Infiniti G Line To Receive Four-Cylinder Mercedes-Benz Engines

[HighestOfHigh]

Following yesterday’s announcement of a cooperation between automotive giants, Renault-Nissan and Daimler, we now have more meaty details regarding some of the specifics of the new deal. Infiniti’s most popular model line, the G range of sedans, coupes and convertibles, will eventually receive a four-cylinder engine supplied by Mercedes-Benz.

The information comes directly from Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn who said the move is part of the company’s strategy to improve fuel economy and curb emissions. The U.S. government recently confirmed that automakers will need to meet combined car and light-truck corporate average fuel economy levels of 34.1 mpg starting in 2016. No timing or specifics have been revealed but expect more details over the coming 12 months.

The most likely powerplant will be a Mercedes-Benz 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline turbo mill currently used in the C-Class range sold overseas. A version of this engine will likely be offered in U.S. delivered C-Class models eventually.

- Infiniti G Line To Receive Four-Cylinder Mercedes-Benz Engines - MotorAuthority

 

[Monster]

Didn't expect this at all.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Not sure what to say... error message flashing in my head.

 

[Merc1]

I don't see why they would want any 4-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz. Surely they can handle such an engine on their own. Don't see that advantage here and a 4-cylinder in a G isn't going to fly over here IMO.

M

 

[Beemer B773ER]

The U.S. government recently confirmed that automakers will need to meet combined car and light-truck corporate average fuel economy levels of 34.1 mpg starting in 2016

Well that makes sense I guess. Not sure why they couldn't use an engine from one of the smaller Nissan's..or even just one of Renault's..but, there must be a good reason for this. ...and when I think about 2 big corporations signing an agreement, and the agreement involves one supplying a critical component to the other (which has a competiting product, ie: Infiniti vs MB), then it seems like one or the other played a bit of hard-ball to eventually get ink on the paper. Sounds more like Renault-Nissan were asking MB 'what can you give us in this deal?' since it was MB who approached Ren-Nis' to help with smaller vehicles.

Maybe we'll be seeing an Infiniti model smaller than the G..similar to BMW with the 1er, Audi with the A3, and maybe Lexus with their hatch (or is that not coming to the US?).

 

[Giannis]

I don't see why they would want any 4-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz. Surely they can handle such an engine on their own. Don't see that advantage here and a 4-cylinder in a G isn't going to fly over here IMO.

M

But a 4 cylinder G, like a 4 cylinder MB C or E Class would sell like hot cakes in Europe!

 

[Merc1]

Yep thats true.

M