Jump to content
Create New...
  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Infiniti Defends New Nomenclature, Talks About A 550 HP M


    William Maley

    Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

    December 19, 2012

    When Infiniti announced on Monday night that they would be changing their nomenclature to Q and QX, the outpouring of rage and sarcastic comments were overwhelming. Today Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti's president sent an open letter to the press and its fans explaining its decision.

    de Nysschen explained that Infiniti will be going on a product offensive in the next few years and and found itself in the situation of finding alphanumeric combinations that weren't already taken by another automaker. de Nysschen also said that the current nomenclature is causing confusion in new markets that Infiniti is entering.

    "Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing." said de Nysschen.

    There's one part of the letter that has everyone in the automotive media buzzing and dreaming. de Nysschen references a "new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it (M56 which uses a V8), using a potent charged induction V6". Interesting if a bit random example to use. But for de Nysschen to reference horsepower and a 'potent charged induction V6' has caused everyone to go into a tizzy about a M or I should say Q70 sedan with a GT-R powertain.

    We'll wait and see if that comes to fruition, along with seeing if Infiniti's name change is a good idea.

    William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

    Press Release is on Page 2


    A Message from Johan de Nysschen to Infiniti Owners and Fans

    Dear Infiniti fans: We love you dearly. And we know you love the brand. Which means it’s only natural that you may feel surprised by the announcement that we plan to change our nomenclature philosophy. No one likes change.

    It was a tough decision. We like our current model names as much as you do. But we had no choice but to change. Let me explain.

    1. We are embarking on a massive product offensive, and these new cars need names. There are no suitable combinations of Alphanumeric naming options remaining that are not already trademarked by another automaker. In order to expand our line up with the fascinating new models we are developing, we must create a more flexible nomenclature philosophy.

    2. Our new advanced technology engines under development will be smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet more powerful. And we will introduce some exhilarating performance machines in the future. I’m sure you will agree, it would be a bit odd to have a powerful, luxurious and refined V8 powered Infiniti M56, then position a new high-tech 550+ horsepower performance flagship for the Infiniti M range above it, using a potent charged induction V6, but then call it Infiniti M30, which we would be obliged to do, following our current naming logic.

    3. Infiniti is becoming a global brand now. We are already active in almost 50 countries, the majority only very recently. Our new customers are unfamiliar with the brand and struggle to understand our range hierarchy. Is a JX above or below an FX? Where does an EX fit? What is the relationship between G and Infiniti M? Research confirms the majority of newcomers to our brand consider the naming to be somewhat arbitrary and confusing.

    4. Infiniti owns the naming assets of Q plus double digit, and QX plus double digit. And it is a permanent part of our heritage.

    So the solution is pretty straightforward – use Q for cars, QX for crossovers, and double digits in increments of ten, to denote hierarchy, linked to the price point of the model, not size and not engine displacement. And no, we wont call all-wheel drive models Q50X or QX50X. The fact that a model may feature four-wheel drive will be indicated by specific badging describing this feature on the car and is not part of the model name.

    The really exciting implication of all this is that it prepares the way for the introduction of several fascinating new models above and below the current line up, and a wider range of powertrains including some truly stunning performance cars in our future.

    So there is only good news for all Infiniti fans around the globe. We are working very hard to bring you great products, a great brand and a compelling ownership experience. And we are really confident you will love the new Q50. It’s simply that good.

    Warmest regards,

    Johan de Nysschen

    President

    Infiniti Motor Company Limited

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Loosing product line take backwards step to loosing name badge. Executives clueless in how to grow a company.

    Executive Board will be faced with cleaning house and rebooting or closing down non inspiring product line and names.

    When will they wake up and realize simple letters and numbers do not inspire quality must have driving machines.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Welcome to the land of Lincoln, good luck with that.

    You can watch drunk drivers on 'Cops' do a better job with the alphabet in a sobriety test than trying to figure out these new car 'letter' names...I finally figured out Cadillac naming (I think...) and that's from staring at this forum for so long...

    Took me awhile to realize "welcome to the land of Lincoln" exactly, Lincoln - what, MKZ, MKX MKOK- whatever, I feel so distanced from Lincoln cars, but back in the day you knew a Lincoln & you knew the name of the model...Continental, Town Car, Mark Series.

    Give the face a NAME

    • Agree 2
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Alphanumerics do not work on any brand, imo. Even on BMW, they're referred to as "3-series", "5-series", etc. more than the actual model name... and Benz as "C-class", M-class" "S-class"... the numbers are too confusing.

    Cadillac and Lincoln had iconic model names and they threw it all away. They should be proud to be American, not copying Euro naming culture.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The first auto company that comes up with a solid naming series that actually has names / synonms that reflect the auto will gain big market share.

    Eventually they will learn that we the buyers have passion and want to own a Monte Carlo SS, 442, El Camino SS, etc. There are plenty of great naming series they could use that is better than an Alphabet soup.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The Infiniti (and Acura and Lincoln) naming is random, arbitrary and confusing, but not sure calling them Q40-50-60-70 is any better. They spend a lot of time advertising "G35/G37" and getting that model name to sink in to now just dump it. At least they will have a hierarchy that maybe new customers will understand, but this seems like the move of a desperate brand.

    I like names more than alpha numerics, unless you have a sensible structure such as Audi: A4, A6, A8, and S4, S6, S8 for sport versions, that is easy to understand and it makes sense. I think BMW is going wrong with the 4-series coupe, while Mercedes doing it right by having a C sedan and C coupe, they are both a C-class they don't need 2 names.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    The first auto company that comes up with a solid naming series that actually has names / synonms that reflect the auto will gain big market share.

    Nissan Cube :duck:

    well it fits your criteria!

    :rofl: OK you got me on that one, but sadly Cube does not seem to carry over onto all models.

    Now if that name was from Jeep I could see a whole line of products

    Jeep Cube aka Wrangler

    Jeep Rectangle aka Patriot

    h'mmmmm I could see a whole family of Geometry. Math teachers would love it! :duck::P

    We should come up with a naming series for each brand on what we think they should be called, maybe make it a competition. :P

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    So, basically someone could own a Q50 and have either the big engine or small engine, and they can't boast about it with a model code... I mean, people know the main difference between a SL500 and an SL600. Same car basically, but we know the latter comes with a bigger engine and probably more tech. A lot of people who buy luxury cars like to boast... Infiniti's new naming scheme won't allow that.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    So, basically someone could own a Q50 and have either the big engine or small engine, and they can't boast about it with a model code... I mean, people know the main difference between a SL500 and an SL600. Same car basically, but we know the latter comes with a bigger engine and probably more tech. A lot of people who buy luxury cars like to boast... Infiniti's new naming scheme won't allow that.

    Unless there is only one engine, like the G37 has just the V6. They could do the Q50 with the V6 for example, then the IPL trim has more power. Or maybe they do regular and turbo, like Sonata or Verano turbo options but same model name. So you have a Q50 and Q50 turbo.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    So then the following would work:

    Q50 = Standard car

    Q50T = Standard car with turbo

    Q50TT = Performance model with Twin Turbo

    Q50TTc= Performance Model with Twin Turbo Coupe

    Q50TTs = Performance model with Twin Turbo Station wagon

    :P

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Welcome to the land of Lincoln, good luck with that.

    this.

    I meant "that" because it is not implemented yet, plus it has a better kick than "this", ala blackmailing Bruce Wayne, because you think he is Batman!! (The Dark Knight)

    Edited by jvcmike
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    So, basically someone could own a Q50 and have either the big engine or small engine, and they can't boast about it with a model code... I mean, people know the main difference between a SL500 and an SL600. Same car basically, but we know the latter comes with a bigger engine and probably more tech. A lot of people who buy luxury cars like to boast... Infiniti's new naming scheme won't allow that.

    Unless there is only one engine, like the G37 has just the V6. They could do the Q50 with the V6 for example, then the IPL trim has more power. Or maybe they do regular and turbo, like Sonata or Verano turbo options but same model name. So you have a Q50 and Q50 turbo.

    The G also has the 2.5L 4-cylinder....

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • Good basic butter, just crazy the increase in prices since last summer.  Made a mistake as I looked at the box at Costco, it is 2lbs for the Kerrygold butter from Ireland for $17.99 now. Baking with Kerrygold is the best, talk about a flavor explorsion.
    • Maple Maga has very quickly quieted down.  Oh...there is an extreme right movement here too.  The diehards are just as die hard as your morons.  But not as abundant.  Our morons are slightly more educated than yours so the ones that actually do think, saw and thought about what is what and learned the consequences of being willfully ignorant and stupid through the actions of Trump, through the inactions of decent Americans, and learned very quickly that the extreme right movement is just not good.  Like I said though, the maple maga movement does exist. And they are just as a lost cause as your maga movement.  Problem is though that your maga movement is holding the world hostage. It be OK if it were only their own demise, but they are bringing the whole planet down. At least in the short term.  In the long term, the US will be all alone when all of this is over. Whenever that will be.  Even its life long partner in Canada has mostly said to move on from the US.  Not a good thing for America.      
    • Well, the Trump regime (and American dairy farmers) wants American dairy to enter the Canadian market so he put a big tariff on Canadian dairy and they also want us to eliminate our quotas to allow the American dairy farmers to flood our market with your dairy.  I guess that would help your market with dairy prices as that would mean Canadian dairy to be wiped out completely out of existence.   Its simple though, stop over producing milk in your US market and then maybe the prices would just stabilize in your market. Because their is an over production of milk from American dairy farmers that they have to destroy millions of gallons of milk...     Having production quotas might make prices slightly more expensive, but no where near to what you guys are experiencing now, it does make for a more predictable outcome in how much a dairy farmer will sell, how much he needs to sell, how many workers he needs etc, and will definitely eliminate over supply and price fluctuations due to over supply.   Also, a dairy farmer need not hire people to destroy over produced milk.  No profit in that to spend money on throwing out your supply... But hey, yet another crappy American ideology that your friendly neighbor to the north has to contend with and deal with.  Canada is married to a peaked in high school drop-out, raggedy assed prostitute who lies, steals, cheats and has no respect for itself and is forced to continue to be abused  bonded in holy matrimony because America  allow  in God they trust and God does not allow divorce.  Canada is sooooooo ready for divorce and there are many suitors around, but Canada and all her suitors know how much of a jealous psychopath the US is and are trying to navigate through it all without any major consequences to the children (the trade routes that the US begat and forged with the world)    The world is afraid that the US will go bat shyte crazy like Glen Close in fatal attraction and Canada will find its pet rabbbit in a stew...      Canadians are keeping their ELBOWS UP and avoiding the US. Quite frankly....PHOQUE the US!!!   
    • Kirkland-brand butter? Which kind?
    • Interesting, a train for carrying Nuclear Waste. 
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search