Stop reading here if you haven't heard the nasty rumor going around that Infiniti was poised to bring the 2.5-liter VQ25VHR M25 to the States. It seemed like a lame, but obvious decision, a smaller-displacement, cheaper, higher fuel economy model works well for BMW (528i) and seems to work well enough for the G25. Lower price is good and who won't take a nice CAFE bonus for better fuel economy?
But, dream as you might about a 4,000 pound luxury / sport sedan powered by a 218 horsepower / 217 pound-foot 2.5-liter V6, it ain't happening.
A source deep within Infiniti has confirmed to Inside Line that while the M25 does work in Japan (where it's called Fuga -- something else that won't work here), the combination isn't right for the US market.
The G25 starts off about $4,000 less than a base G37, apply that math to the base $47,050 M37, and you're looking at a car that's suddenly $2,000 less than a BMW 528i. Despite being painfully slow (it has to be, even if they figured out a HP bump), consumers might value the cheapness.
Bad move by Infiniti, or right decision on something we wouldn't want anyway?
half_ton says:
01:46 PM, 05/26/11
If that engine had more power it might make sense to bring it here but as is; no. Better to leave it in Japan.
tmanz says:
03:04 PM, 05/26/11
I've only seen one G25 so far on the road. Not sure if everyone is just rebadging them as G37 or if I just haven't seen them. The real problem is right now G37's can be had for 3,000 off MSRP so unless they are discounting the G25 the same then it isn't a good choice.
autoboy1 says:
04:51 PM, 05/26/11
I see a lot of G25s around the CA Bay Area. The G is a popular car around here. I don't see why they couldn't bring the M25 here, but word is that it isn't any cheaper to produce than the G37, so it would simply reduce their profits on the cars.
chirsch3 says:
12:46 AM, 05/27/11
218 hp + 2 ton car = engine working really hard all the time = bad fuel economy
the actual numbers may bring CAFE standards up but when people actually drove them they would be like no way
smart move no one would want this anyway
bimmerjay says:
11:43 AM, 05/27/11
Good move on Infiniti's part to not bring this one over the pond. The 528i is still decently quick with a sub 7 second 0-60 but it also has considerably more hp and torques than this M25. Anything slower than low 7's for this class is no bueno. The G25 was a good idea, this is not.
"smart move no one would want this anyway"
I'm sure there would still be people that would buy it even with the small engine.
mrryte says:
10:49 PM, 05/27/11
If anyone is that concerned about gas mileage; why they even consider a 2-ton underpowered vehicle? :-?