Enthusiasts have long pleaded with Infiniti to bring back a true driver’s sedan reminiscent of the beloved G35. Their wish might finally be coming true, according to Tiago Castro, vice president of Infiniti Americas. The automaker is preparing to launch a new sport sedan in 2027.
Even better news: the upcoming model will feature rear-wheel drive and might even come with a manual transmission. Castro revealed the details at an Automotive Press Association event held at Nissan’s Technical Center near Detroit. He acknowledged that sedans don’t sell in high numbers—and manuals sell even fewer—but Infiniti intends to move forward regardless.
As Nissan’s luxury division looks to regain its footing, it has committed to releasing one new vehicle every year. The rollout begins in 2026 with the Infiniti QX65 SUV, closely based on the Monograph concept, and built at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant. This sleek two-row model, inspired by the FX crossover, is essentially a sportier version of the three-row QX60 and marks the first step in Infiniti’s product renaissance.
Infiniti Sport Sedan With a Manual?
Following the QX65’s debut, Infiniti will introduce its new sport sedan in 2027—a low-volume model designed to reignite the brand’s spirit and driving excitement. The goal is not mass production but inspiration: a sedan that connects drivers to Infiniti’s performance roots.
Castro declined to name the platform but hinted that sharing underpinnings with Nissan models makes economic sense. Given that, it may ride on the FM platform still used by the Nissan Z, whose seventh generation traces its lineage back to the discontinued Infiniti G37. While the new car aims to capture the essence of the G35, Castro confirmed the name won’t follow that old “G” pattern, keeping Infiniti’s current naming system intact.
Expect a rear-wheel-drive setup, plenty of horsepower, and the potential for both manual and automatic transmissions. This car isn’t just about acceleration numbers, Castro emphasized—it’s being crafted to deliver a balanced, rewarding drive that keeps enthusiasts smiling on every road.
Hybrid with Nissan’s E-Power Coming
In 2028, Infiniti will unveil a compact, two-row hybrid SUV powered by Nissan’s e-Power system, sharing its platform with the 2026 Nissan Rogue. Unlike typical hybrids, e-Power uses a gasoline engine solely as a generator to charge the battery, a system already popular in Europe and Japan. For North America, the setup will be refined to deliver stronger performance, better highway efficiency, and a quieter ride. The SUV will feature standard all-wheel drive and will also be produced in Smyrna.
This hybrid is expected to become Infiniti’s key volume model, helping the brand reach its goal of selling 100,000 vehicles by 2029—the company’s 40th anniversary. It represents a bridge between tradition and technology as Infiniti broadens its powertrain lineup.
More Infiniti QX80s Possible
Infiniti is also considering expanding its flagship QX80 lineup with performance and adventure-focused variants. During Monterey Car Week, the brand showcased two concepts: the street-oriented QX80 Track Spec and the rugged QX80 Terrain Spec overlander. In a dealer poll earlier this year, 78 percent favored the Track Spec, which packs more than 650 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Castro says he’s exploring both options, weighing business cases before greenlighting either—or perhaps both.
Meanwhile, plans for an all-electric model originally slated for production in Canton, Mississippi, are on hold as Infiniti reassesses EV demand. For at least the next three years, new models will continue to feature internal combustion engines, with hybrid and other alternatives to follow when the timing is right.
Infiniti Has a Future
Born in Brazil, Tiago Castro began his Nissan career in 2002 as an intern in Michigan. After just six months as head of Infiniti Americas, he’s already asking hard questions. Before taking the position, Castro directly asked Nissan’s top executives whether Infiniti still had a future—a fair concern given years of uncertainty. Their answer was clear: yes, and they’re committed to rebuilding it. He believes a stronger Infiniti means a stronger Nissan.
Now, Castro is assessing the brand’s position and crafting a comeback strategy. Infiniti plans to release one new vehicle per year, aiming for a tight but potent lineup of five or six models. That’s fine, he says, if each one hits the right market and stands out. What matters most is distinct design, impeccable quality, and exceptional service. The “secret sauce,” as he puts it, lies in combining the right products with an outstanding ownership experience.
“Infiniti doesn’t have to be a brand for everyone,” Castro explains. What it needs is loyal customers who truly connect with it. If that passion grows, so will sales. His personal mission is simple: when his tenure ends, he wants to leave Infiniti in a far better place than when he found it.
