And then came the current Q45, introduced in 2001 for model year 2002, it moved the marque up a notch or two in desirability, offering a 340-horsepower V8,
optional birds-eye maple interior trim, a slick electronic interface with navigation, and the most advanced headlights on the planet. But those headlights were also the largest in the industry, and along with the model's curvaceous sheetmetal, made the car appear rather odd. Marching to the beat of its own drummer was nothing new for the Q45, however, and neither were pathetically low sales - a problem that continues to this day, despite a mild update to conform the car's grille to other models in the lineup.
Whether Igo and his colleagues at Infiniti have the answer to the Q's extreme exclusivity or not, will remain to be seen, but the luxury nameplate's executive would like to see more V8-powered cars in the lineup either way.
"I'd like to see us do more V8s because it raises transaction prices and gets us
into a higher demographic in terms of income," said Igo. "That really sets the forefront for flagships."
Does this mean a V8-powered G45 coupe could be on the way? Quite possibly, or at least we may eventually see something V8-powered in the personal coupe/convertible segment.
Its main rival, Lexus, is on a similar mission. While sales of the LS 430 are much stronger than the Q's, and the RX 330/400 h, GX 470 and ES 330 continue to pull volume numbers, sales of its other models have been quite poor. The full-size LX 470 trickles out of Lexus showrooms, as does its compact IS 300 sedan and SC 430 sport coupe/convertible. Sales of the new GS 300/430, the first to show off the brand's new design language, are brisk however.
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A Jaguar-esque facelift came in 1994, adding a traditional chrome grille that appeared to be a total afterthought. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
Whether Igo and his colleagues at Infiniti have the answer to the Q's extreme exclusivity or not, will remain to be seen, but the luxury nameplate's executive would like to see more V8-powered cars in the lineup either way.
"I'd like to see us do more V8s because it raises transaction prices and gets us
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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. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
Does this mean a V8-powered G45 coupe could be on the way? Quite possibly, or at least we may eventually see something V8-powered in the personal coupe/convertible segment.
Its main rival, Lexus, is on a similar mission. While sales of the LS 430 are much stronger than the Q's, and the RX 330/400 h, GX 470 and ES 330 continue to pull volume numbers, sales of its other models have been quite poor. The full-size LX 470 trickles out of Lexus showrooms, as does its compact IS 300 sedan and SC 430 sport coupe/convertible. Sales of the new GS 300/430, the first to show off the brand's new design language, are brisk however.