I guess it depends on your definition of "loaded" and "comparable". There are options on the S4, for example, that do not translate to the Q, so I did not include them. When I check every option box, I get a price close to yours. Fortunately for me I do not need the Audi beach mat.

The same hold true for most of the others. We can split hairs all day long with this. The reality is that "I" can get most of those other cars with the options "I" think are relevant for the prices I listed. So can anyone else. IMO they are close in spec to the Q, and the prices are close enough that it warrants at least a long look. At low - mid 40's, it's not even close; the G37 beats up on most of what's out there. Add another 10 grand, and it's a whole new ball game. Maybe it's a game the Q ultimately wins, but it's definitely against stiffer competition.

 

Actually, F1 cars (the V10 type, haven't kept up on the newer engines) revved to 18,000 rpm max in their last season. Even when geared for the big tracks (hit 70-80 mph in 1st ) they'd still hit 60 mph in 2.0 sec or under. How? Despite but ~250 lb-ft of torque, the top cars were putting 900+ hp to the street.

At least with the 7AT you are 100% guaranteed to get at least ~5,000 rpm at any road speed up to ~150 mph with the appropriate number of downshifts (you're not afraid of a little downshifting are you )? Wash, rinse, repeat for any appropriately geared hi-po car (and they all are) - F458, 911, Gallardo, M3, etc.

 

i would prefer max available torque when taking off the red lights and stop signs.

 

So how does this translate to DD?

60-120 and whatever power at 6-7k RPM are not something common as DD.
Not sure why are you comparing F1 cars to DD cars.

With a poor low end torque drivetrain your car will feel heavy and not willing to move off the stop unless you floor it to bring it to high RPM. Which is not what I want to do in DD. It burns more fuel as well. FI engines with good low end torque will give you a quick and nimble feel despite the HP maybe lower on paper. GTI for example.

 

I actually picked packages that had the same features, not accesories.

prestige s4 56,145
Driver's assistance package 3250
sports diff (similiar to that on the hybrid sport) 1250
audi adaptive dampning (similar to that of our personalized settings) 1250
now at 62k

If you don't want those packages then you can compare to a 49k Q50. it's all relative.

But as you said, it's value to you, you can make that decision once you've expereicned the Q50, right now your basing it on your beliefs other than personal experience. I still say the S4 and Q50 are different vehicles all together in what they stand for but that is my opinion.

 

kaotic - The S4 Prestige package is a rip-off - you're better off getting the Premium Plus and adding advanced key, nav, and B&O instead of Prestige. The Driver Assist package is another rip-off. You get the drive select controls even without it (if you order sports diff), and the dynamic steering just means variable ratio which you are better off without.

S4 Premium Plus + nav + sports diff + adaptive suspension + B&O + advanced key is all you need for an awesome configuration of this car with full control over all settings (throttle response, steering, transmission, suspension, diff, engine sound), and it's only $56K with the DSG, or $54.5K with the 6MT.

I fail to see why anyone who can afford to pay just a little more would pick a Q50 vs. an S4 with this configuration. Some people are concerned about the long-term reliability of German cars. The B8 S4/S5 seem solid, but time will tell. I had the same concern before buying my S5, but one test drive of the S4, and I just had to have an S4 or an S5. It was that much better than my G37 - the drivetrains of the two aren't in the same league. The low-RPM torque on the S5 is addictive and exhilarating - it's just phenomenal on launches when combined with the grip of the quattro. Acceleration at speed is also strong, even at high gear. I have 6MT, and I can accelerate like crazy on the highway even at 6th gear without downshifting... Handling is top-notch other than the somewhat artificial (but very precise) feel of the steering. Material quality and ergonomics are also superb.

 

I would pick the S4 over the Q50 too if pricing is very close. I just love the ergonomic of the Audi. With that said, maintenance cost will be higher for the Audi. Just simple things like tires, if one is bad you'll have to replace all 4. And I don't even want to think about replacing parts for the Audi when the warranty is out. That brings no joy. However I am just curious why people keep complaint about the "low torque" of the VQ. Because I have trouble with keeping the tires from spinning off the line with my stock auto!

 

I wish infinity made a 1 series ,cla ,a3 sedan competitor. I'm not really interested in the direction they are heading. they're trading their trademark dynamics for gizmos the marketing ***** think premium buyers will fork over The same money that buys a German marque. They had a chance ,with BMW softening up and Cadillac pricing the ATS out of its own league. in the past , the g37 was a more reliable BMW, that's why I bought one. To me the new q50 is another Acura TL. Interestingly, it seems the new IS 350 will be more sporting than the Q50.Renault should have spent the R and D on a revamped low displacement turbo vq rather than self steering .

 

Good reason for AWD... I can launch like a bullet in my S5 without burning any rubber.

Like I mentioned, as a 6MT driver, I also like the fact that I can accelerate quickly at speed even without downshifting thanks to the copious amount of low-end torque. When I was driving my G37S 6MT, I had to downshift and rev-match a lot more to keep the engine in its power band, and this version of the VQ gets pretty jarring at mid-to-high RPMs.

 

In that case you would love the CTS-V, blowing off the S5 and anything else with torque. Some thing is wrong with your G37? Because I imagined the MT has more power then the auto.

 

The CTS-V has great engine performance (but not fuel economy...), great suspension, and good steering and handling. Pretty much everything else about it sucks, though. I much prefer the S4/S5 overall.

 

I agreed that some time the slower car is a better car. Like the case of the CTS-V would pound the S5 into submission with its torque and power, but you still like the S5 even with your preference for torque. Then maybe the Q50 will have enough refinement/price point and potentially lower maintenance/repair cost to appeal to buyer over its competition.

 

why would you need to do that?

 

In the G 7AT, you hit 7,000 RPM in each of the first three gears before 85 mph if one should so desire.

In my DD give me a great N/A motor and transmission and I'm golden. G37's got the motor, just needs a bit of work on the transmission (my hope is a 7-8 speed DSG for the Q50).

I loath forced induction for innumerate reasons. The only such cars I'd ever consider are the GTR and S4 (I'd probably take the 911 PDK and it'd be a tossup with the E90 M3 DCT).

 

My 2009 G37x has 34,000 miles on it. It still drives like new, everything works just like it did day one. If i was driving an Audi, I would probably be wondering when the first light would go out on my dash by now. The only car I would own from the VW brand would be a Porsche. My dad just purchased a new 2013 Boxter S with the PDK transmission. Holy ****e, that is an amazing car!!! We are wondering now why anyone who does not need a back seat would fork out another 30 or 40 grand for the 911. He is selling his yellow 2001 Boxter if anyone is interested . My wife already told me, NO.

IMO, I still can't believe Infiniti is shedding the G model. It really is why the company has become relevant.