Infiniti is considering a sporty four-door coupe flagship in the mold of the Porsche Panamera, says Andy Palmer, Nissan's executive vice president responsible for global future products.
The car's sweeping fastback roofline could take its styling inspiration from the Infiniti Essence concept penned by Nissan design chief Shiro Nakamura and first shown at the 2009 Geneva auto show.
The car, which is not expected before 2017, is part of Infiniti's ambitious plan to become a major global luxury brand by 2020.
Avoiding head-on conflict with the established European players in the luxury market, Infiniti's plan is built around a mix of sporty-focused sedan, coupe and crossover models, each powered by hybrid powertrains.
"We won't do a Merc S class or that type of car," said Palmer. "We have had that before. We want a flagship car that's appealing and different."
Sources say Nakamura's team is working on the dimensions and details of the Essence concept, stretching its proportions and roofline to accommodate a roomier rear cabin and an extra pair of doors.
