Infiniti QX30S Looks Better than the GLA, Is Faster than an Old Porsche Supercar

As some of you might remember, Motor Trend didn't like the Q50 Red Sport 400 a few months ago. But their own Jonny Lieberman seems so into the new QX30S that he might even buy one.

Infiniti was established by Nissan to compete with BMW and Mercedes, but it's only ever made regular sedans and crossovers. Now premium car buyers also expect compacts, as small as a Focus yet packed with fine leather and distilled luxury emotions.

But Infiniti doesn't know how to make one of those or it couldn't be bothered to try. So the company actually paid Mercedes to re-engineer the GLA to their specifications. The chassis, the engine, and the gearbox - they are all the same. While the Merc is dopey and boring, the QX30S is hot and sexy all over, or at least that's what the review suggests.

It almost feels like Infiniti slid a big check in the glovebox of the QX30 before the review. Because with nothing more than slightly lowered suspension and front-wheel-drive, the car can seemingly do the impossible - set a faster lap than an old Porsche "supercar," the 1987 928 S4.

Back when it was new, this thing produced 320 hp and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque from its 5.0-liter, 32-valve engine. And yes, it's the sort of toy that could play with the Ferrari 348GTB back in the day. But the thing is, I think the one in this video has lost all its horses because there's no way a 211 hp hatchback can be faster down the track straight.

And if you just want a fast 2.0-liter turbo made by Germans, how about a Golf GTI for a lot less money? You're certainly not getting any crossover credentials with the littlest of Infiniti models. And in fact, a second hand Porsche 928 4S seems like a far better investment at about $30,000 that will never depreciate.