INTERESTING TEST DRIVE

[Larz]

I know what you're thinking. A Chevrolet? Really?
Well, technically no. It's a Holden and the blokes down under run rings around their counterparts in the US when it comes to building a chassis with amazing handling and speed. I read about the SS sedan whilst waiting at the wax salon and it made me curious to the point that I had a difficult time believing what I had just read. So ... I called a few Chevrolet dealers, found one who had an SS in stock, and did a test drive.
Mind you, I could NOT do what appears in the video below, but on I-95, I was given secret permission to give it the beans (sort of). Holy BeeGeez. The growl is simply brilliant, the feeling of being glued to the road is astonishing, and the steering, handling, and acceleration is absolutely blinding. The interior is a bit 'cheap' and it is NOT luxurious by our standards, but ... you will not find a sport sedan (or even a sport coupe) like this with an American name plate on it anywhere - not corvette, and not shelby either. I absolutely loved it. The car I drove was close to $51,000 fully loaded by Chevy standards, but lacking some of the goodies we get from Infiniti. It looks like a Malibu but had racing stripes on the bonnet and boot, and a nice rally stripe down the side with extra inserts around the grille and such. so it does look a bit like a customized version. Who would have thought that I would be this impressed by an American sport sedan (well, it isn't really because it's a Holden wearing a Chevy jacket.
My point is that if Chevy / Holden can do this, why can't Infiniti /Mercedes do it and do it better? I have high hopes for the next 2 model years from Infiniti that they may actually make a car that is this exhilarating to drive and for less than an AMG price. I found a video / review. Have a squinz:

https://youtu.be/YbLweooe3aM

[Ilya]

The only reason I'd buy this over an M56 is the manual gear box...but because I spend a lot of time driving my car (almost 40kmi in 2.5years) and hit traffic, I need that automatic (manual in traffic BLOWWWSSSS).

There are VERY few American cars that look good...and most of the ones that do look good are either 2-seaters (Corvette) or SUV (Ford Explorer is sweet looking IMO). 99% of them leave a LOT to be desired on the interior workmanship though.

I'd love to do burnouts on my M56x...but the stupid AWD in this car is undefeatable, even with VDC off. It's insane.

[EdBwoy]

Not much to add here. I like manual transmissions, I like 4 doors. 415 power/tq is plenty for all the driving I do. If for some reason I got greedy, I cannot think of many other engines that have as much aftermarket support as LS engines. If I were ever to buy a brand new car, an SS would be it.

[Larz]

Mind you, I am NOT interested in this car as an actual purchase. It just got me thinking that with Infiniti building the body and interior with Mercedes doing the drive train, it is possible for a re-design of the Q70 to be more like the great parts of this chevrolet. Manual gear box, gobs of hp and torque ... but with a more sumptuous interior, build quality, and electronics that are up to Infiniti standards. And ....for the love of all that is holy .... a panoramic roof !@@*^^#!

[M37xfan]

Mercedes does do it better....with AMG

Furthermore, I believe Infiniti is testing the water with the Q50S 400

[ArmedAviator]

Furthermore, I believe Infiniti is testing the water with the Q50S 400

My thoughts exactly. If they work out the kinks with the 3.0TT this year, I'd hope to see it and maybe a larger TT engine in the Q70. And, for the love of all that is holy, use a better transmission (Mercedes???).

[Ilya]

Did I miss something? What does Mercedes have to do with our brand? Are they partnering on something?

[Double E]

Ahem...cough cough...
CTS-V
Cough.

Second gen V cars are now available for roughly half of that new Holden. In a coupe, sedan...and wagon. Manual auto with paddle shifters. 556 HP, Supercharged. LOTS of mods available. Factory Recaro seats too.
Yep..., I speak from experience.

[Ilya]

Yeah and the CTS-V looks WAYYYY better.

[Mjkkb2]

Ahem...cough cough...
CTS-V
Cough.

Second gen V cars are now available for roughly half of that new Holden. In a coupe, sedan...and wagon. Manual auto with paddle shifters. 556 HP, Supercharged. LOTS of mods available. Factory Recaro seats too.
Yep..., I speak from experience.

You mean used ones, right? V is a beautiful car, the SS not so much...

[Double E]

The 3rd gen is on sale now, so yes.

[MIKE80]

I went for a ride in each of these 4 cars this past weekend. The Hellcat Challenger was fun... actually they all were!

There are VERY few American cars that look good...and most of the ones that do look good are either 2-seaters (Corvette) or SUV (Ford Explorer is sweet looking IMO). 99% of them leave a LOT to be desired on the interior workmanship though.

I agree... I have both.

[BlackCat81]

Furthermore, I believe Infiniti is testing the water with the Q50S 400

My thoughts exactly. If they work out the kinks with the 3.0TT this year, I'd hope to see it and maybe a larger TT engine in the Q70. And, for the love of all that is holy, use a better transmission (Mercedes???).

The TT 3.0 is a rocket, I have a bunch of seat time in them. Plus being turbo, that opens a huge aftermarket door for them. I bet they'll be making in the 500's with bolt ons and a solid tune.

[WillV]

Did I miss something? What does Mercedes have to do with our brand? Are they partnering on something?

I have read that Infiniti and Mercedes either have built or are going to build something like a joint factory. Also I am pretty sure that Mercedes provides the engines and/or transmissions for a few newer/concept Infiniti vehicles.