gotta speak in terms of stock man from the factory. not with mods

 

In reality, the only thing holding the RS back is that damn 7AT. If they ever upgraded it the Red Sport would be a formidable opponent for the M line.

 

I'm just making some comparisons because it's similar.

Does the r400 get a different motor? Is it like the difference between a 335i and a M3?

That's why I brought up example of 335i and 335is. Same engine different tune. VS M3 is an entirely different engine. N54 vs S55B30.

If it's the same motor, I would much rather just get a 3.0tt and tune it.

 

I think there's still hope for an actual, fleshed out Infiniti performance line up. If Infiniti can just find and secure its place in the F1 hemisphere we'll eventually see some trickle down and special editions to hype the brand's motor-sport involvement.

Otherwise, the only other way is to make some kind of luxury GT cruiser with the heart of the GT-R to drive up brand interest in the performance realm. But I'm sure there's some execs in a board room somewhere saying how that would dilute the brand.

The days of a luxury Z are over I think. The new design language is on point, to me, but they gotta figure out how to establish some Motorsports heritage and brand recognition to fight with the German big boys (BMW, Merc, Audi etc.).

I want them to capitalize on the GT-R's presence and create an R- motor sport division that has Infinitis with GT-R derived engines and maybe one flagship car with a de-tuned version of the VR. Or if the partnership with Renault works out for the long term, some special editions through that marriage.

They had the opportunity to do great things with Red Bull but they squandered it. Now look what Aston Martin is doing...

 

Different sensors and compressor wheels so that the turbos can spin faster and safely put out 14 PSI. That said, it's got an upgraded cooling system to compensate the heat produced via the turbos.

Suspension, brakes and interior are upgraded as well.


The RS is still untapped territory though. Looks like some guys are getting 500whp with exhausts intakes and tunes...That's pretty ridiculous. Upgrade the transmission and I'd be game. Tune is the most crucial part it seems.

 

Be nice if they did something with the Mitsubishi performance division since they scooped them up not too long ago....Imagine a GT-R and Evo love child?

 

wat u described is nismo which i dont know why infiniti is not using them insteading of coming up with half *** brand new brand that no one cares about and they dont want to commit to

 

I know, but I completely understand why Nissan doesn't want to affiliate Nismo with Infiniti. Other than Nismo standing for Nissan Motorsport International, they're trying to establish Infiniti as its own premium brand.

Same reason the Audi S4 isn't called a Audi A4 GLI or a Audi A4 R. It's a marketing thing. Infiniti is technically a western brand and I think the company is just going through some growing pains and how they can attract western performance buyers (Lexus is having the same issue).

It's a tough battle to fight. Japanese car makers have always been praised for being reliable and cost effective (while also being over engineered). Now they want to beat the Germans at their game while sticking to their values. So now they have to be reliable, cost effective, luxurious, rocket ships. While the Germans just have to be fast and luxurious. The Americans, we just have to be fast and cost effective.

 

thats the thing. its not like the infiniti brand was just created. i dont think theres anyone consumer in the world that doesnt know infiniti is nissans premium brand. so why not just bring over nismo to handle business bc inifniti is not tricking anyone and embrace the fact the people already know infiniti is nissans premium brand.

 

It's about creating the illusion of separation and creating the brand's own premium ecosystem. That would be like BMW wanting to slap an M/// badge on a Wraith (extreme comparison but bare with me) it would cheapen the brand.

We aren't the average consumers so we'd praise NISMO for stepping in to save the day. But your average Ininiti customer that just wants a really fast car that doubles as a status symbol might not like that the same badge that's on their luxury car being on another car that shares a logo with the Leaf and Sentra.

All about the general public perception. That's why the German's marketing department is smart. You got the well known performance, status symbols (M///, S, AMG) and then you got the niche cars for the people who are enthusiasts and more invested in the brand they may be buying into (Alpina, Maybach, Black Series, RS, etc.). Then you've got aftermarket partnerships (Brabus, Dinan, Hamann, etc.) helping to further this for their customers.

 

Because they're different brands. That's like having a Lexus TRD.

That's why stock FI platform is so popular with enthusiasts. The infrastructure is there already so it's easy to spend a small amount of money to maximize performance.

I kind of don't agree with that. It's not like they can't just rebrand nismo as IPL. I honestly don't think the performance brand name matters as long as they deliver the performance.

 

I mean I work for a BMW dealership and people place a lot of status and meaning on those little emblems. The people who don't care about that M/// badge usually just buy a 340, 550, or 650, put a Dinan package on the car, debadge it and walk M/// cars all day long. Most guys who actually track the car get 3s with a track pack and MAYBE the power and sound package.

Keep in mind, we are talking about a eastern/Asian brand. Heritage means a lot to that culture. They're not just going to simply rebrand NISMO. If they ever did, it would surprise me.

 

T.A.D...you're gonna do alright around here. Not very often do I meet someone who takes the words out of my mouth and articulates in a way that has me shaking my head in agreement as I read.

Well done, excellent explanations.

 

apparently in japan lexus and trd is mashed together

LEXUS TRD

keep in mind when the g35 first came out it had nismo's support and imo was doing fine. g35 parts were also listed in nismos catalogue

 

Perhaps that's because there's no direct competition among the Toyota products that are offered and the Lexus products offered? Not like at $50,000 you're shopping a Camry and a IS350.

In Nissan and Infiniti's case, the G35 (and G37) competes with the Z line. They can cover more of the market by having them not compete? I don't know, just a thought.