Infiniti confirms plans to launch in Australia

[Buntz]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/i...-in-australia/

Infiniti has big plans to expand beyond North America, and Drive reports that the Japanese luxury automaker intends to include Australia in its expansion. The site says that officials at Nissan have officially announced that Infiniti would head Down Under by September 2012, adding that the brand would start off with three stand-alone dealerships in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

When those dealerships launch, there will only be three Infiniti products from which to choose. The G37 coupe and convertible, the M sedan and the FX crossover were chosen in part because of their freshness in the market. Infiniti has reportedly decided against exporting the high volume G37 sedan to Australia, opting instead to wait until the next generation model goes prime-time. The Australians will be able to choose from the same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 options we have here in the States, and they'll also be able to pick a 3.0-liter diesel that we aren't afforded.

The folks at Infiniti also hinted at their strategy for the brand. Infiniti brand GM Kevin Snell reportedly told the press at a launch event that the brand wouldn't try to be the "cheapest" make Down Under, adding that Infiniti models are often better-equipped than the competition from Europe.

Bring it on Nissan. We've got a little 5.0L V8 of our own. If they don't want to be cheap... I wonder how they intend to price it in relation to a GTE.

Their M car looks like a cross between a BMW 5 series and a Porsche Panamera. An ugly combination.

[Rodp]

Can't say I like the look of it and it looks very narrow. The boot space is appalling. Likely to be out of my price range, anyway.

[flappist]

I suspect they are more interested in taking on Lexus, BMW, Audi and MB than FPV & HSV but they are RWD performance vehicles with a very high finish and build quality so how can that be a bad thing.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by flappist

I suspect they are more interested in taking on Lexus, BMW, Audi and MB than FPV & HSV but they are RWD performance vehicles with a very high finish and build quality so how can that be a bad thing.

I think they mean to undercut them... as they certainly couldn't compete IMO.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

I think they mean to undercut them... as they certainly couldn't compete IMO.

Really?

You driven any of the new Lexus/BMW/MB/Audi or a Nissan Maxima/370Z?

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by flappist

Really?

You driven any of the new Lexus/BMW/MB/Audi or a Nissan Maxima/370Z?

No. I read the reviews though.

BTW: A Nissan Maxima would in now way compete with anything from those brands. Same for 370Z. BMW Z4 or MB CLK would own it. Hence the 370Z being cheaper, despite cheaper materials and quality.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

No. I read the reviews though.

BTW: A Nissan Maxima would in now way compete with anything from those brands. Same for 370Z. BMW Z4 or MB CLK would own it. Hence the 370Z being cheaper, despite cheaper materials and quality.

Makes you qualified then yeah?

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

No. I read the reviews though.

BTW: A Nissan Maxima would in now way compete with anything from those brands. Same for 370Z. BMW Z4 or MB CLK would own it. Hence the 370Z being cheaper, despite cheaper materials and quality.

Yeh I didn't think you had any idea whatsoever.....

Go out and drive something before making comments otherwise just read DRIVE and think that all things holden are golden.

[Charliewool]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

No. I read the reviews though.

BTW: Same for 370Z. BMW Z4 or MB CLK would own it. Hence the 370Z being cheaper, despite cheaper materials and quality.

"Own it" eh??
Hmmmm....... And you've road tested the 3 of them naturally??

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by flappist

Really?

You driven any of the new Lexus/BMW/MB/Audi or a Nissan Maxima/370Z?

Have you?

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

Have you?

Well in the last 3 months or so:

Audi TTR & A4
BMW 135i (N54& N55) 335i (e92) M3 (e90)
Lexus ISF & IS350F
MB C200
Nissan 370Z & Maxima (2.5 & 3.5) (and of course a 350Z)
VW Golf R

As well as the odd FG....

You really think I would have asked the question if I had not........

[outback_ute]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

I think they mean to undercut them... as they certainly couldn't compete IMO.

It is almost certain they will undercut them to entice people to consider them, but that does not mean they are not competing against them. When the Lexus ISF came out $15k (or ~10%) cheaper than the C63 or M3 sedan it was most definitely aimed at taking customers from those cars.

Infiniti has to establish themselves in the market, they sold the I45 back in the early 90's but probably less than 100 cars sold so basically irrelevant. The current line-up seems to be pretty competitive based on the US market, true the styling is a bit different but that will appeal to some people who want something different from the typical BMW/MB that 'everyone' has.

[Kryton]

Any specs on the 5.0?

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by davway

Any specs on the 5.0?

Could have been a misprint...as all I get from Wiki is 5.6L.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_VK_engine#VK56VD

[Pedro]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

Could have been a misprint...as all I get from Wiki is 5.6L.

Sloppy journalism ... The 2011 V8 is a 5.6-litre aluminum-alloy V8 that produces at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque.

[Bucknaked]

When your out test driving the Infinity for your review, make sure you have your driving apparel on

[321Go]

Have driven a G37 Coupe V6. Very nice car.

[Paxton]

Let's just hope they do a better job of this than they did last time. Infiniti was forgotten very quickly after they launched in Australia last time.

[BFZ Wagon]

At least they'll be bringing some diesel models in. Unlike stupid Lexus who keep releasing those silly hybrid things.

From what I can remember, all of the models are RWD too. They also come in AWD (the FX will come in AWD of course, due to it being a crossover SUV) But I doubt they'll bring the AWD versions of the G37 or M into Oz.

Every time I see the G37 though, it just reminds me of the JDM Skyline (which I guess it is).

Will be interesting to see how they go when they're released. They have to do a better job than 20 years ago when all they had was that awful looking Q45.

[FPV]

I definately am looking forward to the launch of the Infiniti M/FX range, they are basically same size class as the Falcon/Territory, but it would have to be priced reasonably. If there European pricing is anything to go by, it will be priced on par with BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi, albeit with better specifications. For that sort of money, I would prefer the BMW.

If like me, you see Falcon/Calais rivalling these models, the M56S would go up against the G6E Turbo (G8E if it is ever made) or Calais V, but traditionally it would go against the 550i and E500.

In terms of a BMW M equivilent (FPV or HSV), they have launched there IPL brand, however it is in its infant stages, but there are rumours of an Infiniti M IPL with an AMG 6.3l engine or a high performance 5.6 litre engine.

So you may remember a few months ago the Nissan Fuga (which it sells as in Japan) was mentioned, well this is it. Makes me wonder why Ford have not sold the Falcon as a Lincoln elsewhere, Nissan have proven it is possible with Infiniti, I would like to see Ford give the Falcon a chance abroad.

[dave351cid]

back in about `99 - `00, i worked on a Infinitty sedan that a bloke had imported. i think it was an early `90s model and i had to tint the windows and fit an alarm. i got to drive it a few times picking up and droping of to his place.

it would have to be the car with the most "luxo stuff and gatetry" (for the sake of better words) that i have driven. everything was auto controlled. such as when you put the key in the ignition the steering wheel would fold down into a driving position and the door mirrors would fold out. take the key out and the steer colum whould fold up against the dash and mirrors fold in flat against the doors, the seat would slide right back and all the windows would close. the finnish was very plush.

it seemed to have a lot more than the same age euro cars but personally i thought it had been over done.

will be interesting to see what the current ones are like.

[Auslandau]

Alrighty then ..... back to the topic at hand as thread went a little westward there for a moment .....

[flappist]

The Japanese are very good at pushing the envelope.

Just ask Porsche or Ferarri about the Nissan GTR or Lexus LFA.

Infinity is Nissan's version of Lexus and the Lexus ISF is one of the nicest motor vehicles I have ever driven.

Japanese cars have a reputation for reliability (look how many cruisers and patrols are about) and resale retention so I suspect Infinity will make something of an impact.

RWD 6 and V8 with high quality finish, reliability and performance, only a fool would write them off purely on prejudice......

[Rev28K]

Quite looking forward to seeing the FX45's in person.

In some ways it's a shame as the G35/G37's made stonking 2nd hand Jap imports and now we won't be getting them. Almost the equivalent of Lexus LC300s and LC400s

Part of a bigger export push? They are launching the G37 in Europe to nibble at the BMW 3 series.

And there were rumors about the GTR driveline going in to a sedan 4 door shell - any chance that's an Infiniti?

[GT 160]

My sister owned a Maxima for awhile, may have been an 06/07 model and it was a sensational car and dirt cheap for the spec. Loved the 6 it was unbelievably smooth and quiet.

The infinity looks very Lexus like, maybe i need better glasses.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Rev28K

Quite looking forward to seeing the FX45's in person.

In some ways it's a shame as the G35/G37's made stonking 2nd hand Jap imports and now we won't be getting them. Almost the equivalent of Lexus LC300s and LC400s

Part of a bigger export push? They are launching the G37 in Europe to nibble at the BMW 3 series.

And there were rumors about the GTR driveline going in to a sedan 4 door shell - any chance that's an Infiniti?

Re-read the OP. G37 coupe and convertible coming to Australia.

[burnz]

nissan/infinity 5.0L v8 390bhp

[Kryton]

Nice.
Power, luxury and build quality.

[Charliewool]

Think we'd better get over to the Z forums Flappy, before we're stoned to death here?
Still, it never ceases to amaze me the vast number of reputable, credentialed motoring journos that we are privaleged to share AFF with!..

[mik]

let the bout begin.....