DETROIT: Infiniti has revealed details on enhancements to two key models – the 2016 Q50 sports sedan and 2016 QX60 premium crossover – at a media preview prior to their appearance at the upcoming North American International Auto Show.
Infiniti Americas vice president Randy Parker announced the availability of three new turbocharged engines for the Q50, including an advanced 400-horsepower 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, and debuted the QX60 with restyled exterior and interior designs and improved driving dynamics.
"Along with the enhancements to our two best-selling vehicles, the Q50 and QX60, 2016 will see the arrival of the QX30 crossover lineup and the all-new Q60 sports coupe."
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 receives three new engines, starting with a 400-hp 3.0-litre twin-turbo high-output V6. Offering the highest standard horsepower in class (non-specialty version), the engine is the most advanced V6 ever offered by Infiniti. Key engine features include a compact, lightweight aluminum-alloy engine block and cylinder heads, Gasoline Direct Injection (DIG™) system, optimized turbine blade design, turbine speed sensor, electronic wastegate actuator, water-cooled engine charging, e-motor valve timing control and an integrated exhaust manifold.
In addition to the 400hp configuration, which will be available in a new Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 model beginning in early spring 2016, a 300-horsepower version will be available across the Q50 lineup in late spring. The new VR-series engine family replaces the award-winning Infiniti 3.7-litre VQ-series V6, which has been the industry gold standard for many years.
"The Q50 has been the heart of our Infiniti lineup since it was introduced two years ago. So now it's only appropriate that we get Q50 drivers' hearts beating a little faster with these advanced VR-series engines," added Parker.
Other performance-intensifying enhancements to the Q50 Red Sport 400 include a Dynamic Digital Suspension, new, rack-mounted electronic power steering or an updated version of Infiniti's available, Direct Adaptive Steering and staggered 19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels.
The third new powerplant added to the Q50 lineup is a 208hp 2.0-litre turbo inline 4-cylinder engine developed with Daimler and produced at Infiniti's new engine plant in Decherd, Tenn. It will be offered in base and Premium Q50 2.0t models beginning in late winter. Also available then is the Q50 Hybrid, featuring a 3.5-litre gasoline-electric hybrid system with a net 360hp rating.
While the new Q50's enhancements are found mostly under the hood, the changes to the QX60 crossover are more apparent.
The redesigned exterior now features a new Q50-style front end and taillights, along with new wheel designs. Inside, the interior has been updated with new trim materials, seat quilting and a new gearshift lever.
The QX60 also adds to its advanced safety technology with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection – a first for Infiniti and the brand's exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system. Additional details will be available closer to when the QX60 arrives in Infiniti showrooms in late 2016.
Infiniti will also be displaying the new Q60 sport coupe at the Detroit show.
