Infiniti Q50 thread
01-13-13 | 11:43 AM
#153
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,967
Likes: 184
it is very "by the books" design... and interesting that they used photoshop to make design more subtle, usually it is other way around. Overall I like it, cant go wrong with it... part of the interior are also good and parts look like some old car. Overall it is safe choice.
01-13-13 | 12:02 PM
#154
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,891
Likes: 12
From: Virginia
01-13-13 | 12:18 PM
#156
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: CA
I realize my statement could be seen as a bit of a reach, but....yes. Notice the huge paddle shifters affixed to the steering column a la Ferrari and Mitsu? They are much better for aggressive driving vs the smaller paddles and triggers that Lexus and others slap onto the steering wheel. And let's not forgot how terrible they are in the 2IS (mere gear limiters) 
The G37 is obviously more of a driver's car than the 2IS.
The 4GS is more of a driver's car than the F10 5 series, and therefore there's a great chance that the 3IS will be more of a driver's car than the Q50.
01-13-13 | 12:46 PM
#157
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 24
From: Washington
01-13-13 | 12:50 PM
#159
01-13-13 | 01:09 PM
#160
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
From: CA
01-13-13 | 01:21 PM
#161
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 88
From: Singapore
It seems as though because Infiniti has no credible large luxury sedan, they must make the G or Q50 or whatever it's called appeal to a very broad audience. So in other words it seems like they have to water down the car's essence, since the Infiniti M sells poorly and isn't considered a legitimate competitor in the prestige midsize luxury class. The fullsize luxury sedan class Infiniti doesn't compete in, so that leaves the G to carry most of the responsibility for Infiniti cars. Lexus however doesn't have to do that, as they have the ES for a cushy, comfy car and the GS for those that want a somewhat bigger, more sophisticated sedan. That gives Lexus the ability to make the IS edgy and bold, to appeal to a more specific demographic, without hurting the Lexus brand.
01-13-13 | 01:57 PM
#163
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 88
From: Singapore
Frankly, though I think the F30 3 series is a great car, BMW really opened the door of opportunity to its competitors with the current 3 and 5 series.
The handling and driving engagement is simply not as sharp as the previous generation BMWs. Where BMW really stepped up is the luxury and styling equation.
But handling-wise the 3 series has a very very big challenge on its hands (ignore the thinly disguised PR masquerading as objective reviews). Read where the truth really lies - BMW forums where the previous gen 3 series owners give their unvarnished and frank opinion of the new F30's handling (hint : it isn't great).
Used to be there was an obvious gulf in driving experience between 3 series and the others. Now that gulf has been reduced to a sliver or disappeared and BMW is now winning on features like luxury and styling rather than on handling.
The handling and driving engagement is simply not as sharp as the previous generation BMWs. Where BMW really stepped up is the luxury and styling equation.
But handling-wise the 3 series has a very very big challenge on its hands (ignore the thinly disguised PR masquerading as objective reviews). Read where the truth really lies - BMW forums where the previous gen 3 series owners give their unvarnished and frank opinion of the new F30's handling (hint : it isn't great).
Used to be there was an obvious gulf in driving experience between 3 series and the others. Now that gulf has been reduced to a sliver or disappeared and BMW is now winning on features like luxury and styling rather than on handling.
01-13-13 | 02:30 PM
#165
Driver
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: CA
The hybrid model intrigues me, if it is the same drive-train as the M it will be very fast and fuel efficient.