Infinity
G37: The coupe is redesigned for the 2008 model year. The chassis is more rigid than the previous generation; G37 models share the automaker's FM rear-drive vehicle platform with the Nissan 350Z. The 2008 coupe has a 3.7-liter V-6 that squeezes out 330 hp, compared with the sedan's 305-hp powerplant.
EX35: The 2008 crossover draws on styling themes from the G35 sedan. The EX, scheduled to reach the market in December, is smaller than Infiniti's FX and will be priced lower. The EX is aiming for a slightly different demographic. The FX will become Infiniti's performance model, while the EX will stress a bit more luxury.
M: The 2008 M adds all-wheel drive and lane-departure technology. A redesign is slated for the 2010 model year.
Q: Infiniti quietly dropped its flagship sedan in 2006, but the sedan will return in a redesigned form for the 2009 or 2010 model year.
FX: Infiniti will unveil the next-generation crossover in March at the Geneva motor show. Sales of the redesigned model begin later in 2008. A 3.7-liter V-6 engine will be standard, up from today's 3.5-liter V-6.
QX: The 2008 Infiniti QX56 receives a freshening and upgraded interior. Infiniti's full-sized SUV will be redesigned for the 2010 model year.
Nissan
Versa: The Versa was introduced for the 2007 model year; no major changes are expected.
Sentra: The Sentra and Sentra SE-R were redesigned for the 2007 model year; no major changes are planned.
Cube: Nissan says it is taking its re-engineered and restyled boxy Scion xB-fighter global. Officially, it remains mum about whether the rollout includes the United States. But insiders say it is definitely coming early in 2009 as a 2010 model. Unlike the Scion brand, the subcompact Cube will not come as a series of models or be marketed under a separate brand. It will serve Nissan dealers as a Honda Element competitor, marketed to Gen Y buyers.
Altima: The redesigned model was introduced last year; a coupe and hybrid (available in eight states) join the 2008 model line. No major changes are planned in the near future.
Maxima: The Maxima will walk a fine line when it is redesigned for the 2009 model year. The high-volume Altima has grown into the sporty sedan segment that the Maxima traditionally served. Additionally, the Maxima has little room to move upmarket without interfering with Nissan's expanding Infiniti brand. Nissan planners already are alluding to a change in direction for the car. That will include larger exterior dimensions to make it a true competitor of the Toyota Avalon and also an accent on sporty styling and handling. A diesel is planned for the 2010 model year.
350Z: The sports car is available with the automaker's Nismo tuning treatment for the 2008 model year. The package includes an extended, more aerodynamic front fascia, a retuned sports suspension, performance tires and Brembo brakes. The Z's redesign is scheduled for the 2009 or 2010 model year. The redesign will address the current weight problem: It is heavier than other cars in its class. Although the next generation will share the sports car limelight with the bigger and more powerful GT-R, planners are more concerned about creating space between the Z and the new Infiniti G35 coupe, which shares its architecture.
GT-R: Nissan's performance nameplate will appear in U.S. showrooms for the first time next spring. The redesigned car is pitched as a Porsche-fighter. The awd, V-6-powered coupe is expected to be priced above $60,000. Expect about 450 hp.
Rogue: The 2008 Rogue is a new crossover about the size of the Sentra. Sales begin in September. The Japanese import will carry a 170-hp, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine; awd is available. The Rogue will come with Nissan's increasingly common continuously variable transmission.
Murano: The redesigned Murano arrives early in 2008 as a 2009 model.
Xterra: A redesign is scheduled for the 2009 or 2010 model year.
Pathfinder: A V-8 option is introduced on the 2008 Pathfinder - a 310-hp, 5.6-liter engine with 388 pounds-feet of torque. The SUV is scheduled for a redesign in 2010 as a 2011 model, but new CAFE regulations could jeopardize the vehicle.
Armada: Enhancements for the 2008 model year include 20-inch wheels, freshened front and rear fascias, a restyled instrument cluster and additional electronic features.
Frontier: A redesign is scheduled for the 2009 or 2010 model year.
Titan: Nissan launched the re-engineered large pickup this summer as a 2008 model, offering a long wheelbase version on both the King Cab and Crew Cab models. Brakes are improved, and payload capacity is increased. Nissan is considering a diesel engine; it could arrive as soon as the 2009 model year.
Quest: Look for the minivan to carve out a different product position when it is redesigned for the 2010 model year. It will become a mix of minivan functionality and SUV athletic styling. Nissan's disappointment with the aggressively styled van has been well noted. The minivan segment proved more conservative than Nissan anticipated, causing designers to retreat from their bold styling cues in a costly 2006 midcycle restyling. But male buyers were unmoved by the more traditional shape. Planners promise that the next Quest will reach out to males.
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-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
