how much potential does the XVL hold?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What do ppl here think the XVL concept platform can do for Nissan? Can it take the sedans to a new level of comfort and handling?

I'd love to see that this concept can kick the IS300's butt. While the IS300 is marketed as a hard edge sports sedan, it's
nothing too comfy inside. If this new G35 (or whatever the new rear-drive's name will be) can have both an elegant, comfortable interior and handling ablities of the 3 series, it will appeal to a very wide group of people. The rear end is just great, but the front needs a slight touch up, i think.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

the XVL looks like it might be bigger than the IS300. i've seen a few IS300's and they don't look much bigger than a G20. i hope the XVL is larger.

as far as styling goes, the IS300 has the XVL beat hands down. it looks really nice, especially the rear. to do battle against the IS, the XVL (G35) will need to have it beat in more ways than one. horsepower and interior size will have to be better

[Infiniti]

I think that it will be a great handler and speedy but 02 Q speedy. Orbe said its main goals with the car is for great handling and comfort. In his New York Speech he said, "It will be the perfect stablemate to the Q45." I hope it has a competitive 0-60 of around 6.5 and up to 6.9 seconds.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nsuguy:
the XVL looks like it might be bigger than the IS300. i've seen a few IS300's and they don't look much bigger than a G20. i hope the XVL is larger.

as far as styling goes, the IS300 has the XVL beat hands down. it looks really nice, especially the rear. to do battle against the IS, the XVL (G35) will need to have it beat in more ways than one. horsepower and interior size will have to be better<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

But there is one thing Infiniti can't beat that easy: the word LEXUS http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[RPS13]

Unfortunately, I believe Poligraf is correct. http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Prestige counts in this segment http://forums.freshalloy.com/forum/images/icons/frown.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

There is an interesting question: why everyone here speaks about kicking the IS300's butt and forgets about the originator of this segment, BMW 3-series ???

This is the butt you need to kick in order to pretend for success in this segment!

As for the original question about the value of the XVL platform, I'd say that it's crucial for Nissan's survival. I don't know about Q45/President/Cima, but all their other cars between $30K and $45K will be based on this platform! Z will be based on it too, so they hope it will be a high-volume one.

[This message has been edited by Poligraf (edited 08-27-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

The XVL is bigger in all respects to the Altezza, what Nissan really needs is a car closer in size to the R32 Skyline, the XVL is sized in between the 3 series and the 5 series, I don't know what exactly it is supposed to compete with.

[Mel E Bog]

I think the cars that will be based on this platform are the XVL, the new Z, the next Skyline, and the GTR which is rumored to be separated from the Skyline in its next iteration.

Mel

[Infiniti]

The XVL competes with the 3 series. It is only 5 inches longer than the G20, so itll probably turn out to be a G. Its 182 inches long and 68 inches wide with a 111 inch wheelbase. Im extremely happy with those changes because the length increased 5 inches while the wheel base increased 8 and width 2. It definitly competes with the 3 with those dimensions.

In the Sept. issue of Automobile Mag. It is the New Car Issue, it says that the XVL based sedan will have a 230hp V6. Thats pretty darn good! No info on whether itll have a manual or not.

[This message has been edited by Infiniti (edited 08-29-2000).]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I would expect the XVL to have more than 230hp, the VQ30DD that it is supposed to use already pumps out 240hp in the Cedric/Gloria, I hope they tune it up a bit.
Or possibly the US version might not be getting the direct injection engine.

[Infiniti]

The Us wont be getting direct injection for a few years, except California. The VQ30 here make 222-227 hp. The could obviously tune it for more but this car isn going against a GS, at least in my opinon, its goign against the 3 and IS. Even if it were going against the GS300, it would have 5 more hp than it.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial[/img]quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Poligraf:
There is an interesting question: why everyone here speaks about kicking the IS300's butt and forgets about the originator of this segment, BMW 3-series ???

This is the butt you need to kick in order to pretend for success in this segment!
[This message has been edited by Poligraf (edited 08-27-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree!! Why bother trying to be second best, isnt that where Lexus is right now?? Second only to M-benz and BMW... Why not try to be number one instead of playing catch up with big bad Lex?? With the XVL and new Q (styling grudges aside) I think Infiniti is trying to do just that. Forget Lexus, perhaps by aiming a little higher Infiniti will eventually achieve the number one spot.