As far as sales go. The competition is just raised the bar! The IS350 seems like a real beast with lexus quality luxury. The 330i is the classic sports sedan with simular power to the G35. The C-class also is getting more powerful and of course still has the 3 pointed star.

I think the older G35's did so good because they were significantly less expensive AND provided superior performance. I'm not sure if thats the case anymore. Yes, the G35's are less expensive but the IS350 can claim more speed and the 330 can claim better driving dynamics. And lets be honest, Infinti does not carry as much 'respect' as Merc/BMW/Lexus. I don't think the G can be sucessful just being the best value. If people want value they probably just get a Camry/Accord/Altima. The G needs to be the performance leader again. PERIOD.

So what can the new models do? I think personally its time for an engine upgrade. Maybe a 4.0VQ with stronger internals. I'd say that could push the horsepower to over 300. Also the added torque (instead of just added horsepower like the 298HP 2005's) should help the bottom end. This car NEEDS to run faster than the IS350!

 

well, the car came out in 2002. It's the same reason in 2003 the IS300 was a lame duck.

Not a surprise...

 

The auto industry always has & most likely will always be, a case of one upmanship.
Don't panic Infiniti will compete with their next gen.

 

Keep in mind that the Lexus IS350 will cost around $42k which is about the same as the average 330i. Lexus will also have a IS250 that costs about the same as a G35 but with only 200hp. If Infiniti put another $10k into the interior and brought the hp up with a larger displacement, then it would be very competitive. However, people like me would no longer consider buying one because $40k is too much for a car IMO. I would prefer Infiniti to keep the G35 at a respectable price level which has worked out very well so far.

 

$42K for the IS350! I'd rather just get a M35 for a few thousand more.

 

I think soG35 brings up a valid point. The G35 line will most likely be updated for 2007 with additional power, a sheetmetal make-over, and additional standard features. They also need to broaden the line. A convertible should be in the offering and there should be more than one choice of motor.

 

Those cars a significatly more money. The G will hold its own in sales.

 

Yes, same here!

 

I don't think these cars will compete. I'm pretty sure M3 buyers didn't struggle with the choice between that and the 530i.

 

Yup-

I think there is still room to improve the current engine without increasing displacement. Additionally, I hope they don't increase the overall size of the next G- In my mind it's pretty much perfect now.
Use VWAG's plastic supplier- Improve the dash design and be done with it.


They'll obviously move to a design that resembles the M-
However, I'm hoping they incorporate some better looking tail-lights.
I also hope they keep some styling cues from the current model, in addition to the clock.

This car was designed in the late 1990s, and it's still competitive from a performance perspective with the best in class. Nothing to be ashamed of. Actually, shows how good the original G design really is. The next model should have carry on, upgrading only the pieces that need to be fixed(ie; interior design and materials, styling, more power) only to the point where they can remain several thousand less than the IS and 3-series.
A really nice Turbo Diesel option would be interesting as well, if they could keep the weight and price down.

 

The IS350 sounds like its going to be a very competent performer but lacks a MT and may be in a different price segment than the G. I'm looking forward to hearing some forum reviews when they hit the streets as the performance numbers are all over the board but look very promising. The IS250 sounds like it will be more comparable to the G price-wise. Downside to the 250 is the engine with only around 200 hp- a downgrade from the old IS300 I6.

 

Yeah, I agree with most of you. The current G just needs to update several areas to compete with the new competitions. Things that Infiniti should consider to be competitive are:
1. more "expensive" the interior design and material quality.
2. better tire choices (the current all season tires, Turanza, suck!)
3. A couple of inches wider. I think it will make the car more aggresive.
4. more luxury gadgets or features as a options
5. Somehow improve on the efficiency of the engine to give better mpg while retain the similar or better performance.
6. The most important is the price....undercut the competition like the current G is.

 

Instead of constantly upgrading G35, I say just keep the same until the next generation. Don't worry, IS350 wouldn't just steal G35's sales, it would also steal others'. At least G35 has been at the top for three complete years. Now is probably IS's time to shine. What Infiniti needs to do is to renew the Q, really, Q should be renamed because the name is lacking what a flagship luxury sedan should be named. Also, all three generations of Q hasn't been succesful since it came out in 1989, so calling it another name would probably help. Really, a true luxury car company couldn't keep relying on its entry-level cars, I mean, the entry-level car could be the best seller of the brand, but it couldn't be the only thing people remember and care. Now M and FX are doing pretty well, only Q needs help.

 

• 1/2 second quicker
• a little wider stance
• better interior, ditch the orange dashlights
• redesign taillights/frontend
• 30K base price

 

As far as perforance goes, I'm going to have my eye on some quality mods that will let me stay on top of the newcomers. Until then, I'm going to enjoy my G as it is...