2013 Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan will go on sale in 2013. The Macan will be based off the same platform as the Audi Q5. It will take the slot below the bigger Cayenne in Porsche's lineup. Like the Audi Q5 the Macan may receive the same 2.0 liter 4 cylinder and 3.0 liter V6 engines. There will definitely be a five door configuration but no definite answer on the three door option. The Macan will be produced at Porsche's plant in Leipzig.

Porsche is hoping to attract younger buyers to it's brand with the Macan. I think that the Macan will definitely bring in the new buyers that Porsche is hoping for. There's no doubt that the Macan will be a great addition to the Porsche lineup and the luxury crossover market.

Well it looks like Porsche decided not to keep the Cajun name around. I don't know if I like Macan but it might grow on me over time.

How do you feel about the Macan name?

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Thoughts: Buick Verano

Buick has really transformed themselves in the past few years, in a good way. I was first impressed with the Enclave and how stylish it was because at that time I couldn't believe it was a Buick. Then came the LaCrosse which is just a great looking car. Every time I see the LaCrosse, I just think "luxury". The Regal was the next Buick model to appear and I was blown away again. But my thoughts about the Regal changed after I drove the CXL model. Now there is a new Buick model coming called the Verano. I will give it to Buick that their vehicles are very attractive. The Verano like the rest of the Buick family screams "luxury". When I heard that this model was going to be below the Regal I started to have doubts. Those doubts continued when I found out that this model will share it's platform with the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. All I kept thinking in my mind was that the Verano was going to be an upscale Cruze. Their price ranges overlap each other which doesn't help. When I think of models that are rebadged I think why would someone pay a premium price for a Verano when they can get similarly equipped Cruze for less money?

The Buick Verano will start at over $23,000. The base Verano will be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine that produces 180 horsepower. There will be a 2.4-liter turbo four engine later on in the model year. While Buick states that the average Verano customer isn't interested in performance, I really don't believe that. In my opinion if someone is spending money on a premium or luxury vehicle, I'm sure they expect a decent engine to come with it. I'm not saying put an engine with 300 horses in the car but an engine that makes a statement. In this price class there are so many other choices to choose from. I'm really rooting for Buick to stay competitive and be successful. But the biggest problem they have to fix is their engine choices. The base engine in the Regal and Verano just don't cut it in my opinion.

What are your thoughts on the new Buick Verano?

For more information on the Verano check out Buick's website: http://www.buick.com/verano-luxury-sedan.html

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Thoughts: Infiniti

I've driven just about all of the Infiniti models except for the M and QX. Lately everyone has been bashing   Infiniti for their designs, I praise them because there are no other car companies that can pull it off. There is nothing wrong with Infiniti's designs in my opinion. I think every Infiniti looks good with my favorite being the FX! Everyone that has talked to me or read my blog knows that I am a big fan of Nissan & Infiniti. My grandmother has had three generations of Nissan Maxima's ('84, '99, & '05) and two Infiniti EX's ('08 & '11). They are my top two favorite brands mainly because of their bold designs and great engines. While I do like Infiniti there are some things that I dislike about the brand as well. I am not a big fan of the new 7-speed transmission. The biggest complaint I have about Infiniti is their model line-up. Yes they will be adding the new JX and a small compact car but I don't think those two are enough especially when you compare their line-up to BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

In one of my post a week or so ago I talked with Matt Farah and he stated "They need a halo car" referring to both Infiniti and Acura. I had to sit and think about it but I completely agreed with him. Infiniti has been saying for the past few years that it is not the right time to bring back the Q45. But I think its hurting the brand more by not having a halo car that competes against the Audi A8, BMW 7 series, and the Mercedes-Benz S class. There are also talks of a Infiniti super car based off of the Nissan GT-R, which I think would be great for the brand. If the rumors are true and this car does come to the line-up I hope that its after the Q45. I would also love to see Infiniti make a car that competes against the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7. One car that needs to be grow in size to be more competitive is the EX. Infiniti doesn't sell many of these and that has do with the fact that the EX is smaller than its competitors.

I consider Infiniti a luxury brand but if they want to truly go head to head with their German rivals they have to take the IPL brand to the next level. It has been said that the IPL brand does not compete against BMW's M and Mercedes-Benz AMG performance brands. But I feel that it should have been positioned to compete against them and should not have been released if it wasn't going to be a true performance brand. I know that Infiniti can take the IPL performance brand to the next level. If Infiniti does go about repositioning the G IPL I'm sure they can take on the M3 and C63 AMG.

I am no expert on the auto industry but over the years I have seen the auto industry evolve. The luxury car market has become very competitive and no luxury automaker can afford to make a mistake. Infiniti's sales have increased from where they used to be but they still don't come close to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Lexus. Infiniti's marketing team has to really get aggressive and promote the brand more. I think the introduction of the JX and new compact sedan will bring more buyers to the brand but Infiniti still needs a halo car. It's time for the Q to be resurrected, and if it is, Infiniti needs to make sure it is just as competitive as the S class, 7 series, and the Lexus LS. If I had to buy a luxury car, Infiniti would be my first choice I would not have to think about it twice. I wish Infiniti nothing but success and hope that the brand will become a more competitive luxury car brand.

I can't wait to drive and review the new JX!

Are you a loyal Infiniti fan? What is your favorite Infiniti model?

For more information on Infiniti vehicles check out there website: www.infinitiusa.com

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