2014 Infinti Q50 Sedan

And More, including Q50 Hybrid-

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/2014-infinti-q50-detroit-2013/

Claire S, our Host, perhaps we should use a different Forum title, Q50?

Jake

#7 of 14 Interior Appointments/Video by ushy66

Jan 17, 2013 (11:08 am)

Check it out:http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2013/01/2014-infiniti-q50-video.html

#8 of 14 New Naming Convention by markcincinnati

Jan 24, 2013 (4:10 pm)

I have been reading (mostly elsewhere) the cry of foul ball with respect to the new Q50's (previously known as G37) name, the dropping of the manual transmission option and the continuation of the 3.7L "rattletrap" engine. I also read that it is a shame that the auto transmission (7spd) is unfortunate -- Infiniti should have, in other words, come up with an 8 or 9 speed version.

Wow!

The available optics and words pertaining to the new Q50 make it look good (better than the outgoing model by far), appear to advance the G37 by a wide margin and so on -- it's all goood, far as I can see and read.

The new pres of Infiniti is a 19 year Audi veteran. Perhaps it was his idea to rationalize the names of the cars as Audi did when it came up with the A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8. And Audi cars do use Q5 and Q7, S4, RS6, etc to mean certain things -- and there is no direct way to tell from the name, A6 for instance, what the displacement of the engine is.

Sure, BMW does, mostly, conform to a designation that mostly allows the casual observer to see 328 and know that a 328 has a smaller engine than a 335. Indeed, the engine in L is suggested by the numbers following the model "3".

So?

I actually have more problem with the notion of a Q50 and a QXsomething -- where X is used to proclaim AWD (I guess). But a Q50 can be either RWD or AWD and I imagine there will be no naming like Q50X.

This change to the naming convention is a step in the right direction -- I guess some folks would have rather seen the name be Q37 and have the 37 actually have some meaning in liters as to the displacement of the engine.

I'm fine with rationalizing the naming and don't need the name Q50 to be any more descriptive than A4 is in an Audi or S60 is in a Volvo and so forth.

As for the dropping of the stick shift -- this was clearly in response to the market's lack of interest in actually purchasing them. Cadillac (and Buick) can offer all the manual transmissions they want, in their line-ups; the uptake, based on published numbers rarely reached 3% -- and once automatics started offering 6 and more speed autos, the market for manuals just continues to be eroded due to consumer apathy in that regard.

When I asked the 10th largest BMW dealer why he had hundreds and hundreds of cars on the lot and on boats and trucks coming soon to his dealership and virtually none of them were stick shifts, he replied: "I'd love to inventory stick transmission cars -- but the carrying costs would kill me, the cars sit on the lots for months and months with no takers. But, hey, I'll order one if someone would actually place one on order -- that too, very rarely happens."

The Audi dealer says esentially the same thing and further carries it to colors. Audi has a color called Imola Yellow -- it is really cool looking in brochures, but put one on the lot or on the showroom floor and the only way to move it (and it must be moved eventually) is to discount the crap out of it. Same goes for that Pearl Red A6 -- it is still unsold. Imagine a brand new 2011 A6, now discounted $12,000 and it still sits.

The point is, the number of folks who will pony up for a stick car is statistically so small as to be insignificant -- and dealers are in the business of selling cars, not showrooming them for grins. If a sufficient number of protests (with checks attached) comes in to Infiniti, I would assume manual transmissions will be, once again, offered.

Now to the rattletrap 3.7 engine. I assume the 3.7 engine isn't REALLY a rattletrap. I have read and understand that this engine tends to thrash as it approaches full-cry and is nearing its red-line. OK, that may be true (probably is for that matter), and that same critique cannot be ascribed to a BMW 6-cylinder engine (and I assume that is the case).

My wife has a 2011 FX35 -- and when it is in for service we are almost always provided with a "something" 37 vehicle (M37 or G37 or EX37) -- and yes I have given these loaners (and our own) full throttle and let the tach go as far as the needle goes before the auto trans upshifts. The engine does "make noise" near redline at WOT. It is, however, not lacking in smoothness, it does not rattle. It just seems "busier" than a comparable 3+L BMW or Audi motor. But, overall, the Infiniti seems to eternally come in at a price that is thousands less than an equally contented German. So, I cut it some slack for making a bit less pleasing sound at full-cry than a more expensive (but not more motivating) German model.

With respect to the transmission, sure 8 or more speeds ought to be an improvement -- but much of the competition is still offering 6 speed autos, so perhaps good is the enemy of great, especially when you consider that a 7 speed transmission is still more cogs than most cars for sale on the planet. I have no doubt we'll soon be seeing more speeds -- hopefully before Cadillac gets around to offering its vehicles with more than 6 speeds.

I see what Infiniti has done is to take a couple of steps closer to being a totallly believable alternative to Audi, BMW and Merceces -- within the same or similar class of automobile. Infiniti has no A8 or 7 Series rival. The Infiniti family (of sedans) seems happy to compete with the A4 3 series and C class (with the new Q50) and happy to compete with the A6, 5 series and E class with what is currently called an "M" Infiniti model.

I see no other car line from Japan at least that is working on rationalizing the look of their cars (although Acura and Lexus do seem to want to do this) and the naming convention of their cars. Infiniti is or will soon get a dose of whatever its new president, Johan de Nysschen, learned after being with Audi for 19 years.

I think all of the things Infiniti is doing or has announced it will do, will be good for the brand -- brand equity will build and strengthen as a result of these changes.

Infiniti may, this time, actually produce something that will give the Germans pause and a good reason to look over their shoulders as Infiniti gains on them.

This is a good thing for all car lovers -- even if you don't particularly agree with Infiniti's decisions as embodied by the newly announced Q50.

I can't wait to see what's next.

Replies to this message:

buya (Feb 26, 2013 4:35 pm)
- knr5 (Mar 13, 2013 6:11 pm)
knr5 (Mar 24, 2013 3:19 pm)
- billyperksii (Apr 01, 2013 2:44 pm)

#9 of 14 Good bye, Infiniti! by knr5

Feb 26, 2013 (8:48 am)

I will be leaving the Infiniti family reluctantly. I have always owned stick shift cars, except a 1988 Sable Wagon that I bought to accommodate two kids and four adults for a short time. In fact, all members of my immediate family own and drive manuals. I do because I like to be engaged in the driving process. I am also fortunate that I do not live in gridlock central as many do in large cities, so I am able to indulge my preference. My last five cars (1990 Honda Accord, 1993 Toyota Camry V6 SE, 1998 Nissan Maxima SE, 2003 Infiniti G35, and my present ride 2006 Infiniti G35 Sport) have all given me great service. But, in almost every case, I made a change in brand because it was getting harder (or impossible) to get a suitable stick-shift. So, it seems, it will be with Infiniti as well.
So, goodbye Infiniti! It has been nice knowing you!

#10 of 14 Re: New Naming Convention [markcincinnati] by buya

Feb 26, 2013 (4:35 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 24, 2013 4:10 pm)

So you are saying the Infinity G37 is not loud at full throttle? It is comparable with BMW but little shy on comparison with BMW 6-cyl? I was at a BMW dealership last week and almost bought a 328. I am not buying expensive transportation vehicles. LOL, mom had her checkbook out thinking I would say "I like that car." I've dragged on too long to buy a car!

IMHO Nissan 2013 Altima 2.5 is a decent car at test drive and I believe G37 would be a good performer too. Have you owned an Infinity long enough pass warranty to say it is a good car that didn't give you problems? Is the 2014 Q50 promised to be improved on the G37? I just read that mpg is going to be better.

I've been reading car mags and checking forums on edmunds to see which inexpensive vehicle is reliable and with muscles. Seems like all makes and models have some kinks to work out, whatever price range they are in. Is Infinity a car to worry about water pumps? Did you find Infinity electrical and electronic things problem-free?

Thanks.

Replies to this message:

knr5 (Mar 13, 2013 6:11 pm)

#11 of 14 Re: New Naming Convention [buya] by knr5

Mar 13, 2013 (6:11 pm)

Replying to: buya (Feb 26, 2013 4:35 pm)

I have had two Infiniti G35s (2003 and 2006) over the past ten years - very reliable. See Consumer Reports ratings. These are compelling values in their class (sport sedans). I am very disappointed they are no longer (apparently) offering manual transmissions. If I did not care about MT, the new Q would be a no-brainer for me.

#12 of 14 Re: New Naming Convention [markcincinnati] by knr5

Mar 24, 2013 (3:19 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Jan 24, 2013 4:10 pm)

I generally agree with your comments. The Q50 looks fantastic. However, Infiniti should have kept the MT option alive for the 3%!

It could have been made available only (or mostly) by order. It would have been valued by persons (like me) who are able to indulge their preference for MT because they do not deal with traffic gridlock all the time.
In my case I have moved on -- traded-in my 2006 G35 for a 2013 Acura TL SH-AWD 6MT (sorry about the alphabet assault) just a few days ago. In so doing I also moved from a sport sedan to somewhat of a grand tourer which is fine by me -- the Acura is sporty enough and has greater creature comforts.

Replies to this message:

billyperksii (Apr 01, 2013 2:44 pm)

#13 of 14 Re: New Naming Convention [knr5] by billyperksii

Apr 01, 2013 (2:44 pm)

Replying to: knr5 (Mar 24, 2013 3:19 pm)

A very prudent and sophisticated move- well done Knr5.

#14 of 14 Q50 delivers? by pjt6970

May 04, 2013 (10:15 am)

Anyone know when they hit the showroom floor?

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