2016 INFINITI Q50 sports sedan: New engines and chassis technologies
INFINITI QX60 premium crossover offers enhanced design
INFINITI announces new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine
DETROIT – INFINITI this evening revealed details on enhancements to two key models – the 2016 Q50 sports sedan and 2016 QX60 premium crossover – at a special 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-liter twin-turbo V6, and debuted the 2016 QX60 with restyled exterior and interior designs and improved driving dynamics.
"Capping off an exceptionally successful 2015 sales year – with U.S. sales up more than 12 percent through November – we're unwrapping a few presents early, prior to the upcoming auto show," said Parker. "Along with the enhancements to our two best-selling vehicles, the Q50 and QX60, 2016 will see the arrival of the all-new QX30 premium crossover lineup and the stunning, all-new Q60 sports coupe."
The 2016 INFINITI Q50 receives three new engines, starting with a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter 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 400-horsepower 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-liter 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 2016 Q50 Red Sport 400 include an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension, new, rack-mounted electronic power steering or an updated version of INFINITI's available, industry leading Direct Adaptive Steering™ (DAS) and staggered 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The third new powerplant added to the 2016 INFINITI Q50 lineup is a 208-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder engine developed in conjunction with Daimler and produced at INFINITI's new engine facility in Decherd, Tenn. It will be offered in base and Premium Q50 2.0t models beginning in late winter. Also available in late winter 2016 is the Q50 Hybrid, featuring a 3.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with a net 360 horsepower rating.
"While the new Q50's enhancements are found mostly under the hood, the changes to the 2016 QX60 premium crossover are apparent from the first time you see it," explained Parker. "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 2016 QX60 also adds to its already strong suite of 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 2016 QX60 arrives in INFINITI showrooms in late winter.
Along with the new 2016 Q50, QX60 and 2017 QX30, INFINITI will display the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sport coupe at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Q60 makes its world debut January 11, 2016 at 12:15 p.m. EST during the show's media presentation days.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.
INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi, near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.
INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its iconic design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.
More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
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