Infiniti to offer Europeans more powerful cars

omarrana submitted on 05/26/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:24 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: Infiniti

Infiniti

Infiniti to offer Europeans more powerful cars

Yes, the Europeans are luckier than Americans when it comes to cars. Heck they are even lucky when it comes to getting the hottest cell phone technology. Infiniti is ready to launch in Europe, and Nissan engineers are making about 300 to 500 modifications on each car to prepare it for launch in October.

To name a couple of changes we may not be too pissed off about; the push-button switches on the center console will be replaced by knobs like the ones in a Mercedes or BMW. They will also get a new heated-seat system and stronger windshield wipers. Not that bad right? Those are things that we can possibly live without having here on the stateside. Well wait until you read about what else the Europeans will be getting.

Infiniti European models will be fitted with... Read Article

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MichaelTaylor - 5/26/2008 2:43:12 PM

-5 Boost

More power is equal to more prestige. This will help Infiniti evolve into a more prestigeous luxury brand since they're not offering poser engines like their German rivals.

My European friends tell me that Lexus cars might not sell like hotcakes but they're perceived to be an uber luxury brand because of their powerful engines. Many people seem to compare them to the likes of Bentley and Rolls Royce, especially the LS.

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Wimmer - 5/26/2008 2:51:42 PM

+5 Boost

What are you and your friends smoking? Lexus on the same level as a Rolls Royce? Give me a break. Seriously.

And powerful engines in Europe are soon going to be a hassle considering the debate whether or not the German government is going to introduce the new emissions-biased KFZ-Steuer. Infiniti should focus on offering small and efficient gasoline and diesel engines.

Your post is full of crap.

MichaelTaylor - 5/26/2008 3:08:07 PM

-4 Boost

I stand by my post. Maybe you should study the European market more before trying to prove me wrong. Japanese luxury cars have been well received for their quality and performance and more importantly no poser engines.

Star - 5/26/2008 3:25:57 PM

+1 Boost

^^^In Europe Lexus and Infiniti are working hard to become as prestigious as VW, buddy. The Japanese manufacturers are struggling trying to sell their ugly, under-engineered c**p without success. Not everybody is as dumb as the American car buyer therefore cars like Lexus and Infiniti are considered just second rate products in the rest of the world.

Htay7500 - 5/26/2008 4:12:26 PM

+6 Boost

if you stand by your post, why don't you back it up?

Htay7500 - 5/26/2008 4:12:55 PM

+5 Boost

...with a source not your opinion.

Agent63 - 5/26/2008 4:50:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

No way in hell Infiniti or Lexus will be as prestigious as a Rolls, Bentley or Maybach. Not going to happen.

You don't see a Lexus in front of a fine dining district in Monte Carlo. Instead you see Audi's, BMW's and Merc's and of course the uber luxury/sport cars. It's a fact of life MichaelTaylor.

simmonsdp - 5/26/2008 5:52:56 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah, Thats why a major Toyota dealership here in Germany went bankrupt.You see very few Japanese vehicles in Germany and when you do they are not blasting down the autobahn Michael Taylor.

sizquik - 5/26/2008 5:56:03 PM

+3 Boost

I can't believe how much time and effort you spend defending Lexus. You really should quit your job at Starbucks and get a job in PR -- you are a master!

steve27t - 5/26/2008 8:21:22 PM

+3 Boost

dream on......

EnnNorak - 5/26/2008 8:24:29 PM

+2 Boost

Infinity appears to be the victim of flawed marketing studies that conclude Europeans need to feel special or superior in their new vehicle. I guess a more powerful car than offered to U.S. buyers makes some European buyers feel they are better than the people of the best country on the planet.

I almost bought a 2009 Infinity EX 35 because my wife wanted a small SUV. I walked away when the dealer wanted to tack on a phoney $700 inventory fee on top of my generous cost plus offer. These phoney charges are part of the dealer's overhead. I was also pissed at Infiniti's blackmail marketing technique of forcing me to buy an extra package with a sunroof that I do not want in order to get the "premium " package with Xenon and power front passenger seat.

I ended up buying a new Passat which is cheaper and has a better ride and slightly better seats that are even more comfy than the seats in the leased Audi A6 Quattro that I turned in. At two thirds the price, my new Passat gives a better ride than my former Audi even though its tires and wheels are the same size.

andraz - 5/27/2008 2:26:04 AM

+3 Boost

LOL!

This is funny... lexus a uber luxury company. Most of the europeans would say: What is an lexus?

iamthehighway - 5/27/2008 1:38:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

haha! you're kidding right? everytime i think of a rolls i automatically think of lexus as well. i'm expecting to see alfred driving bruce wayne around in a lexus in the next batman movie because he traded up from the rolls. you lexus lovers just kill me. i love infiniti, but i'm realistic in accepting europeans won't see it on the same level as bmw and mercedes prestige-wise. get real.

cyco - 5/26/2008 2:59:38 PM

-1 Boost

I'd like to see this power bump find its way back to the US..

By the way, good post, MichaelTayler. Since you mostly get flamed (and I have to admit it's for good reason sometimes), you should get the positive feedback too.

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MichaelTaylor - 5/26/2008 3:06:07 PM

-6 Boost

Awesome thanks!

This site is dominated by moronic German fanboys that just can't hear the truth or give credit where it is due. I know they don't agree with my posts because I am usually very objective and go straight to the point.

For example when I say the BMW 3 series is overpriced and overrated I am going to imply that you can get a car that performs the same (even better too) but for less money: Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37 for example.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/26/2008 3:25:24 PM

+5 Boost

And an Impreza or Evo X will run rings around the IS350 and G35 for even less cost

So what is your point ?

If the IS 350 or G35 were that great they would be the ones in no 1 position with the 3-Series playing catchup.

Also with regards to the Japanese Companies not selling small engines in Europe; They only sell the IS250 in Europe, not the IS350

And the only diesel avail from Lexus is a 4-Pot 2.2L Rattler while the Greman 3 have a Plethora of V6 & V8 Diesels Avail

I am willing to bet you have never set foot outside of the USA, I have been to the USA 4 times already this year and 5 times to Europe so id like to think i know what i am on about.

PS I live in the UK and WE DO NOT CONSIDER LEXUS ON PAR WITH ROLLS ROYCE OR BENTLEY.

cyco - 5/26/2008 4:03:47 PM

+5 Boost

MichaelTaylor, I usually take issue with your posts because you tend to trash the brands/people you don't prefer instead of simply disagreeing.

Your example of the 3 series is a good example. The competition from Lexus and Infiniti is great - but each has a bit of a different take with their product, each has a different way of going about its business. Is one truly any better than the other? In some ways, yes, in others, no.

So what makes them great for you, may be a detriment to someone else. This is neither good or bad, it's just diversity in the market.

If I'm a fan boy of anything, it's the entire industry. I like BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac, MB, Hyundai, etc ad nauseum. The more each ups their game, the better car I get regardless which is my most favored brand.

The reason I said your post was good wasn't because I agreed with the content, it was because you didn't crap on anyone or smear anything, you just threw your opinion/thoughts on the subject out there.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/26/2008 3:25:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Which is NOT what they want.

I love Infiniti but they need to offer smaller, more efficient engines there, as well as diesels.

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EvoAudi - 5/26/2008 4:46:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I concur.

autopro - 5/26/2008 4:08:58 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

They won't buy,gas is twice what it is here.

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simmonsdp - 5/26/2008 5:56:49 PM

+3 Boost

Super plus (98octane) is over ten dollars a gallon in Germany.

JUGNU - 5/26/2008 4:35:30 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

195

What do u mean Lexus doesn't sell well outside USA. Actually u better step outside USA.

Come to middle East and u'll find tons of new Lexus. Currentley LX570 and LS460 are selling like crazy. Ask anyone from Middle East like M53R.

Toyota and Lexus dealers in Middle East countries like Futtaim Motors(UAE), Suad Bahwan(Oman)...etc are one of the biggest in the world. and they are makiing great dealerships and pushing Toyota especially Lexus brand like anything. Making them popular and reaching more coustomers.

Now Lexus (despite with less number of models and comparable lesser known) sells nearly as much as MB and BMW in Middle East.

and in other asian countires like China, India...etc Lexus is very much there and selling well.

JUGNU

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simmonsdp - 5/26/2008 6:01:07 PM

+3 Boost

A turd would sell good in China and India right now, they will buy anything at present. Japanese cars sell poorly in Europe.

M53R - 5/26/2008 7:30:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

JUGNU

Yes, they are indeed selling like hotcakes here, but then again, one of the main reasons is because their models are comparably cheaper than the competition. Correct me if Im wrong, but the 330 2006 costs almost 60k dirhams more than an IS300.

pchera01 - 5/26/2008 7:35:06 PM

+5 Boost

I am sorry, i am from India, and I was there last month, I saw only one lexus, it was SC460. that is in Kerala. rich people in Indian still thinks German are doing better engineering than Japanse, in automobile.

auto001 - 5/26/2008 11:04:31 PM

-1 Boost

pchera01, don't sweat it, a lot of rich people people here in the west also feel that way... it's called "delusional" - even without the scorching heat getting to their heads might I add.

They don't realize how "good" people in the other "camp" (Infiniti, Lexus, Acura, Cadillac, Jag, etc.) have it :)

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 5/27/2008 12:13:19 PM

+3 Boost

JUNGU

Learn to read

I never commented on Lexus sales outside of the USA

What i am VERY SURE of is that in the UK and in Europe Lexus is not considered on Par with Bentley or Rolls Royce.

sharky - 5/26/2008 8:12:16 PM

0 Boost

German cars are the best. I still owned 2003 E320 bought brand new and wished I should have bought 2 because one is in the shop.

My boss bought a brand new 5 series and he love it so much that he traded for the M45 after 1 month.

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auto001 - 5/26/2008 11:07:00 PM

0 Boost

"he traded for the M45 after 1 month..." so you're boss drives a M45 now huh? wise move :)

koobah - 5/26/2008 10:32:44 PM

+1 Boost

First, Europe will be a niche market for Infiniti and I'm sure the European versions of these cars will be low volume (at lease in the first few years) and more expensive than US. Second, The SUV market is much more competitive in US, so in order to offer their product for a lower price, Infiniti chose to go with 3.5L in the new FX.

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Czelinski - 5/27/2008 3:40:29 AM

+2 Boost

They want to focus more on design as that is very important in Europe, rather than the power in their cars for the time being. European, especially U.K fuel prices should be illegal. So making more and more powerful engines, with worse fuel consumption isn't going to do them any favours. And the very wealthy, who don't care about that, will not be buying an Infiniti anyway.

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M53R - 5/27/2008 5:01:19 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Actually, Infinites here come with more powerful engines than in the US. The G37S for example comes with 350hp, the M45 if Im not mistaken comes with 360+hp if Im not mistaken.

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