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December 4, 2014
Infiniti Q50 Goes on Sale in North America | Infiniti
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti Q50 Goes on Sale
Nissan's global premium brand, Infiniti, unveiled the 2014 model of the "Q50" at the New York International Auto Show.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
Superior Packaging and Advanced Technology
InfinitiQ50"Q50" is a sister model to the Nissan "Skyline" and is the new name given to the sporty sedan.Detroit Motor ShowThe 2014 model of the Q50, which had its world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show, was unveiled, with prices and specifications announced.
The design concept for the Q50 is based on the concept car "ESSENCE"" presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Infiniti brand. It retains strong influences in its flowing, powerful proportions from front to rear, the "double arch" grille shape at the front, and the C-pillar that curves back in a crescent shape.
Despite its sedan body, it achieves a low drag coefficient of just 0.26. It also achieves zero lift during driving, meaning no upward force is applied to the front or rear.
Two powertrains are available for the North American specification. One is a 3.7-liter V6 DOHC 24-valve engine equipped with CVTC (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control) and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). It produces a maximum output of 328 hp and a maximum torque of 269 lb-ft (365 Nm).
The other is a hybrid system combining a gasoline engine and electric motor, named "Direct Response Hybrid." This system, described as "a hybrid for performance without compromising fuel economy," uses a 3.5-liter V6 24-valve engine that produces a maximum output of 296 hp and a maximum torque of 255 lb-ft (346 Nm). This is paired with a 50 kW electric motor, connected via a dual-clutch, producing a maximum output of 67 hp and 199 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque. The system's integrated maximum output is 354 hp.
The transmission is a 7-speed automatic with a manual mode. Drive is available in FR or 4WD.
One of the notable features of the Infiniti Q50 is the "Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering," a steer-by-wire system that is the world's first application in a production vehicle. This system transmits steering input to the wheels not through a mechanical linkage of steering columns and gears, but via electrical signals. While examples of this technology exist in brakes and accelerator throttles, this is the first application for steering.
By introducing "Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering," steering input and tire angle can be adjusted to achieve quicker response and better road feedback than conventional mechanical systems. A mechanical backup connection is also provided in case of failure.
Furthermore, the "Active Lane Control" function is realized through this adaptive steering. In addition to a camera-based lane departure prevention system, it automatically applies corrective steering to keep the vehicle moving straight along the road, even with slight deviations caused by road imperfections or crosswinds.
Another new feature is the "i-Key" personalization function. This system stores various settings, up to 96 items including driving position, climate control, audio, and navigation, on the key. Simply inserting the key automatically adjusts the settings to the driver's preferences. Up to four i-Keys can be registered per vehicle.
The interior can be optioned with "Kacchu" aluminum trim, inspired by medieval armor, or genuine maple wood trim with lacquer finish "Fukiurushi." Additionally, to improve cabin quietness, it is equipped with an "Active Noise Canceller" that uses four speakers in the doors to emit out-of-phase sound, canceling out low-frequency noise.
The "Q50," equipped with cutting-edge technology, will go on sale in the United States and Canada this summer, with a global release planned thereafter. In the U.S., pricing starts at $36,450 for the 3.7-liter V6 FR model and $38,250 for the 4WD. The hybrid model starts at $43,700 for the FR and $45,500 for the 4WD.