0).

I think manufacturers have a habit of "playing down" to the government's level. They can and will implement technologies to keep horsepower and efficiency high, and consumer demand and government action are usually the conduits to make it happen.

There is an increasing push by consumers for 4-cyl cars, so turbos are back in action in a big way. Don't be surprised to see Infiniti get into the game with everyone else.

 

I bought my Gs for performance and IMO they are the best bang for the buck. If I wanted a 4 cyl. I might have just bought a C class. I understand the C.A.F.E. law and the need for Nissan to make this move as long as the 6 cyl is an option. But the 6 cyl "option" will probably add $$ to the price. Marketing...

 

It's not so much about gas prices as it is people what luxury cars withou paying luxury prices. That's why 328i and 535i BMWs are so much more popular than 335i and 550i BMWs. Infiniti wants to make it easier for people to buy the car who only car about image.

 

I think it's the new EPA MPG ratings that every manufacturer will need to adhere too. Look at what the exotic makes are coming out with, "Little Cars" so they can get their mpg ratings up and still sell the million dollar exotic. It's all about MPG my friends.

 

Doesn't China have the G25? I thought that was a 4cyl... ?

 

So if all things were equal what would you go for?
The BMW 3 or 5 series vs the G? series?