2014 Infiniti Q50 Infinitive is scrapping its old alphabet soup nomenclature made up of Gs, Ms, and FXs in favor of Q for sedans, coupes, and convertibles, and QX for SUVs. The new 2014 Q50 sedan, which replaces the G, is the first Infiniti branded with the more simple naming designation. Making its debut at the 2013 Detroit auto show, the Q50 boasts killer looks, improved performance, and a new hybrid model in addition to a cabin that caters to the driver's needs like never before. Like the car it replaces, the conventional Q50 will be motivated by a 3.7-liter V-6 that puts out 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, while the newly available hybrid will be powered by a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 working in unison with a 67-hp (50-kW) electric motor to produce a peak system power of 354 hp - down 6 hp from the Infiniti M Hybrid. Infiniti says it will be one of the fastest-accelerating hybrids on the market as well as one of the most fuel efficient ones, though fuel economy estimates have not been revealed.
2014 Infiniti Q50
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2014 Infiniti Q50 |
2014 Infiniti Q50
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2014 Infiniti Q50 |
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2014 Infiniti Q50
Both models send power to the rear wheels (all-wheel drive is optional) through a seven-speed automatic transmission, and both can be outfitted with paddle shifters. Two pieces of technology are making their debut with the Q50. First is Direct Adaptive Steering, a first for any automaker. The system allows control of the tire angle as well steering inputs, transmitting driver inputs faster than a traditional mechanical steering rack. The system comes with four different modes that change not only steering effort, but the steering ratio as well. The other new tech is Active Lane Control, which is part of the Lane Departure Prevention system. Using a small camera that's fixed to the top of the rearview mirror, the new technology corrects unintended lane drifts by making small steering input angle adjustments. For minor road surface changes or crosswinds, the system will make small adjustments if it senses the Q50 undergoing slight direction changes.
The Q50's sports sedan DNA should shine through in its handling and steering, both of which have been fine-tuned with performance in mind with the help of three-time Formula 1 World Driver's champion Sebastian Vettel. The Infiniti Q50's four-wheel independent multilink suspension is made from lightweight aluminum components, with the front utilizing a single pivot double wishbone design and the rear using a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path shock absorbers for increased camber stiffness and improved ride comfort. Should customers want a bit more kick, a sport-tuned suspension is available with Sport models. Inside, the cabin has been designed to make drivers feel like the Q50 knows them well. The i-Keys system can recognize up to four different drivers and automatically engage pre-set controls for driving position, heating, cooling, audio, and navigation. Up to 96 settings can be memorized in one custom i-Key mode, which is accessed through a spiffy new dual touch-screen display. With the split-screen design, frequently used applications within the Infiniti InTouch telematics system are displayed up top while other content is shown on the bottom screen. Satellite radio and HD radio pump the jams, while a next-gen Studio on Wheels by Bose audio system is available. In addition to throwing in new technology, Infiniti made sure the Q50's interior is more comfortable and roomier than that of its G-badged predecessor. New seats with a natural contour ergonomic design will keep passengers snug. The front seats feature a thin front seatback design that opens up space for rear kneeroom, and the B-pillar has been moved forward to allow for easier entry and exit. Upscale interior trim such as the standard "Kacchu" aluminum, which takes inspiration from traditional Samurai armaments, enhances the cabin. Out back, the trunk is capable of swallowing 18.0 cu-ft of luggage, a figure that drops to 14.1 cu-ft on the hybrid because to the extra hardware. Did we mention the Q50 has killer looks? Defined by low, wide, and muscular proportions, the Q50 looks aggressive, thanks to its furrowed LED eyebrows located above full LED headlights. Infiniti's signature "double arch" front grille and crescent-shaped C-pillar are familiar styling cues. In addition to being visually appealing, the Q50's shape is aerodynamic, producing a low 0.26 coefficient of drag. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires are standard, and 19-inch wheels are available. The 2014 Q50 goes on sale this summer in North America, with the global rollout following soon after. With the G sedan line already an enthusiast favorite, it will be interesting to see how customers respond to the renamed and redesigned sedan.