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INFINITI Wants Blood – The Plan to Beat BMW, Mercedes and Lexus Performance Divisions

Agent00J submitted on 06/07/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:31 AM
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INFINITI Wants Blood – The Plan to Beat BMW, Mercedes and Lexus Performance Divisions

Product planners at Infiniti are aware of the voids that exist in their current lineup. The G35/G37 does double duty against both the BMW 3 and 5 Series, and the M35/M45 serves as the current large car competing with the BMW 5 Series as well as the Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS and Jaguar XF. The FX35 & FX50, EX35 and QX56 do a good of competing with the sport utility offerings of BMW, Lexus and Mercedes, however there is still a void in the lineup planners are getting closer to fill as new engines and platforms are coming to market.

The void we are talking about, a competitor to the M cars from BMW, the AMG cars from Mercedes-Benz and the new kid on the block, the F car from Lexus.

AutoSpies.com has not missed this void either, and bring you 2 concepts that will bring to market a viable player in the factory tuned specialty market. A profitable segment that Infiniti wants to be a part of.

Currently within the Nissan/Infiniti lineup two platforms exist which would help defray a large portion of the development cost, and allow Infiniti the opportunity to field cars capable of running with cars bearing the letters M, AMG and f.

G50s
The Infiniti G50s sports sedan and coupe is a flared fender monster motor variation of the current G37 sedan and coupe. In the G50s setup, the new 5.0 liter 390hp V8 from the just introduced FX50 is shoehorned into the engine bay of the G body giving us a 400hp+ car that based would run 0-60 in less than 5 seconds, and that could blast through the ¼-mile under 13 seconds nipping at the heals of the M3, C63 and the IS-f.

For those of you who doubt the viability or feasibility of such an animal, consider this, the FX50 is based on the FM (front midship) platform, the same platform as the current G37. Only minor modification is necessary to allow the G to accept the V8 of the FX, and with enhanced breathing and exhaust, the 5.0 V8 can easily be massaged to over 400hp.

The beauty of such a proposal from Infiniti is given the size of the G37 sedan, this car could serve dual roles competing not only with the smaller M3, but with the M5 as well given the fact that in terms of size, the G is closer to the BMW 5 Series than it is the 3 series.

And as if that isn’t enough, consider the second proposal…

Q-GT
The much talked about 4-door version of Nissan’s GT-R. Imagine a car that drives off the showroom floor capable of beating ALL offerings from BMW, Mercedes and Lexus in terms of acceleration and performance. This factory 4-door will be capable of running with names like Ferrari and Lamborghini; of course you couldn’t bring 3 friends along for the ride in either the Ferrari or Lamborghini like you could with the Q-GT from Infiniti.

And Infiniti knows they wouldn’t have a tough time at all selling either vehicle, and the exciting thing is the vast majority of engineering work has already been completed making time to market relatively short.

The biggest hurdle now is deciding which concept would best make its mark in the marketplace. The advantage to the G50s concept is cost. The components and driveline system for the Q-GT is extremely expensive. Fitting the G with the 5.0 V8 would be the more economical route, and would bring to market a vehicle similar in size to the M5 and E63 that is priced comparably to the M3, C63 and the IS-f.

Secondly, but just as important is the establishment of the performance orientated division. Lexus took the plunge last year by introducing their “f” division, Infiniti needs to establish their skunk works division and start developing a brand name that people lust after. Nissan currently has the Nismo division, but drawing from that heritage has the potential to create a down market persona for a brand that Infiniti wants to be thought of as world class. This is an area that is open for discussion, Infiniti does not have a huge heritage to fall back on, and as such suggestions are accepted as to what to call their performance division.

Infiniti has all the makings of becoming a true player across a full spectrum of vehicle offerings, will it pull the trigger and bring to market one of these two sports sedans, and if so which one should it be. Does the economical engineering cost of the G50s win out over the more expensive Q-GT, or should the Q-GT be the halo car for Infiniti like the GT-R is for Nissan?

Or should they both be brought to market?

We PROPOSE, you DECIDE.

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INFINITI Wants Blood – The Plan to Beat BMW, Mercedes and Lexus Performance Divisions

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DaHarder - 6/7/2008 12:54:37 AM

+11 Boost

Infiniti Is Well On There Way To Matching BMW Driving Dynamics, and Has Far Surpassed Them In Overall Value/Luxury/Performance For The Dollar...

Their Current Lineup Easily Represents Some Of The Finest Performance/Luxury Values Currently Available - And This Will Only Get Better In The Future

reply to this comment

kthor - 6/7/2008 4:02:53 AM

-2 Boost

I like how you give your personal opinion without any facts and offer up what the future holds without a crystal ball. Very compelling indeed. The value comment cracks me up...the hundreds of thousands of BMW buyers understand the value of the dollar, too. BMW COSTS more because you GET more. If you haven't had the chance to live with a BMW then I can't blame you for not knowing what you are missing.

blueshirts0819 - 6/7/2008 8:53:12 AM

+3 Boost

"kthor", when I was shopping for a new sports sedan I was looking at a G35x Infiniti and BMW 335x. I don't see any of your logic of "BMW COSTS more because you GET more", all I see is you pay more because of the badge or LOOK "I have a BMW".

yes, the handling and performance is better on the BMW but only marginal between the two but not worth 10k more.

Oh yeah, by the way, I used to have a 325ci, that POS broke down three times and only the third time they admit there is a ignition coil problem so I don't see any value there at all.

Whatthe - 6/7/2008 10:07:22 AM

-1 Boost

WoW! There are some optimistic people fantasizing about Infiniti. 1) the G is not doing double duty. Only a nut would consider it a competitor to the 5. 2)4 dr GT-R? Again, fantasy.
They need a solid 5 type car and then a halo car. The M35-45 loses on style and refinement. Infiniti needs to concentrate on Lexus, not BMW. No one will do BMW as well as BMW.
By the by, why doesn't everyone concentrate on driving instead of gadgets. "my navi, bluetooth, dvd audio, mp3, ipod, voice activated, solar sensing, lane avoiding, park-tronic, horn honking..." WTF.
Lets drive!

bigTYME - 6/7/2008 4:06:41 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Hey buddy, in my book Infiniti has passed Lexus and is inching closer to BMW.

ghosthunter - 6/7/2008 8:08:01 PM

+1 Boost

excuse me, Mr kthorkthor, exactly what "More" do you get when you buying a BMW (sorry, i mean leasing).
There are vehicles that in BMW lineup doesn't exist in infiniti's lineup. however, for 3 series and G, or X5 and FX, i really failed to see the "more" factor, other than a brand imagine (which could be everything or nothing depending on the buyer, but i guess it would be a great insult to compare you, who is suppose to be a true auto enthusiast, to the hundreds of thousands of high school/college teenagers who are leasing BMW for the brand image and nothing else)

DoctorInfiniti - 6/8/2008 12:17:00 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

all this 'chatter' speaks volumes about how little the general masses know about that which is "Infiniti."

Infiniti leaders still stiffen at the sound of ill spent finances, from echoes of the past. Their path is not a hurried one...but moreso, the correct one.
Product line confirmations already confirm 4 more models to be introduced before 2010 !! Don't forget the convertible G-37 is coming March 2009,...not to mention the hardtop coupe sporting AWD 'X' moniker, very soon !!
The QX56 AWD is being downsized in Japan as we speak, and will set the remaining survivors & players in the 8 passenger market on their heads with the new 2010 QX as THE most luxurious,advanced,sporty 'clean diesel' hybrid ever concocted.
The Q-GT will come,....but as,....are you ready?

A 2012 hydrogen fuelcell/full electric Hybrid,...along with hybrids at every model offering ( for a price !!)

Yes,....say what you will about Infiniti as a competitor to this firm and then that one,....but ask Infiniti who they think they are, and you will hear:
We sell the nicest,sportiest, least expensive luxury car in every category we compete in,....nuff said.

Lexus is fat and bloated,....M.Benz is suffering from narcissitic personality disorder, BMW thinks they want to be like Damieler's,... And everyone else are just also rans.

Volume isn't the only way to turn a healthy profit. These boys and girls at Infiniti aren't the same class that nearly went down the 'turlet' 10 years ago,...
This organization flows with power,...and this power comes from knowledge. This knowledge is what people want in a tier one class automobile, yet it is reasonable,practical, less oustentatious, but highly refined.
This group can go a different way than car companies before them.
WATCH AND LEARN

Bonzai !!

answer - 6/9/2008 2:39:45 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Kthor always has to make an appearance whenever BMW is knocked or something else is seen as a legit competitor to the Bavarian brand.

gooch - 6/9/2008 3:40:33 PM

0 Boost

DoctorInfiniti, your post would be okay minus the spelling errors. And that's being charitable. Banzai!

Peyton18 - 6/7/2008 12:56:45 AM

+1 Boost

and quite the turn around from 7 or 10 years ago I might say...

reply to this comment

pchera01 - 6/7/2008 12:59:49 AM

-1 Boost

i know it iscomming, they will take time and will do it good too

reply to this comment

BostonBiosafety - 6/7/2008 5:21:16 AM

-8 Boost

How much time do they need, Infinity has been around for a long time and if you count Datsun and Nissan in the mix...they do not have an excuse. Don't fool yourself, Infinity does not match BMW in quality.

Agent001 - 6/7/2008 1:01:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+14 Boost

Why waste their time on a next gen Q45 when they could build THEIR version of the Aston Rapide/Porsche Panamera/BMW CS and do what they do best?

Undercutting the key competitors with a car that's 95% of theirs for a lot less.

This would be the perfect scenario...AND give them more exclusivity and cachet for their other cars

001

reply to this comment

dlin - 6/7/2008 2:41:14 AM

+3 Boost

Agreed.

Although I do consider an "N"(Nurburgring, Nismo, anyone?) division a priority, which should also be more cost effective.

abcd - 6/7/2008 3:06:21 AM

-2 Boost

no . they shouldn`t build their version of another existing car . we have enough coupe sedans , suvs , savs etc. i also think they don`t need nex generation Q45 , FX50 may be their "flagship" . why every premium brand must have the same lineup ? this is stupid . they should have their own lineup - though partially .

LUXCAR32 - 6/7/2008 1:10:17 AM

+8 Boost

Q-GT running with Ferrari's and Lamborghini's? I think thats a little extreme and would kind of be like the VW Phaeton in that it is a brand known for a certain product, they can't just jump into a completely different stratosphere! Honestly, who would choose an infiniti over a ferrari? just like who would chose a phaeton over an A8, S-class, 7 series, or LS. Now a competitor for that segment is what infiniti should really be looking at if they want a flagship. Babysteps infiniti, babysteps.

reply to this comment

BJS470 - 6/7/2008 1:14:28 AM

+2 Boost

Sounds Sick...Hope to see something in the higher end performance range in the future from infiniti. Anything they come up with should be a success.

reply to this comment

Maverick2020 - 6/7/2008 1:18:36 AM

+7 Boost

A G50 would be pretty appealing. It's already a terrific vehicle.

reply to this comment

LexusKindaGuy12 - 6/7/2008 1:26:22 AM

+3 Boost

i think they desperately need an S class, 7 series, LS competitor before they waste their resources on this small niche of vehicles

reply to this comment

_43LE - 6/7/2008 1:30:27 AM

+6 Boost

I agree. Infiniti is an up and coming great luxury car maker. They have the attitude and desire. Back in the mid-ninties I'm sure almost everyone thought that they were dead. A real competitor to the LS/S/7/A8 would be more welcomed.

EL34 - 6/7/2008 1:40:37 AM

Show Comment -16 Boost

_43LE - 6/7/2008 1:47:59 AM

+12 Boost

Yes, I could see that, if I were on acid.

blueshirts0819 - 6/7/2008 8:56:19 AM

+12 Boost

EL34, maybe you should call youself Q-tip since that is the size of your brain.

Htay7500 - 6/7/2008 3:44:58 PM

+1 Boost

"All thier cars look like one :-/"

I don't know, BMWs 5 and 7 series would be best described as one. and I don't see how that looks better than what infiniti has.

stomp17 - 6/7/2008 1:45:14 AM

+4 Boost

I like Infiniti and their G35 Sedan has grown on me in the last couple years. Yet, they are too similar to Acura in the fact that they truly dont have a car that can compete with the likes of the LS460, 750Li, S550 or A8. At best, at best - a G50 from Infiniti could compete with the C63, M3, and IS-F. Infiniti has done a relatively good job of not making EVERY single niche car that it can but if it truly wants to compete against Lexus and the Germans - it will have to pour loads of money into a true flagship sedan.

reply to this comment

NISSANINFINITI - 6/8/2008 6:12:55 AM

+1 Boost

How dare you compare Acura to anything but Honda...the are on a boat headed downstream! You need to wash your mouth out with soap until they get their act together again!

EvoAudi - 6/7/2008 2:29:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Start with a flagship then go from there, Infiniti needs a "focal point" to center its brand around. MB's is the S, BMW has the 7, etc. Currently their main car is the G35/7. without a flagship they are just another Acura, a brand that isn't luxury, but isn't econobox stuff either, just sitting there in limbo unsure of what it wants to be.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2008 11:41:59 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

BMW's "focal point" is most definitely the 3 Series, not the 7 Series.

zyrl - 6/7/2008 3:05:20 AM

-3 Boost

if their v8 would take oj i want one.

reply to this comment

Chip - 6/7/2008 5:15:07 AM

+5 Boost

G50s sounds appealing, but I agree that they desperately need a flagship.

Let us not forget how cool the reborn Q45 was when it entered the market in 2002. Remember the unique headlights and beautiful interior (with the bird on the dash in the advertisements) Too bad that car drove like a yacht and had terrible handling and resale value. And it's styling was a little too grandpa for most enthusiast's tastes.

Well things have changed at Infiniti, and if they can come up with great products like the G, M and FX (The EX is a misfire IMO) then there is simply no excuse that they don't have a big bodied flagship sedan. With the advancements they've made in quality and performance, a new Q should be a million times better than the last model. It's as if they're not confident because they've failed in the past.

If we are to consider them a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus competitor, then they have to offer a status car that shapes the rest of the brand. Period.

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 6/7/2008 10:06:32 AM

+1 Boost

competing at the lower end where customers are alot more open to new products especially Japanese car buyers isnt the same as competing in a Prestige driven segment where Lexus and Europeans rule. Infiniti doesnt have the prestige yet to challenge an S class, 7 series, XJ, or LS which is why they are using the value card, when Infiniti can further distanced itself from Nissan and can create cars that dont have to be alot cheaper than the competition for them to sell than I would suggest a flagship sedan otherwise maybe a variant of the GTR

BostonBiosafety - 6/7/2008 5:42:19 AM

+4 Boost

99% of the people that I know who can afford to buy what they want will choose BMW, Mercedes..etc. over any luxury clone Asian vehichles. These cars are not even on their radar. It just doesn't matter if a LuxClone has better track time and 1/4 mile times.

reply to this comment

flozel1 - 6/7/2008 12:21:40 PM

-14 Boost

Well maybe 99% of the people you know are poor. The real rich people consider Lexus the 2nd most prestigous brand after Porsche.

flozel1 - 6/7/2008 9:44:57 PM

-8 Boost

...and that's a fact.

JUGNU - 6/7/2008 6:10:54 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I think G50 is the safe and quick route. As we can see they have the car(G), platform(FM) and Engine(5.0 V8) ready, even the all new 7 spped gearbox. Just small modifications are required i think and u have M3 and IS-F competitor.

Good luck Ininfiti and bring it soon. BTW i think instaead of naming it Q50 some different division(Badge) would be better. Like BMW M or Lexus F.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

Agent00J - 6/7/2008 8:32:25 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

But what would that badge be?

NItePhire - 6/7/2008 5:50:24 PM

+1 Boost

BlackFin if Cadillac aint using it anymore...

MunichRob - 6/7/2008 9:00:06 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It's amazing how much of a threat Infiniti has become to BMW on the performance side of things over just a few years. Aside from Porsche, I feel that Audi & Infiniti are the only companies than can out-do BMW at what they do best in this category.

reply to this comment

BMW4me4ever - 6/7/2008 11:12:16 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

what cars does either company have in their stables that out do BMW in performance? Acceleration, handling, braking .... please enlighten me.

G35 is nowhere near the 335. Heck in regards to driving and response thru steering and body roll it doesnt even do well in regards to the 328.

G37 vs 335coupe or 135 coupe is not close in performance, braking a=or handling.

The closest one they have is the M45 which is almost up to par with the 2008 550.

Other than that, Infiniti has a long way to go to get close to a BMW in regards to performance.

S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2008 11:25:30 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

He said that Audi and Infiniti are the only companies that CAN. Read! He didn't say they already had!

NISSANINFINITI - 6/8/2008 6:18:05 AM

+2 Boost

AMEN SAY IT AGAIN!!!!!

PerformanceGuy - 6/7/2008 9:29:17 AM

+5 Boost

Infiniti is really stepping up to the plate. They make some amazing looking and performing vehicles.

reply to this comment

VISO - 6/12/2008 8:59:35 PM

+1 Boost

An R8 beats anything BMW has to offer, the new RS6 runs over anything the M5 or M6 can muster, the current RS4 holds its own quite well against BMW. Your quite ignorant, arrogant or plain stupid or all three bmwdr to think overwise.

bmwdrvr - 6/7/2008 10:03:36 AM

0 Boost

why is Nissan simply focusing on performance in the LUXURY category this has been my problem with them for awhile not that they make bad cars but saying a car is better than a luxury performance sedan because it offers alot of the performance is backwards when they can improve refinement, and overall quality in comparison to Lexus, BMW, and others than they will be part of the class. Otherwise anyone can stretch a sports car into several platforms and make sport sedans, and sport crossovers it doesnt make them Premium cars but what they are sports sedans, and crossovers

reply to this comment

cyco - 6/7/2008 11:04:01 AM

+1 Boost

I have to disagree with this.. Comparing the new G35 sedan to my 06, I think they significantly improved quality (materials, fit & finish, design, etc). The interior alone on the new one simply blows the previous one out of the water.

As for Nissan, another good comparison is the new Murano vs the old one. Night and day difference in quality and attention to detail. The improvements are actually quite glaring.

As for Infiniti comparing to Lexus and the Germans in performance, look at all the press the group (ISF, C63 AMG, M3, S/RS4) of cars is getting. If sales are strong in this particular market, then it would make sense for Infiniti to try to get a seat at the table. These cars may not individually result in much profit for their respective brands, but they do bring cachet or pedigree to them.

For me, I think stepping up to a G50 would be fantastic. But I just filled up my tank this morning and it cost $66.

I won't be trading up to an uber sedan any time soon, that's for sure...

VISO - 6/12/2008 9:01:13 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry bmwdr, I ment bmw4me4ever guy.

BMW4me4ever - 6/7/2008 10:52:56 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

lmao ... infiniti doing what? They are not even close , but whatever they are smoking I want some. Michael taylor i think has been selling his Lexus cool-ade to the folks at Infiniti.

reply to this comment

tkindred - 6/7/2008 11:14:07 AM

+5 Boost

What is the obsession about German cars? To me there is not much difference between the mid range luxury cars. What makes a German car so much better? I mean, really? The materials used in the engine block, heads, crank, etc.? The materials in the suspension, driveline? The craftmanship? Are they handmade or something? Or does it just come down to the interior quality? Which to me, there is not much of a difference there either. I think many BMW lovers are in love with the brand. They are great cars but are they that much better than say an Infiniti or Lexus? And those who say people that buy a BMW are those who are concerned with the price then why don't they step up to the true luxury cars in the next price segment? Because they are concerned with price.

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 6/7/2008 11:26:54 AM

0 Boost

its interior quality, and the combination of Luxury vs Performance not just performance or a poor compromise of both in the name of Value....Lexus doesnt really have this problem they are for the most part very close in price to the German Rivals, and dont play some "hey I'm cheaper" card to compete while I'm no Lexus fan I think they are the best representation of a Japanese Luxury brand because there is enough distance quality wise between their Lexus and Toyota offerings to warrant a price difference not really in the Acura and Infiniti variants which are still playing that "hey I'm cheaper card"

BMW4me4ever - 6/7/2008 11:31:49 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

everything about the BMW is better in regards to performance vs the Lexus or Infiniti. Balance, which is very expensive to get a car to near 50/50 weight balance. Everyone knows that the best handling cars in the world are cars that have a near perfect weight balance. Which way the weight of a car favors can affect body roll, body flexing, understeer, oversteer, acceleration and braking. BMW, Porsche spend lots of money trying to perfect the perfect performance cars. That is why they set the standards for which everyone wants to compete with. When is the last time you saw a magazine article that wasnt aimed squarely at BMW in regards to performance sedan or coupe tests by another manufacturer.

BMW's suspension is among the best when it comes to how it transfers energy and communicates thru steering. Suspension is very important in performance. Here is what you need to do: Drive a 335 sedan vs a G35 sedan over the same course. The route should vary in speed and include some higher speed handling and braking. You will notice how drastically the balance and suspensions of the two cars vary. then include and feel the difference and response of the engines when entering and leaving turns. It is drastic.

2JayZee - 6/7/2008 12:56:51 PM

-5 Boost

Yeah, but this class of car is not only about sport. Get off your own kool-aid

Heyhuub - 6/7/2008 1:12:58 PM

-3 Boost

A Lotus Exige has a 34/66 weight balance, a Porsche GT3 has a 36/64 weight balance.
These cars handle better then any BMW in production.

dhawk04 - 6/9/2008 10:52:05 AM

+3 Boost

I have read all of these posts and it makes me laugh to read some of the opinions. So I must induce you ladies & gents with the facts:
1) An Infiniti cost less to own than a BMW long term. After 50k on the odometer hold on to your wallet. Y do you think that free maint. Runs out at 50k cause it would cost BMW a truck load of money.
2) An Infiniti is more reliable. That is a fact there is no evidence to refute this. And don’t come with the “ I never had any problems with my BMW” dam it that is just YOU. Cause mine is 02’ 540i Sport name the Ultimate Mechanic Machine!
3) Infiniti G35/G37 is the closes competitor to the 3 series period. I just drove a 328i and it all that refined.

And lastly for the record The G,M,FX have come so close and have even beaten BMW at there on game. These vehicles cost lest to purchase and own over from 0-100k miles. They are more reliable as well. These are facts, not opinions! In closing I do agree that a BMW does handle slightly better and in the case of the 335 has more power than the G35, but the average drive is not going to push his/her car to the handling limits. The people I see driving both drive pretty conservative. So why not get the most bang for your buck and purchase some good ole Japanese reliability from Infiniti?

tkindred - 6/7/2008 11:15:58 AM

0 Boost

I meant to say "And those who say people that buy a BMW are NOT those who are concerned with the price then why don't they step up to the true luxury cars in the next price segment? Because they are concerned with price." Don't kid yourself, money matters in everything for 99% of the buying public.

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 6/7/2008 6:35:49 PM

+1 Boost

or they didnt want a bigger car, it was a better fit for there driving style, they use logic instead of I have to impress my neighbors.....in fact many people could careless about many things enthusiasts on here do there are plenty of people driving Camrys, Accords, Malibus, and others that can afford a 5 or e class, if they wanted everyone isnt into luxury cars. Thats like the guy that drives a mustang Gt because he loves mustang not because its all he could afford. What a ignorrant theory that a persons wealth is based on how far up in a line of cars they will go........

tkindred - 6/7/2008 11:50:32 AM

0 Boost

I am a little skeptical that there is that much of a difference between cars in the "mid range" price segment. In my opinion if I am shopping in the "mid range" I also go for value because "mid range" cars are, well, "mid range". They are all mass produced cars coming off an assembly line and to me none of them are truly that distinct. To me it is like comparing Applebees to Chilis. McDonald's, Burger King being the economy cars. Applebees, Chilis being the mid range luxury cars. The first group is definitely better but is still franchise like the second group.

I wonder how many people actually take cars apart, rebuild them, etc, to know what they are actually made out of or how they are built?

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S4cabriofoxone - 6/7/2008 11:38:12 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

And Audi, because Audi has had a performance division for no less than 16 years before Lexus, or if you consider the urQuattro a performance car, then it's been 28 years, because the Quattro was produced right up to a year before the original RS2 was introduced.

Anyway, I've been waiting for Infiniti to do this. Can't wait for the results.

reply to this comment

Heyhuub - 6/7/2008 1:14:59 PM

+1 Boost

If you don't count the quattro even then Audi had the S2 and S4 before the RS2 in 1989.
But ofcourse the quattro is the true forefather.

jasaero - 6/7/2008 11:46:52 AM

-4 Boost

Why no mention of Cadillac in this article. The new CTS-V could be the car they need to beat anyhow when this comes out.

reply to this comment

jasaero - 6/7/2008 12:03:14 PM

+3 Boost

I really think Infiniti and Cadillac BOTH need TRUE S-class/7-series competitors SOON though if they want to lure any significant number of German mark buyers.

jasaero - 6/7/2008 12:04:36 PM

0 Boost

Maybe even a car priced against S-class, but benchmarked more toward Bentley or Rolls in material and features.

Maverick2020 - 6/7/2008 11:59:28 AM

+4 Boost

If Infiniti does a G50, I hope they don't go the boy racer route that Lexus did with the IS-F. I don't doubt that the IS-F has some serious muscle, but it looks silly, compared to the more subdued M3 and C63.

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adamsaf723 - 6/7/2008 1:29:27 PM

+4 Boost

1/4 mile in under 30 seconds... damn, that IS fast

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SteveL - 6/7/2008 3:22:07 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with jasaero. I think Cadillac is already better than the Lexus and they are right on BMW's tail. Maybe most of you are all just comparing German brands so they do not look bad compared to the American/Cadillac.

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VISO - 6/7/2008 8:44:49 PM

+2 Boost

Maybe so, but you are exaggerating a bit don't you think? First of all, Cadillac is not a global brand. To run with BMW and the like (Audi, MB) you need to be a global brand with a namesake in most markets. Cadillac is not even close. Then you have to look at the competitive nature of the brand - motorsport participation and the like. This allows the brand to transfer technology and innovation to the market place such as Audi. Then it's all about brand culture. The Germans have a rabid following among their respective enthusiasts and are willing to throw it down anywhere on the planet to prove it. These are just some of the ideals of a marquee. Acura, Infiniti, and to certain degree Lexus do not have this. Jaguar lost this long time ago and needs to rebuild this. Unitl Jag races and wins, it does not deserve Tier 1 Status. They haven't done anything in the last 30 years or so.

valhallakey - 6/7/2008 6:31:24 PM

+2 Boost

I sure hope they do both. Personally right now BMW is the one for me. Having spent 3 years in Germany it is interesting to see how they are tested everyday on the Autobahns and back roads of Bavaria and Germany as a whole. They have to be capable of handling that environment day in and day out. Also BMW has years of experience in making everything feel right, the suspension, the handling, the feel through the wheel and the seat. However I hope everyone keeps trying to be BMW as this kind of competition only makes things better for everyone. A few years back I was seriously considering a G35 coupe but after driving it decided on a BMW M5. Still I like good cars no matter who or where they are built. Loved the old 240Z and 70 Z28 I had. Wish I still had them!

reply to this comment

Star - 6/7/2008 7:28:26 PM

-5 Boost

What's with this ridiculous titles like "Infiniti slaps BMW" or "Infiniti wants blood"? Infiniti is nowhere near BMW or Mercedes and like others said nowhere near even... Lexus.
Why so much fuss about a mediocre(at best)car company like Infiniti? Did they ever build a remarkable car? No. How can somebody imagine that Infiniti could actually build a real competitor to cars like M3 or C63 AMG when their "bread and butter" car is the pathetic G37. You can deboost me all you want but that's not going to change the reality. Infiniti cars lack refinement. If they would wear a Nissan badge nobody would mistaken them for a luxury car. Yes, they offer more horsepower per dollar than a luxury German car, but so is Pontiac. So, what YOU see as "value" might be just a hyped up lower quality car. Now go ahead, deboost me.

reply to this comment

cyco - 6/7/2008 7:54:44 PM

+2 Boost

I don't see Infiniti giving BMW a true run for their money just yet, but I don't think they're quite as 'mediocre' as you make them out to be.

As for this boosting and deboosting nonsense, I'm finding the system to be a bit childish and am thinking I'll stop participating in it. I mean if you don't agree with someone, point out why (don't throw a fit, post something useful). If you do agree with someone, drop a few lines accordingly. No need for popularity contests... Deboost away :)

_43LE - 6/7/2008 10:11:46 PM

0 Boost

Infiniti M45 vs BMW 550i

"The M45 prevailed for two big reasons. First, there is its character. The logbook commentary seemed to favor the Infiniti for its eagerness — a light steering touch with good feedback, brisk turn-in, quick transitions, a general sense of being quick on its feet that made the Bimmer's responses seem a tad heavy and, well, Teutonic."

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/
faster_horses_comparison_test+page-5.html

Teknik - 6/8/2008 2:32:33 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Everyone should keep deboosting Star, who is the village idiot of Autospies.

All BMW's are just rebadged 1-Series, which is cheap econocar trash.

Buy a real German car, Porsche.

dhawk04 - 6/9/2008 11:03:37 AM

0 Boost

Hey Star could you hate a little more you obviously no nothing about cars. This whole refinement word is an opinion not a fact. It it is subjective to each person you have no way of measuring refinement. But you know what it doesn't matter what I or anyone says you are conveniced that BMW has the best cars in the world so i just really wasted my time. But Give the G cars credit they are dam good cars.

Star - 6/9/2008 4:05:05 PM

+2 Boost

I never said BMWs are the greatest cars in the world. All I said is that Infiniti is nowhere near BMW.

Teknik - 6/10/2008 1:29:23 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Star is just a jealous little kid, who doesn't even have a a drivers license.

Just keep deboosting the mental retard.

tkindred - 6/7/2008 8:08:59 PM

0 Boost

I think it is funny how people try to make BMW seem so elite. It is a middle of the pack car company. Where do you think BMW gets all their parts from to build their cars? You think it is some elite manufacture who specializes on only making BMW parts? The companies that supply BMW with their engine parts, chassis parts, interior parts probably supply to other car companies as well. You think BMW makes their own pistons, rods, brakes, wheels, tires, seats, etc.?

Also, some of you guys say the BMW handles like nothing else and that the interior is so refined. I can throw $2k at most any rear wheel car and make it handle better than any BMW. Even an old Datsun. I could also spend a couple grand upgrading the interior too. Hell, I could through in a top notch stereo system, aftermarket wheels, tires, etc, and still have money left over on what I saved buying the Infiniti.