Infiniti: Development and Technology News
WHy not a division of performance cars and not just add-on parts?? Come on Infiniti, step it up!
05-25-2010, 11:53 AM
#42
Acura on the other hand, who was the oldest Japanese lux company in this country, has screwed around with inconsistent goals/direction/focus etc and now has produced mostly agreed upon ugly styling have taken a step in the wrong direction! They make very nice, comfortable, luxurious vehicles, but nothing that stands out in features, performance, etc from the rest of the luxury competition! For God sakes, most of the Acura line-up still has God damn 5spd automatic transmissions so does Honda!
05-25-2010, 12:58 PM
#43
I shoot people
Thread Starter
"IPL" just quite flow as well "AMG" or "M" or "V" 
too bad they can't just go with "Nismo"
too bad they can't just go with "Nismo"
05-25-2010, 01:22 PM
#44
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While not perfect and still needing to do many many things, Infiniti has stepped it up, a hell of a lot more than Acura has, especially when you consider where Infiniti was just 8 years ago in 2002, before the G Sedan and FX introductions! They were on the brink of obscurity and have come a very very long way, in just 8 short years!
Acura on the other hand, who was the oldest Japanese lux company in this country, has screwed around with inconsistent goals/direction/focus etc and now has produced mostly agreed upon ugly styling have taken a step in the wrong direction! They make very nice, comfortable, luxurious vehicles, but nothing that stands out in features, performance, etc from the rest of the luxury competition! For God sakes, most of the Acura line-up still has God damn 5spd automatic transmissions so does Honda!
Acura on the other hand, who was the oldest Japanese lux company in this country, has screwed around with inconsistent goals/direction/focus etc and now has produced mostly agreed upon ugly styling have taken a step in the wrong direction! They make very nice, comfortable, luxurious vehicles, but nothing that stands out in features, performance, etc from the rest of the luxury competition! For God sakes, most of the Acura line-up still has God damn 5spd automatic transmissions so does Honda!
And now as Infiniti starts creeping up their prices....
05-25-2010, 01:29 PM
#45
I shoot people
Thread Starter
05-25-2010, 05:36 PM
#47
I shoot people
Thread Starter
05-25-2010, 05:40 PM
#48
But you are right about the public not seeing that! I think a lot of what caused that was when gas prices were so high two years ago and remained generally high since! Let's be honest, Infiniti has nothing in their line-up with great fuel economy, something they will have to rectify by 2016 though! And some people look for fuel saving luxury vehicles, which the other luxury makes have at least 1 or 2 models they offer with decent fuel economy where as Infiniti currently don't. It will be interesting to see the mpg on the G25 when it comes out at the end of this year. So I guess the CAFE standards could be a mix bag for Infiniti, their prices will have to go up for the new gas saving tech, but more people then might be incline to shop them if they get good fuel economy!
Last edited by smarty666; 05-25-2010 at 05:45 PM.
05-25-2010, 06:45 PM
#50
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05-26-2010, 09:27 AM
#54
Burning Brakes
It by the corporation, not by the brand or operating unit. This was one of the driving forces behind the whole Porsche/VW tango. The small volume manufacturers are likely to lose their free mileage/emissions pass in the current global political environment. Why do you think Aston is putting out that goofy little Cygnet based on the Toyota iQ? I am pretty sure the EU CO2 rules make no exception for volume, or that it is only for really small volumes.
05-26-2010, 11:58 AM
#55
IPL - Infiniti Performance Line
Trademark Filing Suggests Infiniti Plans ‘Performance Line'
NASHVILLE, May 26, 2010 -- Nissan North America Inc. has taken legal steps to create a performance segment for its Infiniti Division product line, similar to its larger luxury rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Nissan has filed for trademark protection for the names “IPL” and “Infiniti Performance Line,” according to documents on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
According to the applications, the IPL trademark would cover the brand's use of “high-performance motor vehicle parts,” including turbochargers and superchargers for engines, cat-back exhaust and muffler systems, shifter knobs, suspension parts, brakes, sports seats and off-road headlights.
A spokesman at Infiniti's North American headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., declined to discuss the trademark filings or the brand's product plans.
This month in Louisville, Ky., the vice president of the Infiniti Business Unit, Ben Poore, told reporters that he intends to reveal a new performance-oriented offering this summer. He did not elaborate.
At the same time, Nissan confirmed that it is considering more use of high-output, small-displacement turbocharged engines for Infiniti.
Infiniti has been at a product disadvantage among luxury brands for years. Older competitors such as Mercedes, BMW and even Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus brand offer a much broader model line than Infiniti. Additionally, Mercedes markets variations of its models under the AMG performance subbrand, while BMW produces performance-level M versions of some models.
The performance brand options typically retail for a much higher premium. While the 2010 Mercedes S-class sedan has a base manufacturer's list price of $87,950, Mercedes' AMG Web site lists the price of the S63 AMG sedan at $133,550 - Automotive News
NASHVILLE, May 26, 2010 -- Nissan North America Inc. has taken legal steps to create a performance segment for its Infiniti Division product line, similar to its larger luxury rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
Nissan has filed for trademark protection for the names “IPL” and “Infiniti Performance Line,” according to documents on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
According to the applications, the IPL trademark would cover the brand's use of “high-performance motor vehicle parts,” including turbochargers and superchargers for engines, cat-back exhaust and muffler systems, shifter knobs, suspension parts, brakes, sports seats and off-road headlights.
A spokesman at Infiniti's North American headquarters in Franklin, Tenn., declined to discuss the trademark filings or the brand's product plans.
This month in Louisville, Ky., the vice president of the Infiniti Business Unit, Ben Poore, told reporters that he intends to reveal a new performance-oriented offering this summer. He did not elaborate.
At the same time, Nissan confirmed that it is considering more use of high-output, small-displacement turbocharged engines for Infiniti.
Infiniti has been at a product disadvantage among luxury brands for years. Older competitors such as Mercedes, BMW and even Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus brand offer a much broader model line than Infiniti. Additionally, Mercedes markets variations of its models under the AMG performance subbrand, while BMW produces performance-level M versions of some models.
The performance brand options typically retail for a much higher premium. While the 2010 Mercedes S-class sedan has a base manufacturer's list price of $87,950, Mercedes' AMG Web site lists the price of the S63 AMG sedan at $133,550 - Automotive News
05-26-2010, 12:17 PM
#56
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Sweeeeet
I think IPL sounds so much cooler than Lexus F.
I think IPL sounds so much cooler than Lexus F.
07-05-2010, 10:03 AM
#61
Safety Car
Article
With all the rumors that Acura will bring back the RSX, it seems Infiniti might beat them to the punch. According to a new report by AutoCar, Infiniti is planning a new front-drive coupe model. News of a new front-drive model from Nissan’s luxury brand has been around for several months, but this is the first time we’ve heard that it will be a two door.
The new entry-level model is slated to get a coupe profile, although Infiniti wants to give it the practicality of a hatchback – perhaps with some sort of BMW Gran Turismo trunk.
Styling will be inspired by the Essence Concept (above), while driving dynamics are expected to be high, with a source inside the company stating that the MINI brand proved front-drive premium cars with excellent driving characteristics are possible. Power for the new model could come from new gasoline and diesel engines donated by Mercedes as a part of a new partnership between the automakers.
In addition to this new model, Infiniti is also expected to expand its brand with an version of the all-electric Nissan Leaf with added power, improved driving dynamics and an all-new look.
07-05-2010, 12:33 PM
#62
If it is based off the Essence concept I saw at the NY Auto Show earlier this year then its going to be some sweet ass looking SOB! I'm not too sure about the FWD thing b/c that is the big thing that separates Infiniti from Nissan, FWD vs RWD and I could of sworn reading something in the last year that said Infiniti was just going to stay with RWD/AWD and not offering anything with FWD.
But they can always change their mind!
But they can always change their mind!
07-05-2010, 12:35 PM
#63
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
With all the rumors that Acura will bring back the RSX, it seems Infiniti might beat them to the punch. According to a new report by AutoCar, Infiniti is planning a new front-drive coupe model. News of a new front-drive model from Nissan’s luxury brand has been around for several months, but this is the first time we’ve heard that it will be a two door.
The new entry-level model is slated to get a coupe profile, although Infiniti wants to give it the practicality of a hatchback – perhaps with some sort of BMW Gran Turismo trunk.
Styling will be inspired by the Essence Concept (above), while driving dynamics are expected to be high, with a source inside the company stating that the MINI brand proved front-drive premium cars with excellent driving characteristics are possible. Power for the new model could come from new gasoline and diesel engines donated by Mercedes as a part of a new partnership between the automakers.
In addition to this new model, Infiniti is also expected to expand its brand with an version of the all-electric Nissan Leaf with added power, improved driving dynamics and an all-new look.
07-06-2010, 11:07 AM
#67
2G TLX-S
^^^^^ No, this is not good news for Acura.
Infiniti is trying to steal sales from the all FWD-based Acura lineups.
Infiniti is trying to steal sales from the all FWD-based Acura lineups.
07-06-2010, 11:53 AM
#68
Safety Car
1 Series
Just a reminder that there is a rumor that there will be FWD BMW 1 Series in the near future ... be it the economy, CAFE or whatever ... this seems to be a direction that luxury makers are going.
07-06-2010, 01:30 PM
#69
Senior Moderator
07-06-2010, 03:13 PM
#70
The sizzle in the Steak
Sounds fishy to me.
Looks catfishy too.
Looks catfishy too.
07-06-2010, 03:21 PM
#71
i was looking at China website Acura now expanded to 36 dealers with just three vehicles.
07-06-2010, 03:42 PM
#72
Infiniti interiors have been better, quality-wise (im still not sold on the curving swoopy interior theme), than Acuras. A lot better.
07-06-2010, 06:35 PM
#73
Rooting for Acura
iTrader: (1)
But what's more ridiculous than that is my co-worker used to drive a G37 Coupe (for a year) and up until last week he thought it was a FWD car
At least a 1 Series looks like it could possibly be FWD. The G?, not so much.
07-07-2010, 03:37 AM
#74
2G TLX-S
Secondly, sure the Acura lineup will grow, but Acura cars and trucks aren't going nowhere when Acura has been falling way behind most other auto makers in terms of main stream technologies, such as
high-power V6 (300+ hp),
V6 hp-to-displacement ratio,
direct fuel injection,
performance hybrid technology,
V6 turbo-diesel technology,
7 or 8-speed auto tranny,
dual-clutch direct shift tranny,
AWD option in all Acura model lines,
external vehicle styling,
etc., etc.
Thirdly, with a population of over 1.5 billion people living in China, I'm sure 36 Acura dealerships in China are grossly insufficient. As a comparison, US has a population of 0.31 billion people as of now.
07-07-2010, 01:06 PM
#75
Well if they're bringing back FWD to Infiniti, then they need to bring back the I35. I owned 2 of those and they were great cars.....the motor in that was sick. I always thought the I35 was also one of the best, cleanest looking Infiniti's....Imagine what they could do with the 7G Maxima!
07-07-2010, 04:41 PM
#76
My guess is that the new Infiniti will be based off of the Renault Megane, which is considered to be one of the best handling FWD hatchbacks in Europe.
07-07-2010, 04:44 PM
#77
I shoot people
Thread Starter
^^^that looks good
07-07-2010, 05:51 PM
#78
Well if they're bringing back FWD to Infiniti, then they need to bring back the I35. I owned 2 of those and they were great cars.....the motor in that was sick. I always thought the I35 was also one of the best, cleanest looking Infiniti's....Imagine what they could do with the 7G Maxima!
07-07-2010, 06:03 PM
#79
Problem is, at the time, the I35 was just a glamed up, rebadged Maxima and got a lot a criticism at the time for that. I wouldn't mind Infiniti bringing the I35 back but they would need it to be a completely different new model that has no resemblance to the new Maxima what so ever, both on the interior and exterior.
07-07-2010, 07:49 PM
#80
Punk Rocker
