Infiniti Q50 thread
06-27-13, 07:35 PM
#406
Lead Lap
One of the guys on a Q50 forum snuck into a sales training session and the target competition is the 3 series, A4, IS and the TL
The secondary competitors are the C class, ES and ATS
The target market is a 35 year old married guy with at least one college degree with no kids, household income of $120k
I am kind of surprised that the C class would be a secondary competitor as I tend to lump the 3, A4 and C class as interchangeable (except for no RWD A4)
The secondary competitors are the C class, ES and ATS
The target market is a 35 year old married guy with at least one college degree with no kids, household income of $120k
I am kind of surprised that the C class would be a secondary competitor as I tend to lump the 3, A4 and C class as interchangeable (except for no RWD A4)
06-27-13, 07:44 PM
#407
I kind of think the value equation Infiniti is playing is, look, for a little more money than you would pay for a 3 series we will give you nearly everything you would get in a 5 series.
My only real beef with the current IS after nearly 8 years is the lack of room in the back seat. I have not been in a 2014 IS and I am sure that is better. I am also sure the Q50 will be roomier than the new IS.
I think it will be good for Lexus to see that some loyal customers are jumping ship. The best illustration of how slow and lazy they have become can be illustrated from the point I have been making about the hump next.to the driver's right leg in the AWD IS. Lexus got blasted for it in 05 and they haven't addressed it in 13. Assuming an 8 year life cycle for the 3IS, that results in Lexus leaving a real and well known design flaw in place for 16 years.
My only real beef with the current IS after nearly 8 years is the lack of room in the back seat. I have not been in a 2014 IS and I am sure that is better. I am also sure the Q50 will be roomier than the new IS.
I think it will be good for Lexus to see that some loyal customers are jumping ship. The best illustration of how slow and lazy they have become can be illustrated from the point I have been making about the hump next.to the driver's right leg in the AWD IS. Lexus got blasted for it in 05 and they haven't addressed it in 13. Assuming an 8 year life cycle for the 3IS, that results in Lexus leaving a real and well known design flaw in place for 16 years.
06-27-13, 07:45 PM
#408
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06-27-13, 08:56 PM
#409
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I have been watching videos on the car and it looks amazing, the tech is top notch and very advanced, it will handle like an Infiniti, and it is available in a hybrid that can give 36 mpg while still offering around 340-350 hp. Thats a killer combo and a recipe that could take me away from the Lexus family to be honest.
06-27-13, 09:44 PM
#411
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'worth' is subjective. on the basis of fuel economy, no hybrid is worth it unless you drive a ZILLION miles a year and don't mind the trade-offs (small trunks, gutless prius, etc). but well done hybrid drivetrains like gs450h and ls600hL provide other benefits of quiet/smooth and mid-range power boost.
To many it is worth it. If people were not just hung up on the word "hybrid" like it means evil or something they would see in the case of the Q50 or GS 450h etc that its like another ICE engine option, it just ain't ICE. Is that V-6 worth it over an I-4? Is that V-8 worth it over a V-6? So why do people continue to say a hybrid "ain't worth it".
The Q50 hybrid is likely faster than the normal model, quieter, rarer, lower emissions with significantly better MPG since the 3.7 guzzles gas. 360hp for a little over 3k AND you get better MPG? Sounds better than a V-8 option to some people.
Its utterly perplexing. I kind of think the value equation Infiniti is playing is, look, for a little more money than you would pay for a 3 series we will give you nearly everything you would get in a 5 series.
My only real beef with the current IS after nearly 8 years is the lack of room in the back seat. I have not been in a 2014 IS and I am sure that is better. I am also sure the Q50 will be roomier than the new IS.
I think it will be good for Lexus to see that some loyal customers are jumping ship. The best illustration of how slow and lazy they have become can be illustrated from the point I have been making about the hump next.to the driver's right leg in the AWD IS. Lexus got blasted for it in 05 and they haven't addressed it in 13. Assuming an 8 year life cycle for the 3IS, that results in Lexus leaving a real and well known design flaw in place for 16 years.
My only real beef with the current IS after nearly 8 years is the lack of room in the back seat. I have not been in a 2014 IS and I am sure that is better. I am also sure the Q50 will be roomier than the new IS.
I think it will be good for Lexus to see that some loyal customers are jumping ship. The best illustration of how slow and lazy they have become can be illustrated from the point I have been making about the hump next.to the driver's right leg in the AWD IS. Lexus got blasted for it in 05 and they haven't addressed it in 13. Assuming an 8 year life cycle for the 3IS, that results in Lexus leaving a real and well known design flaw in place for 16 years.
We have seen that the IS sells, the G/errr Q sells and people can argue till they are blue in the face but they both sell and hit their targets. I don't see why both won't be any different this generation. The only thing that could happen is people don't like the styling of the IS or new Q50 and it becomes a disaster ala HS, TL, M37/56.....
06-27-13, 11:34 PM
#412
Lexus Fanatic
You got me
Honestly it would be one of many reasons.
1. I dont need the room at all any more
2. I want my next car to be more fun and exciting to drive
3. I want more modern tech
4. I want better mpg
5. family member discount
right now my LS get 18-20 mpg mixed driving, it handles like a boat, and the nav is dated. That would be the only gripes I have with the car after close to three years of ownership. I would consider another LS F sport CPO for less than 55k down the line but I want to have more fun in my car then just cruising at high speed or easy passing on the highway. What the Q will not have is that flagship status and insulated feel but in the end I think I would welcome more exhaust noise and less body roll. The dash and console screen layout on the Q is also impressive. I would consider an GS350 also. They are a great alternative to the LS as well. Im sticking with my LS for 2-3 years longer but I have my eye on the horizon.
After owning a 2003 G35 that I bought in June of 2002 ( I was literally one of the first in the country to have one) I will not buy an early model of any car I ever buy again. I had issues with my G35 , GS350, and LS460 because every single one of them were the first year of the model. After two Larger Lexus sedans I have become a bit of a Lexus freak but may stray in the future or at least go a bit smaller.
Honestly it would be one of many reasons. 1. I dont need the room at all any more
2. I want my next car to be more fun and exciting to drive
3. I want more modern tech
4. I want better mpg
5. family member discount
right now my LS get 18-20 mpg mixed driving, it handles like a boat, and the nav is dated. That would be the only gripes I have with the car after close to three years of ownership. I would consider another LS F sport CPO for less than 55k down the line but I want to have more fun in my car then just cruising at high speed or easy passing on the highway. What the Q will not have is that flagship status and insulated feel but in the end I think I would welcome more exhaust noise and less body roll. The dash and console screen layout on the Q is also impressive. I would consider an GS350 also. They are a great alternative to the LS as well. Im sticking with my LS for 2-3 years longer but I have my eye on the horizon.
After owning a 2003 G35 that I bought in June of 2002 ( I was literally one of the first in the country to have one) I will not buy an early model of any car I ever buy again. I had issues with my G35 , GS350, and LS460 because every single one of them were the first year of the model. After two Larger Lexus sedans I have become a bit of a Lexus freak but may stray in the future or at least go a bit smaller.
06-28-13, 05:07 AM
#413
You got me Honestly it would be one of many reasons.
1. I dont need the room at all any more
2. I want my next car to be more fun and exciting to drive
3. I want more modern tech
4. I want better mpg
5. family member discount
right now my LS get 18-20 mpg mixed driving, it handles like a boat, and the nav is dated. That would be the only gripes I have with the car after close to three years of ownership. I would consider another LS F sport CPO for less than 55k down the line but I want to have more fun in my car then just cruising at high speed or easy passing on the highway. What the Q will not have is that flagship status and insulated feel but in the end I think I would welcome more exhaust noise and less body roll. The dash and console screen layout on the Q is also impressive. I would consider an GS350 also. They are a great alternative to the LS as well. Im sticking with my LS for 2-3 years longer but I have my eye on the horizon.
After owning a 2003 G35 that I bought in June of 2002 ( I was literally one of the first in the country to have one) I will not buy an early model of any car I ever buy again. I had issues with my G35 , GS350, and LS460 because every single one of them were the first year of the model. After two Larger Lexus sedans I have become a bit of a Lexus freak but may stray in the future or at least go a bit smaller.
Honestly it would be one of many reasons. 1. I dont need the room at all any more
2. I want my next car to be more fun and exciting to drive
3. I want more modern tech
4. I want better mpg
5. family member discount
right now my LS get 18-20 mpg mixed driving, it handles like a boat, and the nav is dated. That would be the only gripes I have with the car after close to three years of ownership. I would consider another LS F sport CPO for less than 55k down the line but I want to have more fun in my car then just cruising at high speed or easy passing on the highway. What the Q will not have is that flagship status and insulated feel but in the end I think I would welcome more exhaust noise and less body roll. The dash and console screen layout on the Q is also impressive. I would consider an GS350 also. They are a great alternative to the LS as well. Im sticking with my LS for 2-3 years longer but I have my eye on the horizon.
After owning a 2003 G35 that I bought in June of 2002 ( I was literally one of the first in the country to have one) I will not buy an early model of any car I ever buy again. I had issues with my G35 , GS350, and LS460 because every single one of them were the first year of the model. After two Larger Lexus sedans I have become a bit of a Lexus freak but may stray in the future or at least go a bit smaller.
06-28-13, 05:26 AM
#414
As to people comparing Q50 to GS and 5 series, it is likely due to naming confusion.
As to 3IS sales, Toyota announced 10 days ago that they have sold 7600 3IS in japan in 30 days of sales, 10 months of their per-month plan (800 units). 72% of sales are for IS300h. To compare, complete Lexus lineup sells around 3k in Japan per month, plus there is cheaper new Crown model.
As to 3IS sales, Toyota announced 10 days ago that they have sold 7600 3IS in japan in 30 days of sales, 10 months of their per-month plan (800 units). 72% of sales are for IS300h. To compare, complete Lexus lineup sells around 3k in Japan per month, plus there is cheaper new Crown model.
06-28-13, 05:34 AM
#415
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Lease is up on my E93 in a year. Will definitely be taking a very close look at one of these.
06-28-13, 05:36 AM
#416
Lead Lap
I love everything about Infinity except for the exterior looks of their cars/SUVs. Before the last gen I loved the looks of the complete lineup. I didn't like the exterior of any of the last gen cars/SUVs except for the G series. With the way things are looking I don't think I am going to like any of the next gen exteriors either which is sad because that is the only thing I don't like about them. For some reason I personally don't like the exterior looks of the new Q50 (I think it is the headlights and grille) but I am going to have to see it in person first.
06-28-13, 06:56 AM
#417
Lexus Fanatic
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also, hybrid models have typically only been offered 'loaded' to try to hide the large cost increase.but the hybrid option is gradually coming down in price it seems, which is good, and hopefully car makers will do less to tart up cars with said drivetrain (maybe just the 'h' in the name is fine to me).
Is that V-6 worth it over an I-4? Is that V-8 worth it over a V-6? So why do people continue to say a hybrid "ain't worth it".
but as i said, hybrids are getting better, heavy NiMH batteries will be a thing of the past in a few years, drive trains less quirky and the incremental cost will be less. and hopefully makers can stop all the badging. i still think it was/is a HUGE mistake by lexus to put all the hybrid models in a separate category on their website.
The Q50 hybrid is likely faster than the normal model, quieter, rarer, lower emissions with significantly better MPG since the 3.7 guzzles gas. 360hp for a little over 3k AND you get better MPG? Sounds better than a V-8 option to some people.
06-28-13, 07:25 AM
#418
Pole Position
I'm kind of in the same boat as you as I drive a GS and hate the way it handles and it's just way too quiet for me. While I love the smooth comfortable ride of the Lexus the Infiniti will have more aftermarket parts for it, better exhaust sound, and will handle better.
I hope you won't let past experiences sway you from seeing the current reality : Lexus has really really stepped up in terms of chassis engineering and sporty engaging suspensions.(the new generation cars at least)
Aftermarket parts for the new IS should be more extensive than the G/Q50 since the IS sells worldwide while the G/Q50 is largely confined to the US/Japan.
Making a statement about handling is premature since literally NO-ONE has published a head-to-head of Q50 vs GS or Q50 vs IS yet. To keep things in perspective, the new IS and GS have been winning handling comparisons vs the Germans.
Not being a Lexus fanboy here since the Q50 hybrid is definitely on my cross-shopping list vs the GS450h and the IS300h.
Last edited by natnut; 06-28-13 at 07:29 AM.
06-28-13, 07:45 AM
#419
As to 3IS sales, Toyota announced 10 days ago that they have sold 7600 3IS in japan in 30 days of sales, 10 months of their per-month plan (800 units). 72% of sales are for IS300h. To compare, complete Lexus lineup sells around 3k in Japan per month, plus there is cheaper new Crown model.
As for the Q50, it would be my sincere hope that this car lands in the press with glowing reviews and sees lots of sales success. Infiniti clearly put a lot of work into it and I'd love to see the IS and Q50 give the Germans hell in this segment, especially since I think the 3 series is relatively vulnerable right now.