Infiniti planning more models, performance variants

Infiniti is planning a major product expansion over the next five years that will include the launch of several new performance variants, a new report finds.

With an eye toward capturing a bigger piece of the luxury car market, Infiniti will introduce five new models by 2019, giving the company 8 sedans/coupes and 5 utility vehicles. Infiniti currently sells just 8 model lines.

Infiniti’s new product offensive will begin next year with the market launches of the Q30 hatchback and QX30 compact crossover.

In addition to just new nameplates, Michael Bartsch, vice president of Infiniti Americas, revealed to Autoblog that the company is also developing a new high-performance sub-division that will presumably take on BMW’s M and Mercedes’ AMG. Moreover, Bartsch said the performance treatment would be given to “products across all model lines,” indicating high-performance Infinitis will be available at several different price points.

Infiniti has been using the IPL label for its performance cars for the last few years, but that could change with the launch of the Q50 Eau Rouge.

Look for Infiniti to break ground on its new initiative at this year’s Paris Motor Show.