What Happened to Infiniti G-Series?
The Infiniti G-Series was a line of compact executive cars produced by Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, across four generations from 1990 to 2016. Initially a front-wheel-drive entry-level luxury sedan (G20), it evolved into a highly acclaimed rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive sports luxury sedan, coupe, and convertible (G35 and G37) that became a benchmark for the brand. The G-Series nameplate was largely retired in 2013-2014, replaced by the Q50 (sedan) and Q60 (coupe/convertible) as part of a new naming strategy, though the G37 briefly continued as the Q40. As of 2026, there are strong indications and reports of a revival of the G35 moniker for a new sports sedan.
Quick Answer
The Infiniti G-Series, a popular line of luxury sports cars, was largely discontinued in 2013-2014 as Infiniti transitioned to a new 'Q' naming convention. The G37 sedan was replaced by the Infiniti Q50, while the G37 coupe and convertible were succeeded by the Infiniti Q60. The G37 sedan was briefly rebadged as the Q40 for the 2015 model year before its final discontinuation. However, as of 2026, there are reports and renders suggesting that Infiniti plans to revive the G35 nameplate for a new sports sedan, potentially featuring turbocharged V6 and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and even a manual transmission option.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
First Generation Infiniti G20 (P10) Introduced
Infiniti launched the G20, its first entry-level luxury car in the United States. It was a rebadged Nissan Primera, featuring front-wheel drive and a 2.0L SR20DE engine.
Second Generation Infiniti G20 (P11) Released
The G20 received a redesign for its second generation, offering more interior space and updated features. It continued as a front-wheel-drive model.
Third Generation Infiniti G35 (V35) Debuts
The G20 was discontinued and replaced by the G35, a significant shift to a rear-wheel-drive platform (shared with the Nissan 350Z) and a powerful 3.5L V6 engine. This model received widespread critical acclaim.
G35 Achieves Peak Sales
The Infiniti G35 significantly boosted Infiniti's sales, with 68,728 units sold in the U.S. in 2005, contributing to Infiniti's then-record annual sales.
Fourth Generation Infiniti G37 (V36) Introduced
The G35 was succeeded by the G37, featuring a larger 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 engine with increased horsepower. The G37 coupe debuted in 2007, followed by the sedan in 2008.
G37 Lineup Expands with Convertible and Sedan Renaming
The G37 lineup grew to include a retractable-hardtop convertible, and the G35 sedan was officially renamed G37, unifying the nameplate across all body styles.
Entry-Level G25 Sedan Introduced
Infiniti launched the G25 sedan, a lower-cost variant with a smaller 2.5L V6 engine, aimed at competing with entry-level luxury rivals. It was discontinued after the 2012 model year.
Infiniti Announces New Q/QX Naming Convention and Q50 Debut
Infiniti officially announced its new naming strategy, where all passenger cars would begin with 'Q' and SUVs with 'QX'. The 2014 Infiniti Q50, the replacement for the G37 sedan, debuted at the Detroit Auto Show.
G37 Production Ends
Production of the Infiniti G37 officially ended as the model lineup transitioned to the new Q50 (sedan) and Q60 (coupe/convertible).
Q50 and Q60 Officially Replace G-Series
The Infiniti Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe/convertible fully took over from the G37, carrying forward its luxury sport DNA under the new naming scheme.
G37 Briefly Revived as Q40
The G37 sedan was briefly revived and sold as the Infiniti Q40 for the 2015 model year, alongside the newer Q50, before its final discontinuation.
Final Discontinuation of Q40 (G37)
The Infiniti Q40, the rebadged G37 sedan, ceased production, marking the definitive end of the G-Series lineage under any nameplate for this generation.
Infiniti Exits UK Market, Q50 Sales End There
Infiniti as a brand pulled out of the UK market entirely in 2020 due to slow sales, leading to the discontinuation of Q50 sales in that region.
Reports Emerge of 2026 Infiniti G35 Revival
Reports and digital renders indicate that Infiniti is planning to revive the G35 moniker for a new sports sedan in 2026, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, a plug-in hybrid option, and a six-speed manual transmission.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Infiniti G-Series represents a pivotal chapter in Infiniti's history, evolving from an understated entry-level model to a formidable competitor in the luxury sports segment. The lineage began in 1990 with the G20, a front-wheel-drive sedan based on the Nissan Primera, marketed as an affordable luxury option. While reliable, it struggled to stand out against European rivals.
The true turning point arrived in 2002-2003 with the introduction of the third-generation G35. This model marked a radical shift, adopting a rear-wheel-drive (and optional all-wheel-drive) platform shared with the Nissan 350Z and powered by a potent VQ35DE V6 engine. The G35 quickly garnered critical acclaim for its performance, handling, and value, establishing Infiniti's reputation as a serious contender in the premium sports sedan market. It was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year and appeared on Car and Driver's "Ten Best" list.
In 2007-2008, the G35 was succeeded by the fourth-generation G37, which featured a larger 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 engine, boosting horsepower to around 330 hp. The G37 expanded the lineup to include sedan, coupe, and retractable-hardtop convertible body styles, further solidifying its appeal to performance enthusiasts. This era saw the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) variants, offering enhanced suspension and brakes.
The discontinuation of the G-Series nameplate began in 2013 when Infiniti announced a comprehensive rebranding strategy. All passenger cars would adopt a 'Q' prefix, and SUVs an 'QX' prefix, followed by a two-digit number indicating their position in the lineup. Consequently, the G37 sedan was replaced by the all-new Q50 for the 2014 model year, while the G37 coupe and convertible became the Q60. This move aimed to simplify the brand's nomenclature and signal a new direction in design and technology.
Despite the name change, the G37's legacy persisted. For the 2015 model year, the outgoing G37 sedan was briefly revived and sold alongside the Q50 as the Infiniti Q40, catering to buyers seeking a more affordable option or preferring the proven G-Series platform. This temporary rebadging allowed Infiniti to clear inventory and offer a value proposition before the Q40 was finally discontinued in 2016.
Current Status (as of 2026-09-01): While the original G-Series models are now exclusively found in the used car market, where they maintain a strong enthusiast following due to their performance and reliability, the Infiniti Q50 continues to be a core sedan offering, having received updates over the years. More significantly, there are strong reports and digital renders from early 2025 and 2026 indicating that Infiniti is planning a significant revival. The G35 moniker is reportedly making a grand return in 2026, with a new sports sedan featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 400 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid variant, and notably, an available six-speed manual transmission. This potential resurrection signals Infiniti's intent to reconnect with its performance heritage and cater to driving enthusiasts.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Infiniti G-Series made different choices?