Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
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Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102712
Two observations:
1. GM doesn't appear to be able to use full-bore versions of the Ecotec in supercharged (or in turbocharged) applications. Nissan's VR-series 4 cylinder is a far more heavily built engine. Nissan can get away with a supercharged 2.5 liter, GM doesn't dare attempt a supercharged version of the new 2.4 liter Ecotec.
2. This article is another confirmation that GM's Sigma platform has very poor product flexibility - while Nissan's FM platform doesn't have an equal when it comes to the number and type of product derivatives. Infiniti can offer the upcoming CX25/35 on the same quality RWD/AWD FM platform as the FX35/45, G35, M35/45 and Nissan 350Z.
In contrast, Cadillac will be forced to turn to a badge engineered BRX based on a low buck FWD/AWD platform. Can a reworked and re-engined Chevrolet Equinox form the basis of a BMW X3 competitor?
Originally Posted by Autoweek
Infiniti reportedly planning entry-level sport wagon positioned below FX models
KATHY JACKSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 7/4/05
LOS ANGELES -- Infiniti dealers will get a new entry-level sport wagon.
Sources inside and outside the company say the vehicle will arrive in 2007 as a 2008 model. It will come in two versions, the CX25 and CX35.
Guido Vildozo, market analyst for Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., says the five-seat vehicle will be smaller than the Infiniti FX35 and FX45. It will come with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 and be built on Nissan's FM platform.
He says the four-cylinder engine may get a supercharged performance version similar to the supercharged engine on the Nissan Sentra SE-R.
"It's an X3-type vehicle," he says, referring to BMW. "The FX may eventually grow in size."
The 2005 FX35 starts at $35,710 including shipping.
Another source says the company is considering a hybrid version of the new vehicle. Hybrids use gasoline engines and one or more electric motors to power the wheels.
Nissan North America Inc. will introduce its first hybrid, an Altima, next year as a 2007 model. Infiniti spokesman Bill Garlin would only say that the company is "always looking at new stuff and new possibilities."
But Infiniti dealers are expecting the new vehicle.
"I can't confirm that it is coming, but they told us that was something they would prioritize," said John Capps, former chairman of Infiniti's dealer council. "As much as a year ago they pretty much did everything but outright tell us we would get it."
The new Infiniti wagon will have more than BMW to contend with when it hits the market.
The new Acura RDX sport wagon is scheduled to arrive next year as a 2007 model.
Cadillac also expects to have a similar vehicle in 2008 as a 2009 model named the BRX.
KATHY JACKSON | Automotive News
Posted Date: 7/4/05
LOS ANGELES -- Infiniti dealers will get a new entry-level sport wagon.
Sources inside and outside the company say the vehicle will arrive in 2007 as a 2008 model. It will come in two versions, the CX25 and CX35.
Guido Vildozo, market analyst for Global Insight in Lexington, Mass., says the five-seat vehicle will be smaller than the Infiniti FX35 and FX45. It will come with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine or a 3.5-liter V-6 and be built on Nissan's FM platform.
He says the four-cylinder engine may get a supercharged performance version similar to the supercharged engine on the Nissan Sentra SE-R.
"It's an X3-type vehicle," he says, referring to BMW. "The FX may eventually grow in size."
The 2005 FX35 starts at $35,710 including shipping.
Another source says the company is considering a hybrid version of the new vehicle. Hybrids use gasoline engines and one or more electric motors to power the wheels.
Nissan North America Inc. will introduce its first hybrid, an Altima, next year as a 2007 model. Infiniti spokesman Bill Garlin would only say that the company is "always looking at new stuff and new possibilities."
But Infiniti dealers are expecting the new vehicle.
"I can't confirm that it is coming, but they told us that was something they would prioritize," said John Capps, former chairman of Infiniti's dealer council. "As much as a year ago they pretty much did everything but outright tell us we would get it."
The new Infiniti wagon will have more than BMW to contend with when it hits the market.
The new Acura RDX sport wagon is scheduled to arrive next year as a 2007 model.
Cadillac also expects to have a similar vehicle in 2008 as a 2009 model named the BRX.
1. GM doesn't appear to be able to use full-bore versions of the Ecotec in supercharged (or in turbocharged) applications. Nissan's VR-series 4 cylinder is a far more heavily built engine. Nissan can get away with a supercharged 2.5 liter, GM doesn't dare attempt a supercharged version of the new 2.4 liter Ecotec.
2. This article is another confirmation that GM's Sigma platform has very poor product flexibility - while Nissan's FM platform doesn't have an equal when it comes to the number and type of product derivatives. Infiniti can offer the upcoming CX25/35 on the same quality RWD/AWD FM platform as the FX35/45, G35, M35/45 and Nissan 350Z.
In contrast, Cadillac will be forced to turn to a badge engineered BRX based on a low buck FWD/AWD platform. Can a reworked and re-engined Chevrolet Equinox form the basis of a BMW X3 competitor?
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Nissan is making the same mistake as GM did - concentrating on SUV and Truck market while neglecting their cars. Dated Altima and uninspiring Maxima are just but few examples of the problems inherent in Nissan, not even touching on the Sentra which predates Sunfire.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Originally Posted by muckz
Nissan is making the same mistake as GM did - concentrating on SUV and Truck market while neglecting their cars. Dated Altima and uninspiring Maxima are just but few examples of the problems inherent in Nissan, not even touching on the Sentra which predates Sunfire.
2. The Altima is getting "old in the tooth," but it feels less dated than Chevrolet's far newer Malibu. The Altima is still the performance leader in the so-called "Entry-level Midsized Segment." The new Altima SE-R doesn't do much for me, though.
3. These days, the Maxima is a distant second to Toyota 280 horsepower Avalon. It's better than some newer GM products like the LaCrosse and 2006 Impala - and far better than Ford's porky Five-Hundred.
4. The current Sentra is history. A replacement (with a supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R variant) is on the way along a whole bunch of other small, cheap and fuel efficient Nissans - just the sort of cars that Canadians love.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
I've always liked the Altima(especially since they fixed the interior) and the Maxima. I've never really thought either of these cars were dated. And they are fun to drive(I've driven a V6 6 speed Altima) and quite fast. I've always thought they have ruled the roost when it comes to a fun to drive, practical sedan.
And yes the Sentra is a total piece of crap. The motor sounds like its going to blow up under WOT and there was more noise inside the cabin than my Z28 with a Magnaflow muffler. Don't even get me started about the styling
And yes the Sentra is a total piece of crap. The motor sounds like its going to blow up under WOT and there was more noise inside the cabin than my Z28 with a Magnaflow muffler. Don't even get me started about the styling
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
How does the fact that Nissan builds crappy cars relate to this...............
Last edited by SNEAKY NEIL; Jul 5, 2005 at 09:27 AM.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
The x3 is crap. We will see if it hangs in there more then a few years. Its size competes with the rav4 while the price is still too high for the people that drive those size mini suvs. The only reason to have one is its a cheaper entry into the BMW name plate.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
I think the 3 series and the X3 BMW's are some of the most overrated cars out there. They used to be the benchmaark 5-6 years ago, but BMW in my eyes have been slow to change, and their new designs suck. Their higher end cars are still sweet though even though way overpriced.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Originally Posted by falchulk
The x3 is crap. We will see if it hangs in there more then a few years. Its size competes with the rav4 while the price is still too high for the people that drive those size mini suvs. The only reason to have one is its a cheaper entry into the BMW name plate.
Is the X3 worth it's Chevrolet Equinox-sized pricetag? YES. Is there one in my driveway? NO.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Originally Posted by redzed
Is the X3 worth it's Chevrolet Equinox-sized pricetag? YES.
Base equinox MSRP: $21,885.
Loaded Equinox with every option available MSRP: $30,060.
This is before the rebate and the Employee pricing.
Base X3: $30,995.
Loaded X3 with every option available: $46,595.
You're right though... it's the same thing price-wise.
Time to stop doing shots of the Clorox Bleach... :blah:
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....another FM
Is the X3 worth it's Chevrolet Equinox-sized pricetag
Last edited by Kevin_G; Jul 5, 2005 at 03:42 PM.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Originally Posted by redzed
Actually, the X3 is better packaged and slightly more spacious than the BMW X5. BMW's "entry level" SUV certainly isn't a RAV4 - it's more of a bargain priced alternative to the X5 3.0, or even the outgoing 325i Touring wagon.
Is the X3 worth it's Chevrolet Equinox-sized pricetag? YES. Is there one in my driveway? NO.
Is the X3 worth it's Chevrolet Equinox-sized pricetag? YES. Is there one in my driveway? NO.
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Hey goofball, I have news for you. What the HELL is so special about a supercharged FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? With an Infiniti badge no less? If Cadillac came out with a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute, you'd laugh all the way to wherever you get your reefer from. But see, Cadillac will not make a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute, and will instead make the HF 2.8 the smallest engine, because, you know...a FOUR CYLINDER*** engine has no business being in a luxury car, let alone a utility vehicle. There is no way a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** will produce the smoothness or torque of a proper V6. And even if it did, the MPG penalty and potential maintenance issues of a blower down the road versus a normal V6 makes it even more asinine.
So we bash Sigma instead of admitting Nissan has their head up their *** for producing a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? Supercharged or no, a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** has no business in anything wearing a premium luxury badge.
Unless, of course, it isn't really a premium badge after all. FOUR CYLINDER, my ***...
***The following message used capitalized letters in an attempt to help redzed comprehend what Nissan is actually doing, and that being a Nissan fan boy doesn't always pay. If we're lucky, he may leave the ganja alone long enough to realize what an idiot he is. Or not...
So we bash Sigma instead of admitting Nissan has their head up their *** for producing a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? Supercharged or no, a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** has no business in anything wearing a premium luxury badge.
Unless, of course, it isn't really a premium badge after all. FOUR CYLINDER, my ***...
***The following message used capitalized letters in an attempt to help redzed comprehend what Nissan is actually doing, and that being a Nissan fan boy doesn't always pay. If we're lucky, he may leave the ganja alone long enough to realize what an idiot he is. Or not...
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Re: Autoweek: A Supercharged 2.5 liter SE-R and Infiniti fights the BMW X3....anothe
Originally Posted by Jason E
Hey goofball, I have news for you. What the HELL is so special about a supercharged FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? With an Infiniti badge no less? If Cadillac came out with a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute, you'd laugh all the way to wherever you get your reefer from. But see, Cadillac will not make a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute, and will instead make the HF 2.8 the smallest engine, because, you know...a FOUR CYLINDER*** engine has no business being in a luxury car, let alone a utility vehicle. There is no way a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** will produce the smoothness or torque of a proper V6. And even if it did, the MPG penalty and potential maintenance issues of a blower down the road versus a normal V6 makes it even more asinine.
So we bash Sigma instead of admitting Nissan has their head up their *** for producing a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? Supercharged or no, a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** has no business in anything wearing a premium luxury badge.
Unless, of course, it isn't really a premium badge after all. FOUR CYLINDER, my ***...
***The following message used capitalized letters in an attempt to help redzed comprehend what Nissan is actually doing, and that being a Nissan fan boy doesn't always pay. If we're lucky, he may leave the ganja alone long enough to realize what an idiot he is. Or not...
So we bash Sigma instead of admitting Nissan has their head up their *** for producing a FOUR CYLINDER*** cute ute? Supercharged or no, a FOUR CYLINDER ENGINE*** has no business in anything wearing a premium luxury badge.
Unless, of course, it isn't really a premium badge after all. FOUR CYLINDER, my ***...
***The following message used capitalized letters in an attempt to help redzed comprehend what Nissan is actually doing, and that being a Nissan fan boy doesn't always pay. If we're lucky, he may leave the ganja alone long enough to realize what an idiot he is. Or not...
