Before unveiling the simply fantastic new GT-R in Los Angeles, Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn did not appear to be a big fan of high-end halo cars. Renault's line-up is limited primarily to compact hatchbacks and sedans, while the Infiniti Q45 was discontinued two years ago without a replacement. But with the GT-R now exceeding expectations, and Renault looking at new flagship models, a new Q flagship is back on the table.
Although Infiniti was until now just for the North American market, like its rivals Lexus and Acura, the brand is being expanded into other emerging luxury markets like China, Korea and Russia. Infiniti dealers from those four markets recently met with Ghosn at Nissan's R&D center in Atsugi, Japan, where they were shown preliminary alternatives for a new Q.
Trouble is, the various dealers from different markets all wanted different things. According to reports, Ghosn isn't convinced a new flagship luxury sedan for Infiniti is the way to go, but he's giving his managers the opportunity to convince him otherwise. If they can present a compelling business case, a new Q could be around the corner.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ric Kaysen @ Jan 15th 2008 2:06PM
Exciting...Looks like a Crown Vic
indymcsc @ Jan 15th 2008 2:17PM
That's the last version of the Q45 in that pic.
WS @ Jan 15th 2008 2:19PM
That was my first thought exactly.
Matt Keller @ Jan 15th 2008 4:18PM
You do realize that's an old model right?
Whoops! For a second I thought you had the IQ of a cheese sandwich, but then I realized how bad the sandwich would feel.
Richard @ Jan 15th 2008 2:09PM
He doesn't need a halo sedan. He has a halo driver in the returning Alonso. He needs a hyperformance sport sedan with the Renault nameplate in the EU and the Infiniti plate in the US to leverage Fernando and the investment in F1.
Sandro @ Jan 15th 2008 2:19PM
In response to Ric Kaysen;
the Q in the photo is the old Q which was discontinued two years ago.
Ric Kaysen @ Jan 15th 2008 2:54PM
Ok...it's discontinued. I really don't pay much attention to yawn inspiring cars like this, so I didn't read the copy and only half looked at the picture.
Sandro @ Jan 15th 2008 3:31PM
I see, just passing by. No problem, just wanted to share some information.
Your response is well received, albeight, not necessary.
Thanks,
Sandro
John R @ Jan 15th 2008 2:20PM
I don't think its neccesary. M45 is big enough to me. I'd rather see a hotted up version of the M35/45. Maybe put the GT-R's mill in a Infiniti M.
Sandro @ Jan 15th 2008 2:34PM
I partially agree with John R in using the GT R mill, but it should be utilized in a "flagship" vehicle.
Infiniti is still trying to achieve luxury status and a halo car would help them in their quest. Saying all that; I do not want to criticize the performance of the "M" in anyway whatsoever. The M is a much better driving vehicle than some of the import luxury lines, but it still does not impress customers as a luxury vehicle like Lexus has done.
Throwback @ Jan 15th 2008 3:00PM
How can you be a luxury make and not have a Halo car? Does any luxury make not have a halo car?
psarhjinian @ Jan 15th 2008 4:20PM
Acura (the NSX is gone and the RL doesn't count)
Cadillac (sort of, depends on how you count the XLR or V-Series).
Lincoln.
Saab.
Volvo (sort of, depends on how you class the S80)
...and Infiniti, obviously.
shirtman @ Jan 15th 2008 3:00PM
I dont think the flagships of BMW, Lexus, Caddilac, Mercedes, or Acura sell as well as their lower and mid price models. After owning a 91Q which would outrun all of the above for that model year, a 97 Q which was more of a luxo cruiser but still very nice, and now a 04, M45 which is a beast, i love running away from Mustang GT,s. I hope they do bring back the Q.
stefan @ Jan 15th 2008 3:11PM
The Q is still sold in Japan as the cima/president.
catgirlshyla @ Jan 15th 2008 5:20PM
Nope, two completely different models. The First gen Q's were Modified Nissan Presidents. The second gen on were the Cimas.
But I think it's the time to get the REAL Nissan President to the US to compete with the Lexus LS600.
Moe @ Jan 15th 2008 5:39PM
The Middle East still gets the Q45 sedan as far as I know
akatsuki @ Jan 15th 2008 3:23PM
I think the M is a great car in that class and I would buy one if I was hopping for a sedan. I would rather see a smaller entry-level RWD car and a roadster of some sort over some luxo-barge personally.
If they really want to go upscale, they should use the Maserati QP as the benchmark instead of the Audi/Mercedes/Lexus...
Xcountryflyer @ Jan 15th 2008 3:34PM
The Q hasn't been interesting or a great car since the first one. The M and the new G are very good--hopefully it rubs off on the Q.
Stephen Lang @ Jan 15th 2008 3:48PM
A halo car to me is a niche product whose impact is measured by publicity, not sales.
A large Infinity luxury sedan (along with the Lexus LS, Mercedes S, etc.) is by no means a halo car. They don't sell as many as their smaller models, but I wouldn't consider it a specialty model.
No, the main problem is that Infiniti simply hasn't kept up with the competition in this segment. The recent Q was so-so, the one before was gawd-awful ugly, the original one was nice but overshadowed by the rocks and the trees.
I think the greater issue is whether Ghosn trusts his designers will come up with a Q worth its development costs.
Anthony @ Jan 15th 2008 4:48PM
What the hell is this thing? It looks like a Korean copy of an Inifiniti.