Mr Poore hits it on the head @ 3:57 in the video below...

Most of the G Enthusiasts on this site have done all these upgrades already...
To me, its nothing new, other than RED seats... I think the black with the Red
stitching should look pretty cool on the Silver cars, but don't like the full Red.

 

I read through this entire thread and it's incredible to me just how negative and cynical most of you are. Have any of you ever started a business? Have you ever done research engineering? Systems Engineering? Designed a product from "lust to dust"? Market analysis? Analysis of Alternatives? Trade Studies? My guess is 'no', based purely on the general consensus of this forum.

These are the things businesses do to garner interest and test the market: with enough interest or feedback from this venture they will have the information necessary to make the risky leap to truly compete with the Ms and AMGs. You don't just go *****-in with so much to lose (remember Nissan in the 90s?). Nissan is one of Japan's biggest auto manufacturers yet their stock is only trading in the mid-teens (~15 to $17 per share). Toyota has been ALL OVER THE NEWS for a year and had to launch a massive ad campaign over a STUCK THROTTLE, nothing compared to the tragedy of GM over the past 30 years, yet they're still trading in the 70s. That's a difference of OVER $50 A SHARE!! And we ALL KNOW just how much better the G is than the IS. it's all over the magazines how much better it is!

The bottom line is this: you don't go "all in" at the poker table on the 1st pull. You have to test the table and read the players or you'll lose. Nissan/Infiniti is on a roll and they're continuing it. Yes, some of the jargon is laughable (+18HP can be done with a re-engineered intake system) but they have to climb the ladder 1 rung at a time... maybe 2. To go after the M and AMG is the equivalent of 3 or 4 rungs given their capital, the global economy, trading volume, and value.

 

...and for the record, you people should listen to JohnEnglish a little more. He's making sense. It's amazing how many don't get it based purely on opinion, ego, taste, and other subjectivity.

 

Also Also Wik:

I trust Nissan engineers 1000% more than the performance shops here, especially so called "racers" that have ZERO engineering expertise but claim they understand it just because they squeezed a V8 where it wouldn't normally fit (there's a reason it won't fit) so the value to me is:

- exhaust design
- aero (not the kit, the dynamics -- look it up)
- ECU Tuning (programming is not child's play and only dedicated hobbyist level)
- suspension tuning, design, and vehicle dynamic design (huge design challenge; how many variables? 10+? Ever done a 2^n factorial DoE with that much variability?)
- Differential design and transmission ratios

THEN on top of all this they have to keep it from sounding and feeling too much like the typical WRX, EVO, or, God forbid, a Honda (ask the girls you know if they've been out on dates with guys that drive the WRX or EVO and see if they liked it; most don't after the 3rd or 4th ride and hate it on long trips). Have ANY OF YOU ever been involved with acoustic engineering????? Mixing it up in the DJ booth does NOT COUNT!

Here's where engineers typically FAIL: they don't consult enough on "look". Yes, they should have designed a better fit/fill of the wheel, tire, well, and footprint; it would have definitely enhanced the flare of the aero mods.

The biggest questions I have (and have yet to see posited):

- What does it weigh? thrust-to-weight ratio could sell it for me (just sayin'). Pulling the spare ain't enough, gents. If she went on a diet then we could be talkin' business.
- If they tuned it, what are the limits? Are the ratios the same? They mentioned VLSD enhancements: like what?

*****(edit)*****

I just read an unreferenced, unverified source stating that the weight is within ~8lbs. That's a jug of water... Fail

 

I'll bet most of the hate is due to the haters not having the new model, so they're jealous but don't want to admit it. Instead of just saying "I wish I had one of those", they go down the "The new one sucks, my older model is better".

I'd like to have it, minus the rear bumper that's too big and the heated seat *****. I like my switches better than the *****.

 

I want it!!

 

Honestly most of the members with the old model have every added feature of the IPL and more, so I really doubt its jealousy.

And in regards to them experimenting to see the interest generated. I don't believe response to a slightly sportier model will be truly comparable with that of a true performance vehicle.

 

Good post. I enjoyed reading it. I think everyone was hoping for and expecting an M3 killer. Clearly there are a lot of factors involved in bringing a product to market. But at the same time look what lexus did for the IS bringing out the IS-F. I think we would have at least been more exciting about something like that.

 

Its not that they're testing the water because there will no doubt be SOME demand for it, its the fact that Infiniti cannot afford to go for the M and AMG brand at this time. Its more they are building up to it, and when they have the funds to do it, it will be ***** to the wall and we will be seeing headlines on all the mags reading "The Champ vs. The Newcomer: M3 vs. IPL G(R-spec?)" I wouldn't be surprised if the next gen IPL G will be a true M and AMG competitor. I think it would save a little cash to include that car in the initial development of the next G. I would guess they dedicated funds to the G Convertible this time around and still managed to give us the first IPL G and the G25 Sedan. Thats a feat in itself.

The current G lineup is a HUGE step from the first G35 Sedan and Coupe.

2003 G35
G35 Sedan(x)
G35 Coupe

Current G
G25 Sedan(x)
G37 Sedan(x)
G37 Coupe(x)
G37 Convertible
IPL G

From 3 to 8 models 2 generations.

Also, if I could afford one(lol), I would want the true IPL G to be based on a hopefully lighter G Coupe because this gen is way too heavy. I would hope Infiniti drops the curb weight of the next gen G coupe.

Im really wondering what an IPL M will look like! I know the 5.6 has alot more power in it!

 

This made me laugh... Since you kinda hit on my area of work...
Have any of you ever started a business? YES...
Have you ever done research engineering? YES...
Market analysis? Analysis of Alternatives? Strategic Attractiveness models... YES, YES, YES...

Bottom line though is this... Have you ever done competitive market analysis in the automobile industry... My guess is NO... You really really have to stay competitive with your product structure in order to retain share. Nissan has a very successful vehicle in the G, both Sedan and Coupe, very much like BMW with the 3 Series. And I certainly know what Nissan is going after here (In terms of price point) Problem is, Your first venture into a "PERFORMANCE" labeled vehicle, cannot be a mere 20HP greater than your Stock S model and expect to maintain a competitive relationship with BMW's M and Mercedes AMG series vehicles. You say you don't go 'All In' at the poker table on first pull... (AGREE) But we're not playing poker here Jason... This is the Auto Business, and when you offer a verhicle with the word PERFORMANCE in the title... It had better be able to compete with others in that space... I do think there is a lot of negative comments that are a bit over the top in this thread. However I can certainly understand why most of the Performance minded enthusiasts here, that have modified intakes/exhausts/pulleys, etc... are not enthused about an IPL version of their cars pushing 348HP... A much more cost conscience approach would have been to take their existing M56 engine and drop it into the IPL G... Using an existing Engine and Drive line would offset costs, and really hit the mark from a Performance perspective. I'd argue, it might have slightly bumped up the final MSRP, but while getting a big hit with the intro of IPL label.

 

Right, but at the same time if people won't pay the $65,000 - $70,000 for a G56 then why would you build it. Infiniti would build a niche product if there was demand for it. I just don't see people paying that kind of money for an Infiniti right now, no matter how good it was. Look at the M, people are still saying "they're charging too much for it" even though it's thousands less then the 5 series. Infiniti needs to buyild up their brand in the mind of the consumer. Sure building a G56 would be really cool but everyone would say "Yeah it's a good car but for a bit more I can get a M3/C63."

 

While there is so much I agree and disagree with what has been said; I would like to say this:

There are seemingly endless ways to look at the new IPL line and while most arguements are opinion based, most have them have been pretty accurate in the points they bring up or at least have been arguable (IMO). ...We are all upset that what this could have been was not but one thing I think we can look forward to is that it expands the model and leaves room for improvement, and does it in a way that involves very little risk for Infiniti... Respose grows, line improves with revenue assurance...ect... but we should also consider that we all drive Infiniti's already. AND while we are the most likely to be brand loyal, we are not neccessarily turning our cars over every three years. Also, the people that wanted this to be the forced induction frenzy that most of us did, have either already looked at the options we have to do that on our own (and still keep it under warranty with some F/I options) or they have done it but we already own one. Infiniti attracting new buyers would undoubtably look at it this way: a potential new buyer on the lot looking at S coupes... his price range is set and they are looking for a powerful luxury coupe but do not have too much additional $$$ to consider top models of other performace coupes (Infiniti standard MO demographic... but not all I know). This is 100% a great way to mark their customers up a little more and still stay exactly where they are stapled in this intensely competive market. How easy would it be to upsell a bit more power to any of us on the lot for tens of dollars more a month on your note? Most of us would have jumped on that no matter how little extra power it gave... it still is more and that is all that matters when you are about to sign. Giving it a different look also separates it from the pack and would think still interest the certain people that are looking at this car (not a fan at all of the Aero ((simply to state where I stand on that))).

My point is we can be as dissappointed as ever that we are not yet seeing the options we want to but I think we as current Infiniti owners should be excited that this is a step in the right direction and it is SMART. They will grow this line because of ease of up-selling to it and more and more will come along with it.

This car was introduced as the Bimmer Beater back in 2008 (BIG statement for this younger car's new model that it would have never made before this gen) but still hasn't hands down put the regular 3 series in it's mirror... maybe they start there and then tackle the M...

 

Nicely said: you came out aggressive and slightly brow-beating but offer good talking points.

Truth is, yes, I have done competitive market analysis in several industries and I've reworked assembly lines in support of market-flex and fickle customer bases for several consumer product lines (I work in design, manufacturing, and systems engineering). Speed to Market, Lean, and TPS are my thing.

I agree you have to stay competitive -- it's critical. I do not think, however, that Nissan has enough working capital to take such a huge step.

I do not think we have all the facts on pricing, either. I searched for days last week, dug through 6 periodicals, and called several dealers (I'm actually considering a convertible). The closest educated guess we could come up with was ~$47k.

20HP is, indeed, weak. But it's also a limited run and the current M and AMG killer for a company their size is the GT-R. Before you jump on this -- YES, it's a COMPLETELY different niche but Nissan is only ~15 years out of their Ch.11 realignment and Renault co-venture. Mercedes and BMW are decades ahead of them.

Your final point is fairly lucid and well stated. I agree for the most part but I still think, however, Nissan's target niche is unclear (335is?)

Now, my gut tells me this: I've followed Nissan since I was little (we've had Zs, etc in the family for years). As a business, they do make extremely conservative choices and take less risk than others. I DO think they could stand to get more ballsy. Think of all their turds over the years. I mean, come on, a truck motor on an FR sport-coupe platform? (240sx) The 6th gen maxima? The N12 and N13 Pulsars? yikes... Nissan is finally firing on all cylinders so what we see as a baby step should have graduated to a more adolescent business venture and hopefully it will because they have a solid line up.

Thanks for healthy points to debate.

 

Good Point... I've not looked at their financial reports, but I have to believe with the success of the G, M and FX Series Infiniti and strong worldwide sales with the Altima and forever evolving Maxima, I would think their Balance Sheet should have yielded enough to pump out a more competitive initial IPL product. AND even more so if the initial product is a limited test edition.
Market experiments in this economy are certain to erode the bottom line... Nuff Said!

 

IPL G Coupe: Up Close and Personal : YouTube - IPL G Coupe: Up Close and Personal