Infiniti should really bring the I35 back and do more to properly market it. Lexus keeps rebadging the Camry as the ES model and getting praised for it. Infiniti should not ignore the segment of the population that is interested in such a product and produce an I35 with:

1. A host of standard luxury features (heated rear seats, power rear sunshade, bluetooth, back-up camera, NAV, etc)
2. Boost HP at least 280 (Lexus has 272 on new ES)
3. Larger interior
4. Standard RWD for better handling
5. Add an AWD option for those that do want more sport with their luxury
6. Make it approximately $3,000 to $4,000 less than the Lexus product
7. Highlight the superior Infiniti warranty (12 mo/10 k miles longer) in all adds

 

newsflash. Infiniti = RWD or AWD. They don't want to market a FWD car right now. The I30 and I35 didn't sell very well anyway.

 

+1 to Jeff.

I think if we see anything FWD out of Infiniti it'll be a small car a-la TSX (or G20 type revival) or RSX competitor. But even then, I think those odds are pretty slim.

 

The RWD or AWD issue was noted in items 4 and 5 of changes to make on a new model.

The I30 and I35 didn't sell well because of marketing. If folks are still buying the Lex and Acura then there's still a market for the product. Infiniti just has to figure out how to get a stronger share of the market.

 

Um exactly why would Infiniti make the I35 RWD? Would cost WAY too much. Why would they bring back that sized sedan in RWD when the M35 is the same size, is RWD AND is offered in AWD also. The M35/M35X IS THE NEW I35.

 

Agreed. FWD is not the way to go. I was suggesting RWD or AWD. Your small car point is an interesting one. In looking at the new Sentra with options like bluetooth, leather interior, and smart key technology. There very well a smaller Infiniti product on the horizon. But it would make more sense to have the G35 be the entry level car for Infiniti. IYou don't see TSXs or RSXs on the road really. TLs are the more prevelant Acuras out there.

 

Exactly, and I think that's one of the reasons you saw the G20 disappear when the G35 was introduced. Why offer a cheaper alternative (g20) when you can make entry-level Infiniti brand buyers pony up more $ for a G35, all at the same time trying to move the brand further upscale.

 

True in every aspect except price. An M3/45 can run upwards of 50k. Folks looking at an ES wouldn't look at the M because it's marketed to those that would want the Lex GS. My point is that there is a large share of the market that Infiniti is not taking advantage of.

G35 - IS250/350
???? - ES 330
M35/45 - GS 300/430
Q45 - LS460
QX56 - LX 470
FX35/45 - GX 470
FX35/45 - RX 330
G35 Coupe - SC 430 (Not direct competors but both coupes and the G way outsells the Lex)

 

Agreed. The answer then may be adding more luxury features to the G Sedan to pull folks over to the Infiniti side. IMO the ES 330 was not superior to the I/I35. Infiniti can still jump in there and take some of that market.

 

Like your avatar Meta..

The I series will never come back. Let's not even go there. However, here's a link that shows a pic of the next G35 Sedan:

http://www.autospies.com/article/ind...2&categoryId=1

Of course, the common complaint about G's current version is that the interior leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, Infiniti will address the issue on its next gen.

 

I35/I30 nice car shows what a luxury max will look like but id take the G over the I35 and Infiniti better address the interior and more power to kick *** in that segment cause they are losing to the new 3 and IS

 

I agree with those of you that Infiniti could greatly benefit from an I replacement. The I was a huge seller for Infiniti--both the 1st and 2nd gens were their top sellers until the G35 came out.

Nissan needs to design and engineer the next Maxima in Japan, and then create a new I off of that platform--FWD isn't necessarily a bad thing if it sells (like the ES).

 

\

Yeah, I love my I but if the interior on the new G is as luxurious then I'd have to get one. The handling on the G is top notch.

 

Not gonna happen.

 

Nissan/Infiniti probably won't bring back a FWD car again--especially now that the Maxima is designed exclusively in the US. Just wouldn't fit in with the rest of the lineup.

 

The new M35/45 is not a replacement for the I, seeing as the price doesn't fit the market the I use to occupy. But if those pics are indeed the new G interior, den my choice between buying the G vs a 5 series BMW has now been sealed. G35C here I come!!!!

 

With that list of features, you've just built an M35!

 

How do you compare a g35 coupe with a 5 series sedan? They're completely different cars, for different uses.

 

I agree with you. People around here on the org don't wan't to accept it but there are many out there that actually want fwd. Especially in CO. Infiniti just gave Lexus and Acura the fwd market on a platter... ripe for the plucking. And this talk of the I series not selling very well is rediculous. It was Infiniti's best selling model before the G35 came along.

 

the G serves the purpose just fine, its a rocket, its like on steroids compared to my I, and thats the AWD version.

 

I agree. I love my I35, but the G35x AWD serves as a much improved car over the "I" for cold weather driving.

The way I'm seeing it, Infiniti is trying to distinguish themselves from the other Japanese lux makes. Acura has yet to truly shine against the Europeans. Lexus has done a much better job, but still offers perceived lower class vehicles. i.e. ES 330. Infiniti is shooting right for BMW. A good thing I might add. All RWD/AWD, focus on handling like never before, and a range of appealing vehicles.

Time will tell, but I think they are on the right track. Bottom line, at this time an "I" series FWD derivative would not be desirable for brand image.

 

Best thing about having a I30 is that it is no longer made and as they are seen less and less you'll have a "one of a kind", especially if you keep yours in good shape

 

Yes the new M does occopy the old I. Even though the prices are different, the new Nissan Teana (a JDM exclusive vehicle) is equivalent to the old Cefiro, upon which the I was based. The M is sold as the Fuga, a luxurized version of the Teana--so yea, it did take over the Cefiro/I30. The G35 now occupies the I price wise, but is still a lower car (G comes before I).

Right now there's nothing in Nissan's lineup that could serve as a good I replacement.

 

Strongly disagree with that statement. Test drive a G, it is many levels better then the I.

 

[QUOTE=I30t KID]Yes the new M does occopy the old I. Even though the prices are different, the new Nissan Teana (a JDM exclusive vehicle) is equivalent to the old Cefiro, upon which the I was based. The M is sold as the Fuga, a luxurized version of the Teana--so yea, it did take over the Cefiro/I30. The G35 now occupies the I price wise, but is still a lower car (G comes before I).

The I was never directly comparable to the G or the M. Just as the Lexus ES330 is not comparable to the IS or GS.

Both the I and the ES had features similar to other models in their respective lineups, but they occupied a space unique to themselves. While the I did, and the ES does sell well, the BMW 3 series does better. Audi brings FWD to the table, but most models are Quattro, AWD. The Germans in particular are very good at establishing and maintaining brand identity. They need not rely on an I type vehicle to fill a gap. They adapt 3 series, C class, and A4's to fit consumer needs.

Infiniti is striving to do the same. The G is a far more refined car than the I. If it is a little to small for you, The M35 starts at 5k more. Again, I love my I, but next will be the new G sedan...most likely. I've got my Z for the weekend, but from now on, FWD FTL.

 

I like the Nissan Teana in Japan

I still feel there is a market for a FWD entry level lux car... just make the Maxima cool again and then introduce the Nissan Teana here to be a nice comfy stylish car... to be honest alot of people dont give a crap about fed or rwd and many tend to favor fwd for bad weather handing, increased interior room...

 

Teana is badged as "Maxima" & "Cefiro" in other part of the world. Fuga is different from Teana (RWD vs. FWD)....

Lexus may NOT be Infiniti's primary target. They don't need to come up with direct competition model to Lexus.

But if I would consider purchasing Infiniti vs. Lexus, I'd look at:

G vs. IS/ ES (not really comparable)
M vs. GS
Q vs. LS

Let's SEE.... BRING ME the GTR............................................... ...

 

Amen to that brother!

 

Let's SEE.... BRING ME the GTR............................................... ...[/QUOTE]

Yes, bring us the GT-R as an Infiniti. In order to be a GT-R, it's gonna be pricey. No need to confuse the Nissan lineup with that. Bring us the Infiniti GT-R, and let Infiniti take aim at ///M and AMG.

Someday I'd love to see a "-R" version of every Infiniti vehicle. Yet another proper step in taking aim at the German makes. Let's just hope profitability remains on all/most current vehicles, then maybe...

 

The G came less equipped than the I, and it is a MUCH smaller car anyways... but as far as performance goes you are correct (6spd, RWD).

 

I hear its going to be a 2007 w/ a VQ36DETT, AWD, 7spd Manual w/ automated clutch, and 450ish hp for $75000.

WOW maybe a can score one used in 10 years!

I agree. I was thinking about this the other day. Making a 6spd manual version of the M45 it would be a perfect start to take on the Audi S4... But hell will freeze before we see something like that from a Japanese sedan.

 

Yeah, the Japanese Lux brands have not really dared to introduce a "sport oriented" line. But remember, the Acura, Lexus and Infiniti names have only been around 20 years or less. Acura got a jump on the others, yet still brings us FWD (now AWD) and V6 engines on their flagship sedan. The point I'm trying to make is that all of them need(ed) to establish brand identity before being bold.

That, and Nissan was in the sh!tter not long ago. In order to keep the momentum going, they're going to have to innovate.

Lexus is starting to open up a bit, the IS 350 is appealing in a sporty sense. They just need to hurry up and add a 6spd manual. Infiniti could add a true clutchless manual to the M with paddle shifters as an option, ala Audi A3. DSG or something like that. That is, if they truly were against a manual tranny option.

 

Not quite sure why that is. No one is arguing that RWD or AWD isn't better than FWD as far as we're concerned. But there are those that have a different opinion, especially older folks looking for a different driving experience.

Maybe Nissan's rationale is that the folks that are looking for entry level luxury will look at the Maxima since you can get some of the same features:
- heated steering wheel
- heated rear seats
- power rear sunshade

BUT

-the dealership experience is nowhere near the same
-warranty isn't as good
-$30,000 and up is a lot to drop on a non-lux car, especially with all the competion out there fro other brands. Not to mention you can get a G Sedan or Coupe for the same price

 

[QUOTE=teksurv]The way I'm seeing it, Infiniti is trying to distinguish themselves from the other Japanese lux makes. Acura has yet to truly shine against the Europeans. ...Time will tell, but I think they are on the right track. QUOTE]

Yeah, the first gen Q45 hit the bullseye. Then Infiniti went soft with the second gen. With this new image they should not only highlight the performance, but also the luxury, and cash savings compared to other brands.

 

[/QUOTE]Yes, bring us the GT-R as an Infiniti. In order to be a GT-R, it's gonna be pricey. No need to confuse the Nissan lineup with that. Bring us the Infiniti GT-R, and let Infiniti take aim at ///M and AMG.QUOTE]

If the GT-R were an Infiniti it would send the brand straight to the front of the line. Buyers would get treated accordingly and the warranty would be appropriate. Can you imagine dropping $75 grand and going through the regular Nissan service and dealership experince?

 

That is exactly why I believe Nissan will bring the new GT-R in as an Infiniti. Nissan dealerships are not prepared or experienced with selling a car close to 80k.

It just makes sense.

 

The I30 sold very well. And allthough I think the I35 could have sold better if they actually marketed it, it wasn't as impressive as the i30, when you drive a 4th gen for the first couple times it keeps suprising you, it makes you say "wow, this thing has some serious nut" "wow, this thing handles way better then I could have ever imagined" "wow, this thing is sick on the highway" "wow, this motor is suprisingly powerful at ALL rpm's"

But.....When you go from an i30 to an I35, you say "wow, this thing handles like a boat" "wow, this thing has zero throttle response" "wow, this thing throws you back, but only if you really floor it from a dead stop"

 

i think what happened was the I30 was a very competitive car but when we got the 5th gen I 30/I35 they atill were nice cars but the competition really was alot better.....

personally if it handled a little nicer stock and had a better turning radius and a 5spd auto... (6spd manual in my dreams) I would have an I35 right now I still wish i could find a 95-97 I 30 5spd

 

I couldn't agree more, my car is way more fun to drive than the I35. It doesn't make sence, I know, but if I had to take one over the other it would be my '96 hands down. If you go on Autotrader every day you'll find one eventually, it took me about 2.5 months, oh but you won't have much luck finding a '95.

 

I had a '97 Maxima SE 5spd way back when. It definitely was more nimble than my I35. I still can't stand "drive/throttle-by-wire." I've only had the I35 since November, and it is my commuter car. Maybe I just need to adjust more, but it responds at times I am not anticipating.

BUT, when the VQ35 does kick in, it's one helluva ride in comparison to the VQ30. I guess I'll be lowering the I35, and adding a RSB in the near future. I gotta get my Z32 prepped for summer as well, so we'll see which gets priority.