Nissan expands NISMO plans and products
Nissan is aggressively growing its line of aftermarket and factory NISMO parts for its full line of cars, adding the Juke now and the GT-R late in the year the existing 370Z NISMO.
While frankly we can’t see any point whatsoever in promoting the Juke, we’ve driven the NISMO Z and it’s a very well crafted and balanced track-oriented machine. That we can appreciate. And while there aren’t any published specs of the upcoming NISMO GT-R yet, we’re sure that it will be even more finely tuned than the already excellent GT-R.
What we’d like to see next in North America is the line of NISMO parts that is offered in Japan. Major engine and suspension parts are offered, for a range of current and classic Nissans going back many years.
Nissan press release follows:
VIDEO REPORT: The World is a Race Track for Nissan’s Expanding NISMO Line
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 2, 2013) – Nissan’s Motorsports brand, NISMO, is growing and changing beyond the racetrack.
To show off what’s new, Nissan staged a special NISMO event for media at the Nashville Superspeedway. It was an event to provide a glimpse into what is new, and what is coming next.
On site were both the 2013 and 2014 Nissan 370Z NISMO, the JUKE-R, the 2013 Nissan JUKE NISMO, and the 2014 GT-R Track Edition.
As part of the performance line, these cars sport uniform, race-inspired exterior and interior styling. And, enthusiasts will find new features designed specifically for the driver.
“We think the track is a perfect place to showcase NISMO because NISMO is Nissan Motorsports. It’s the racing, the motor sports heritage that has inspired cars like the new JUKE NISMO, and it’s about bringing that excitement from the track to the street,” said Carl Phillips, chief marketing manager, NISMO and Nissan sports car marketing – Nissan North America.
The first new Nissan production vehicle to get the NISMO treatment, the Juke NISMO, is already on sale in Europe and Japan and launches in the United States in the spring. The 370Z NISMO is now in its second generation in the U.S., with a revised 2014 370Z NISMO set for sale this summer.
Nissan is promising a rapid pace of introduction of even more NISMO models – at least one model every year during the Nissan Power88 period, encompassing the breadth of the Nissan model range. This of course includes the flagship of Nissan’s performance and technology efforts, the Nissan GT-R.
# # #
What’s wrong with this picture?
Yes, those are 370Z wheels on an S197 Mustang! A matched set front/rear, same as the Z they came off of. And the offset is very nearly perfect.
Infiniti at 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is one of those few must-do events for enthusiasts, and a great break from the late-winter blues. Infiniti is again the sponsor this year, and the event also offers the opportunity to see the new Q50 sedan, the replacement for the G37.
Infiniti Press Release follows:
Infiniti Continues Media Center Sponsorship at 2013 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
Infiniti Pavilion Display Will Feature the 2014 Q50 Luxury Sports Sedan
FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Infiniti is proud to announce its continued support of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance by sponsoring the Media Center at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island March 8-10, 2013.
More than 250 stunning classic and historic racing vehicles are expected to be displayed on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach on Concours Sunday, along with an impressive Infiniti Pavilion display that will feature the brand’s all-new 2014 Q50 luxury sports sedan.
The Amelia Island Concours will be the first concours appearance of the Q50 since its world debut at the North American International Auto Show. The Infiniti Q50 is at the forefront of automotive innovation, incorporating class-leading, world-first technologies including Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control. The Infiniti Pavilion will also showcase a selection of Infiniti vehicles including the 2013 M luxury performance sedan, FX performance crossover, JX 7-passenger luxury crossover, QX full-size luxury SUV, and IPL™ G Convertible.
“As one of the nation’s leading Concours events, Infiniti is proud to once again support the Amelia Island Concours,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “The event’s innovative classes and stunning vehicles have inspired thousands of car fans for the past two decades and we are honored to be a part of it.”
Credentialed Amelia Island Concours media are invited to visit the Infiniti Media Center inside the Ritz-Carlton from March 8-9. On March 10, the media center will be moved to the Golf Club of Amelia Island Clubhouse, adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton. Concours attendees are welcome to visit the Pavilion display throughout the 2013 Amelia Island Concours, March 8-10, 2013.
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, the QX full-size SUV and the all-new Infiniti JX luxury crossover. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at http://www.infinitiusa.com/.
Nissan announces the NISMO GT-R
As part of its expansion of the NISMO mission yesterday, Nissan announced an upcoming NISMO model of the famed GT-R.
Little has been said about any technical changes, except quote “higher powered”. But even a modest 50-HP update will put the car at the 600 HP mark, and further improve upon its phenomenal 2.7 second 0-60 time.
Nissan Press Release follows:
Nissan Confirms New, Higher-Performance GT-R NISMO Model
Extensive experience with GT-R race cars will inspire NISMO to create the ultimate GT-R for the road
YOKOHAMA, Japan – NISMO is planning to work its magic on the famed Nissan GT-R as the flagship of a new range of performance models.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd announced today that NISMO, its dedicated global performance road car and motorsports arm, is developing a new, higher-powered road version of the iconic Nissan GT-R.
The GT-R NISMO will be the third NISMO-badged model to emerge from Nissan’s performance-oriented brand as part of a strategy to add a range of exciting, innovative performance models across the Nissan range.
NISMO, with a new global headquarters near Yokohama, Japan officially opening today, already has deep experience in developing and preparing the Nissan GT-R for the racetrack. That expertise will go into creating GT-R NISMO.
“It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of NISMO road cars without including the GT-R,” said Nissan President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. “The standard road car is a global supercar and the GT-R’s performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the NISMO team. The GT-R NISMO will be special and I can’t wait to drive it.”
Already a legendary name to millions of video gamers and motorsports fans around the world thanks to Sony’s Gran Turismo® video racing series and Skyline’s on-track success since 1969, it’s no wonder that, together with acclaim for its road-going versions from leading automotive publications, the GT-R has achieved cult status.
The NISMO team’s intimate knowledge comes from their involvement in racing the GT-R and is a good precursor to the development of the new NISMO road car.
“We know that enthusiasts around the world will be itching to know more about the forthcoming GT-R NISMO,” said NISMO President Shoichi Miyatani. “It’s too early to share any details yet, but fans can be certain we’ll be applying all of our motorsport expertise to creating a GT-R NISMO worthy of the name.”
The current production 2014 model year Nissan GT-R has received evolutionary design and engineering enhancements based around feedback from competing in last year’s 24-Hours Nürburgring, and its success in Super GT and Global GT series.
As a result, the vehicle’s overall performance has been dramatically increased, high-speed stability improved and ride quality vastly more refined.
In development now, the new GT-R NISMO will sit at the top of the new Nissan NISMO range of performance vehicles, and be available alongside the standard model in Nissan’s specialized GT-R dealerships next year.
Technical specifications and performance figures will be released closer to launch.
# # #
Nissan relaunches NISMO performance brand worldwide
Performance sells, and Nissan recognizes that fact of life sales. Nissan today announced that the NISAMO performance brand is going global, and that the lineup of NISMO-modified products will increase. Besides the Juke (which has zero performance interest as far as DrivingEnthusiast can tell) and the existing 370Z (entering its last or second last year in 2014) NISMO, the biggest news today is the creation of a special NISMO GT-R.
Nissan Press Release follows:
Nissan Launches New Era for NISMO as its Global Performance Car and Motorsports Brand
- Redeveloped global headquarters in Yokohama heralds new era for NISMO
- NISMO to create a range of affordable performance Nissan models from small cars to flagship sports cars
- Juke NISMO is the first, followed by new 2014 370Z NISMO
- New GT-R NISMO confirmed, the ultimate Nissan performance supercar
- Nissan’s global motorsports program to be managed by NISMO
YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today kicked off a new era for NISMO, confirming it as Nissan’s exclusive global performance car and motorsports brand and officially opening the new NISMO global headquarters and development center in Yokohama, Japan.
NISMO is already well-known to motorsports and performance car enthusiasts in Japan and to millions of global gaming enthusiasts. Now, NISMO is poised for accelerated global impact, enhancing Nissan’s reputation for innovation and excitement with a new line-up of sporty Nissan production vehicles.
In a special ceremony today, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn declared the new headquarters open and explained how NISMO will play an even more prominent role for the company’s performance car and motorsports activities.
“NISMO will democratize performance and bring new excitement to the Nissan portfolio with a broader range of affordable and innovative performance models for more markets and more people,” said Mr. Ghosn. “Whether it’s a small car or a sports car, if it’s wearing the NISMO badge it offers something special – quality, functionality, and efficiency, with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.”
The first new Nissan production vehicle to get the NISMO treatment, the Juke NISMO, is already on sale in Europe and Japan and launches in the United States in the spring.
A new version of the 370Z NISMO for European markets is the next NISMO vehicle, which made its world debut earlier this month and builds on the platform of Nissan’s most popular and accessible sports car. The 370Z NISMO is now in its second generation in the U.S., with a revised 2014 370Z NISMO set for sale this summer.
Nissan is promising a rapid pace of introduction of even more NISMO models – at least one model every year during the Nissan Power88 period, encompassing the breadth of the Nissan model range. This will include the flagship of Nissan’s performance and technology efforts, the Nissan GT-R.
“It would be unthinkable for us to develop a range of NISMO road cars without including the GT-R,” said Mr. Ghosn. “The standard production model is a global supercar and the GT-R’s performance on track reflects the passion and talents of the NISMO team. The GT-R NISMO will be special and I can’t wait to drive it.”
A New Home for NISMO Nissan has invested in an entirely new facility for NISMO’s operations, redeveloping a former production site to give it the resources for expanding beyond motorsports engineering to encompass performance car development alongside Nissan. The new headquarters facility allows the NISMO team to be co-located in one place, bringing together the functional areas for NISMO’s key activities and technical and competition expertise under one roof.
The 180-strong team is now located inside Nissan’s Powertrain Engineering complex. The workshop, engine shop, rooms for fabrication, grinding and carbon composite processes are consolidated into the same floor space along with the parts warehouse. A new larger showroom allows up to eight vehicles to be displayed, while the retail area is now almost twice the size of the previous store in the Omori factory.
“This is a great move for NISMO as we can now shift gears to operate more efficiently and expand the brand globally,” explained NISMO President Shoichi Miyatani.
“NISMO is a key element in Nissan’s future global vehicle and motorsports strategy and we will quickly establish it as Nissan’s exclusive performance brand,” he added. “This is the first time that all of our team has been located together, and the entire facility will become a hothouse of passion and performance.”
The NISMO Spirit At the heart of each new NISMO model will be a consistent DNA focused on delivering quality, functionality, and efficiency in everyday driving with NISMO’s distinctive styling, sporty handling and dynamic performance capabilities.
Nissan’s new range of NISMO performance models will be built on the same production lines as their standard counterparts, which combined with inspiration taken from decades of racing and tuning expertise means that the NISMO brand ensures fully integrated performance enhancements.
Every modification NISMO makes to a production car will be functional and targeted to improve on-road performance and presence. The spirit of NISMO relies on its proud motorsports heritage and a maverick engineering philosophy. This spirit will be reflected in every new NISMO model with efficient performance, accessible and advanced technology, and bold, smart design, all of which embody Nissan’s philosophy of “innovation that excites.”
Connecting the Virtual with the Real NISMO is known around the world by millions through the virtual world of driving simulation games. In fact, the first opportunity to drive a Nissan Juke NISMO was provided virtually through Gameloft’s Asphalt 7: Heat.
Now, at the same time as NISMO is moving from race track to road, it is also moving from the virtual world to the real world as, for the first time in many markets around the world, a range of affordable NISMO-badged cars will be available from Nissan dealers.
“For many would-be NISMO customers, the only way to experience a NISMO performance car has been through a game like Sony’s Gran Turismo® series,” said Simon Sproule, Nissan’s corporate vice president for Marketing and Communications. “Now we can bring them into the family of Nissan owners with exciting, real NISMO cars created by a dedicated and experienced team that is fully linked to the digital world and well aware of what these new customers are looking for in a performance road car.”
Performance for the Road and Track The spirit and inspiration for NISMO started with a group of maverick Nissan engineers almost 50 years ago.
In their efforts to boost car sales through racing success, they shoehorned a powerful engine into an ordinary Nissan sedan to create the first of a legendary line of sporty road cars with the Nissan Skyline 2000GT. What came next was a run of highly successful competition and performance vehicles in Japan, culminating in the birth of NISMO itself in 1984.
With the digital generation, Nissan realized the power of the NISMO legend by working with game creators to create both real and virtual stars and expose a whole generation to the potential for tuning and winning in these cars. Last year alone, over 500 million virtual miles were driven in Nissan vehicles on Gran Turismo®5 for PlayStation®3.
Now, as NISMO accelerates to become a global performance car brand specializing in delivering affordable, exciting and innovative performance versions of Nissan cars, the lessons learned from almost half a century of racing can be applied consistently to give drivers a surprising and rewarding ownership experience.
NISMO Expands Role in Motorsports NISMO’s new charter will also impact Nissan’s future motorsports activities, where it is expected to boldly enhance Nissan’s reputation for excitement and innovation. NISMO is taking on global responsibility for managing Nissan’s motorsports program, which includes top level competition in every region of the world.
“Nissan’s commitment to a variety of motorsports programs around the world from the Altima in the Australian V8 Supercars to Super GT in Japan continues, but we also intend to surprise people by exploring advanced forms of motorsports,” explained Miyatani. “Our spirit of pushing the boundaries even further helps us to raise awareness of NISMO around the world but, more importantly, it means we can transfer the lessons we learn into tangible benefits for our customers, whether for NISMO production cars, race cars or tuning parts.”
For further information, visit: www.nissan-live.com/NISMOglobal
# # #
Nissan announces 2014 370Z Nismo
With the 2013 model of the 370Z on dealers lots for just two months, Nissan has announced the 2014 370Z Nismo model. The only changes are colors.
This suggests that the 370Z as we know it will continue thru 2014. With the current G sharing the 370Z platform, and the Q50 replacement for the G built on the same platform, this and past model replacement history would suggest that the next Z will debut in 2015. And with recent discussions of plans for a sub-Z sports coupe, this suggest that the next Z will again be built on the same platform as the current Z. But only time will tell, it’s too early yet and no spy pictures have been seen of test mules (as were seen before the 370Z debuted).
Nissan Press Release follows:
2014 Nissan 370Z Nismo Debuts at Chicago Auto Show
- 2014 model previewed at the Chicago Auto Show
- Features new exterior color with dark grey accents and red stripes
- Continues to offer 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension and brakes and 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels
- Joins new JUKE NISMO in Nissan showrooms this summer
CHICAGO – In conjunction with the U.S. debut of the new 2013 Nissan JUKE NISMO – and the ongoing expansion of the NISMO brand worldwide – Nissan is giving attendees at the Chicago Auto Show a preview of the 2014 370Z NISMO. Set to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide this summer, the 370Z NISMO follows the new NISMO design theme with distinctive new exterior and interior accents.
Pierre Loing, Vice President, Product and Advanced Planning and Strategy, Nissan Americas said: “The 370Z NISMO, since its introduction as part of the original Nissan 350Z lineup, has embodied the spirit of NISMO – race-proven engineering that is attainable. With the enhancements for the 2014 model year and the addition of the new JUKE NISMO, we’re unifying the look and feel of these distinctive NISMO models and paving the way for additional NISMO vehicles to follow.”
With the current 370Z NISMO setting the bar as a tuner-Z® enthusiast’s dream straight from the factory and fully warranted – offering 350 horsepower, racing-inspired exterior and interior styling, a specially tuned suspension and unique super-lightweight forged alloy wheels – the enhancements for 2014 are designed to up the car’s already strong visual impact. On the exterior, new dark gray coloring is added to the front and rear fascias, lower side sills, side mirrors and NISMO rear spoiler, with each element (except side sills) featuring NISMO-style red pinstripe accents. In addition, Solid Red replaces the previous Magma Red as one of four 370Z NISMO exterior color choices. Interior enhancements include the addition of a new steering wheel with Alcantara appointments and red accents, and a red NISMO tachometer.
The 370Z NISMO’s outstanding performance is anchored by an advanced Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, refined 4-wheel independent suspension and 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL) rated at 350 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The VVEL system helps optimize intake valve open/close movements, allowing the needed air to be sent promptly to the combustion chamber at the precisely optimized time. The 370Z NISMO’s enhanced engine power and acceleration (versus non-NISMO 370Zs) is provided through use of an exclusive H-configured exhaust system design and muffler tuning, along with optimized ECM (Engine Control Module) calibration.
Just one transmission is offered, a close-ratio 6-speed manual with Nissan’s SynchroRev Match® synchronized downshift rev matching system. The SynchroRev Match® function automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when shifting to the speed of the next gear position, essentially “blipping” the throttle to smooth out any up/down shifts. This not only allows the driver to focus more on braking and steering, it improves the smoothness of gear shifts by reducing the typical “shock” when the clutch is engaged. The system can be deactivated with a button next to the shifter for drivers who prefer to shift on their own.
The 370Z NISMO also features a tight, rigid body structure with a strut tower bar brace and a pair of performance dampers, which quickly and efficiently react to help control body vibrations from road input via the tires, contributing to the 370Z NISMO’s outstanding handling and performance feel. The 370Z NISMO’s double-wishbone front/4-link rear suspension design suspension is specially tuned for exceptional handling, including higher spring and stabilizer bar rates and increased roll stiffness and front and rear damping factors (compared to non-NISMO models).
The 2014 370Z NISMO rides on unique 5-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels (19×9.5-inch front, 19×10.5-inch rear) with a Gun Metallic finish. The wheels are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S001 Y-rated high-performance tires (245/40ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear). Braking is provided by NISMO Sport Brakes with large diameter 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented rotors with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers.
The braking system includes a variable ratio brake pedal, high-rigidity brake hoses, R35 Special II fluid and red-finish calipers.
Along with the new color treatments, the 2014 370Z NISMO exterior includes an extended front nose design and a fully integrated chin spoiler – providing a sense of dynamic movement while enhancing airflow and downforce for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The 370Z NISMO is 6.2 inches longer than the standard 370Z Coupe. Special side sills and a unique rear bumper help control airflow under the vehicle, while the functional rear spoiler increases downforce. Four exterior colors are offered: Pearl White, Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Solid Red.
Inside, the 370Z NISMO’s driver-centric interior includes NISMO logo seats with black and red fabric and red stitching, a NISMO tachometer, steering wheel with Alcantara wrap and red parallel stitching, smooth leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum-trimmed pedals. A special serialized plaque of authenticity, located on the vertical panel above the floor-mounted console, is matched to each 370Z NISMO identifying its unique serial and model year designation.
The sporty woven cloth seats feature standard 8-way driver’s/4-way passenger manual adjustments and adjustable front seat Active Head Restraints. Standard interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature and automatic climate control. An AM/FM/CD/AUX 4-speaker audio system is standard. Also available is a Bose® Package featuring an in-dash 6CD changer, two additional speakers (six total), two subwoofers, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, auto-dimming inside mirror and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver. There are no other options offered.
Said Loing: “The great thing about the 370Z NISMO, like the JUKE NISMO, is that there is solid functionality behind every element – race-inspired but ready for the street – and with pure NISMO style.”
Along with the 370Z NISMO, the Nissan 370Z is available in 370Z Coupe and 370Z Roadster models.
# # #
Infiniti posts Q50 development videos
We’re of a mixed-mind about the upcoming Q50, the next generation of the popular and well-regarded G37. While the chassis has undoubtedly stepped up a notch in responsiveness (and it’s still not known if it’s an Infiniti chassis, a shared Mercedes chassis, or – as we believe – just an update to the existing FM chassis), we’re disappointed that the manual transmission option has been dropped. While that would be ok if some sort of dual-clutch automated transmission had been offered it wasn’t and in fact the same 7-speed automatic remains.
And just to establish our credentials, our Stillen-supercharged G37S with over 500-horsepower at the flywheel remains the high-water mark of our “fleet” in so many dimensions. From the ultra-responsive chassis to the great brakes to the great seats, everything works in concert with this terrific engine. We had hoped to see something along these lines from the factory in this next-generation car… and while a twin-turbocharged v-6 engine of over 500 horsepower has been discussed by Global President Johan de Nysschen as an engine for an upcoming “flagship”, there is no word that it will end up in the Q50.
On the other end of the spectrum, the new Direct Response Hybrid engine, is interesting and worthwhile. Readers will remember that the first generation of this engine was originally shown to the press in the 2007 Infiniti G35 chassis, although it was only ever offered as the flagship M35H hybrid. While we have very few details about the “refined” lineup of Infiniti VQ engines yet, we do notice two things from the following image: 1) the electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the torque converter-less 7-speed transmission, and 2) the lack of the tubular headers used on the current VQ37. And, as the video shows us, the purpose of the electric motor is to assist in acceleration. It apparently cannot propel the car on its own, which would have required a far larger battery pack. In other words, this hybrid system is designed for enthusiast type driving.
Then there is the styling, which borrows some of the existing M styling (which we can live with), but also (in our humble opinion) goes too far in some of the odd bulges on the hood and especially in the enormous grill. In the image of the clay buck below, taken in the styling studio, we’ll admit that the low and wide grill looks handsome. But in the final production car, this translates into an enormous opening which dominates the front of the car instead of being handsome and restrained. Personally, we’re not interested in going along for the ride as Infiniti attempts to define it’s signature “design language” if we have to live with some of the mishmash that we’ve seen across the M, JX35, and now the G50. And especially the styling of the frankly bizarre Infiniti LE concept.
Also note that the interior, while handsome, drops the adjustable dashboard that has been a feature of the G for the last two generations. We’re very disappointed about that.
But we are still willing to keep an open mind until we see it and drive it, especially after viewing the current development videos that Infiniti released to explain some of the new features of the car.
1: Formula One driver Sebastien Buemi test drives the all-new Infiniti Q50 Direct Response Hybrid.
2. President of Infiniti Global Johan de Nysschen and Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura reveal the design philosophy and vision for the Infiniti Q50.
Press drives for the new Q50 are still some time off, so we’ll hold off a final opinion until then. And Infiniti has yet to show the new coupe, as well as any kind of replacement for the IPL models.
Infiniti Q50 revealed at NAIAS
The next-generation Infiniti G37, er, Q50, was revealed this morning at the Detroit show. The unveiling was also broadcast live across the internet to many thousands of Infiniti G fans worldwide.
As the owner of a Stillen-supercharged G37S, we have mixed feelings about this latest G, er, Q. Not only the renaming of the car, but it’s direction. As production availability is several months off (targeted for summer), we’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and wait for full specs to be published.
You’ll notice the familiar VQ35 engine with its new hybrid layout, including the bright orange power cable. But looking around the engine compartment, we see the familiar covered compartments for the brake system on the right and the battery on the left, as well as the familiar shock towers. That makes us think that the rumored shared platform with Mercedes is not this platform… that this is simply an evolution of the existing and very well designed FM platform.
Note the video also references future engines will include a turbocharged 4 cylinder, as well as a diesel engine.
What wasn’t said? In Japan, the Infiniti G is sold as the Nissan Skyline. Will this new car be sold as an Infiniti in Japan, putting an end to the famous 50-year-old brand name “Skyline”, or will it continue to be sold as a Nissan Skyline?
All in all, mixed feelings… maybe because we feel protective of the brand being an owner ourselves. We’ll look forward to the first road tests in the late spring as the car approached it’s release this coming summer.
2014 Infiniti Q50 announced, available summer 2013
Infiniti Press Release follows:
2014 INFINITI Q50 AT A GLANCE
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan brings distinctive design, engaging performance, world’s first technologies and unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization to the roads of North America when it goes on sale in summer 2013. The all-new Q50 is designed for a new generation of young, premium customers seeking Infiniti’s unique fusion of inspired performance and hospitality.
Taking many of its seductive styling cues from the Infiniti Essence concept, the Q50′s tight, athletic appearance blends low, wide proportions with excellent interior roominess to a class marked by unexciting design.
Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver-centric cockpit with an array of premium comfort and convenience features. The new Infiniti InTouch™ communications system includes large dual touch-screen displays and puts communication with the outside world within easy reach, with integration of hands-free phone, moving map navigation, entertainment and smart phone apps in a way that is safe and easy-touse while driving.
Infiniti’s sports sedan performance leadership continues with the new Q50, which is available with a choice of a refined 328-horsepower (est.) 3.7-liter V6 or new Q50 Hybrid featuring Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid System™with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. All models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector with Snow, Eco, Standard, Sport and Custom settings is also standard on all models, part of the advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, transmission, handling and steering settings.
Two new world’s first production performance technologies make their debuts in the Q50 – Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering™technology and Active Lane Control™. The new steering system allows advanced control of the Q50′s tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. Four different steering settings are offered, allowing customization by driver preference or road conditions. The Active Lane Control™uses a camera-based lane marker detection system to further enhance on-center driving capability and improve vehicle straightability.
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid models will be available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and in a range of wellequipped models, including versions with special sport appearance and performance features with sport brakes and sport suspension tuning.
Highlights of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 include:
Design
- Sensuous dynamic styling with unexpected spaciousness
- Low, wide proportions and tight, athletic stance
- Infiniti signature “double arch” front grille, dynamic arch silhouette and Crescent-cut C-pillar
- Distinctive LED head lamps and lighting (headlights, fog lights and marker lights), LED rear combination lamps
- Available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with High Beam Assist
- Available sport front fascia
- Available power sliding and tilting tinted glass sunroof with one-touch open/close and sliding sunshade
- Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, available auto dimming outside mirrors with reverse synchronization mirror angle
- Body-color outside door handles with chrome accents
- Dual chrome exhaust finishers
- Eight available premium exterior colors
- Advanced aerodynamic design with 0.26 coefficient of drag and zero front and rear lift concept
Performance
- Front engine/rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
- 3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6, rated at 328 horsepower (est.) and 269 lb-ft of torque (est.), featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL®)
- Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™with intelligent dual clutch control, combining 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithiumion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control; V6 rated at 296 horsepower (est.) and 255 lb-ft of torque (est.), advanced 50 kW electric motor rated at 67 horsepower (est.) and 199 lb-ft of torque (est.), Hybrid system net power: 354 horsepower (est.)
- 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and manual shift mode, Adaptive Shift Control
- Available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters
- Drive mode selector switch (Sport, Standard, ECO, Snow, Custom settings)
- 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension (front single pivot doublewishbone design/revised rear design) with extensive use of lightweight aluminum components and front and rear stabilizer bars
- Available sport-tuned suspension
- Power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering
- Available Direct Adaptive Steering™technology for enhanced steering feel and personalized selection of steering effort and gear ratio
- 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist
- Available Sport Brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2- piston rear calipers
- 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface, 225/55R17 allseason run-flat tires
- Available 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 all-season or summer run-flat tires
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control with Active Trace Control for dynamic cornering ability
- Active Lane Control™(utilizing world’s first Direct Adaptive Steering technology)
- Tire-specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Hospitality
- Driver-oriented layout and a console with warm, asymmetric design
- Ample knee, head and shoulder roominess
- Easy rear ingress/egress provided by wide rear door openings
- Natural contour ergonomic-design front seats for enhanced comfort
- Premium leatherette seating surfaces with embroidered Infiniti logo
- Available leather-appointed seating
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- 60/40 split rear seat, rear center armrest with trunk pass-through
- Available sport-type leather-appointed seats, manual thigh extensions (driver and front passenger)
- Available power torso bolsters (driver’s side)
- Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation
- Kacchu aluminum interior trim on center console, instrument panel and doors
- Available Fukiurushi maple wood trim
- Available aluminum-accented pedals (standard on sports grades)
- Next-generation Studio on Wheels by Bose®audio system with instrument panel three-speaker array (up to 14 total speakers), Advanced Staging Technology®
- Voice Recognition for audio, navigation, SMS
- Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
- Available advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster®air purifier
- Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, touch unlock door function
- Customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key
- Power front and rear windows with illuminated switches and one-touch auto up/down feature
- Rear passenger personal lamps
- RearView Monitor
- Around View®Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD)
- HEV sound management technologies, including available Active Noise Control (ANC)
Infiniti InTouch™
- Infiniti InTouch™next-generation Human Machine Interface (HMI) with dual touchscreen displays and smart phone connectivity
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), High Definition (HD) radio
- Available navigation system with NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information and NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 5-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)
- Infiniti Connection™with Automatic Collision Notification, Destination Assistance and Drive Zone Monitoring
- Bluetooth®Hands-free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®
- Voice Recognition for audio, navigation, SMS
- Fully customizable digital environment for storing and providing various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key
Safety Shield Technologies
- Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor
- Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
- Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front- and rearseat outboard occupant head protection
- Available front seat driver/passenger Pre-Crash Seat Belts
- Available Safety Shield Technologies with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range, predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention®, Back-up Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control™(utilizing world’s first production Direct Active Steering technology)
- Traction control system (integrated with Vehicle Dynamic Control)
- High Beam Assist
Availability
- Available in a range of premium and sport rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models
- Initially offered with choice of 3.7-liter V6 or 3.5-liter Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™, each with 7-speed automatic transmission
- Other powertrains to be added as part of global market launch rollout
- On sale in the United States and Canada in summer 2013
- Sales in other major global markets begin in summer 2013
###
Infiniti releases Q50 (aka G37) teaser video
No doubt about it, Infiniti got it’s fan base mad when they changed the names of all the existing car and SUVs to begin with “Q”. Now, in addition to last week’s bone to owners about where the brand is going (and revealing the existence of a new optional 550HP engine!), Infiniti has released a teaser video about the new Q50 (aka the replacement for the G37).
Turn up your sound – you aren’t going to believe how good this car sounds.
Infiniti Press Release below:
Infiniti Releases All-New Q50 Teaser Video Upon Reaching 1 Million Facebook Fans
Video Leads Up to Debut of the Q50 at the North American International Auto Show January 14
Nashville – Infiniti reached one million Facebook fans today and as a thank you to its loyal fan-base, released a first glimpse of the Infiniti Q50 – the all-new luxury sports sedan to be released January 14, at the brand’s North American International Auto Show press conference, following a special performance by Cirque du Soleil.
Infiniti will host a live webcast of the event at InfinitiUSA.com and on the brand’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/Infiniti. As a component of the reveal on Facebook, fans may also ask questions about the Q50 via an interactive text chat.
Today’s announcement comes as the luxury brand undergoes a new era of inspiration, growing its global business with a number of strategic changes in 2012, including relocating its global headquarters to Hong Kong. The move in May was followed by the appointment in July of Johan de Nysschen as the brand’s first president.
About Infiniti Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, the QX full-size luxury SUV, and the all-new JX 7-passenger luxury crossover. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.infinitiusa.com.