Big show debut for Z-car twin

By Jack Carfrae

24th June 2008

Auto Express drives the GT-R for the first time in the UK this week – but it isn’t the only high-performance car to come from Nissan. Luxury arm Infiniti has hinted at its own new coupé.

The firm leaked the news last month, when it revealed a plastic-moulded silhouette of what appeared to be a sleek two-door during the Nissan 360 drive event in Portugal. Bosses are keeping quiet about the forthcoming baby, but have said a concept will debut at a top motor show next year.

We also know that the new coupé will share its platform with the soon-to-be-revealed Nissan 370Z Coupé – a car that will arrive in the US market by late 2010 and go on sale in Europe soon afterwards. The Infiniti will rival the likes of the BMW Z4 and Porsche Cayman.

Power comes from Nissan’s 2.5-litre V6, which drives the rear wheels, and the car will be a strict two-seater. Buyers are to be offered a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or Infiniti’s seven-ratio automatic gearbox. However, the newcomer isn’t likely to be as hardcore as its 370Z cousin. True to Infiniti’s brand image, engineers will concentrate on comfort rather than outright performance. Expect it to be decked out with leather and plenty of gadgets, and get soft suspension for a smooth ride.