I'm in Lust

[maxnix]

Could this be the new M35/45?

I am betting on it.

[PalmerWMD]

Could be...

Looks awesome, the exterior at least.

The interior is a bit too avant-garde for USDM.

Fred...

[Rex]

Does that show a MANUAL shifter in the console??????

[maxnix]

Well, it is a show car, but like the G35 precursor, I bet the body is close.

No vents in the interior is tres advant garde. It is a large car. Could the new for 2006 Qxx be far behind?__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[elwesso]

That car is golden...... I like the interior.... It kinda looks like the interior of the new cadillac 16...

Mmmmm 16 cylinders....... :drooling

[AZhitman]

Not the 05 M45. I've seen it, and that ain't it.

Possibly a replacement for the Q? Or something to take the place of the departing I35 perhaps...

[maxnix]

Not the 05 M45. I've seen it, and that ain't it.

Possibly a replacement for the Q? Or something to take the place of the departing I35 perhaps...

Too large for an I replacement. Could be a Q repalcement, but it conforms to the descriptions of M clinic participants.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[Mayhem_J30]

Could this be the new M35/45?

I am betting on it.

Lets hope so. The M just doesn't do it for me at all. It's about as benign as a 99 Accord. Under the hood, of course, is a different story.

[rydwhite]

It looks like a big G35. That is pretty nice. I may have to pick one of those up in a few years if they hit the market.

[Aus94Q45]

With the success of the G, I will bet the new Q gets some of its mojo.

[maxnix]

Not the 05 M45. I've seen it, and that ain't it.

You know, Greg, I would wager an adult beverage that the new M35/45 body is pretty close to this in shape. I see a lot of little things to be changed, but in general, this is as close as it comes until the production M launches in January of 2005. Only a little time to tweak the details before it's debut. The interior is obviously for show only.

I can collect in Indian Wells next fall.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[Jesda]

Rumor says the new M45 will look like a full size G. If that rumor is true, THIS IS IT! Wow!

[90Q45blue]

Well considering Greg has actually seen a new M45 then I'd go with his opinion I do declare.

Nick

[maxnix]

Well considering Greg has actually seen a new M45 then I'd go with his opinion I do declare. Nick

You're on, Nick, if you are over 21.

Don't think I will ever make it to Kansas, though, to collect.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[Jeff Williams]

Definitely something to look forward to. A big G35, with KOOL head lights and driving/signal lights.

Maybe its the M56?!

[AZhitman]

Well, if it is, then Infiniti has pulled a MAJOR switcheroo.

I'll still bet the beverage - Hell, any bet where the loser gets to drink with a fellow Q owner is a good bet.

[AZhitman]

On second look, I'm BETTING that's the replacement for the G sedan. Look at the rear end.

I'll see your drink and raise you a can of BG 44K.

[maxnix]

G sedan won't be replaced by 2005. You're on!

I'll bet there are two competeing designs, one Japanese and one from California. The dies must be cast soon, so we soon should know which one won. I'm still on this horse.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[greg_atlanta]

The interior styling is very similar to the current Teena (Japan version of new Maxima). But I'm guessing it'll get watered down for production. Such is the nature of show cars.

I think sunroofs are on their way out..... every new Maxima I see is a skyview roof. I think air qualify everywhere is taking a nosedive and there aren't many places it's enjoyable to use a sunroof. Plus, messes up your hair.

[Onizuka]

i really like the interoir, its futuristic but not too out there. The grill is a little too rounded for my liking but those headlights are out of this world! i doubt they will go into production like that. I especially like the steering wheel, cool stuff.

[AZhitman]

I'm just saying it's not the M.

The M pre-production mule I saw was reminiscent of a 63 Continental (think Kennedy Lincoln).

Look at the rear end, the slope of the rear glass, the curve of the roof. Strong 04 Maxima influences blended with G35 styling.

Here's my theory (supported by several "in the know"): The I35 is going bye-bye, which leaves a gap between the G35 and the M45. Historically all the Nissans have "grown" as they've matured, so the G35 should be no different. I'm not necessarily saying this is the "new" G35, rather I believe the G35 will "grow" to cover the empty lineup spot left by the departing I35.

It's simply not a big enough platform to be the new M. Wheelbase calculations, based upon an assumption of 20" wheels (in the pic) calculate out to a wheelbase 2" longer than the current G. Coincidentally, this is the "growth" of the 04 Max over the 03, and the "growth" of the new Alty over the prior Alty.

I like a good scotch with my A. Fuente Maduros....

[Galle]

First thing I'm doing when that comes out is retrofitting those LED running lights into the front end of my G...

[jmatas]

First of all, let me say that this car is verrrry nice. This is what the M SHOULD have been- seems to fit in a lot better with where Nissan style is going, rather than where it has been. That said, this just doesn't seem like a new G sedan to me. Infiniti finally has a car/platform that can move 60K units per year. Why mess with a good thing? Does this car really look like an entry-level sport sedan a la 3-series? Seems a little too large to me. I would be much more apt to buy this car as an M35/45 than a G35. I'm just glad that we can look at beautiful cars such as this one (and the Teana) as signs of where Nissan is going. I'm glad I can look at new Nissans and smile, rather than turning away in disgust (Chevy Malibu, Chrysler 300C).

[maxnix]

I'm just saying it's not the M.

The M pre-production mule I saw was reminiscent of a 63 Continental (think Kennedy Lincoln).

Look at the rear end, the slope of the rear glass, the curve of the roof. Strong 04 Maxima influences blended with G35 styling.

Here's my theory (supported by several "in the know"): The I35 is going bye-bye, which leaves a gap between the G35 and the M45. Historically all the Nissans have "grown" as they've matured, so the G35 should be no different. I'm not necessarily saying this is the "new" G35, rather I believe the G35 will "grow" to cover the empty lineup spot left by the departing I35.

It's simply not a big enough platform to be the new M. Wheelbase calculations, based upon an assumption of 20" wheels (in the pic) calculate out to a wheelbase 2" longer than the current G. Coincidentally, this is the "growth" of the 04 Max over the 03, and the "growth" of the new Alty over the prior Alty.

I like a good scotch with my A. Fuente Maduros....

Well since we're indulging in rampant speculation, what will replace the G if it grows? Nothing, so it won't. It doesn't need to grow as the long wheel base permits a lot of interior room. If they are smart, Nissan won't fix what ain't broke. They have other issues to address than improving a run away sales leader.

The roomier I is a result of drive train layout (FWD), and can't be replicated in rear wheel drive without a substantial weight penalty (see the Q45). When the I is gone, it's gone.

20" wheels? Maybe, but at least 18", probably 19". They are Potenza tires. If they are 20", the Fuga is a large car. The wheel base is 123"! Way to big for a G.

The Nissan corporate influences are evidenced in the skylights (Maxima and Quest) and the kick-up on the trailing edge of the C-window (Teana and old Cefiro) and four place individual seating (Maxima and President options). Hopefully the first two well be remedied before production, along with too much chrome in the wrong places.

Are you sure you didn't have a wee bit too much of the peat juice and wander into the Fraud dealer to look at the upcoming 500? I am sure no Continentals are in Infiniti's future. It may be an icon of automotive design, but it is just not functional enough. No one wants to look like a Ford, except Ford.

I'll make mine a Porfidio Cactus. Either that or we can watch the Infiniti executive committee perform seppu if the baby Continental comes to an Infiniti showroom floor.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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[rydwhite]

I think it is just a redesigned/upgraded G sedan to come out in '05 /'06. If you really look at the car, it looks ver similar to the G now. It is a little longer and a little nicer. Since it appears that the I is headed out, then this will move into the I classes position. The G will still remain in it's current capacity, but I think that it is going to be more in line with the BMW 5 series than the 3 series. I don't see anything taking the G's place. I think the lineup will constitute a redesigined Q and M. The FX and new humongo suv, and perhaps keep the QX and then the G series of coupe and an upgraded sedan (shown in the pics). They may add another car to the lineup too, but I don't have a clue what.

This is just one guys opinion. I am probably way off. But, who the hell cares. We are all speculating.

[90Q45blue]

You're on, Nick, if you are over 21.

Don't think I will ever make it to Kansas, though, to collect.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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Alright Brian. I may come to Austin to collect my winnings, but Greg, if I lose you better be buying me a drink to make up for it

Nick

[AZhitman]

Damn, Nick - Don't folow my lead.

You'll wind up needing bail money and a shot of penicillin.

[90Q45blue]

Eh I've followed worse.

Nick