Interestingly enough, while sales of the Q45 were slow prior to the new M's arrival, now that the smaller yet more lavishly equipped midsize sport/luxury
model is here there is even less motivation for buyers to purchase the Q. Therefore, it makes sense that Infiniti brass is now questioning the car's validity in the lineup.
"As the Q matures, we'll look at how it fits in our lineup," Igo added. "If we have an opportunity to evolve it, we will do so. But to have a true flagship is something we'd like to have -- something that's every bit as impressive as the M. That's what our goal would be. That would be on my dream list."
And now with the new M in place, a worthy move up the ladder from the impressive G35 sedan, a replacement for the Q is imminent. It seems understandable, of course, that Infiniti might want to drop the outgoing model's alpha designation, as it hasn't exactly been lucky.
While the first Q45 that debuted in model year 1990 was an impressive car, its
odd styling and poorly executed launch allowed the more conservatively penned Lexus LS 400 to run away with the majority of sales. A Jaguar-esque facelift came in 1994, adding a traditional chrome grille that appeared to be a total afterthought, better integrated than a Rolls-Royce nose on a VW Beetle body (remember those?), but only just so. More chrome was added around the body-wide taillight, making the model more appealing to some, but its image was already tarnished despite impressive performance and enviable reliability ratings.
The Q that followed in model year 1998 was about as sleek as a panel van, imposing with its tall waterfall grille and squared off flanks, a la Rolls-Royce, but hardly innovative from a styling standpoint, and even less attractive. To add insult to injury its sales were slower than the original, which continued the downward spiral of the Infiniti nameplate in the eyes of top-tier premium car buyers.
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| While sales of the Q45 were slow prior to the new M's arrival, now that the smaller yet more lavishly equipped M45 is here there is even less motivation for buyers to purchase the Q. (Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press) |
"As the Q matures, we'll look at how it fits in our lineup," Igo added. "If we have an opportunity to evolve it, we will do so. But to have a true flagship is something we'd like to have -- something that's every bit as impressive as the M. That's what our goal would be. That would be on my dream list."
And now with the new M in place, a worthy move up the ladder from the impressive G35 sedan, a replacement for the Q is imminent. It seems understandable, of course, that Infiniti might want to drop the outgoing model's alpha designation, as it hasn't exactly been lucky.
While the first Q45 that debuted in model year 1990 was an impressive car, its
 |
| While the first Q45 that debuted in model year 1990 was an impressive car, its odd styling and poorly executed launch allowed the more conservatively penned Lexus LS 400 to run away with the majority of sales. (Infiniti Canada) |
The Q that followed in model year 1998 was about as sleek as a panel van, imposing with its tall waterfall grille and squared off flanks, a la Rolls-Royce, but hardly innovative from a styling standpoint, and even less attractive. To add insult to injury its sales were slower than the original, which continued the downward spiral of the Infiniti nameplate in the eyes of top-tier premium car buyers.