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.

Infiniti to debut all-new G at the 2013 North American Auto Show

Or at least at this early point it is believed to be the new G. Some details are already known, including the unique steering system. And recent spy pictures have shown the complete G in both regular and sport trim being tested on the roads of Germany and at The Nurburgring.

If this is indeed a production model, and not a concept, then Infiniti is breaking its own tradition of showing a concept car before the production car. The 2006 Infiniti Coupe concept previewed the 2007 Infiniti G Coupe at the 2006 NAIAS.   But the current  Infiniti G is old and dated – a new one is very much-needed by Infiniti dealers to better complete against an active and growing field of competitors, including the very able Cadillac ATS.

Infiniti Press Release follows:

Infiniti to Debut All-New Model at 2013 North American International Auto Show

Press Conference Will Feature ‘Inspired’ Performance by Cirque Du Soleil® Simulcast Online

Los Angeles – Infiniti announced today it will unveil an all-new luxury sports sedan, January 14, at the brand’s North American International Auto Show press conference, following a special performance by Cirque du Soleil.

For those not able to attend the press conference in Detroit, Infiniti will host a live stream of the event at InfinitiUSA.com and on the brand’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/Infiniti.

Today’s announcement comes as the luxury brand undergoes a new era of inspiration, growing its market share with the strategic expansion of its business worldwide under the helm of new leadership, Infiniti’s president Johan de Nysschen.

In addition to the January 14 unveiling, de Nysschen will present his vision for the brand in a speech that outlines a new direction for Infiniti in the years to come.

Infiniti made a number of strategic changes in 2012, including relocating its global headquarters to a new state-of-the-art facility in Hong Kong. The move in May was followed by the appointment in July of de Nysschen as the brand’s new president.

Since then, Infiniti has recorded U.S. sales increases year-over-year of 20.6 percent through October, pointing to a strong finish for 2012 and an even stronger start to 2013.

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 http://www.infinitiusa.com/.

2014 Infiniti G to debut in Geneva in March 2013

According to an article in Autocar (29 Aug 2012), the 2014 Infiniti G will quote “debut” at the Geneva show in March 2013. And, Shiro Nakamura (Infiniti design chief) says the new G will be “much sportier and more dynamic than the current car”.

We do have to question exactly what will supposedly debut in Geneva, since Infiniti has traditionally shown a concept car first, before production. In 2006 for example, Infiniti presented the G coupe concept. Then a few months later we got to see the production product in the New York show. So it’s possible that Infiniti will present a concept in Geneva, and then the production G in New York in April. Bu the car is labeled as a 2014, so it likely won’t show up in dealers until the fall of 2013 – a year from now at a minimum.

Hmmm… a few months ago we provided our own predictions for the next G, as well as the rest of the Infiniti lineup. We weren’t all wrong, but we weren’t all right either.  One of our main questions, concerning the future Z and Skyline GT370, remains unanswered. Will the Infiniti brand be brought to Japan for the first time, replacing the GT370 with the Infiniti G? For those of you not familiar with the GT370, it’s an exact clone of the G with Nissan badges, for the home market (and any others who do not have Infiniti yet). Or,  more accurately the G is an exact clone of the Nissan GT370.

Then there is the Z, which at last report was uncertain which platform would be used for its next generation. Currently, the G and the Z share a platform (known internally as “FM” – for its front mid engine placement), reducing development costs but perhaps leaving the Z a little heavier than it needs to be.  If the next G will be “much sportier and more dynamic than the current car”, then the Z would benefit as well by sharing this new platform. But the biggest problem with the Z is that it has to decide what it is going to be. Right now, it is little more than a 2-seat version of the G coupe. It has a couple of interesting braces around the rear suspension, but that suspension, the front suspension, all the hard points, and all the rest of the hardware is the same. Will Nissan continue down this path (which opens the door to share a 4 cylinder engine with the G), or will it use an all-new chassis more akin to the Toyota 86, which some in the general blogosphere are ready to believe.

And there is also the question of the next GT-R, which the blogosphere had an unwarranted heart attack over in August. That was ridiculous… since the GT-R shares the FM platform along with the G et al (albeit with a some very expensive changes), the next GT-R will follow. It may take a year or two to get the next GT-R to market after the new platform debuts  under the Z; that’s how a limited production car works.

2006 Infiniti Concept G Coupe

The problem with this hobby is waiting… we have to wait months or years to see upcoming models once the first hints start to appear. Although hopefully we’ll see some further production mules and prototypes for this car over the winter months.  Meanwhile, we have our own personal G to enjoy: which thanks to Stillen and the resulting 500 horsepower, means no waiting – ever.