Infiniti Q50 thread
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 131
From: MI
Not entirely. I brought this up in detail at the press launch period of the IS and Q50 1 1/2 ago, on how Hyundai copied Infiniti and Cadillac during 2006-07 when designing the YF Sonata.
No, Nissan evolved the interior design layout of theirs that was originated in earnest back in 1998 with the 2001 F50 Q45 and V36 G35 designers in 2004.
Yes, the V36 G35 was out in 2006, which was the year before Hyundai had to be finalizing work on the YF. The 2015 design was finalised 25 months ago, so that gives an idea how and when Hyundai did that prior to launch in 2009. 2007 of course.
Exactly. As LexFather explained thoroughly, both Cadillac and Infiniti cues appeared in the Sonata, over 3 years after both cars were publicised in media during 2006. Nissan has gradually evolved their dash layout since the 2002 Q45 to present. The waterfall theme came from that in 2000 and first publicised in the Murano and FX in 2002. The V36 was the first of them to receive a rounded version in late 2004, which Hyundai did not see until 2006.
Excellent post, as Nissan's first attempt at that layout was with the final generation Q45 (LS430 designers pioneered eye-level LCD screen in this class circa 1997) and more established in "organic" form in 2002 ('06 M35). Hyundai was inspired by Cadillac even 2 years earlier than 2008.
Cadillac wasn't very wise to publically preview the 2008 CTS so early (April 2006), as this gave Hyundai ample time to make careful observations. Then, interior work on the outgoing Sonata later ended in late 2007. A reason why Lexus is so secretive and cautious to avoid leaks. Works out well keeping your product secrets secure from others as TMC does no matter what.
Hate to be devil's advocate on a Lexus forum, but what you said is maybe not 100% true regarding all Infiniti "concepts". Well maybe 90%, unless you specifically mean ground-up high performance cars and supercars only. They did produce some of their "concepts", but not the Essence which was supposed to be watered down as the CV37 and discarded by de Nysschen. The Emerg-E/supercar is in development and if genuinely green-lighted, will take sometime. 
I remember 2005 LF-A concept being based on the original production version, that was finalised in Nov. 2004 (final LFA design was approved in 2008). In that case, it was thankfully redone into a much better design than the original production one from 2004, a bit after the CFRP re-focus. That took required an additional 4 years of course, was well-warranted for perfection.
It is clear nowadays which company had the guts to follow image-building projects regardless of profitability, but Infiniti is getting there slowly. I do understand the questionability of the Eau Rouge, but well shall wait and see if any wising up occurs regarding its viability.
Cadillac wasn't very wise to publically preview the 2008 CTS so early (April 2006), as this gave Hyundai ample time to make careful observations. Then, interior work on the outgoing Sonata later ended in late 2007. A reason why Lexus is so secretive and cautious to avoid leaks. Works out well keeping your product secrets secure from others as TMC does no matter what.
You have no idea how the market works. None. And you are comparing a handful of cars to a brand that has sold millions. Stop comparing the two brands, its not even close to a fair fight.
Don't bring up the LFA, it was produced, unlike the Infiniti concepts :roll eyes: The LFA and Eau Rouge are so far apart its not even funny.
**** i should not have clicked "view post"
Don't bring up the LFA, it was produced, unlike the Infiniti concepts :roll eyes: The LFA and Eau Rouge are so far apart its not even funny.
**** i should not have clicked "view post"
I remember 2005 LF-A concept being based on the original production version, that was finalised in Nov. 2004 (final LFA design was approved in 2008). In that case, it was thankfully redone into a much better design than the original production one from 2004, a bit after the CFRP re-focus. That took required an additional 4 years of course, was well-warranted for perfection.
It is clear nowadays which company had the guts to follow image-building projects regardless of profitability, but Infiniti is getting there slowly. I do understand the questionability of the Eau Rouge, but well shall wait and see if any wising up occurs regarding its viability.
Last edited by Carmaker1; Jul 10, 2014 at 10:09 AM. Reason: Stupid typo on V37.
EVO Drives Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge GTR-Powered Prototype, Says it’s Not Wild Enough
I think it’s safe to say that the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge could become the brand’s most exciting vehicle ever made, provided that the management is bold enough to produce it.
With 560 hp and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine sourced from the Nissan GT-R, the Q50 Eau Rouge could become a feared rival for the BMW M3 and Mercedes C 63 AMG.
Infiniti has already begun development testing of the high performance sedan, and EVO’s Jethro Bovingdon had the chance to drive a prototype on the Milbrook Proving Ground in the UK.
His first impressions are positive, although he says the engine feels a little bit strangled in the mid-range compared to the GT-R and the seven-speed automatic transmission does not shift gears quick enough – the twin-clutch gearbox from the GT-R does not fit on the Q50 Eau Rouge.
Otherwise, the car is very fast and solid but Bovingdon says Infiniti needs to turn it up a notch in terms of performance, sound and feel in order to really convince M3 buyers. Head past the jump watch the review.
With 560 hp and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque produced by the 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine sourced from the Nissan GT-R, the Q50 Eau Rouge could become a feared rival for the BMW M3 and Mercedes C 63 AMG.
Infiniti has already begun development testing of the high performance sedan, and EVO’s Jethro Bovingdon had the chance to drive a prototype on the Milbrook Proving Ground in the UK.
His first impressions are positive, although he says the engine feels a little bit strangled in the mid-range compared to the GT-R and the seven-speed automatic transmission does not shift gears quick enough – the twin-clutch gearbox from the GT-R does not fit on the Q50 Eau Rouge.
Otherwise, the car is very fast and solid but Bovingdon says Infiniti needs to turn it up a notch in terms of performance, sound and feel in order to really convince M3 buyers. Head past the jump watch the review.
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: New York
Hopefully they'll make the necessary tweaks needed before production starts that will unleash this beast
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 323
Likes: 2
From: WA
Wow, that C-Class interior looks amazing. I hope the material feel lives up to it.
I've driven the new Q50, the interior looks really nice and the material quality is good but something about it just doesn't feel as special as the IS.
I've driven the new Q50, the interior looks really nice and the material quality is good but something about it just doesn't feel as special as the IS.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,262
Likes: 480
From: MA
A local dealer is having a cars and coffee at an Infiniti dealership in a couple weeks. I'll use the opportunity to look at the Q50. I used to have a '95 Q45a. I loved that car.
As for the ER, they better get those shift times down or I think it is going to be a problem
As for the ER, they better get those shift times down or I think it is going to be a problem