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2019 Infiniti QX50 First Drive Review | A high-tech engine flies under the radar

Update: An Infiniti representative reached out after this review was published and noted that the "Park with Easy Steering" function of the Direct Adaptive Steering system was erroneously left engaged. Infiniti says this feature "reduces feel considerably at low speeds to aid in parking", and that the Easy Steering function will be disabled by default in customer cars unless the customer chooses to engage it. This seems to explain the issues our reviewer had with low-speed steering feel, although we've had other problematic experiences with Direct Adaptive Steering in a broader sense – not to mention the fact that the drive-by-wire system has been recalled several times to fix various issues, and also recalibrated in response to criticism. We hope to get another QX50 soon, and if so we'll compare the low-speed steering response with Easy Steering on and off. Even as manufacturers rush headlong into electrification and autonomous driving, revolutionary internal-combustion engine technologies are still being developed. Consider the Mazda Skyactiv-X Spark Controlled Combustion Ignition process, for example. But Infiniti's VC-Turbo four-cylinder engine, which makes its debut in the 2019 QX50, is truly a work of engineering fortitude. The engine realizes the long-held ambition among engine manufacturers to create a way to alter the compression ratio on the fly, a boon to both power and fuel efficiency. It's a brilliant bit of science that's, unfortunately, still in search of the right car. Don't get us wrong, the QX50 is perfectly competent — it's an exceedingly quiet and comfortable cruiser. However, it's no longer the driver-pleasing machine its predecessor was. That car, originally known as the EX35, was built atop Nissan's sporty FM platform, a front-midship, rear-wheel-drive layout putting the engine aft of the front axle line and giving the vehicle the athletic driving dynamics of a sport sedan. In fact, it was basically a G37 hatchback, and it was sold as the Skyline Crossover in Japan. A shortened FM chassis underpinned the 370Z, to put a finer point on it. For those more concerned with comfort than corners, the 2019 QX50 might actually be a more useful. It rides atop an all-new front-wheel-drive chassis, which means it's able to add more space for both passengers and cargo. It trades a heap of the old QX50's sportiness for comfort and packaging efficiency. If that sounds good to you, perhaps the new QX50 is the right crossover.

Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept shows a future with variable compression

For weeks, Infiniti has been teasing the Q Inspiration Concept ahead of its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Details were absent, but the design was clean, swoopy athletic. Not seeing any tailpipes on the rear end, we hoped it could sport some kind of electrified powertrain, but surmised that Infiniti could take the opportunity to further showcase its variable compression turbocharged engine technology. Now, Inifniti has officially taken the wraps off its Q Inspiration Concept, and has indeed chosen to use the stunning show car to demonstrate "near future applications" of the potent yet efficient VC-Turbo tech. VC-Turbo made its production debut in the 2019 QX50 at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Here, in the Q Inspiration, VC-Turbo allows Infiniti designers to make the most of the packaging, taking advantage of the compact powertrain to increase the size of the cabin while maintaining the footprint of a mid-size car. Electric automakers like Fisker, Lucid Motors and the like have been doing something similar with electric powertrains, but Infiniti's VC-Turbo allows the company to do something similar with technology that is ready for primetime, while still bridging the gap to more efficient future powertrains. VC-Turbo, as we've learned earlier, allows the engine to change and optimize compression ratios on the fly, between 8:1 for high-performance situations, to 14:1 for maximum efficiency. Mounted to the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder heads of the four-cylinder engine is a single-scroll turbocharger. The system, says Infiniti, provides the torque and response of a hybrid or turbodiesel powertrain without sacrificing efficiency. In the Q Inspiration, the power is directed to four wheels via a front-biased all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The system can direct torque to the rear wheels individually as needed. As a design study, the Q Inspiration is a success. The proportions and lines are sleek and attractive, accentuated by the car's white paint. There's kind of a lot going on up front, with a large "double-arch" grille at the leading edge. Everything behind that, though, looks particularly harmonious. Its elongated cabin and coupe-like dimensions help provide efficiency while maximizing headroom for the four occupants. It's a car that stands up to close inspection, as attention to detail makes it more interesting the closer you scrutinize it, inside and out.

Infiniti takes QX60 on vacation for National Lampoon-inspired ad

Infiniti is packing up its version of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster for a new ad inspired by the American comedy classic National Lampoon's Vacation. Well, actually the 30-second spot replaces the green station wagon with a QX60, but the commercial does a great job of evoking the movie in a short time. The release timing is clearly perfect too given the remake hitting theaters on July 29 with Ed Helms and Christina Applegate. Infiniti's ad replicates one of the film's memorable scenes, but it replaces Chevy Chase behind the wheel of the Family Truckster and Christie Brinkley in a Ferrari 308. Instead, we get Ethan Embry in a QX60 and a blonde in a Lamborghini Gallardo droptop. The slight twist at the end really makes the commercial work, though. The ad starts airing nationally on July 9, but you can watch it streaming above now. Beyond just the surface-level homage, Infiniti gives the spot a slightly deeper connection to the Vacation series. In 1997's Vegas Vacation, Embry played Rusty. INFINITI DEBUTS NEW QX60 "VACATION" AD CAMPAIGN Infiniti recreates famous scene from "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 30-second commercial with 2015 QX60 Luxury Crossover Commercial stars Christie Brinkley and Ethan Embry Campaign includes extensions in digital and social media NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti has released a new campaign for the 2015 QX60, inspired by the 1983 classic "National Lampoon's Vacation" which coincides with the July 29 release of Warner Bros. Studio's remake. The campaign begins with a TV commercial starring the original movie's car-loving blonde bombshell and supermodel, Christie Brinkley, and puts a spin on the famous movie scene as the modern day family heads to Walley World. In the national spot titled "Vacation," Ethan Embry (who notably starred as Rusty in "Vegas Vacation") loads his family in the roomy 3-row QX60 and hits the road for Walley World. While on the road trip, Ethan looks in his side view mirror and sees an attractive blonde in a sports car fast approaching. As Ethan and the blonde keep up with each other on the highway, Christie Brinkley is revealed as his wife who catches this action and ends the scene with an ironic response: "Honey, a blonde in a convertible? Seriously?" The popular Infiniti QX60 continues to stand out in the premium crossover segment, excelling in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior versatility, roominess, available safety, and available advanced hospitality features.