Infiniti G to get Mercedes engine

Infiniti’s volume line, the G series, will get a Mercedes-Benz engine as part the global alliance between Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan, the story AutoWeek blew wide open at the end of March. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., said the G will use a Mercedes inline four-cylinder from Daimler to improve fuel economy and cut emissions. He didn’t say when the engine would reach Infiniti production lines or indicate the extent to which it will replace Japanese-made four-cylinder and V6 engines used in the G sedan and coupe.

Toyota GT86 gets 325bhp from Gazoo Racing – again

Toyota’s renegade Gazoo Racing are teasing another Toyota GT86 with 325bhp – the GRMN FR Sports Concept Platinum – for the Tokyo Auto Salon. There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the Toyoya GT 86 (and the Subarua BRZ too) and the likelihood that it will get forced induction at some point to offer a chunk more power than its standard 197bhp. It’s always seemed likely that Toyota and Subaru would add a supercharger or turbo (or both) to their cars to give a properly powerful option.

Who's Where: Pierre Leclercq is Great Wall's VP and design director

Pierre Leclercq has been appointed vice president and head of design at Great Wall Motors. Splitting his time between the company's studio in Baoding, China, and a Shanghai-based satellite studio, he reports directly to chairman Wei Jianjun. In his role he‘s responsible for the design of the brand globally and leads a team of 130 designers in Baoding as well as 25 in the Shanghai studio.