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Infiniti Prototype 10 single-seat speedster unveiled at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Infiniti's new Prototype 10 takes inspiration from last year's Prototype 9 concept, but instead of minimal bodywork and open wheels, adopts the long and sinuous profile of classic speedsters of the past. And the concept's electric powertrain hints at the Japanese automaker's future. Infiniti says that all new production models from 2021 onward will have some sort of electrification, spread across pure battery-electric vehicles, parallel hybrids and e-POWER series hybrid powertrains. The overall shape of the Infiniti Prototype 10 recalls classic race cars like the 1950s-era Jaguar C- and D-Types. There's virtually zero wind protection for the single passenger, but there's a prominent headrest that incorporates a fin-shaped aero element. Air intakes are plentiful and festooned with close-set vertical bars that remind us of last year's Prototype 9 concept. There are lots of striking details in the Prototype 10's flowing bodywork. Slim, almost slit-like lights up front sit below the level of an Infiniti logo highlighted by negative space. In profile, a virtual line cuts across the vehicle front to rear. We look forward to seeing how some of these elements are incorporated into future production vehicles from Infiniti. View 17 Photos We don't have any details on what's actually powering the Prototype 10 as its sits, other than the fact that it's electric, of course. But we do know that the concept uses Infiniti's steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system. We can also see that the interior compartment is minimalist in design, clearly in an effort to keep the driver's focus firmly on the road ahead. Though much of the commentary surrounding the Prototype 10 will undoubtedly be about its radical bodywork, it may be the vehicle's chassis that is most relevant to Infiniti's production electric vehicle plans. The company describes the Prototype 10's chassis as rigid, modular and flexible with a flat floor and says such a platform would underpin its future electrified vehicles, including sedans, SUVs and sportscars. Stay tuned for more on the Infiniti Prototype 10 as we meander the remainder of Monterey Car Week here in California. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2019 Infiniti QX50 vs. compact luxury SUV rivals: How they compare

With apologies to the EX35, or whatever it was eventually renamed, Infiniti has been without a proper, competitive entry in the compact luxury SUV segment. You know, the segment that's growing faster in sales and entries than any other? To say the 2019 Infiniti QX50 is long awaited would therefore be an understatement. At first glance and drive, the new QX50 would indeed seem to be wildly more competitive than its predecessor, which come to think of it, was eventually called the QX50 as well. This one is based on an all-new front-wheel-drive platform, and although it lacks the inherent verve of the old, rear-drive- and 370Z-based one, the resulting increase in cabin space should be a welcome tradeoff. In fact, as you'll see below, the QX50 has gone from one of the smallest compact SUVs to the most spacious. How does it stack up in every other way? Say, against the segment's four best-selling entries last year: the 2018 Lexus NX 300, 2018 Acura RDX, 2018 Audi Q5 and 2018 BMW X3. On paper at least, really well as it turns out. Let's go to the spreadsheet! Discover and compare other luxury crossovers with our Car Finder and Compare tools. Comparing engines, drivetrains and transmissions With the exception of the Acura, all of the contenders come with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. As you can see, the Infiniti is the heavyweight amongst the four-bangers, boasting the most horsepower and torque. The Acura V6 nips it by 11 hp, but the QX50 is still the overall torque champ. Plus, as we documented in the QX50 first drive, the Infiniti's new VC-Turbo engine is also the most technologically advanced. The Lexus is the wimp of the group and is also the second-heaviest, which isn't exactly the ideal scenario. The Infiniti is the only one in the group to feature a continuously variable transmission. That's not going to generate much applause around here. The BMW tops the gear count with eight, while the Audi is the only entry with a dual-clutch automated manual. The Acura and Lexus have only six gears, but they're good transmissions and it's not like their fuel economy is off the pace. The Audi and BMW come standard with all-wheel drive, while the others offer a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Comparing cargo and interior space The new front-wheel-drive platform is paying dividends inside for the 2019 QX50, as it now boasts the most maximum cargo space at 65.1 cubic feet.

Infiniti boss ices plan for EV

Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen has postponed plans for an electric vehicle in order to focus on high-volume models. Automotive News reports de Nysschen is attempting to be realistic about Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's goal of nearly tripling Infiniti global sales from 170,000 units last year to 500,000 by March 31, 2017, saying, "500,000 cars by 2017 is an inordinately ambitious challenge." An electric vehicle would likely sell in rather small numbers.
Still, the executive is already making moves to improve Infiniti sales worldwide with new production in both China and England. Meanwhile, the company plans to unveil a new volume compact sedan set to bow in 2015. Meanwhile, de Nysschen is also working on two new models above the company's current M line. Those will borrow styling cues from machines like the Essence Concept, but will be far less exotic, tilting more toward high-performance luxury than true sports car.