What does the next generation Infiniti Q45 need to have, to get back in the game?

people said the same about Lexus years ago, but now look how far they have come. They aren't on top, but they are leading some technological fronts and hanging in there in comparos (as much as i hate to admit it).

i agree that the Q45 might not stand a chance right now, but over time if nissan makes the right moves, the Q could become a formidable contender in the future.

How about you turn down your New Kids on the Block tape, take a deep breath, and leave 1989 behind.

Lexus has launched. They have proven to be successful. They have won numerous awards. Some people...gasp..actually like Lexus cars and SUVs.

At Least Nissan is MORE reliable and wont Break Mechanically like Beemers & Mercedes cars do constantly!!

great...a german version of lexusmaniac. maybe they are the same person? hey Sevorbeupstry, wake up its not 1989 anymore. ive never seen someone more afraid of japanese people. they were allies back in wwII!

In the year of our lord, 2009;....in the early springtime,...the Q-500 will be launched toward the shores of America from the land of the rising sun.

It will be all wheel drive, 360 degree asccidence avoidance (real-time) and voice recognition everything. The voice recognition will have a personality and you will be able to give the voice (M or F) a name and it will interact with you from then on as a one to one entity.
The interior will be designed by POLO and the fawcett and sinks by Kohler.
Over 500 horsepower,...10 disc in-dash CD/DVD, watch movies while you drive, 11.1 surround environment audio system which loads music selection the second you think of it !!!
Sculpted body is svelte, sleek, and lithesome. Glass wheels are custome made any color you can imagine.

The hydrogen/gas hybrid powerplant will acheive 70 miles per gallon and emit zero emissions.

It'll cost 25,000 less than a Merc, 35,000 less than the Audi, 15,000 less than the crooked L.

And unfortunately,......it still will not sell.

Infiniti will show commercials of zen gardens and swaying grass fields on their 20th anniversary edition.
(the more things change,...the more they stay the same).

that sounds REALLY confusing =/

as long as they stay in front of the RL there moving in the right direction

The Spies say they need REVOLUTION, not EVOLUTION to succeed here...

001

Way infront...

001, your recommendations are unrealistic for Nissan.

They don't have a leading edge v8, and don't even have a 6sp automatic transmission and many other things.

Even if they could do it, they will lose money. Why should they do it?

neither does Porsche (yet). You don't need displacement to be successful. Let's take a look at the GT-R. TT V6 with an automated manual will be sure fire hit...or at least lead its segment for all around "affordable" performance.

The GT-R is a huge step for Nissan both model-wise and consumer target-wise. It is probably a sign of things to come. Expect a vamped up G35 (or 37?) coupe and the FX is due for a redesign.

It will take time, but don't count Nissan out.

The new Q needs to be special. Design before practicality. Maserati/Ferrari like style, best in class performance. This is difficult, but not impossible.

Inifinti shouldn't try to be the sales leader in this segment, just offer something exciting that will make this a true flaship.

Well... let me take a crack at Infiniti for a moment. I don't think it was ever IN the game!

On a different note. I think it should be like a cheap 7 Series. Intriguing style (but better-looking than the initial 745), luxurious interior, great performance. Core Infiniti values- but with more of an emphasis on performance than luxury.

Kind of an anti-LS, for a bit less money. Think $55-60K.

An M45 with a stretched wheelbase?

Sounds good to me S4.

I dont think the Finance guys would go ahead with that. The M45 already tops out around 50+.

In my humble opinion, I think Infiniti has been too conservative in their approach to this model. They should take this opportunity to ride past, Lexus, BMW, etc and be very agressive in their design. They need to take a cue from the upcoming Jaguar, and even the so-called new Audi A8, and really give us something extraordinary.

Sure, I’ll try some arm-chair-engineering. Here are my first thoughts.

Above all, it needs customization. At the end of the day, it’s Infiniti’s only chance at competing with both Lexus and the Germans at the flagship level. Lexus offers no real customization, only packages, and the German offerings are insanely expensive. This is a custom shirt and tailored suit crowd. They should follow suit (heh) and partner with respected, 3rd party brands if they have to… If Infiniti could offer a German level of customizing at a Lexus price, they could at least begin to make shoppers curious.

I’m not so sure “gadgetry” should be a focus as much as simplicity should be. Remember simplicity? Refined ergonomics has never been a strong attribute for Infinity, but there is certainly room in the market for it. There seems to be a button count race in the $70K+ market… There should be an aim to reduce the owner’s manual thickness for Infinity; an Apple approach to interior design could be quite radical.

Finally, it needs a pioneering, marketable technology that defines not only the car, but the brand as a competitor. If not that glamorous, then at least a heavily spun, stand-out feature that makes noise… maybe you can get out and let it park itself… maybe you whistle and it comes to you, like a hero’s horse. Something.

I agree! It would be interesting if the Q set itself apart as the "most easily customizable" in the class. It would give it an image of mystery- almost Maybach-like flair. 'What flavor wood would you like, sir?' 'Flavor? May I beg your pardon?' 'Yes, flavor. We have chocolate, marmalade, cream, cherry...'

I also think the car should have 7 Series-like performance for an LS430-like price.

What I also find interesting about your post? You spelled "Infiniti" right once, and spelled it "Infinity" the two other times you said it.

Holy Fanboy Batman! Who’s the child with 3 screen names running through the threads and de-boosting everyone? This is one of the more rational discussions on this site, and over 90% of the comments have been de-boosted. 001, we need an option to show all de-boosted comments. Frankly, heavily de-boosted comments just make me curious as to what the post said.

Anyway.. Ack! I did misspell Infiniti. Perhaps the mention of Apple made me think of Infinity speakers... oops.

It does need to perform on all fronts from technology to power; but I think being on par or even slightly better won’t be enough to lure enough buyers away from the big players. However, if it’s the only car that accommodates CEO Bob’s tasteless hankering for green leather with white stitching, it will override other deficiencies and make for a solid niche that’s sufficiently tough for other companies to compete with.

With Audi's interior. The last thing we need is another car company going cheap on interior materials ala BMW.

At least you're finally realizing that MB engineering is worthless. Nissan engineering is good enough though, if you cant see it yet simply take a look at the current M, or the upcoming GTR. (BTW I love Bimmers except the X3)

i dunno. i dont think it needs to blow away the LS and S, etc...it does need to be big when compared to the old model and infiniti needs to work in a 6 speed trans and direct injection to these new models.

the infiniti tech is pretty nice, but they need to focus on the interior of this thing. for instance, when you compare the leather on any japanese car, it doesnt compare with the german counterparts. the dash in a BMW has a thick soft feel, whereas the infiniti is britle and creaks and moans in the turns (i own an FX45 and have had 3 other infinitis in the past).

its that little stuff that needs to be right for a flagship IMO.

Design a wow factor and the mission is done. Infiniti has done a fine job with solid cars and very nice service. I would love to see them combine a little German and a little Italian design. Interior young and youthful with nice lightning, exotic woods, full gauge package and the best of leather comfort. Make the car a little smaller then the 7501 quick and nimble. 20 inch wheels chrome standard in warm climate zones. Large moonroof and very functual trunk. Front end must get the jucies flowing, create a new standard such as most everything standard and a price point of no more then 55k. The paint job has got to be the best Japan has to offer in color and paint gloss. The car can make it the m proves it, FX proves it, and so does the G which was all but dead now a winner, go for it Infiniti!

You think they can throw in $1,000 paint, the finest leather and exotic designers for $55,000? It's not that easy. I'd like to see you make a profit selling it at that price point!

And not everyone wants 20" chrome rims. I'd rather have the 19" polished twelve-spoke alloys on the Audi A8...

Chrome wheels suck.

Mark my word the Q will always be a failure.

Consider them marked.

I am an Infiniti enthusiast, and all of you who are supporting Infiniti's exciting next Q should direct your valuable comments to Nissan VP of Corporate Communications Ms. Frederique LeGreves. (those, like Designer1, who don't support Infiniti shouldn't waste their time) She can be reached at:

frederique.legreves@nissan-usa.com

She can contact any Nissan executive. It's great we all make our valuable comments, but unless they get to the right people, nothing really happens. I already sent an e-mail regarding this Autospies posting to Nissan Corporate Vice President, Global Communications and Investor Relations Simon Sproule in Tokyo[s-sproule@mail.nissan.co.jp]. Believe it or not, these guys do read your input and they DO value your thoughts. So e-mail them!

Don't think everything 001 said is possible, but if they try they'll need some killer app that makes news. (1)Maybe the ability sync with next gen iPod via wifi/bluetooth
(2)OLED backlit buttons that change with current function
(3)a SIMPLE, elegant interface that could be customizable via an online configurator of some sort.
OR
I think almost everyone who buys a 60k + sedan will have home wifi in the future, maybe you could sync your computer to your car? This opens up A LOT of options regarding #3, such as...

-a sexy voice could read your email on the way to work, buttons on steering wheel could be skip, delete, etc when this is active. Heads up display assists.

Some functionality that is a must have when it hits the market.

Oh, and LED daytime lights.

I think Infinity has the same problems Acura does, Nobody really knows where it stands. They seem to be better than Acura but worse than Lexus. It just seems like the company has no focus. What they need to do is find a company philosophy and stick to it. Lexus = reliability and technologically advanced, BMW= drivers car, MB = presdige, Audi = drivers car, Jag = presdige (kinda) etc. When i look at Infinity (and even Acura) I see nice Nissan that is trying to be a little of everything. I think Lexus is so sucessful because it isnt trying to be BMW but trying to be Lexus. You dont see them trying to make a car where you can hear the engine, feel the torque. Sure, the are now trying to make sports cars(IS-F) but its secondary to their primary goals, LS/GS/IS. All three of those cars put luxury first and everything else second.

just my .02

Word. One of my favorite facts about the new LS is how the speedometer is limited to 120 or something so they could put the tires with the softest ride possible. There's focus for you.

The most successful part of the existing 'Q' is just that..the letter 'Q'. In order to sell the Q7 in the US, Audi pays Infiniti/Nissan a royalty.

Infiniti's sweet spot is the M35X - if they matched the dynamics of that 20% cheaper than a 530ix, more beautiful interior, reliable, fast - they'd have a total winner. One kudo they could pursue is to pull a 'Bentley' and sell a special Q45/Q56 at launch that could do 200MPH (like the Bentley Flying Spur) they could then market the heck out of that stat to sell the 'normal' Q's.

First of all the Q should not try to "out Lexus" the LS. They just won't be able to do it, and they shouldn't even try. I really liked the first (and 2nd) G35 and the current M, but my first impression of the current Q was complete disgust. The styling is horrible...it was DOA as soon as it came out.
I can't believe those drawings were for the '02 Q. The styling of the shots above are spot on...what I would expect a current Q to look like. Too bad the current one didn't look like that.
The new Q should handle better than the LS and maybe shouldn't even try to out handle the Germans since it won't matter with a lower cost. The main hurdle for the new Q is the M45. Is the M45 the highest Infiniti should go?

The Q with some effort, good quality materials, and some good marketing it should be a contender in the full size luxury market. It's direct competition in the JDM would be the Lexus LS. In a world wide scale it would have to compete against the S-Class, 7 series, A8, XJ, and so forth. In a world wide scale it's going to be really tough for Infiniti to get that much credibility. However, Infiniti does need a flagship and a redesigned Q would be much needed.

It must look better than the M's as they are very attractive especially with the Sport Package.

One idea that just stormed into my brain. We have to be careful about what the prices should be.

It shoudln't be more than an LS460, but the next Q45 (or whatever engine it will have) should distance itself from the M45. This is one huge reason why it didn't sell- why get a Q when you could get the better-looking M FOR LESS MONEY?

The Q not only needs to be significantly nicer, but should start at about $60,000. With the M45 starting at $49,000, it's still a bit close for comfort, but that's as good as they can get on a big sedan with the image of the Q. Mind you, with customization and options, it should be able to reach $75-80K, but it should not go over that. That's the line- the S-Class. If a loaded Q45 even comes within $5K of the S550, nobody would buy it. Only the most diehard Infiniti fans.

This the same dilemma Acura faces with the TL and RL. The difference is that the RL isn't, and won't be (in the foreseeable future), a proper flagship sedan.

Good point.

The only thing I have to say is that if Infiniti continues on the way they're going than the next Q will be a success. Simply avoid a cheap material interior, offer good performance and be more agressive with the styling and we'll have a winner.
I agree with 001; Infiniti's next Q should concentrate on a sporty look ala Quattroporte or Rapid.

look at those taillights on the sketches, VERY forward thinking.

Stay out, work on some niche vehicles instead.

If Nissan/Infinti can make G35 and M35/45, one of the best in its class cars, why can't they make Q to be next to S, LS and 7. I am sure they can do it, its a matter of time
plese compare to old M45 and Current M45 plese

Infiniti can not cheap out on the interior, like they do on every other vehicle. Like they have seen in the past consumers just wont put up with it in that segment.

Infiniti should make the Q a 4 seater only. It doesn't need to have reclining rear seats, but have a rear console with some cool gadgets.

Having only the two rear seats also expresses a mindset for sport over pure luxury.

That makes it more of a CLS competitor... but that's actually a really nifty idea!

Up the power of the 4.5L (you know they haven't wrung it all out yet, because the 3.5L has 306hp), give it a more exotic look and market it as a "four-door coupe!"

It would only make it look better for Infiniti if they made it about $15K less than the $68,000 CLS550.

Japanese luxury cars are for 10 cent millionaires who cannot afford true German luxury and performance.

Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Tony Hawk, Jessica Alba, etc. are all "10 cent millionaires"? Crazy!

Well since they made the M series look like a Giant G35, they need to really step up with the design of the Q. Also they claimed of 0-60 in under 6 seconds with the Q and the fastest anyone got was 6.5 seconds that can't happen again. The Q was ahead of its time as far as gadgets but a boring look and a so so drive really put the nail in its coffin. Still to this day one of the best used car deals on the market!

It needs to not look like a Mercury Sable.

I have always preferred Nissan over most other companies I have owned 3 maximas through the years and always felt that being a person who loves to drive it offered sport that was not available in that class elsewhere. The Q45 has been a failure through the years starting from the worst marketing campaign in history when Infiniti first came out. That needs to change and based on current advertising the new M and G class has done a much better job. I am the proud owner of a 2006 M45 Sport and can't tell you how much I love this car. Other than it's poor performance in the snow it is nothing short of awesome. The New Q45 needs to one up that. The current M45 is so good I can honestly see that they can build a great car but can it capture it's fair share of the market. It will have to outperform, underprice and over option its vehicles to make a signioficant impact. Being that many current Q45 owners have no car to go to but the M have gone to other companies. As great as the M is it is not as big as the Q should be. If they do all the things it needs to and give it 110% they can create an awesome supercar and come in at least 10% less than the competition in price. I am excited if they can make the new Q45 as good as they did the M45 I will be looking forward to its introduction!

IMO the Q45's "nail in the coffin" WAS your car. Why buy a $58K Q45, when you could have the better-performing, better-looking, $49K M45? You only lose about two inches of rear seat space, do you not?

LexusManiac,

So we now know you base your judgement on the LS because of the neighbourhood you live in? HAHAHA. Have you not looked at the big picture. At the world wide market? the LS does not dominate the world, it is just popular in the US.


---------

Anyways, the Q45 if produced with be competitively priced against the LS. I think the LS would be it's direct competition. Lexus has more experience and had a better track run than Infiniti did but I do like the M35/45 models but Q45 will need a lot of work to get up to par against the full size luxury saloons.

Q45 Segment Update


What’s new and what’s coming

The look of the premium luxury segment is changing.

From new-generation models to mid-cycle updates, Q45’s competitors are noticeably different for the 2006 and 2007 model years. Here’s an overview of what to expect. For complete comparative information on features, specifications, option packages, and pricing, go to Infiniti.com, select Q, and click on Compare Competitors.



7 Series

750i now has a 4.8-liter V8 engine.
The BMW 7 Series has received significant design changes for 2006, although the basic profile that has polarized BMW faithful since the current-generation model was introduced for the 2002 model year has not changed. Exterior updates include new hood, grille, headlights, front bumper, front spoiler, trunk lid, taillights, side sills, rear bumper, and new wheel designs.

Inside, the dashboard has been revised, and new walnut and titanium trim elements have been added. BMW’s controversial iDrive controller has been revised to make it easier to use, yet the system continues to be panned in the automotive press. With iDrive, a combination of joystick and control buttons on the center console must be used to control many common functions.

7 Series model designations change for 2006 to 750i and 750Li (long wheelbase) because BMW has introduced a new 4.8-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 360 foot-pounds of torque. Also available are two models that don’t compete directly with Q45, the 760i and 760Li, with a 438-hp 6.0-liter V12 and prices starting above $111,000.

Compared to the 750i, Q45’s MSRP is more than $13,000 lower, yet it offers standard features that are optional on 750i, including a power opening/closing trunk lid, heated front seats, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, front-seat active head restraints, and 19-inch wheels, which are all extra-cost options on 750i. Three Q45 features, Rear Active Steer, a cassette player, and RearView Monitor, and are not available on 750i.



Audi A8

A8 is now offered in a short-wheelbase model.

For 2006, Audi introduced a “short”-wheelbase (115.9 inches) model to go along with the long-wheelbase (121.1 inches) A8 L. With an MSRP of $68,180, the base version is nearly $4,000 less than the A8 L.

New features for A8 include a single-frame front grille similar to other Audi models, standard adaptive front lighting system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a redesigned driver information center. A new Audi Exclusive package includes Valcona leather seats, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, upgraded floor mats, and unique wood trim. The 18-inch wheels have a new design, and 19-inch performance tires are now available only in the Sport Package.

Also available is an A8 L model that doesn’t compete directly with Q45, featuring a 450-hp 6.0-liter V12 engine and an MSRP of $118,190. It’s designed to compete with BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class V12 models.

All A8s have Audi’s MMI System, w

This is old news.

The re-freshed 7 Series came out in 2005. The A8 with the big grille also came out in 2005.

It's 2007.

like the M is a japanese 5 series, make the Q a japanese 7 series. Aggressive styling, taut ride and excellent performance. Exteiror styling is key. Some new, not me too, meaningful technology advances would certainly help.

This is a huge undertaking for Infiniti in their quest to become a Top Tier luxury brand. They have the resources and the passion to get there, but they need the corporate backing. I think Agent001 is right on in his assesment of what the next Q-ship MUST be and anything less will be considered a marginal vehicle at best. With the Ultra-luxo brands moving down market and others moving up the GAPS are becoming slimmer - these guys should be looking at RR's small vehicle venture, Bentley's offering and how Ferrari may be offering the Dino as a more entry level vehicle. These guys are coming down market and offer huge brand cache along with significant vehicle prowess.

Infiniti is going to have to dial up the product story in a very meaningful way in terms of design, content and value to make their mark and then build from there. The flagship game is a risky one, but doing it right creates all sorts of product and brand momentum.

As germeezy1 stated, please don't pass your opinions off as fact.

Can't Acura, Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz et al. be equal competitors?

Ricemaster I just can't give anyone credit with your stupid viewpoints and your stupid name. Your entitled to your opinion but please don't speak it as fact.

There will never be a car manufacturer that can build a quality big sedan like Mercedes-Benz with its beautiful S class...Infiniti is an excellent brand, and I applaud there efforts with the Q...

I think there was a time when q45 had an upper hand over lexus ls400 in the early 90's for a couple of years. I dont think anyone will ever deny the fact that when you think of the best large luxury sedan, you think of S class and 7 series. ( forget cars over 100,000) Lexus is right up there with them as well as Audi a8 and jaguar xj8 but infiniti q45 has a long way to go.
For one thing they should rename the car i think to
Q50. make a short and long version, rear drive and all wheel drive option and probably design it to copy mercedes cls.

You guys can't under-estimate the Q45 if it comes out. If the styling is right and the quality is there for a full size luxury car then it will be in contention in this segment. It may not be as good as the LS but it would be a competitor.

I haven't seen any photos of the supposed next gen Q45 but if it has some similarities with the current LS along with a long wheel base you never know Infiniti might shock the world. Now if you deboost me you are obviously in denial that an Infiniti can take on the world's best. Lexus fans will deny my opinions because they would be in denial that a Q45 can beat a Lexus.

I personally don't think it will at least not with this next gen, maybe the one after when people start recognizing it. The LS is very refined and very nice but the Q45 will have to overcome a lot to even reach that level.

BUT, Infiniti has had lots of time, plenty of time to plan the next attack from the reintroduction of this Q45.

Should be exciting to see what design they come out with. Hopefully it'll be attractive.

why some of you fools think so small minded, why in the hell u think a Q cant compete with the likes?"large luxury sedans"

hello larger trunk that is one of the main reasons i drive LS's

The LS or Q will never had the prestige of even a base S class. None of them have ever been named the best car in the world. By American and European publications.