3 days ago
'Bold Gestures' Define Future Infiniti As Brand Works to Find Clarity
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The Infiniti brand is in the midst of a redo after setbacks involving delays bringing new product to market. Though new product has reached dealerships, with fresh takes on the Infiniti QX80 and QX60 SUVs sold nationwide, the automaker's sales are still down from 2024, nine percent calendar year-to-date from January to June.
Newsweek asked two of the company's top officials, Alfonso Albiasa, senior vice president for global design at Nissan Motor Corporation, and Tiago Castro, vice president of Infiniti Americas, what comes next.
The company's design evolution will continue. "Infiniti's design future is guided by Artistry in Motion, a philosophy we introduced with the QX80 Monograph—and continue to evolve with the QX65 Monograph," Albiasa told the publication.
Monograph is the term the company uses to differentiate prototype models from their production product successors. The company debuted its QX65 Monograph and QX80 Track Spec and QX80 Terrain Spec concept SUVs during Monterey Car Week, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Face of the Infiniti QX5 Monograph concept car.
Face of the Infiniti QX5 Monograph concept car.
Infiniti
With the QX65, Infiniti is taking its sales chances on a body style concept that has proved to be a winner for German luxury automakers, albeit a decade after those styles began showing up in drawings and showrooms.
"It's about creating emotional resonance through bold gestures and refined restraint. We're sculpting movement into still form—design that feels alive, even when parked," Albaisa said, noting that the QX65 Monograph captures this spirit through its fastback silhouette, simplified and flowing surfaces, an evolved double-arch grille, dual piano key lighting and an illuminated emblem.
"Every element is intentional — drawn not just for beauty, but for emotion. That's the essence of Infiniti design moving forward," he continued.
QX65 and other forthcoming Infiniti models will be part of the company's U.S.-led product strategy. "U.S. is the number one market for Infiniti with over 75 percent of our sales," Castro told Newsweek. "U.S.-led product strategy means we are identifying luxury demands in the U.S., and deploying the right product to attract clients to our brand, with the ability to scale confidently abroad."
He added: "This is not just about geography—it's about clarity. When we align design, product planning, engineering and client experience around the demands of the U.S. market, we create vehicles that resonate deeply with clients here and abroad."
Despite a lack of sales growth, Castro is firm that the new generation of the Infiniti brand is coming along the way it has been planned. "We're not slowing down. The all-new QX65 nameplate will continue this trajectory as we expand the product portfolio. Infiniti will launch one new product per year for the foreseeable future," he explained.
"Even in concept form, we're testing bold ideas—from the QX80 Track Spec to the QX80 Terrain Spec—to explore new expressions of Infiniti luxury that feel both differentiated and market-relevant. These concepts allow Infiniti to understand what resonates most with the luxury market, and then use our new, fast-to-market approach to elevate the brand."
How will Infiniti execute this in a newly complex retail environment where tariffs threaten to have a large impact on the premium and luxury auto market? By building in America. "QX65 is an all-new nameplate, which will be built in the U.S. and expands Infiniti's footprint in the largest and fastest-growing premium SUV segment," Castro said.
Infiniti QX65 Monograph SUV concept.
Infiniti QX65 Monograph SUV concept.
Infiniti
He continued: "This vehicle is a strategic step forward in elevating Infiniti's brand relevance and competitive position, delivering a unique luxury experience that meets growing consumer demand for style, innovation and presence."
Castro sees the U.S.-led business model as being key to helping Nissan stay afloat and giving the Infiniti brand legs globally. "Ultimately, this is about building with intention. When we win in the US—with product cadence, emotional connection and a more elevated client journey—we position Infiniti to thrive globally," he said.
