Direct Competitors

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

As far as you guys know,

Besides the BMW 335, what other cars is a direct competitor to the S5?

[rieger rs4 8e]

maybe the mb clk?

[PROXUS]

no competition [:D]

[kelticslob]

Cayman S, 335i, 650i, Jag XK

[mill1246]

How about the G35 coupe

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

I wouldn't think that the Infiniti G35 would be anywhere close to competition for this vehicle, but I have been known to be wrong.

Is the A5/S5 in or around the same size and and weight as the BMW 650??

[kelticslob]

Since Audi wont release the weight of the new A5/S5, its a little hard to tell.

[rieger rs4 8e]

I wouldn't think that the Infiniti G35 would be anywhere close to competition for this vehicle, but I have been known to be wrong.

Is the A5/S5 in or around the same size and and weight as the BMW 650??

no its not...only an inch longer than a 335

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

^^^But only 8 inches shorter than the 650 which makes it even "wierder". The width and wheel base are virtually deadlock.

[mill1246]

I wouldn't think that the Infiniti G35 would be anywhere close to competition for this vehicle, but I have been known to be wrong.

Is the A5/S5 in or around the same size and and weight as the BMW 650??

The G35 is Intiniti's answer to the 3 series, which you have listed as direct competition for the A5/S5, so I dont see why it wouldnt be competition. But thats just my thinking.

[rieger rs4 8e]

^^^But only 8 inches shorter than the 650 which makes it even "wierder". The width and wheel base are virtually deadlock.

that is true..although i must say overall length is between 335 and clk..

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

The G35 is Intiniti's answer to the 3 series, which you have listed as direct competition for the A5/S5, so I dont see why it wouldnt be competition. But thats just my thinking.

The reason why I had the G35 listed is because Mill1246 commented that the G35 would compete with it. Although I can see where he's coming from.

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

that is true..although i must say overall length is between 335 and clk..

understood

[PROXUS]

How about the G35 coupe

....how about ......NO [:p]

http://www.autobytel.com/images/carPics/TestDrv/Lyons/03G35/G35_interior_500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/0220/audi.a5.3.430.500.jpg

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

....how about ......NO [:p]

http://www.autobytel.com/images/carPics/TestDrv/Lyons/03G35/G35_interior_500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/0220/audi.a5.3.430.500.jpg

LMAO!!

[EuroB6]

not with the 6 series..the A5/S5 will be smaller...about same size as teh A4s..

[DeMOROlized]

I agree the current one is horrible. But the new one coming out is much better, although still not quite Audi-class.

Pic from redesigned sedan:
http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/infiniti/G35/400/2007_Infiniti_G35_indrvrdash.jpg

For more pics check out MB The Body's posts over at Audiworld.


....how about ......NO [:p]

http://www.autobytel.com/images/carPics/TestDrv/Lyons/03G35/G35_interior_500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/0220/audi.a5.3.430.500.jpg

[mill1246]

....how about ......NO [:p]

http://www.autobytel.com/images/carPics/TestDrv/Lyons/03G35/G35_interior_500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/il/news/2007/0220/audi.a5.3.430.500.jpg

LOL, definately have to agree with you on that one!

[PROXUS]

Typical example of poor ergonomics.
- NAV controls placed on the angle - poor accessibility and visiblity
- analog clock (how about cuckoo clock as an option?)
- poor access to lower section of MFSW buttons (can't reach it holding the wheel)
- fixed dash panel / not component based (not to mention poor quality plastic)

Infinity just can't compete with Audi on in this area, doesn't matter how much they try.

http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/infiniti/G35/400/2007_Infiniti_G35_indrvrdash.jpg

[LORDOFTHERINGS]

^^^Those were pretty much my thoughts. I know that Infiniti is a wonderful and well respected brand of automobile, but Audi has had more time in the game and I think Audi pays a little more attention to detail than Infiniti.

I just think "whatever floats your boat".

[DeMOROlized]

Typical example of poor ergonomics.
- NAV controls placed on the angle - poor accessibility and visiblity
- analog clock (how about cuckoo clock as an option?)
- poor access to lower section of MFSW buttons (can't reach it holding the wheel)
- fixed dash panel / not component based (not to mention poor quality plastic)

Infinity just can't compete with Audi on in this area, doesn't matter how much they try.


- NAV controls - Agree
- Analog clock - Many people happen to like analog clocks better. I'm one of them. In fact with an analog clock it's easier to pick up the time from a quick glance. It's the same reason digital speedometers quickly went out of fashion after being introduced in the early 80's.
- MFSW buttons - Agree
- Dash panel - It's actually real aluminium panels, but I agree it's not as nice looking.

It's actually better in real life than in pictures. But like it or hate it, you have to agree it's way better than the old orange-lit one. But yes it's still not quite Audi-class.

[PROXUS]

In fact with an analog clock it's easier to pick up the time from a quick glance.

I respect your choice but , Don't tell me it is easier and faster to read analog clock than for ex. 10:15am [:D] lol




It's the same reason digital speedometers quickly went out of fashion after being introduced in the early 80's.

Speedometer is completely different animal. It is based on scale logic unlike the clock.....and if you look around there is few car makers coming with digital speedo as well. Most of the equipment for car testing is done also in form of digital readout.

small sample (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x157l2_bugatti-veyron-at-top-speed)



Dash panel - It's actually real aluminium panels, but I agree it's not as nice looking.


The problem is not a material but the cheapest quality possible. I don't even want to think about all those people with 3rd party multimedia. I guess they need to cut thi sinto pieces [cool]

[A4TwoZeroT]

about the analog clock.. thats just infiniti trade mark.. all of their cars have the same exact clock..

[DeMOROlized]

I respect your choice but , Don't tell me it is easier and faster to read analog clock than for ex. 10:15am [:D] lol

There were actually scientific studies from many years ago that showed the human mind can tell the time quicker from an analog clock.[:D]

[InfinitiMike]

I remember reading somewhere that the new G35 Coupe might come with all wheel drive for the first time. Here is a concept pic. When the Nissan GTR comes out, that should be close competition to the RS-5 (if they make it)

http://images.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/detroit/112_06naias_05z_infiniti_g35_coupe_concept_gal_fro nt_driver_side.jpg

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q1/012420071010485687.jpg

[quattshot]

DTM manufactures have always been known for there interior quality and craftsmanship. JDM has always been known for there reliability. Which leaves us Americans, who have always been known for baseball and apple pie!

[quattshot]

Also......the same guy/gal who looks at LEASING an Infinity G35 coupe, is most likely going to look at the 350Z, 3 Series, A4/A5, and now the NEW TT. The problem lies in the LEASE payment and that might eventually narrow the the decision gap VERY quickly.

[marcus1701]

http://www.autobytel.com/images/2007/infiniti/G35/400/2007_Infiniti_G35_indrvrdash.jpg[/QUOTE]

That is worse than the old interior. The air vents look so japanese and the buttons are TINY! They also picked all the colors of the rainbow for their dash....I mean it's got white, blue, red, and orange. The older layout had a much cleaner look.

Infinity's are cheaper than even Lexus. You get so much value out of the box though with the G35 with I think over 300hp and lots of equipment for $38k. I liked the G35 coupe when it first came out and had those gold Brembos and sleek sheet metal. Then they got bland when everyone started buying them.

[esssfour]

not with the 6 series..the A5/S5 will be smaller...about same size as teh A4s..

the a5/s5 is actually a completely new frame that going to be larger than the a4 but smaller than the a6. and its going to be based on audi's new aluminum space frame technology. my dealer is already getting alot of questions about it so the buzz is deff out there. but again, the car that rolls off everyone's tounge is the 335i so clearly the car is aimed directly at bmw's 335i. i believe the s5 will totally outclass the 335 in every aspect, and most importantly the interior and performance.

[xplosiveg06]

I remember reading somewhere that the new G35 Coupe might come with all wheel drive for the first time. Here is a concept pic. When the Nissan GTR comes out, that should be close competition to the RS-5 (if they make it)

http://images.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/detroit/112_06naias_05z_infiniti_g35_coupe_concept_gal_fro nt_driver_side.jpg

http://www.caranddriver.com/assets/image/2007/Q1/012420071010485687.jpg



pics of the real 2008 G37 coupe were released recently and imo its horrid. looks like an altima coupe .....

http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthread.php?t=257673

[methodtim]

pics of the real 2008 G37 coupe were released recently and imo its horrid. looks like an altima coupe .....

Hahahaha, that's because it is an Altima coupe... with aluminum. [rolleyes]

[audiwop]

Hahahaha, that's because it is an Altima coupe... with aluminum. [rolleyes]

Methodtim is right, because lets all not forget that their is no such thing as just an infinity plant, Infinity and Lexus all come out of the same buildings as Toyota's and Nissans. Infinity and Lexus are just marketing divisions of Toyota and Nissan, hence why niether will ever be an Audi, IMO

[PROXUS]

...hence why niether will ever be an Audi, IMO

I wouldn't be so sure about Lexus....My wife is in the market for new car and I drove Lexus IS250. Well it is not an A5 but sure enough it will give you second thoughts when you want to get A4 for example.

.....tons of hi-end features (advanced key, nav, backup cam, parktronic, bvented seats) with nice quality interior for under $40K!!!

and remember that when you take some covers out, Audi is not that pure and superior as you think it is [:D]

[DeMOROlized]

Japanese luxury brands have always been high on specs & luxury features, but the actual driving experience is always somehow lacking, like you are playing a PS2 game instead of driving a real car.