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In Reply to: How to make X-Type best in class for 2003 (long) posted by Barnacle Bill on March 17, 2002 at 06:16:30:
The Infiniti G35 has a normally-aspirated 3.5l 260 HP engine, not 3.2l
However, the Acura TL Type-S does have a normally-aspirated 3.2l 260 HP engine, and the BMW M3 does have a normally-aspirated 3.2l 333 HP engine
So, the point still holds - two cars on the low end of the price range for this class of car ("Entry level luxury" or "Near luxury" sedan) have normally aspirated 260 HP engines and the BMW M3 shows just how far you can push a 3.2l without resorting to forced induction.
Since most 330's sold are 330i's, not 330xi's, if the X-Type wants to seriously cut into BMW's action it needs performance comparable to a 330i. That means:
a) offer a RWD and (probably) increase HP as
well, or
b) stay the AWD-only course and pile on
enough HP to match or beat 330i
performance anyway
BTW, I've seen rumors that BMW's is going to up their horsepower to fend off Acura & Infiniti.
Also, in MSRP terms an X-Type 3.0 already costs a bit more than a similarly equipped 330i and the automotive press already dings you as overpriced, so you whichever you do you need to hold the line on MSRP when you do it. I can't imagine that a bigger displacement on the same block size really has a higher production cost, though.
ADDITION--------------------------------
Most cars in this class now feature a standard AM/FM/Cassette with in-dash 6-disk CD changer: Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, Audi, etc... BMW hasn't caught on yet, either, but if you go that route in 2003 and they don't then it's a plus for you (while if they do and you don't ...).
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