Yep, and almost every car is geared with 0-60 times in mind. Guess where the 6MT 2nd-3rd shift point is? Often it's more about marketing than performance.


Black/Willow 03.5 6MT, Premium, Navi, Aero, SAT
350Z Nismo CAI

 

I'm sure this has been posted before, but I haven't read it anywhere. With the G's success, why doesn't Infiniti just put out the M3 equivalent say the G3. Fine tune it, put some awsome performanace packages on it and wham, you got yourself not a 330 killer, but a M3 killer. Other than yuppies, I can't see why anyone else would not buy it if it can beat a M3 for 10k less. I'm sure Infiniti could make a 350hp car for less than 55k. God knows the M3 is actually 45k + 10k for that little blue and white emblem.

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

The 330 is also electronically limitied to 128. The G35 is at 145.

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If I'm not mistaken, the ZHP package is limited to 155, not 128.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

No car is perfect. the clutch and shifter of G35 6MT is not smooth like TL or 330i where 330i is way too expensive. TL would be a excellent sport sedan if it were rear wheel drive.

 

i heard that their engineering division is maxed out, it took a while for the sedan 6MT to come out and the AWD after that, so I don't think that a M3 beater in the cards for at least a year, I figure they'll concentrate on being profitable before putting out Halo cars that won't sell in huge numbers...

2003.5 Brill. Silver/Willow 6MT sedan, Premium/Winter/Navigation

 

I thought the M3 killer is called the GT-R (due in 2007). I'm sure the Performance Package BMW is a superb car and probably very close to a G35 Sedan 6MT, but still much too expensive when you add some minor options. Recently I persuaded a friend of mine in SF to get a G35C instead of the regular 330i - the loaded BMW was well under invoice (incredible price) and still more expensive than the MSRP Coupe.

'04 G35 Sedan 6MT in Diamond Graphite/Graphite with Premium, Nav, Aero
'02 Acura MDX Touring in Redrock Pearl/Saddle with wood bits, cargo stuff

 

It wasn't the engineering division being maxed out that delayed the 6MT, it was availability of the transmissions. They weren't cranking out the trannies fast enough in the beginning, and were reserving the initial supply for 350Zs and G35 Coupes.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Motor Trend did an article this month and they stated that the GT-R is slated to have 400hp and arrive in 2007. But for now nissan will be setting its R&D sights on cars that sell in large numbers. Refining will be the key.
Nissan is finatially strained, just introduced a BUNCH of spanken new vehicles (Murano, Altima, Altima platformed Maxima, G35, G35 coupe, 350Z, FX35/45, Titan, Armada, M45 and Q45) They basically reinvented thier lineup.

The VQ35 is a stong engine that has been R&D'd quite bit to suit multiple different cars. At this point, to make the VQ into a M3 killing engine, major revamps would be needed. (i would hate to be the guy responcible for paying BMWs R&D costs on the M3s engine-the consumer!) The block would have to be re-engineered to be closed deck instead of open, it would probably be destroked so it could rev higher. Also the exhaust valves would have to be included in the VVT system. A new intake manifold might be needed (this one's easy ala crawford theory.)

And finally, a turbo would most likely be plummed. Oh, and the VQ is an aluminum block... have you noticed that almost all high performance turbo engines are iron blocked? (Supra, 300ZX, 3000GT, GT-R R34, etc) Iron is stronger than aluminum, but aluminum has better cooling... so the VQ couln't just be switched to iron because the cooling system wouldn't transfer.

pulling 350 ponies out of the VQ35DE, making it quiet enough to be infinity, then making it tame and smooth enough... then putting that power to the road the way BMW does would cost way more cash than Nissan has.

But to tell the truth I'm happy with my sedan. If I had the cash, I woud have gotten an M3. I would have to think about the 330 with PP, it is a tad faster at it's limits, but is less roomy. Whatever- i bought this car because after the research I thought it was the right car for me.

 

Wow - yet another endless BMW discussion.

BMW's are the cars everyone compares their product to and they have a well deserved reputation. They are way more prestigious than Infiniti's too. No question. That being said, if you can live without the prestige factor, the Infiniti gives you similar performance for thousands less. I think with a G35 coupe you close the prestige gap due to its uniqueness & sexy style.
BMW 330i - $3900-10,000 for 10 hp increase - that is insane!!. If you have to have a BMW, go pay for it; but the G crowd will have the same performance for thousands less.
Comparing the Infiniti to M3? That is a different story. Now, the M3 probably is the best sports sedan going period; but at least $20K more than a fully loaded G35 coupe!
So what can you conclude?????????.

 

I wish I could afford a 330i ZHP and It peform much better than regular 330i, not just have 10 hp more. For now, I settle for G35 6MT sedan.

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by cheng6991 on 01/06/04 04:34 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

I disagree with BMW being "way more prestigious" than Infiniti...They have a much longer operating history, that's certainly a fact, but that does not mean that Infiniti is far beneath BMW as far as class and quality...BMW and MB have been around long enough to be able to coast on their reputations for several years now...That really isn't meant as harshly as it sounds, but to me it's not an incorrect statement...Hopefully these new models coming into production will bring with them the return of the level of quality such a prestigious nameplate should bring with it...I mean, the X5 recall, the 745i's flawed navi and voice command system...If BMW is so far above Infiniti in the prestige arena than they shouldn't have issues like Infiniti did...I'm with you on calling this "yet another endless BMW discussion"...I happen to really respect BMW, but suggesting that Infiniti is nowhere near the prestige is a little flawed

As far as the M3 goes, the M5 to me is the benchmark of powerful performance sedans, not the M3...The M3 is certainly an amazing vehicle and quite the performer, but the M5 is the top dog in the sports sedan arena, in my opinion

"All the Power in the World resides in the Eyes..."

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

As far as the M3 goes, the M5 to me is the benchmark of powerful performance sedans, not the M3...The M3 is certainly an amazing vehicle and quite the performer, but the M5 is the top dog in the sports sedan arena, in my opinion

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I agree. The M5 has always been about power, performance, and luxury perfectly tuned and matched. If I had to choose between a G35 and an M3/330iZHP, G35. But if I had a choice between ANY car and an M5, there would be no hesitation on my part.


2K4 G35S 6MT, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium Pkg
2K2 GS300 5AT SportDesign, Millenium Silver/Black

 

"As far as the M3 goes, the M5 to me is the benchmark of powerful performance sedans, not the M3...The M3 is certainly an amazing vehicle and quite the performer, but the M5 is the top dog in the sports sedan arena, in my opinion"

But its the M3 that's top dog (for top price) in the class of cars that the G's fall into. Either way. I you can afford it, buy the nice Bimmer (please refrain from buying a 323i.) i do believe that BMW has more prestige (not by a huge degree) That's why the aforementioned 323i can still command some respect despite its poor value and quality.

 

SnMDesignStudio -

I don't know where you live, but I'm in Los Angeles, and as far as prestige.......

Nobody in Beverly Hills drives Infiniti's and Beverly Hills Infiniti went out of business in 2003 - yet Mercedes and BMW's are every other car on the street. Whether you like it or not, you can't get more prestige than that. So thats what I based my opinion on................

 

"...approximately 10hp for 8-10 grand"? FYI, for 8-10 grand you can buy a HPS, Kleeman, etc. supercharger kit and get over 100 HP.

<font color=blue>Dan</font color=blue>