NASHVILLE — Infiniti has killed its QX70 midsize crossover, effective immediately, as it prepares to shift more attention to other crossovers.
Dealers have been notified that the nameplate — formerly known as Infiniti FX — will not be offered in the 2018 model year, a spokesman confirmed.
Infiniti is banking on a newer product, a redesigned QX50 compact crossover, to play a dominant role over the next two to three years. According to sources outside the company, Infiniti wants to steer marketing and customer attention to the new QX50, which it believes has the potential to become the brand's top-seller.
But according to the sources, Infiniti is plotting a comeback for the V-6 powered five-seater with a distinctive rear-sloping back end. A replacement crossover will arrive in 2021 or 2022 based on the Nissan Murano, which is built in Canton, Miss.
The QX70 was a bold design statement when it first appeared as the FX in 2003, and after its design update in 2009. But it is now wedged between crossover and SUV offerings that are being updated with a new look.
The larger QX80 will receive a svelte new design in the next year or two. And the QX50 — which languished for years with low sales and a package too small for most shoppers — now has the company's full marketing attention. The redesigned QX50 will be on sale next year.
