Honda's new Accord Coupe became a bit more appealing, now.

 

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Sure... if you like FWD

 

the altima is sooo much smaller tho man....the alty coupe 6-8" shorter than the altima sedan and is STILL FWD. the front has the nissan family image as well. all coupes have the "brush-stroke" lines in niss/infiniti. the differences are obvious. poor mans/chicks option the the infiniti coupe.

 

IMHO there is way too much concern over similarity between the G35 Coupe (07, '08 sketch and '08 concept). We haven't seen the final version of the car.

From what we've seen so far it's a different car. We know it is definitely aimed at a different buyer which makes it unlikely to affect future G sales. Consider target consumer, styling, brand catchet, model reputation, drivetrain and warranty.

If you don't believe that, switch over to the Altima and revel in the belief you bought the same car for less money, and that everyone else believes that too.

 

Perfect statement... I honestly was about to state the exact thing.

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I completely agree Deane, and the two of us have been saying that all along. I actually think it's quite funny seeing people get worked up thinking the Altima Coupe looks the same as the G Coupe.

 

It's funny, in Japan their is a 2.5 liter version of our car. I wonder why it didn't make it over here?

 

At least we can continue to be entertained by some.

AOK

 

Amen broseph.

Personally, the new G is sick as heck. It is definitely an evolution of our Gen I coupes. I guarantee you that there will be plenty of differentiation between itself and the Altimas when it hits the road. I especially hope they keep the chrome accent trim on the production model I'm just thankful that I can look forward to my next coupe having the kind of interior quality I wanted in my current coupe!

Because in Japan, there isn't the perceived luxury of an Infiniti brand to maintain. Only the Nissan brand image, and a 2.5 liter Infiniti doesnt say 'luxury' to anyone in the US. Lexus, Infiniti, Acura...they were all conceived and incorporated as 'luxury' brands for the US by the Japanese mfrs as a way to skirt around import restrictions that the US imposes on vehicle mfrs. By creating new companies separate from the parent companies, they could conceivably import twice the number of vehicles per year from Japan.

This is hardly an issue anymore considering there is so much manufacturing occurring here on domestic soil now. Lexus is becoming a completely separate entity from Toyota as of this year (I believe its this year).

Probably TMI, but its background everyone should know.

 

OMG.... this Altima thing is getting rrrrrreeeeeeaaaaaalllllllly old

 

So, you are saying that a Lexus is250 isn't a luxury vehicle?

 

Depends on what an individual's perception of luxury is. Its still a Toyota Altezza in Japan, as our vehicles are Nissan Skylines. Sure the Skyline 350GTs are just Nissans, but they may have the option of higher-end accoutrements and considerations than say, an Altima (for now).

A Japanese consumer doesnt view a Nissan Skyline 350GT with the same 'luxury' predispositions as an American does when they hear 'Infiniti G35'. To Americans, Infiniti is a luxury car manufacturer, not a "Nissan Product with badge engineering." Most have no idea that Nissan and Infiniti are one in the same. Our G35s are still just 350Z's with backseats. Our interiors are good, but you couldnt possibly tell me that our interiors are anywhere NEAR luxury in terms of fit and finish—which is not to say they're cheap. Just not the billet-solid construction/quality of materials of some other manufacturers. The buying/service experience of Infiniti dealerships is a one-eighty from a (US) Nissan dealership here though. Again, badge engineering and perceived luxury (albeit, Infiniti is the US showcase of Nissans more expensive Japanese market vehicles). Was a G20 luxury? If your last vehicle was a Civic EX. Is the owner's experience luxurious? At the dealership perhaps. Still, I think the G20 was the Nissan Primera everywhere else. Definitely not to be considered a luxury vehicle at all.

Its all subjective and a matter of your own perceptions and interpretations, and thats what Japan banks on to a certain degree (not completely anymore, it doesnt need to). The difference though is that Lexus has become SO esteemed in terms of their quality and luxuriousness and has come to be synonymous with those terms that Toyota has spun it off entirely. Design and engineering of Toyota vehicles will be completely separate from that of Lexus vehicles for the first time ever.

Again, perception, perception, perception. An IS250 is definitely more luxurious than a majority of vehicles below or at its price point. But I would have to classify it (personally) as a near-luxury vehicle, just like our Gen I G35 coupes and sedans! You can start talking true luxury above $50k as far as I'm concerned. Then you're getting into some heavy hitters.

 

I have to disagree with you on the Japanese and the Skyline. After spending 5 years, I know that they do think of the 350gt as a luxury car. The Japanese actually look at the number plates, if after the kanji it starts with a 3, then they know that it's more powerful and luxurious, this is straight from my wife (Japanese National).
Nissan also has different service departments depending on the level of car you own. Although, I don't think any of them will give you a loaner for the day like they do here.

 

Best statement so far.

 

Thanks for the enlightenment. I had no idea that their plates had such evident indicators of differentiation. Is it based solely on output or is it a combination of that and vehicle cost/taxes?

Always nice to learn something new!