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US buyers show little interest in big hybrids

The idea of producing large, luxury-vehicle hybrids is turning into a "what were they thinking?" exercise in futility, USA Today reports. General Motors is discontinuing hybrid versions of the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, while Mercedes-Benz and Toyota's Lexus division are doing the same with their S-Class hybrid and LS hybrid sedans, respectively. The culprit? Big price increases for fuel economy improvements that border on the unimpressive. Granted, the Escalade hybrid gets 31 percent better fuel economy than the standard version, but that still maps out to a combined fuel-efficiency rating of just 21 miles per gallon. That can be seen as a worthwhile increase, if it didn't cost over $8,000 extra. The 2014 Escalade Hybrid, for example, starts at $74,425 while the non-hybrid can be had for $66,295. Meanwhile, the Lexus full-size hybrid costs $6,000 more than the regular version but only gets 1-2 mpg better combined fuel economy. The result of all these high costs? Low sales. Through April, GM sold 82 of its hybrid SUVs and pickups, down from 541 a year earlier. And the LS hybrid sales were in single-digit territory for April. That isn't stopping Lexus from promoting its hybrids as the right solution (with the wrong facts), though. There are still automakers giving big hybrid vehicles a shot, though. Nissan's Infiniti division is selling a hybrid version of its QX60 and says an impressive 10 percent of QX60 buyers choose the hybrid, which costs just $3,000 more. Looks like money talks. Featured Gallery 2015 Cadillac Escalade: First Drive View 35 Photos News Source: USA TodayImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Brandon Turkus / AOL Green Infiniti Lexus Mercedes-Benz Hybrid lexus ls gmc yukon mercedes-benz s-class infiniti qx60 chevrolet tahoe

Infiniti Q60 Concept previews sexy styling, twin-turbo V6

Okay Infiniti, this was worth the waiting and teasing. Behold, the Q60 Concept, the coupe that foreshadows a future production two-door while also introducing a new family of 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines. It's fair to say we like it very much. Of course, this is not our first unfettered look at the Q60 Concept. Infiniti's final "teaser" image showed off the final product, but now we can analyze it from all angles, including the lovely, almost S-Class Coupe-like rear end and the clean, fashionable cabin. The Q60 Concept's design, particularly in the swoopy profile, comes across as organic and muscular, particularly in the shape of the front fenders and rear haunches. The car's dead front view reveals a few styling details that were overshadowed by the angle of the teaser image, like the interesting ridge that runs from the grille into the powerfully domed hood. A fixed glass roof gives the cabin an open-air feel, while the overall layout is largely reminiscent of the current Q50 sedan, only with cleaner, updated materials that we wouldn't bet on making production. Thin sport seats look supporting and feature quilted leather bolsters, while a two-tone steering wheel spices up the driving environment. Under the Q60 Concept's hood is the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that was first shown on the Q80 Inspiration Concept from the 2014 Paris Motor Show. According to Infiniti, the direct-injected six-pot will arrive in a production car within the next two years. In the Q60, a seven-speed automatic handles power delivery, although it's unclear if a similar gearbox would be used alongside the production engine. Other notable features on this sleek two-door include Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering system and the new InTuition system, which promises a "fully customizable digital environment." Of course, we'll have much, much more on the Q60 Concept tomorrow, when it makes it arrives on the floor of the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Scroll down for the full press release from Infiniti. January 11, 2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept: Fusing exhilaration and power - Infiniti's precursor to a high-performance sports coupe - Unique proposition of striking styling and high-output powertrain in a premium package - Previews new family of powerful and efficient engines Hong Kong/Detroit – Infiniti has set out to captivate the imagination and exhilaration of sports coupe fans with the stunning Q60 Concept.

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Infiniti rolled out the IPL version of its G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show more than a year ago. The Infiniti Performance Line treatment logically mirrors that of the IPL G Coupe, meaning it receives both cosmetic and mechanical tweaks designed to raise the pulse of driving enthusiasts. Aside from the overstated aerodynamic styling components and huge exhaust tips, the cabin features special leather upholstery, aluminum trim and IPL badging to distinguish it from lesser siblings. Under the hood, the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) has been recalibrated to deliver 343 horsepower - 18 more than the standard coupe - and 273 pound-feet of torque. The suspension has been upgraded with firmer spring and stabilizer bar rates, multi-piston sport brakes are fitted and 19-inch graphite-finish wheels wrapped with summer rubber are bolted on. There are only two exterior color choices (Moonlight White and Malbec Black) and two upholstery choices (Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red). Everything sounds marvelous until someone reveals its as-tested $62,415 window sticker.
DRIVING NOTES
The three-section steel roof raises and lowers in a leisurely manner - give it about 30 seconds each way. While it is marvel to watch, the operation seems clunky, not fluid. Buttoned up, with all four windows closed, the cabin is comfortable. Wind noise is minimal and the front buckets coddle passengers in all the right places. While tight, those of smaller stature will find the two rear seats tolerable for short journeys (my kids never complained). Outward visibility is also very good for a convertible - no impeding B-pillar.