Nissan: 450Z (?)
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Oceanside, CA
Originally Posted by MrFatbooty
Well there's no such thing as an S6, C500 or 550i so um yeah that kind of shoots a hole in your argument there now don't it? 
Seriously though, the established European brands are able to offer ridiculous performance versions of their cars with much larger engines than the entry level of the next model up the lineup for a couple of reasons.
1. There's a much larger price differential from say a BMW 330i to a 530i or a Mercedes C350 to an E350, than from an Infiniti G35 to M35, such that when you finally get up to the big motor version of the bigger German car it's a huge jump up in price like 20 grand or more. Not so much with the Infiniti (or Lexus or Acura).
2. They're the established luxury brands and people are willing to pay more for em. Infiniti/Lexus/Acura may be nice enough and all but they still don't have the pedigree of the European marques, and one of their main selling points is still their price advantage compared to the Europeans.
Seriously though, the established European brands are able to offer ridiculous performance versions of their cars with much larger engines than the entry level of the next model up the lineup for a couple of reasons.
1. There's a much larger price differential from say a BMW 330i to a 530i or a Mercedes C350 to an E350, than from an Infiniti G35 to M35, such that when you finally get up to the big motor version of the bigger German car it's a huge jump up in price like 20 grand or more. Not so much with the Infiniti (or Lexus or Acura).
2. They're the established luxury brands and people are willing to pay more for em. Infiniti/Lexus/Acura may be nice enough and all but they still don't have the pedigree of the European marques, and one of their main selling points is still their price advantage compared to the Europeans.
1. The 530i starts @ 46k, 330i starts @ 36k. C350 starts @ 38k and E350 starts @ 50k. So the difference is around 10k. The G35 starts @ 30k and M35 starts @ 40k for the base and 43k for the sport version, so um yeah that kind of shoots a hole in your argument there now don't it?
2.I I agree, the German does have more heritage, but that doesn't mean the Japanese can't follow their foot step. The Japanese are selling quite well in comparison to the German in the segment they do compete. Since the Japanese want to expand their market share, they will have to follow the foot step of the Germans. Which mean more engine and drive train choices for the same car. I never suggest Infiniti should ever be on the same price range as the BMW or Benz. Just look @ their current offerings, all are at least 6k less than comparable Germans. So G45 can still make sense if they're at least 6k less than comparable German. I doubt people cross shop C55 w/ E350 or M3 w/ 530i, although their price are comparable. So if G45 is in the low $40k, I think it should be ok. It would allow people like me who will be upgrading from a G35c to another Infiniti. If they don't, would have to look else where, like the M3 or maybe the IS500, if it does come out.
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I really don't think Japanese automakers have to go head to head against those Germans in every segment. I think M3, S4 are the "niche" market which has an image effect more than making money for the company. G45 or AWD 450Z would overlap with what M45 or the upcoming GTR should do. I am not against this idea, more choices for consumers are always good. But I rather see a super good GTR which could run with 911 Turbo and F430 but costs a lot less.
Midwest Acurati
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Middle America
Ideally, they would want to offer a G25, G35, and G45 to cover as much market as possible. Then again, the main argument against a lesser-power G is that it would wreck the car's "power" image. A G45 would fast resistance in terms of price; people don't want to pay German prices for an Infiniti. Then again, with V8 power ...
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Screw the G coupe, Infinity and the Euro comparrisons. I want a 450Z (which I like better than the G) with a 6speed and RWD ONLY to compete with the new Camaro, Challenger and Mustang. Just make sure is is priced in the same ballpark as those other v8 ponycars but well under the GTR.
lots and lots of fail
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeetroit
Originally Posted by Deuces Wild
Screw the G coupe, Infinity and the Euro comparrisons. I want a 450Z (which I like better than the G) with a 6speed and RWD ONLY to compete with the new Camaro, Challenger and Mustang. Just make sure is is priced in the same ballpark as those other v8 ponycars but well under the GTR.
Midwest Acurati
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Middle America
The '450' trim level will have a V8 standard, but wheels, wipers, radios, and seats will be optional to meet the price target! :chuckles:
And then, some car mag will do a comparo test versus some other V8 car, saying that you can get the 450Z for a lower base price, but in reality the 450Z will cost as much or more, because you need all the 'options' to actually back it down the driveway.
And then, some car mag will do a comparo test versus some other V8 car, saying that you can get the 450Z for a lower base price, but in reality the 450Z will cost as much or more, because you need all the 'options' to actually back it down the driveway.
i'm pretty much awesome
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: North Carolina
i'd say the handling would be worse,just because it'd be a little heavier, unless its got an entirely different supension to make up for it. japanese V8 cars still seem weird to me. seems like most are 4 and 6 cyl.