Infiniti Trademarks G35h, G30t, and G22d; Hybrid Likely for 2014, Diesel and Turbo Models Possible

Some complain of the soullessness of alphanumeric car badges, but they do come in handy when forecasting future products. Infiniti has applied for trademarks on G35h, G30t, and G22d, giving us a glimpse of possible powertrain options for the G lineup. Here's what we know: G35h: Hybrid Likely On the Way Assuming a normal six-year product cycle, the G coupe and sedan should get a redo for 2014. (The current G37 sedan is shown above.) Based on the G35h trademark filing and a recent conversation we had with Ben Poore, Infiniti's U.S. boss, we believe the third-generation G will offer hybrid power. When asked about wider use of the M35h's gas-electric setup, Poore said one could "imagine what that powertrain would be like in a smaller car," adding that the electrically assisted 3.5-liter V-6 would make for a very quick G. Infiniti marketing for the M35h focuses on the car's quickness (we hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds) as well as its fuel efficiency, and both qualities should improve in a smaller, lighter vehicle. This approach would mirror that employed for the BMW ActiveHybrid 5 and upcoming ActiveHybrid 3, which share a powertrain. Details on the other two badges are a bit murkier, and it's important to point out that the act of filing for a trademark doesn't necessarily mean the automaker will use it. G30t: Turbo Four or Six? We read the G30t name as implying the adoption of a turbocharged engine, which would allow Infiniti to deliver satisfactory output while keeping EPA-rated efficiency in check. (Infiniti has in the past used the "t" suffix to denote a Touring trim, but its emergence here alongside a new number suggests to us a new engine.) Without knowing the engine's strength or cylinder count, however, it's tough to speculate on whether it would signify an entry-level model, a top-spec performance machine, or if it might be a powerplant that would perhaps supersede either or both of the G's two V-6 engines (the G25's 2.5-liter and the G37′s 3.7). G22d: G-iesel The G22d, on the other hand, is easier to parse. Infiniti's European diesel offerings all end in a little d, but currently don't include a diesel G sedan or coupe. It's highly possible that the G22d would be sold only in Europe like the oil-burning M, EX, and FX, but such a G could offer an easy path into the U.S. diesel market. We expect the engine to be a four-pot, given the G's size, and that the "22″ indicates a 2.2-liter displacement. And, Finally, the Engines We do have some insight into what might power these for-now-theoretical new models. As part of its deal with Mercedes, Infiniti plans to use four-cylinder powerplants from the German firm; we've previously reported that the plan was to share the M274 gas engine and the OM651 diesel. The M274 would seem like a good match for a G30t, while the OM651 is a 2.1-liter turbo-diesel four that could be installed in a G22d. (Mercedes rounds the diesel's 2143-cc displacement up to 2.2 liters when it describes the engine, so it would make some sense for Infiniti to do the same.) It's possible that Renault/Nissan engines could be used for either application, although it seems Infiniti is making a real effort to distance itself from the rest of the group in the powertrain department. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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