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Infiniti planning to beat rivals with quality and design rather than size and power

rybo submitted on 09/02/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 12:33 AM
from: www.motorauthority.com

[35] user comments | category: Misc News

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Infiniti planning to beat rivals with quality and design rather than size and power

The growing push towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles could possibly lead the charge for changing consumer perceptions of what defines a luxury car, according to Nissan’s global design director Shiro Nakamura.

When asked about a possible flagship sedan for Infiniti, Nakamura replied that while the company is working to establish itself as a ‘Tier 1' luxury brand, it is still “not sure a big sedan is necessary for a luxury brand,” and that in the coming decade “luxury may be defined by technology, quality and design.” Read Article

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NYCpothole - 9/2/2008 4:51:23 AM

+17 Boost

Infiniti may be on to something. Love the G37. Sweet.

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Agent63 - 9/2/2008 5:34:21 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

i sure hope they increase their quality overall.

0to60 - 9/2/2008 12:26:41 PM

+6 Boost

Their quality is currently fine.

Designer1 - 9/3/2008 5:40:19 AM

-2 Boost

One thing Infiniti and Nissan need, improve their quality. I remember the old Nissans from the 1990s they had a great quality but later it degraded and the same stands for Infiniti.

pchera01 - 9/2/2008 5:20:02 AM

-5 Boost

i was expecting an SUV with 3 seater

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Agent009 - 9/2/2008 8:35:39 AMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

Hmmm step AWAY from the BMW guys! Cus you won't ever catch em with that philosophy.

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TurboSpyder - 9/2/2008 8:44:22 AMView My AgentSpace

-6 Boost

Yeah, good luck with that.

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NItePhire - 9/2/2008 9:32:48 AM

-5 Boost

as a ‘Tier 1' luxury brand, it is still “not sure a big sedan is necessary for a luxury brand,” and that in the coming decade “luxury may be defined by technology, quality and design.” Who the hell are they kidding. This is a cop out if I ever heard one. Last time I checked a luxury car had this stuff already. In order to be a tier 1 program you have to have a full range and right now they dont have a full size lux car. I love Infiniti but this is bogus.

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mikeydred20 - 9/2/2008 9:41:41 AM

-5 Boost

Infiniti tried with the Q and what a failure that was. As much as people talk about Acura they are better positioned to battle Lexus than Infiniti. In two years the return of the NSX and the next RL/Flagship and we will see.

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montyz81 - 9/2/2008 10:20:34 AM

+10 Boost

Seriously, have you seen Acura's line up? They are far from better positioned. Acura and Infiniti's sales are almost tied at this point. That is down from just 2 years ago when Acura's numbers were double Infiniti's. The latest examples of their cars are basic and very conservative changes on their existing models. There is nothing there to attract new buyers. The Infinti design and quality has improved so much that in this sales down turn, their numbers have not slipped that much if at all. The proof is in what the customers want and right now it seems less people want Acura.

OneOfOne - 9/6/2008 3:13:01 PM

+1 Boost

the q failed because of poor quality interiors and bland styling in the last generation.

njsidekick3 - 9/2/2008 9:41:58 AM

+5 Boost

...im holding out on the G37 Droptop for the 2010 Q... this thing better be hot. (e.g; Megan Fox Naked)

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AmazonPrinceIS350 - 9/2/2008 9:48:15 AM

+1 Boost

Ha! You know what's so funny? When Infiniti first started to introduce models like the G35, FX, M45 people were like "how can you compare Infiniti to BMW" Now that phrase has turned into "you (Infnniti) won't ever catch them (BMW)" Who cares?

The fact the Infiniti/Lexus/Acura provides us with options other than a 3 or A4 is best thing that could of happened to us. I hope BMW and the rest of the Germans stay on top as # 1 because they were placed on this earth to be number one............you go gur!!

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njsidekick3 - 9/2/2008 10:46:32 AM

+2 Boost

(@AP.IS350)i agree, i just want a choice, i like BM's & Mercs, but u see so many Cornballs with them, it takes the "cool factor" away... i just like that there IS a choice, keep it for 2-3 years & go get something else...

VISO - 9/2/2008 9:49:09 AM

-3 Boost

The key for luxury carmakers in the future will be to build their flagships with efficient technology not necessarily reduce the size or not built ones. Yes, a cope out for Infiniti.

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dlin - 9/2/2008 11:05:19 AM

+3 Boost

A small coupe, w/ hardtop convertible, can further strengthen the sporty spirit of INFINITI brand. A luxury large sedan won't, it'll only lose money.

However, a 'coupe' midsize sedan, focusing on sport and design, is certainly viable. Now it's just a matter of creating a new line or adjusting M toward that.

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kablaam - 9/2/2008 11:38:47 AM

-5 Boost

Sit in a G then sit in a 3. While the G may have the flash, if you truly inspect the two, imerse yourself in the materials(quality, fit/finish) and design, there is no comparison.

Anyone who says otherwise is either lying or hasn't truly had the opportunity to sit inside both vehicles for more than 15 minutes.

While I am more of a BMW person myself, Lexus/Audi interiors fair better when it comes to flash and quality as a whole.

Ever sit in a A6/A8 at night? So many lights that you may come out with an epileptic seizure.

When it comes to interiors as a whole, design, fit/finish, materials quality etc. I vote:

1. Audi
2. Lexus/Merc
3.BMW
4.Cadillac
4.Acura/Infiniti

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SVXXX - 9/2/2008 2:00:37 PM

+7 Boost

That means you have not been in G37!

LexSucks - 9/2/2008 2:11:58 PM

-3 Boost

The G37's interior is nice, But it needs some work to be able to hang with the class leaders.

dlin - 9/2/2008 3:44:23 PM

-3 Boost

I'll say the list is more like:

1. Audi
2. Lexus/Merc
3. Cadillac/Acura
4. BMW/Infiniti

snatchandgrab - 9/3/2008 10:41:20 AM

+4 Boost

You don't know what the hell you're talking about. I get so sick of people on this site degrading other cars because they like a particular brand. Just like little kindergardeners. I own an Infiniti (99Q45), BMW (645ci) and an S Class (S430)...Trust me..my 99 Q is just as luxurious as my S and my 6 and it runs just as good w/ twice the mileage. You german brand whores dont know SH*t. My old Q is wrapped in leather and has fine wood just like my S and 6. The G37 is also wrapped in fine leather. Dont care too much for the medal option for trim..prefer the woodgrain, but Merc and BMW offer the same crap. I've never had problems w/ my Q its been truly wonderful. I do admit that I don't really care for the newer ones, but I have a friend that drives one and he loves his. Infiniti has only had problems w/ one vehicle and that was the Qx56. That thing had issues, but from what I've heard, they've corrected them.

kablaam - 9/3/2008 12:36:44 PM

-2 Boost

I'm offering an objective opinion based upon materials and build quality. While I in no way said the G37 wasn't a good car(ie. performance, styling etc), all I offered was my opinion on the interior materials, not the styling(subjective).

Inspect the quality, tactile feel, fit of both interiors carefully, not just pics on the net fanboy.

0to60 - 9/2/2008 1:06:25 PM

+2 Boost

I am happy to see GM has a fan. I like GM as a brand too. Improvements can be made, however I think their design team are on the right track (hence the Malibu, CTS, Sky, etc...)

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LexSucks - 9/2/2008 1:29:04 PM

+6 Boost

What makes the CTS "No.1"? Please specify

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blueshirts0819 - 9/2/2008 1:37:14 PM

+4 Boost

LexSucks you can't justify American buyer like cptamazing4. If GM make feces and call it CTS, they will still buy it.

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LexSucks - 9/2/2008 1:30:18 PM

-4 Boost

If Infiniti couldn't rule the roost with size and power. They are not going to be able to do it with quality and design IMO.

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mikeydred20 - 9/2/2008 3:37:18 PM

-2 Boost

Contrary to what some may say Infiniti will not past Acura just like Nissan will not past Honda there build quality is not there. Take the New G tried to bite the previous TL's interior theme but instead used some cheap Japanesse Washi paper and what does Acura do increase the use of genuine aluminum in the TL for 09. Infiniti engines also might have the HP but they sound worn out when pushed to the limits and the FX and EX make up 2/3 of the SUV lineup and both are useless the other the QX is a rattily pos!

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bmwdrvr - 9/3/2008 12:27:17 AM

-2 Boost

Infinit will never be Tier 1 Im going to get deboosted for being honest but who cares...they dont have the lineup,prestige,quality, or right focus to get there. There whole initial focus was outpowering and out performing their rivals and not much else...the first G was a quality disaster with no refinement, the 2nd is better but still not good, and until they figure out Premium cars are just about big engines and big HP numbers they wont get tier 2 either as they currently are at tier 3..not to mention them sharing even more with Nissan models shows they still havent gotten what makes a premium car....Infiniti had 20 years to get to tier 1 and they spent 1989-2002 barely competing while Lexus continued to improve its position, and as BMW and Mercedes realized they cant rest on their laurels with ne competition at hand......so until Infiniti gives up the old muscle car complex Big HP, heavy cars, cheap plastics, little to no refinement, and aftermarket fast and furious sounding exhaust on a luxury car to be excused because they have a low price they will never reach tier 2, and I seriously doubt they will ever get to tier 1

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snatchandgrab - 9/3/2008 10:42:43 AM

+3 Boost

I had to give u the same reply that i gave the other clown.
You don't know what the hell you're talking about. I get so sick of people on this site degrading other cars because they like a particular brand. Just like little kindergardeners. I own an Infiniti (99Q45), BMW (645ci) and an S Class (S430)...Trust me..my 99 Q is just as luxurious as my S and my 6 and it runs just as good w/ twice the mileage. You german brand whores dont know SH*t. My old Q is wrapped in leather and has fine wood just like my S and 6. The G37 is also wrapped in fine leather. Dont care too much for the medal option for trim..prefer the woodgrain, but Merc and BMW offer the same crap. I've never had problems w/ my Q its been truly wonderful. I do admit that I don't really care for the newer ones, but I have a friend that drives one and he loves his. Infiniti has only had problems w/ one vehicle and that was the Qx56. That thing had issues, but from what I've heard, they've corrected them.

qweasdzxc - 9/4/2008 10:09:56 PM

+1 Boost

You know, people who drove cheap 128 has to do this so they feel better about the interior plastic cheaper than a Civic.

kablaam - 9/5/2008 5:42:45 PM

+1 Boost

You are delusional if you think the quality of materials in the Q is par to that of the S or even the 6 series.

This just proves that you own neither and are an internet troll.

This is an objective observation and has nothing to do with being a brand whore. In case you didn't notice, Infiniti is openly competing with BMW and has it as the benchmark to beat(or try), not vica-versa. That is the sincerest form of flattery in my opinion and a true testament to BMW's engineering.

Secondly, you speak about brand whores, yet you bought a vehicle(Infiniti) that is a brand engineered Nissan, a name they created for you arrogant, self loathing individuals who can't see themselves in a car with a "Nissan" badge.

Ironic thing is, you are driving a Nissan(Cima) with an Infiniti badge. Though I know you wouldn't have a problem driving that car if it were a Nissan in the states right.......eh?

dano100 - 9/6/2008 12:52:01 AM

0 Boost

Infiniti makes a fine car but not a tier 1 quality car. They give you cars with great powertrains and near BMW handling characteristics but they lack the overall quality of tier 1 cars. I own a 2007 G35X which I love to drive and to look at but it is not a perfect car. My main complaint is in the quality of the paint (chips and scratches easily), the quality of the chromed plastic grill (chips very easily) and the quality of the wheels (chip easily). I guess this is what you get if you want a BMW at an $8000 discount.

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