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Comments
My local dealer finally has some in stock as well.
More than one person on Infiniti's sales staff have admitted to me comfort in the sports seat is a common problem for people unless they have a very small frame. For me it feels like I am sitting on two steel bars. The sales staff says I should just take a non-sport Journey and learn to love the automatic. Well the automatic transmission sedan without the sport suspension, brakes, and tires is not what I want to drive, I tell them.
Previous reports on this forum indicate that a do-it-yourself cure exists by removing the seat and cutting out two steel braces that the power thigh support bags bear on. I happen to think that I should not have to modify the seat so I can drive the car comfortably. I have never had to do this in any other car, including my Z06 Corvette.
For me, the sport seats on the 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan 6MT are a deal breaker. I will continue to drive my 2003 until I find a viable replacement, or Infiniti addresses the problem. For those of you considering purchase of the 6MT or the Journey with the Sport Package, my recommendation would be to carefully try before you buy. A short spin around the block may not be enough to reveal a painful aggravation every time you take a long drive.
If you don't find ANY car comfortable to sit in and drive, don't buy it!
Also, I've noticed a lot of people on this thread are talking prices. There is another thread on this forum that really gets into that and has a lot more info about deals from all over the country...."Prices Paid and Buying Experiences". Check it out.
"Infiniti will launch a smaller-engined version of its G sedan this fall and the entry-level model will be called the G25. There is no doubt about that. It is a fact. And the car will absolutely use the 2.5-liter V6 Nissan uses in the Japan-market Skyline 250GT (The Infiniti G is sold in Japan as the Nissan Skyline."
I would appreciate any information you guys can provide.
Your thoughts on the 6MT? Edit...nevermind, just read your previous post.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you, however this is an orderable combination but does have a late availability of March 2010.
My best advice to anyone reading this, most of the reviews out there are not accurate. Despite where the car finishes in comparison tests, read what the reviewers say about handling and driving dynamics of the car. Refer to Consumer Reports as well who don't rely on advertising revenue. Just go out there and take it for a test drive and see for yourself. In my case I would buy my 08 over again, and I am really pleased with the '10 and don't expect anything to change.
The last thing you want to do is base your decision on what someone on the internet says, myself included:) But I kid you not, once you experience this car on a test drive its quite likely you will buy it. If not then you are most likely heading towards the 335i or S4, I can't fault a man for embracing torque:)
I am going to take your advice by ignoring your advice.
but seriously, what factual basis do you have for that statement?
I think by saying something like that, you completely ruined your own credibility.
Appreciate you taking time to state your thoughts. Hope to test drive each.
Thanks,
RL
rll4, let us know your take after you have chance to test drive both. Thanks in advance.
Thanks,
I think jtla hit the nail on the head, spend some time on the G37 forums, you will get the best cross section of ownership experiences rather than mine alone. One thing I just realized is you guys are shopping for the RWD model. I have the AWD model and the sports package works differently on the AWD. I have not had any problems with the noise emitted from the car, I have only had it for less than 2 weeks though. If it helps my '08 had no problems whatsover over the +40k miles I put on her before she was replaced, there is no difference in the interior other than the seat heaters with the 09. I never heard the noises rll4 is refering to.
jtla, I was just thinking about what you said earlier, what are the odds any car manufacturer will produce a car that is punishing to drive. Once you spend some time in the G and you have thrown it in DS mode for the automatic, the experience will rewarding, trust me:)
Is the graphite interior easier to care for than wheat or stone? Anyone have experience with this?
that depends on your definition of punishing.
I would say that RX7 Turbo II, RX7 3rd gen, MR2 2nd gen, M3, M5, and I would also nominate 330+sports package on long trips.
the rx7 3rd gen will absolutely knock your loose teeth off. It took me two days to drive such a rx7 r1 from FL to Philly.
BMW 540
Here are some pictures of the G25 V6 engine Translated Chinese website link, rest of the car looks identical to the G37.
Infiniti's Chinese homepage also lists its specifications Google translated Spec sheet
Finally the MSRP for China bound G25 Journey starts at :surprise: $58,271 while G37 sedan at $71,888, G37 coupe at $96,939 to give you some idea. Seems like G37 only starts from the Journey line.
I can't wait to see what Nissan and Infiniti do to change the Altima and G37 respectively since they are both on the same design schedule!!
Can they get more HP out of the 3.5? Probably. Don't know if Infiniti has employed direct injection, yet. But, that would be one way to do it, without negatively affecting fuel efficiency. Even there, I doubt they can get another significant boost, maybe a few HP...maybe a few more lb/ft of torque? They've already got a 7 speed auto trans. Can they take it to 8 speeds? Would it make that much of a difference if they did?
I think their big splash will come with the G25, when it hits. I think that will become the new volume seller for Infiniti. Then again, that's going to be priced very near the Altima 3.5. Why buy an Altima when you can get an Infiniti with arguably better build, materials and warranty?
I've seen the pics of the 2011 M. I would think that the'd incorporate some of the interior changes from the '11 M into the G.
Exterior? That's a tough one. I think the G already has a .29 Cd. Pretty tough to improve on that. I doubt they can change the G body since it's been so popular.
Acura dramatically changed the TL. While I like the changes, I'm in the minority. TL's sales have dropped.
I'm sure Nissan/Infiniti have taken note of that.
Of course, I'm just speculating. Who knows where they'll take it. Probably won't know until some spy shots show up somewhere on the net, probably sometime next year.
I have been thinking of what Infiniti could do to improve the G37 and I have a couple of things they should do to make it more competitive!
I agree, I don't think they need to do anything mechanically with the 3rd gen G but one of the main reasons why I got the new Max over the G37 is because of its size and more comfortable ride; don't get me wrong, I understand that the G37 is a high power sports sedan competing with the class leading BMW-3 series but I found the ride of the G37 AWD to just be a little to firm for my taste! I think Infiniti should do what some of the German's do, over a comfort and sport suspension option on the G so that if you want something with a little more comfort and luxury ride you have the option for that and if you want pure sport you have that option as well
my biggest gripe with the G37 is its size; mostly in its width; the car is so ridiculous narrow; it felt really cramped in their while test driving it and I don't care for that; they need to add at least 2-3 inches in width to the car, which will not only get rid of that small feeling to the interior but also by making the car wider I think will add more stability and better cornering the car along with improving the ride quality
now don't take my ride quality criticism the wrong way, I by no means want Infiniti to make the G sloppy smooth comfort ride like the ES350 but I think they could do a little bit better in making it more comfortable to the way the Max and similar say to the Audi A4 Sedan comfort
that is what I like best about the Max; it has a great comfortable ride, not to mushy but gives just a little bit of road feel back into the car and wheel striking the best balance in ride, that I tend to at least like in my car
also, I think Infiniti is going to have to add some more standard features and more tech options that you can already get in their competition and also in previous Nissan's and Infiniti's; for example, they should make interior mood lighting standard; for the price point the G is in, they should add things like a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled BOTH front seats, heated rear seats (which used to be a option in both the I35 and Maxima at an even lower price point then the G is at now), power rear sunshade, fold down rear seats, LED daytime running lights (which would go a really long way to complementing the rear red LED tailights they already have on their vehicles), turn signals in the side mirrors, dual panel moon roof, intelligent high beam control, rain sensing wipers,
I think Infiniti, while they have already done this in the 1st and 2nd gen G, I think can make an even bolder and more sporty body style! also, I think they need to make the cargo room of the trunk a little bit bigger as well; I think they can make the 3rd Gen G a little bigger in size without compromising anything
I hope they can make these changes so that they can remain competitive and ahead of the competition from Acura, BMW, Lexus, Audi, and MB!
"the ‘new’ G will be out in 2013 model year, which means the fall of 2012. That is best case, they usually run late"
Thats 9 to 12 months later than what is suggested by Smarty but knowing the dealership may be inclined to err on the longer side to try and get cars sold.
Either way - sometime between Fall 2011 and Fall 2012 is likely
I had a 1995 Maxima, and was extremely satisfied with it. Really like the new styling, especially from the rear, but aside from it being a FWD, I can't understand why Nissan put a CVT into "sports sedan". :confuse: And then I configured it the way I like, as you said, the price was in the G37 territory. Off my list it went.
because of the price, I only semi-loaded so that I would not be up into G37 prices! I already had a 2008 TL so I didn't want a second one, I still test drove the new one, but I just could not get past the hideous freaking corporate shield grill Acura put on the new one, plus the new TL is now a large sedan because of its size and was a little bit too big for me; the Infiniti M35 too was a little bit to big for my taste and I was not crazy about the current bodystyle, little bit too boxy for me; the 2011 M on the other hand is spot on and so far it really looks nice; actually the 2011 M shares a couple of design and line cues from the Maxima so when it comes out, the Max is going to look like a baby M!!!!
So after eliminating the TL and M35, I was left with the Maxima! it was the right size, had a more comfortable ride, a little bit more room and gave some great features, heated steering wheel, fold down rear seats, etc for a lot less then a G37 or TL! Only problem with the Max is, Nissan screwed me over on the resale value and buyout on the car at the end of the lease because I screwed them over on getting a great lease deal with a lot less down then they originally wanted because I kept a $1k coupon from the dealership owner from 8 years earlier that was still good!!
personally, I hope they don't wait that long because not much had changed drastically with bodystyle, etc from the 2nd gen G (2007+) from the 1st gen (2003-2006) and I think Infiniti is going to need a major change on the G to stay competitive! I just pray Infiniti makes the car a little bit bigger than what it currently is! just a little bit too cramped on the inside for me!
As you say, Nissan screwed up in two regards with the Maxima; (1) in their marketing of the 7th Gen Max as the returned to the true 4-dr sports sedan and (2) like the Murano, it is priced way to high! for instance, I believe a fully loaded Max SV is about $39,800 while a almost loaded G37 Sedan, just without the nav system, is about $39,600; same thing with the Murano, a fully loaded model is about $41k and you can be in a pretty loaded EX35 for about the same price!
Because of the complaints, Nissan is going to have to offer either in their sports package for the Maxima or as a separate option extra, a RWD/Manual option in order to make the Maxima a true 4-dr sports sedan; but if they do that, and switch to a RWD/AWD option with a manual then the Maxima would be no difference between a RWD Manual Max and RWD Manual G37! but, the other complication to this problem is, right now there is no reason for Nissan to do it because the new Maxima has sold pretty well for Nissan averaging 4-6k units a month in sales
I do think Nissan is going to have to offer the Maxima with a optional RWD/AWD manual option in order to satisfy people who want a sportier nature to the Maxima and also because Acura had finally introduced a AWD/manual version of the TL for 2010 which is a vehicle that directly competes with the Maxima!
so in order to add this option to the Max and make the Max separate from the G37 Nissan and Infiniti is going to have to do one of two things to make them separate models:
(1) Nissan is either going to have to reduce the price of the Maxima so that is doesn't intrude so heavily on the G37 territory (which I doubt they would ever do)
[OR]
(2) Infiniti is going to have to change up the G37 substantially in size, body style, technology options, and price for its 3rd generation in order to differentiate it much further away from the Maxima then it currently is not!
either way they do it, its not going to be easy but who knows!
The G is not targeted at the same audience as the Maxima. The G competes favorably if I may add with the 335i, A4, 328i, IS350, C350, TL. The direction it will take in the future will most likely be influenced by this group.
The Maxima is a family sedan with a sporty edge, I do not see any reason for any changes to the FWD it uses especially as you said its moving 4k units a month. In the Nissan world, if you think of graduating to true sports, i.e. RWD you move to the Z or the G37. In the broader world sport is further defined to include driving dynamics and not just FWD or RWD. The IS250/350 have been slammed for not being good at this and you find the G/3/S4/TL SHAWD excel.
Acura added AWD to the TL not because of competition with the Maxima, which I doubt, but because they wanted to achieve true sport car status with TL SHAWD, which I believe they achieved quite well. In short I doubt Maxima is targeting the TL nor is TL targeting the Maxima.
I think the prices are exactly where they need to be, those who want large interiors and don't mind FWD with the obvious loss to driving dynamics this brings will opt for the Maxima. It is well appointed and such gadgets command a premium. At the same time those who seek true sports cars and understand that space, tight sport suspension and absolutely no FWD is what comes with the territory will opt for the G. Its perfect for Nissan and the consumer base IMO. They manage to satisfy different types op people and everyone is happy
G37 Sedan: Width 69.8''
Acura TL: Width 74''
BMW 3: Width 78.1''
Audi A4: Width 79''
ES350: Width 71.7''
IS350: Width 70.9
C350: Width 79.5''
I am with you that the length and height of the current G is perfect and I wouldn't change it but as you can see my biggest gripe is with the width! it is the most narrow car of all the entry luxury segment and makes the car feel cramped when sitting in it; I think if Infiniti added only 2 inches to it it still be one or the narrower cars but would have a little more room to it!
Have to disagree with you about the Max and TL; they both compete against each other and I read that in any prof review or comparison in Motortrend, C/D, consumer reports etc!
I do agree with you on that the Max should stay the way it is; I like the CVT ann FWD setup and that is what really sets the max apart from the G so they should keep it that way; plus, for all the 20 years they had a manual in the Maxima it didn't sell well and with sales the way they are for Nissan, there is no reason to change it!
Here you go, comparison btwn 5 series & G37. Scroll right to the interior dimensions, as I said before the G has similar interior volume to the 5 series.
I guess we can disagree on the TL vs Maxima and leave it at that
Audi A4 is not 79in its 71.9.
Mercedes C350 is not 79.5 its 69.7
BMW 3 is not 78.1 its 71.5
The other numbers are correct so how'd ya figure all the german models were more than a half a foot wider? hmmmm makes ya wonder. That makes all the models in the class about the same ( within 2 inches or so) I'm a 275 pound guy and I fit fine in the G. It has plenty of head room and legroom and the layout makes all the controls easy to get to. Just thought I would clarify with the facts.
but even with the corrections, the G is till the most narrow car of the bunch!
plus, I hate to break it to you but you have the wrong comparison! the G doesn't compete or is in the same class as the 5-series
the G competes with the 3-series not the 5-series; the 5-series competes with the M35/45!
This is in post 143 above which was posted by sjaieve, I am very well aware of that fact and I doubt anyone on this planet is not aware that the G does not compete with the 5 series. I am only bringing the 5 series here to highlight to you that space is not an issue here. Please focus on the discussion, which is interior room, disregard exterior room its obvious which is bigger. If you wish to prove that its an inch or 2 narrower than the competiton (as defined in post 143), I think you have done a good job at that, however the story never ends with width.
You will find you are probably the one of a few who think its too narrow and again here we will have to disagree. You have what you want the Maxima, I have what I want. I think just our choices alone show how we differ in what we regard as important in a sedan
The G scored in several areas in interior dimensions other than headroom, I do not see the point of going at each and every one of them. Again, the point is not to prove the G is in the same class or is supposed to be the same size, but to highlight that its holds its own in the interior dimensions dept. The facts are on the link, you choose to interpret them as you want, that is your choice.
Again, the 5 series does not compete with the G, just in case anyone else thinks this is the direction I am taking this discussion.
First off, I don't understand why your taking what I am saying so personally! :P I like the G37, I mean I have a FX35 and like what Infiniti puts out, but with every car there is always room for improvement and I only mentioned a couple of things Infiniti could do to make the car better so that it remains a top competitor in this ever changing entry level luxury segment!
I know for a fact I am not one of only a few who thinks the G is small in width (ie shoulder room and hip room!) I have read several professional reviews of the G in which the reviewers mentioned feeling a little bit too snug in the car! I never said the interior room of the G was terrible! It has GREAT legroom and headroom, I only said I think they could add a inch or two to the width in order to get a little bit more shoulder and hip room! even if they add 1 or 2 inches to the width in the next gen, it still would have the shortest width of the competition! I was only stating my opinion on how I felt after test driving the car on two separate occasions, I felt cramped when sitting in the car because of how narrow the car was but it had really comfortable head and legroom, I wouldn't want them to change that! I'm sorry if you disagree with me about the width but you got to understand not everyone is going to agree with you about your car! maybe I'm just spoiled because of how ridiculously wide my 05 FX35 is (75.9'') :surprise:
FYI - You mentioned exterior room, I'm not sure what that means? I'm assuming you meant exterior dimensions :confuse:
I'm not trying to twist the results shown on your link, but YOUR link shows that the 5-series is larger than the G in rear headroom, front/rear shoulder room, front/rear hip room, and rear legroom (6 dimensions) and the G is larger than the 5-series in front head and legroom (2 dimensions) - actually, I just looked up on BMWs website and the 5-series has 99.1 cubic feet of interior room while the G37 has 99 cubic feet of interior room - so as I mentioned before, your link does not prove your point - they have the same size interiors
actually, if you had given a link comparing the G's interior to its biggest competitor, the 3-series, you would have proven your point better because the 3-series has 93 cubic feet of interior room while the G has the 99
Second, never tried to imply that the Maxima and G37 Sedan were targeting the same group or that they both have the same dynamics - they are very different sedans- I chose the Max because I already had a sports sedan in my 08 TL so I didn't need another sports sedan with a G37 - that is the only reason why I didn't get the G; its a great car and after driving it, I can see why a lot of people would want to have one, its a really luxurious and sporty fun car to have! Also, the G37 Sedan was one of the best handling cars I have ever driven, something all cars should aspire to!
Both the Maxima and the G37 are both different and well built cars in each regard which I both like; I think there are things that are better on the Maxima then the G37 and there are things that are better on the G37 then the Maxima! Like you said, it all depends on what kind of sedan you want!
What I took issue with, is Nissan's poor marketing strategy of the new Maxima in saying it was "A Return to the True Four-Door Sports Sedan" which it is not the case because of the CVT and FWD set-up; if anything, it makes the Maxima ride and drive more like a luxury sedan than it does a sports sedan, but they were stupid in their marketing strategy and a lot of professional car reviewers took issue with that and then started saying they need to make it RWD with a manual for a Max to make it a true 4-dr sports sedan! when I heard that I said, "if Nissan did that then there would be no difference between the Maxima and G37" and I WANT THERE TO BE a difference; what Nissan seemed to have forgotten is they already had a true 4-dr sports sedan, the G37!!! I believe, as I think you do, that Nissan should leave the CVT and FWD alone because that is the biggest thing which differentiates the Maxima from the G37 and stop calling the Maxima "A True 4-Dr Sports Sedan"
I'm happy your enjoying your G37! Its a great car and pretty sweet looking! Its the only car on the market that comes even close to giving BMW a good run for its money!
By the way sjaieve, I'm just curious, have you had any problems on your G with the brakes and rotors with premature wear and resurfacing? I'm only wandering because I had some on my FX and while at the dealership and on edmunds here, I see and hear a lot of G owners also running into trouble with this problem???
I