2018 INFINITI Q70: Overview
As INFINITI's flagship performance luxury sedan, the Q70 is a showcase of advanced technologies. Also, it embraces the essence of all things INFINITI – style, performance, luxury and craftsmanship.
For 2018, the Q70 adopts the global INFINITI naming structure, adding LUXE to all model designations. Other changes for 2018 include revised package content and naming. The 2018 lineup includes the standard wheelbase Q70, the long-wheelbase Q70L with an additional 5.6 inches of rear seat legroom, and the "driver's hybrid" Q70 Hybrid.
The standard wheelbase INFINITI Q70 is offered in four models: the Q70 3.7 LUXE, Q70 3.7 LUXE AWD, Q70 5.6 LUXE and Q70 5.6 LUXE AWD. (For full information and specifications on the Q70 Hybrid LUXE and Q70L models, please visit infinitinews.com.)
Premium Styling
The INFINITI Q70's dramatic exterior design combines balanced, rear-wheel-drive proportions and stance with a long, low hood and high rear deck to create an efficient aerodynamic shape while also providing a roomy cabin.
The multi-layered sporty appearance is highlighted by the deep body shape of the fenders and doors, which give it a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The wave-style doors are constructed from aluminum for lighter weight, despite the material's difficult formability. The stamping dies for each door are hand-polished to maintain their precision, and every door undergoes an exacting human inspection, providing a handcrafted level of quality. Every model features standard LED headlights, INFINITI's signature double-arch grille with high-quality waved mesh finish and chrome surround, and integrated LED fog lights. The rear features LED combination lights and chrome rear finisher.
INFINITI Q70 models equipped with the optional Sport Package also feature a revised front fascia with dark finish grille and dark headlight housings.
Contributing to the Q70's low coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero lift front and rear are a series of aerodynamic enhancers, including front tire deflectors, engine under cover, center floor cover, rear tire deflectors, exhaust cover, floor side fairings and rear diffuser.
Other standard Q70 exterior features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, dual exhaust with polished tips, power-folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature and integrated LED turn signals, rain-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles. An Adaptive Front lighting System with auto-leveling headlights is available as part of the ProACTIVE Package.
The 2018 INFINITI Q70 is available in seven exterior colors: Hagane Blue, Hermosa Blue, Chestnut Bronze, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian and Majestic White (with premium pearl finish).
An Interior to Enjoy
Inside the stunning Q70 exterior, the focus of the interior design is centered on the individual driving the car. The interior presents an elegant-yet-functional design that combines artistry with precision, comfort with innovation – all in support of enhancing driving performance and passenger enjoyment.
The instrument panel, for example, features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters, an 8.0-inch color vehicle information display on the center stack and INFINITI analog clock. Leatherette 10-way power driver and front passenger's seats including 2-way power lumbar support are standard, along with a dual-occupant memory system for the driver's seat, steering column and outside mirrors – which can be linked to the individual Intelligent Keys. In addition, each Intelligent Key remembers the last used climate control, audio and navigation settings. An entry/exit assist system for the driver's seat and steering column, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the Q70's outstanding level of standard luxury appointments. Leather-appointed seats are offered as part of the Essential Package, along with climate-controlled front seats and heated steering wheel.
Other key features include INFINITI InTouchÔ Navigation with 8-inch color touch-screen display, lane guidance and 3-D building graphics, Voice Recognition for navigation functions, including one-shot voice destination entry; INFINITI InTouchÔ Services with six months of safety, security and convenience services; INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately); Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System; and power sliding tinted glass moonroof.
Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, a Bose® 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system and Rear Sonar System, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), Radio Data System, USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.
Also standard on all 2018 Q70 models is Active Noise Control, which generates noise-canceling sound from four door speakers and subwoofer to reduce unpleasant engine harmonics. The cabin noise levels are monitored by two microphones in the Q70's ceiling, with no action needed from the driver and passengers except to enjoy the quiet, comfortable cabin.
The Sport Package adds such notable features as the Bose® Studio SurroundÒ sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers (including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat), power rear sunshade, unique quilted seat pattern with additional seat bolstering, suede-like headliner and a premium stitched meter hood.
The Premium Select Edition combines unique exterior and interior finishes with sporty style and modern luxury content. The exterior features dark chrome trim, darkened lower rear bumper finisher, rear spoiler, unique 20-inch wheel design with dark chrome finish and Sport Brakes. Inside, the Premium Select Edition includes a choice of two exclusive semi-aniline leather colors, Stone and Graphite, along with contrasting seat piping, suede-like headliner, exclusive laser-etched aluminum trim, illuminated kick plates, unique floor mats with contrasting piping and aluminum badging. The Premium Select Edition includes all content from the Premium Package, with no other options available.
Four interior colors are offered – Graphite, Stone, Wheat and Java (availability varies with option packages). Sport Package-equipped models offer a Stone Sport color treatment with high-contrast carpet and headliner, along with unique front seat designs, sport steering wheel and shift knob stitching, and aluminum-trimmed pedals.
Advanced Powerplants, A Naturally Dynamic Driving Feel
Two engines are available for the 2018 Q70. The Q70 3.7 LUXE model's 3.7-liter Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL), 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 is rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, with 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The engine also features rigid ladder frame construction, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, molybdenum-coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin-air intake system.
The Q70 5.6 LUXE model's 5.6-liter VVEL 32-valve DOHC Direct Injection Gasoline aluminum-alloy V8 is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The Direct Injection Gasoline system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (compared to a non-direct injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.
Both powerplants feature the advanced VVEL system, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine's throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.
All 2018 INFINITI Q70 models come standard with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are also included in the Sport Package.
Fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 LUXE and 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 LUXE AWD. The Q70 5.6 LUXE is rated at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the Q70 5.6 LUXE AWD achieves fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
A unique feature of the Q70 is INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.
The system also adjusts Active Trace Control and Eco Pedal settings (available with Technology Package). In addition to the standard mode (suitable for normal driving conditions), the fuel-efficient Eco mode uses a green or amber indicator on the instrument panel to provide feedback on driving efficiency. The Eco Pedal system also provides feedback directly through the accelerator pedal, giving a slight pushback if driving inefficiently. The Sport mode increases throttle sensitivity and changes transmission shift patterns for sportier driving.
The Q70 uses INFINITI's advanced front mid-ship platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle, resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance. Laser welding is used at critical locations to help enhance lateral bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and suspension mounting point stiffness (versus the previous design).
The Q70 suspension features an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been designed to provide a quiet, comfortable ride. The Sport Package's sport-tuned suspension includes double-piston shock absorbers that provide a high damping force at low frequency vibrations for a flat ride and low damping force at high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.
The Q70's large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to enhance performance. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/50R18 all-season performance tires are offered on all models. Unique split 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive 245/40R20 low-profile tires are available with the Sport Package (summer performance for RWD, all-season for AWD). The Premium Select Edition includes unique design 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with dark polished finish.
Every 2018 Q70 uses standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. The Sport Package includes larger 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors with 4-piston front/2-piston rear opposed calipers.
The steering system is an electronically controlled vehicle-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion design. Every Q70 includes Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System. An advanced Active Trace Control system, included with the Technology Package, helps enhance the transition from braking into and then accelerating out of corners. The system utilizes the Q70's VDC system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes so that load is increased on the front wheels. The system also modulates engine torque.
The Active Trace Control system also applies selective braking to help create increased steering response in S-turns and other steering operations. When Sport mode is engaged (on the INFINITI Drive Mode Selector), the level of braking applied by this feature is reduced.
For drivers seeking the enhanced performance of all-wheel drive, the Q70 3.7 LUXE AWD and Q70 5.6 LUXE AWD models feature INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 rear bias, or up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.
Advanced Safety and Security Systems
The 2018 Q70 is available with a number of innovative technologies, including Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention systems. Also offered are Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention® systems, which are available as part of the ProASSIST Package. Other available safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist with Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
The advanced Predictive Forward Collision Warning system warns the driver of risks beyond the driver's field of view, while the Around View® Monitor shows a bird's-eye view of the vehicle in relation to parking lines. The Around View® Monitor system also includes Moving Object Detection, which alerts the driver to moving objects around the vehicle).
Also available is Backup Collision Intervention®, which helps detect crossing traffic as well large, stationary objects behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes momentarily to help avoid a collision, and Forward Emergency Braking, which detects danger of collision with a vehicle ahead and warns the driver with visual and audible warnings.
In addition, all models come equipped with standard INFINITI Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; and standard roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. The Q70 also includes standard 3-point seat belts with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (driver's seat ELR only), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints with 4-way manual adjustments, along with Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).
A Range of Model and Equipment Choices
The standard wheelbase INFINITI Q70 is offered in four well-equipped models: the Q70 3.7 LUXE (V6 rear-wheel drive), Q70 3.7 LUXE AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), Q70 5.6 LUXE (V8 rear-wheel drive), and Q70 5.6 LUXE AWD (V8 all-wheel drive).
In addition, various equipment packages allow owners to custom fit their vehicles to their exact tastes. The packages include the Essential Package, Sport Package, ProACTIVE Package, Pearl Paint and the Premium Select Edition.
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