Mitsubishi Readying Rebadged Infiniti M

Mitsubishi is looking to introduce a new flagship model and is currently in talks with Nissan to base new sedan on the current Infiniti M chassis, according to a recent Automotive News article. The carmaker hasn’t build something that could be called a luxury car since the Diamante was cut from production in 2005, so speculations have naturally suggested that this M-based model could be the new Diamante. Production of such models was put on hold by Mitsubishi during the its financial troubles a few years back.

Selling a rebadged version of the Infiniti M (or Nissan Fuga, as it's known in Japan) would ensure Mitsubishi reduced development costs, making it easier for the automaker to launch back into the luxury segment. The article even suggests that the model could go on sale in Japan as early as this year.

We expect the petrol-powered version of the car to be first to hit the market. Under its bonnet, customers will find the 5.6-liter V8, producing 420 hp, with the unit using a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid version, which was introduced at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show in November, could also sport some Mitsubishi badges.

The 2011 Infiniti M56 is offered with the Premium Package as standard, this includes the eight-inch VGA touch screen with navigation, Bose 10-speaker audio system, 9.3-gig Music Box hard drive, streaming Bluetooth audio, heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. The only question remaining is if Mitsubishi will bring the rebadged M to America.