Infiniti uncertain about 'Q' revival, new SUV in works

omarrana submitted on 08/13/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 9:56 AM
from: www.egmcartech.com

Tags: Infiniti

Infiniti

Infiniti uncertain about 'Q' revival, new SUV in works

Besides the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, Infiniti is planning a new wave of technology along with some new models. In the works is a 7-speed automatic transmission that will improve fuel-economy, an automatic brake system that warns drivers of impending accidents, a lane departure system and a camera that provides guided parking.

We already know what’s going on with the ‘G’ lineup. In the works for 2010 is a restyled version of the ‘M.’ The future of the Q45 flagship sedan is still undecided. Executives are debating whether another large luxury sedan makes business sense.

As for Infiniti’s SUV lineup - the QX56... Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

HSCenterconsole - 8/13/2008 11:15:55 AM

+10 Boost

I don't think the new Q should be a large luxury sedan. There is too much competition (LS, S-Class, A8, 7-Series) for such a small market. Instead, the Q should still be the flagship, but in the form of a low volume car that would get everyone's attention. Maybe a four door coupe?

reply to this comment

rian420shah - 8/13/2008 12:12:34 PM

+4 Boost

I agree

Bored - 8/13/2008 12:14:04 PM

+4 Boost

@ HS,

good suggestion

DW1968 - 8/17/2008 12:25:32 PM

+1 Boost

A low-volume flagship...uh, isn't that Acura's strategy with the RL? Just kidding, Acura--please don't hit me a giant cow-catcher grill.

I don't know if there is TOO much competition in the boat-sized luxury sedan market, or that the market is small...the number of millionaires around the world is still growing fairly quickly. Concerns about global wealth distribution aside, those people need fancy cars to impress their friends and family. Right now, their choices are: a German brand, or...uh, another German brand. Lexus is doing well but starting to hit a wall (and doesn't sell much outside the US), and Acura can't design a luxury car their way out of a wet paper sack. Jaguar is another potential option. Maybe the Hyundai Genesis, if you really want to consider ALL options. Otherwise...that's about it.

So, bring on the competition, I say.

Star - 8/13/2008 11:31:05 AM

Show Comment -19 Boost

_43LE - 8/13/2008 12:14:21 PM

+9 Boost

If that's the case then why did you even bother to post something?

Star - 8/13/2008 12:42:45 PM

Show Comment -21 Boost

_43LE - 8/13/2008 1:14:51 PM

+8 Boost

I'm not a blind fanboi, unlike you. I think that most would agree here.

Whelan - 8/13/2008 12:24:40 PM

+7 Boost

The new Q would do well as a C saloon style car. The 4-door coupe as it is known. Instead of a potential LS, 7, S-class fighter.

Good suggestion again up top.

reply to this comment

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 8/13/2008 12:47:17 PM

+7 Boost

The new Q has to compete with the 7, A8, & S-Class because the LS can't compete with everyone on its' own she needs a partner (like those physco wrestling clowns)to go into the ring with! Let them bring back the J30 to the 4-door coupe thing (they were onto something back then because the CLS kinda looks like a stretched version of the J30 now, don't you think?)

reply to this comment

pushrod27 - 8/13/2008 1:08:27 PM

-3 Boost

No, I don't think the CLS looks anything like a J30.
The LS needs a partner to go into the ring with??? What are you, 12?

The full-size luxury sedan market is relatively small (and currently shrinking) There are several very established players, and the Q has never been a hot seller. It's a recipe for failure.

M35MT - 8/13/2008 12:55:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Good news the QX is being dumped. Its just another Escalade/Navigator Land Boat that cant do much off road.

Infiniti already has a high performance on road SUV with the FX. They should go for a high-end off roader, but instead of going for the LX570 they should really focus on style and go for the Range Rover...I know what you want to say to that but think about it, why bother building anything otherwise?

By no means do I think they should try to match the RR's reputation, however, it should be something that looks as good and can handle a beating off road...unfortunately they'll probably go people-hauler friendly.

reply to this comment

Star - 8/13/2008 12:59:20 PM

Show Comment -17 Boost

_43LE - 8/13/2008 1:18:14 PM

+12 Boost

That's funny because Infiniti placed second in IQS from JD power just behind Porsche. They also place above average for long term reliability which is better than MB and Audi. So to say that they have notorious cheap built quality is WRONG AGAIN! Thanks for coming out.

Star - 8/13/2008 3:57:36 PM

-8 Boost

JD Power huh? That's your reference. My grandma knows more about cars than you.

snatchandgrab - 8/14/2008 2:50:03 PM

+5 Boost

Star, I've never responded to your dumb comments before, but here I go. I couldn't help it. As a owner of a 1999 Infiniti Q45t, I must say its a very very good car. I still get complements on it all of the time. It has plenty of power and has a beautiful interior. Its very reliable and has 170,000 miles and has never broken down. Since I know your dumb ass likes German cars, I will let you know that I also own a 2001 S430 and a 2004 645ci. My 1999 still drives like new (daily driver) and has been in the shop less the other two aforementioned vehicles including the 645...I admit the models after 2001 for the Q45 were not as attractive, but Q's have a loyal following and if they could revive the car I'd be more than happy and so will a lot of other jokers.

pushrod27 - 8/13/2008 1:16:26 PM

+1 Boost

Infiniti's best bet would be to make the Q45 an upmarket variant of the M. Take the M45 (or M50 soon, i guess), give it a modified body style, more standard power, some exclusive options, and a hand-stitched interior, and call it the Q.

It would be something more than a trim package, but not quite a totally unique model

(Remember the Cadillac Sedan DeVille/Fleetwood Brougham models of the late 80's - totally different type of car, but the product strategy illustrates what i'm talking about.... Or maybe the BMW 750Li / Alpina B7 is a better example.)

reply to this comment

Agent63 - 8/14/2008 2:39:27 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

$4 is cheap where I live. I pay $1.30-1.40 per litre up here in Canada. It's not like Lexus don't have boats like the LX and the GX.

Hybrids are the only thing that Toyota has got. None of their brands are exciting. Without the whole Hybrid car thing they wouldn't have any attention.

reply to this comment

222max - 8/13/2008 1:43:42 PM

+1 Boost

The QX replacement will likely be based on the next generation Patrol. That would make it a direct competitor to the Lexus LX570.

reply to this comment

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 8/13/2008 1:56:02 PM

+1 Boost

PushRod27:

I did not mean the CLS looks identical to the J30 but Benz probably followed Nissan with the whole a$$ (trunk) sagging concept. I think if the J30 were to make a comeback it would be in coupe form. J comes before Q so it would only makes sense to line up these babies this way.The only car that should be above the Q should be their version of the GTR.

reply to this comment

pushrod27 - 8/13/2008 3:23:44 PM

0 Boost

But nobody's talking about bringing the J30 back, you said that.

You ARE 12, aren't you?

bmwdrvr - 8/13/2008 3:38:52 PM

+2 Boost

lol.....you honestly think that was original for Infiniti.....Cadillac, and Lincoln had that kinda rear decades before Infiniti not to mention the 1980's models, 5, and 7 BMW did as well.....

BMW995 - 8/13/2008 4:03:32 PM

-2 Boost

The M is the premium sedan in the Infiniti lineup. I believe a Q would be a costly mistake.

reply to this comment

222max - 8/13/2008 4:26:23 PM

+2 Boost

I think that GT-R based supercar or sedan makes the most sense for Infiniti. They need a true range-topper and the M is not it. They already have a world-class platform in the GT-R and they could make something that better represents the company's spirit than a posh luxury sedan.

reply to this comment

NItePhire - 8/13/2008 4:39:03 PM

+2 Boost

How is it the the Q doesnt make since but a Q56 replacement does??? Bring back the Q and bring it the way its suppose to be. Big and bad enough to go head to head with the big dogs.

reply to this comment

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 8/13/2008 5:16:04 PM

+1 Boost

That's right Nightlite I am with you!!

PushRod 27 Infiniti can bring back the J30 cause they do not have enough models in their lineup. And it could be whatever they want it to be (4door coupe, 6series fighter, CLS fighter....etc.) And I am not 12 I am a little younger :-)

reply to this comment

Agent63 - 8/13/2008 7:03:26 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

They should take their time with the next Q because if they rush they may fail. They need to carefully plan their attack and of course think ahead in time so they can prep for a later year model. Quality issues must be dealt with immediately as well. Infiniti has had problems with having too many cheap plastics from their Nissan cousins.

The QX56 for example is bold and rich on the outside but cheap and low quality on the inside.

reply to this comment

MattB - 8/13/2008 8:29:26 PM

+1 Boost

I agree. To get noticed in the large premium class the car has to be impeccably built both inside and out. The Infiniti brand could support a new Q if it is competitive in the class and well marketed. The QX56, on the other hand, needs to go away.

222max - 8/13/2008 9:28:12 PM

+4 Boost

The new FX and EX have fantastic fit and finish.

Agent63 - 8/14/2008 2:24:14 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

The new FX looks a lot better. I haven't had the chance yet to feel the materials inside but one pet-peeve that I have with Nissan/Infiniti is their interiors. The new Maxima has an interior that's very Infiniti-esque. BAD MOVE!

Designer1 - 8/14/2008 6:34:15 AM

-1 Boost

The new FX is ugly, let’s hope the new QX will not follow the same foot notes.

It would be nice to see the new M, since the current model was out in Japan for years, so it’s a really old model now.

reply to this comment

Mercedes - 8/14/2008 6:57:24 AM

0 Boost

A new Q45 would be a huge risk right now. That is a very tough, but small class and Lexus has way too much of a head start. Nobody wants a true sports sedan at that level, even the 7-Series has to pamper at that level. A new SUV to take the place of the QX is a smart move since the old body on frame glory days are gone. I say keep perfecting the G and M and come up some sort of halo car that isn't based on the GT-R. If the S-Class/LS/A8/7-Series market ever expands again then do a new Q, if not don't sweat it. Infiniti, unlike Acura is the coolest brand around without a proper flagship sedan.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

	omarrana I hooked up my accelerator to my brake lights. I hit the gas, people behind me stop, and I'm gone.
	View My AgentPage