XVL Concept Car

[noelsaw]

Is Nissan's XVL Concept Car worth the wait when it comes here to the States as an Infiniti? What do you think about the styling and technology behind the car?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hi Noel The XVL has stirred up anticipation for those folks who like the G20 and J30 from Infiniti owners I have spoken with.Specifically younger(25 to 34) range enthusiasts.I believe the vehicle could be a formidable sales contender against the new Lexus entry car.The confusion is where the car will be placed.The question I get "Is that the new J30 or is that the new G20?" and will Infiniti Really build it.If Infiniti launches the new QX4 with a more youthful identity and gives teaser shots that the XVL is more than just a concept then Infiniti will be on fire.Infiniti has to address if the current faux Jaguar styling in front is the "Infiniti" look or whether the combined light setup in the XVL is where Infiniti is headed.The front nuetrality of the J30 followed by the Grilles of the 94/95 Q45 has created a need for Infiniti to get committed to a singular design statement for all the cars.PS we have sold out of 2000 QX4's and folks are chomping at the bits for the 2001 at least here in Nashville.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Its a nice car and all, but its missing one thing, manual trans. Hell will turn into ice when I buy a automatic sports car/sedan. There is NOTHING sporty about a automatic equipped car, I don't care if its a Porsche, a NSX, Vette or Ferrari. A 3 cylinder Chevy Metro 5spd is more fun to drive than those cars. We need a 5 or better 6spd !! It has to be RWD also.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike Jez:
Its a nice car and all, but its missing one thing, manual trans. Hell will turn into ice when I buy a automatic sports car/sedan. There is NOTHING sporty about a automatic equipped car, I don't care if its a Porsche, a NSX, Vette or Ferrari. A 3 cylinder Chevy Metro 5spd is more fun to drive than those cars. We need a 5 or better 6spd !! It has to be RWD also.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My wife who is now forced to drive two automatic transmission Maximas agrees with you. She had the Metro before they changed it to Geo (and then back to Chevy)...with a 5 spd and hates me.

The XVL definitely is going to be RWD.

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NeilDavid:
Hi Noel The XVL has stirred up anticipation for those folks who like the G20 and J30 from Infiniti owners I have spoken with.Specifically younger(25 to 34) range enthusiasts.I believe the vehicle could be a formidable sales contender against the new Lexus entry car.The confusion is where the car will be placed.The question I get "Is that the new J30 or is that the new G20?" and will Infiniti Really build it.If Infiniti launches the new QX4 with a more youthful identity and gives teaser shots that the XVL is more than just a concept then Infiniti will be on fire.Infiniti has to address if the current faux Jaguar styling in front is the "Infiniti" look or whether the combined light setup in the XVL is where Infiniti is headed.The front nuetrality of the J30 followed by the Grilles of the 94/95 Q45 has created a need for Infiniti to get committed to a singular design statement for all the cars.PS we have sold out of 2000 QX4's and folks are chomping at the bits for the 2001 at least here in Nashville.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When you say "If Infiniti launches the new QX4 with a more youthful identity" did you mean Q45 instead?

I think the XVL is more deserving of the J30 moniker even though somone I've spoken to at Infiniti says that name has been laid to rest. Everyone has a right to change their minds right?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The styling is really nice, RWD with a 5 speed would make it a real BMW 3 series challenger.

[2HD]

From what I've heard the XVL is suppose to be in the same price range as the I30 but that is a bit of a crossover. I believe it should be priced between G20 and I30. I don't think it would be a good idea for it to compete against the GS from Lexus, too costly and too heavy.

The XVL looks nice from the front and especially from the rear but from the side its kind of bland. They need to give the car an edgier look.

[tbear]

The XVL front looks nice, but the back is ugly. The lamp is ok, it looks like a bmw, but it is flat, so flat, like a 95-99 Maxima. It makes the XVL look cheap.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i think the front of the XVL looks Renault inspired (sort of). the interior of the car looks outstanding--very Audi-like. i like the black dash with red lights and light colored leather and bright wood.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I know I read it somewhere...but the XVL reminds me of something between an Audi and a Mercedes. I like the design but it doesn't look Japanese.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

the styling of the XVL is so-so, mainly the front end is a little odd--kinda looks happier than aggressive. the back looks really cool with the BMW-style L-shaped lights. the body shape is fine in my opinion.

[RainMeister]

This would definitely be a fine replacement and a move-up from my current '95 G20t (5-speed of course), but only if they keep it price-competitive with the BMW 3-series ($28~33k) and put a clutch on the floor. Otherwise, I may be forced to leave the fold for the 323i or Lexus' upcoming IS300. Are you listening Nissan?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

hey Rain, how 'bout a Maxima SE 5 speed? good competitor to those sport sedans you mentioned for aruond the price of a new G20

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yes, I also heard from a Nissan rep at the most recent San Diego car show that the J30 name has been scrapped.

Beholder

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by noelsaw:
I think the XVL is more deserving of the J30 moniker even though somone I've spoken to at Infiniti says that name has been laid to rest. Everyone has a right to change their minds right?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[RainMeister]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
hey Rain, how 'bout a Maxima SE 5 speed? good competitor to those sport sedans you mentioned for aruond the price of a new G20<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When I bought the G20, I seriously considered the last generation Maxima SE. Price-wise, the Max was a few thou more (I got several thou off list on the G), with a better engine, though they were not determining factors. I went with the G because I felt Nissan seriously decontented the last Max, it came with rear beam suspension, and the styling was not to my liking. I prefer quality and handling over size and horsepower, and the G arguably had both on the Max. I like the styling of the new Max, but since I've moved to the Left Coast and a warmer climate, I'd prefer a rear driver for my next car. I also like where Nissan is headed style-wise with the XVL. I'm strongly of the belief that for Infiniti to prosper, they need a distinctly different lineup from Nissan. The XVL could certainly replace the I30 without missing a beat.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RainMeister:
I like the styling of the new Max, but since I've moved to the Left Coast and a warmer climate, I'd prefer a rear driver for my next car. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you want a used but fairly inexpensive rear wheel drive car ($15k with 45k miles), you might want to consider a J30. It is a bit cramped inside and the engine isn't as good as a Maxima/I30s but the handling and ride are superb.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i must be the only one who thinks the XVL needs to be more aggressive. i just don't feel the design can succeed against the Lexus IS300 or the BMW 3 series. both of those cars are very aggressively styled with performance to match. i would rather spend 30 g's on the IS over the XVL, if it were out.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The way I feel about the XLV concept is that it's not the prettiest nor the most striking, but the line of the whole car looks very clean and has a simple elegance.

[This message has been edited by Fairlady Z (edited 03-06-2000).]

[JonCarson]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
i must be the only one who thinks the XVL needs to be more aggressive. i just don't feel the design can succeed against the Lexus IS300 or the BMW 3 series. both of those cars are very aggressively styled with performance to match. i would rather spend 30 g's on the IS over the XVL, if it were out.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No. You're not the only guy who thinks it needs to be more aggressive. The more I see the XVL, the softer it looks. I definitely prefer the harder edged styling of the Lexus IS and BMW 3-series.

I'd be happier if the XVL kept the shape seen in earier pictures like this:
http://www.busybeetoys.com/scoop/05-Nissan-FR.jpg

Of course the wheels on the car in this picture help make it appear more aggressive.

I say Nissan should put the harder edges back into the grill and lights, put that more gaping lower air dam back on, and take the Audi-ness out of the rear.

This car here, says Lexus IS fighter to me.

[This message has been edited by carsonjon (edited 03-06-2000).]

[GTR]

i like the overall body style. from a direct angle the rear tails look a little akward though, but at a 3/4 rear(?) view, its got a sharp look to it. i can imagine the xvl looking a lot more aggressive with a larger air dam in the front bumper rather than the two lines going across

[mcervantes]

I think that the XVL is a nice looking sedan. I does have a few Audi overtones here and there as does the tail with those BMW L-shaped lights. I think that it does have enough unique-ness for a car in the luxury sedan market. And different is a selling point in that class.

Mike Cervantes

[This message has been edited by mcervantes (edited 03-07-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

i don't think being different stylewise is all that important in luxury cars. the Lexus LS400 is pretty bland--Mercedes Benz derived in my opinion but the car sells extremely well. i think the XVL needs a narrower grille and more conventional headlights. the reasoning behind a narrower grille would be that it would look like other Infinitis, and not some new misfit.

one thing i think the XVL will lack is speed. the VQ is a good engine but the XVL looks bulky and should probably get the v8 from the Q45. also, the Maxima added I believe 32 horsepower for the 2000 model and in some tests by various magazines show that it actually got slower--0 to 60 in 6.6 for the last generation, 6.7 for the 2000. Nissan should add variable valve timing and lift (Neo VVL?) to in the VQ35 if it is possible to squeeze out a little more performance. or they could bust out with a VQ40

[GTR]

well it is getting the vq30dd which pumps out 250hp vs the de's 222/227 hp. it also has the extroid tranny that *should* help performance mucho. as for styling, you want to be different but not so much as to steer away mainstream consumers.

[mcervantes]

I think Lexus is a unique case in copying Merc. Have you seen that new LS430?? I think they could make it little less Mercedes like!! Oh well....

I also think that the XVL's face looks a little unlike a "normal" Infiniti. It's more like a half-sister than a full blood sister to the other Infiniti models. I hope they change it a little (maybe make it alittle more aggressive??)

Mike Cervantes

[2HD]

http://www.nissan.co.jp/XVL/CO_IMAGES/CONCEPTXVL_S_F.jpg

I think the people who built the XVL forgot to get the aggressive side of it. To me it looks more aggressive in the picture above then in the real life pictures of the concept car.

[This message has been edited by 2HD (edited 03-08-2000).]

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
one thing i think the XVL will lack is speed. the VQ is a good engine but the XVL looks bulky and should probably get the v8 from the Q45. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like GTR said the Japanese version should be getting a direct injection VQ good for over 250 bhp. The direct injection might not make it to the US because of US gasoline's higher sulfur content. I wouldn't be surprised if the base car had a 3.5L VQ a la new Pathfinder and maybe a V-8 option (like the A6).

[mcervantes]

Is it just me or does this look like another of Nissan's "tweener" ideas. Like the Altima fit between the Civic and the Accord while the Maxima fit between the Camry and Avalon, not directly taking on any of them. The XVL looks like it will fix between the BMW 3 Series, Lex IS and the BMW 5 Series and Lex GS. Could this work for Infiniti?? It doesn't seem to work that great for Nissan, but that's my opinion.

Mike Cervantes

[2HD]

About the post in the News Page with the new Infiniti car with 330hp V8 could that be the XVL? Although it's only a rumor http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif

[noelsaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2HD:
About the post in the News Page with the new Infiniti car with 330hp V8 could that be the XVL? Although it's only a rumor http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum//images/icons/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Our source said that the car would be a different model than the XVL which would come only in V-6 form. We'll find out sooner or later.

[Max Ima]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by RainMeister:
This would definitely be a fine replacement and a move-up from my current '95 G20t (5-speed of course), but only if they keep it price-competitive with the BMW 3-series ($28~33k) and put a clutch on the floor. Otherwise, I may be forced to leave the fold for the 323i or Lexus' upcoming IS300. Are you listening Nissan?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I just saw the new Mercedes C-Class on auto.com. That thing looked awesome. And prices start at $25,000. Man, that sport sedan category is on fire.