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2019 Autoblog Technology of the Year finalists revealed

Every fall, we line up a range of new models with the latest and most compelling automotive technology from the past year. We test everything from semi-autonomous systems like Tesla's Autopilot to trick suspension setups like the Multimatic spool-valve shocks on the Chevy Colorado ZR2. We spend months paring down the list to a small group of contenders. After testing, dinner and healthy debate, we tally up the votes and name our winner. For Autoblog's 2019 Technology of the Year Award, our three finalists are the Cadillac CT6 with Super Cruise, the Infiniti QX50 with Variable Compression Turbo and the Mercedes-AMG E 53 with EQ Boost. Super Cruise is an advanced SAE Level 2 semi-autonomous system, though Cadillac (unlike some of its rivals) is reluctant to push that point. Cadillac would like you to think of this as an advanced driver assistance feature rather than a semi-autonomous system. Super Cruise allows completely hands-free highway driving. Thanks to a driver-facing camera, the system forces the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road even if hands are off the wheel. Although the CT6 is being discontinued, look for Super Cruise to make its way to other Cadillacs soon. VC Turbo is a little more complicated. Basically, Infiniti's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four can vary the compression ratio on the fly. In general, turbocharged engines are more efficient than naturally-aspirated engines when on boost, but can perform worse at low revs. VC Turbo allows for a best-of-both-worlds situation, increasing the compression at low revs and backing it off once the turbo spools up. The best part is that it does so seamlessly, with only a dash readout letting you know what's going on under the hood. Our third finalist is the EQ Boost 48-volt system in the Mercedes-AMG E 53. Like VC Turbo, EQ Boost does a lot just beneath the surface. Mercedes has developed a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and paired it with a small electric motor. While the car can't run on electricity alone, the motor helps improve both efficiency and performance, smoothing shifts and filling in low-end torque before the turbos spool up. Think torque fill, similar to a McLaren P1. Who can complain about better fuel economy and more torque? Look for the 48-volt system to make its way into most of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The winner will be revealed next week on Autoblog, and we'll present the award Jan. 15 at the Detroit Auto Show. Related Video:

2019 Infiniti QX60 and QX80 Limited, now with more chrome, Alcantara

Just ahead of the New York Auto Show, we get our first glimpse at new trims on the 2019 Infiniti QX60 and the refreshed 2019 Infiniti QX80. The Limited trim is the range topping spec for both crossovers and adds some new colors, trims and visual changes you won't find on lower-tier models. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the new models will be on sale this summer. The QX60 is Infiniti's best-selling model. The 2019 QX60 Limited has a new dark chrome finish on the grille, fog lights and door moldings. The roof rails, cross bars and rear bumper also get a darker finish. There are new 20-inch wheels that are exclusive to the Limited model. Inside, the QX60 Limited gets new trim with contrasting stitching, leather-wrapped grab handles, dark silver wood accents, quilted leather seats and door panels, and unique floor and cargo mats. Similar treatments can be found on the 2019 QX80. The Limited model gets 22-inch wheels, stainless-steel running boards, satin chrome trim and roof rails, and a unique design on the front and rear bumpers. There's also one exclusive paint color, Anthracite Gray. Inside, the QX80 Limited has a two-tone leather and Alcantara interior. It also gets some slick looking matte-silver wood trim. Other features include illuminated kick plates, puddle lights and special floor and cargo mats. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2022 Infiniti QX55 First Drive Review | A gorgeous value

Looking at the luxury crossover market, you can probably guess that there’s a clear demand for fastback variants. All the German automakers offer multiple coupe-like crossovers. The rest of the industry hasn't been so sure, including Infiniti, which didn't originally plan to offer a rakish version of its QX50. Yet here is the 2022 Infiniti QX55, and it's the direct result of customer demand. The people wanted it, so Infiniti brought it.   The company didnÂ’t just stop with the low, curvy roofline, though. The front fascia features a wavy, almost sculptural grille, a deeper chin spoiler and crisp black accents around the outboard grilles. The rear gets wider taillights with pronounced LED segments and a diffuser between the tailpipes. The license plate has been moved to the bumper, too, so that you get a big Infiniti badge and proud brand lettering across the hatch. On top of that, every QX55 gets big 20-inch wheels. These detail changes, plus the new roof make this not only a much more attractive-looking iteration of the QX50 but also arguably the best-looking crossover “coupe” in the segment. InfinitiÂ’s flowing design language naturally complements the QX55Â’s shape, and it looks almost like it was designed to be this way in the first place, whereas competitorÂ’s SUV coupes tend to look like afterthoughts. Mechanically, the QX55 is nearly identical to its boxier QX50 sibling. The only main distinctions are that the QX55 comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and the new body actually improved chassis rigidity by 10%. The engine is the same turbocharged, variable-compression 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the QX50 making the same 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is also identical at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. Power goes through a CVT, which again, is basically the same as the QX50Â’s. ItÂ’s not the smoothest engine in the segment, but itÂ’s a responsive and playful one, delivering great low-end torque. The CVT is smooth and reacts quickly to acceleration demands. It has a manual mode that works decently, too, but you never have full manual control. So you might as well let it do things automatically, which is no bad thing. As for the ride and handling, the QX55, even with its extra rigidity, feels just like the QX50. It has a soft, plush ride and an extremely quiet cabin befitting a luxury car. But when itÂ’s time to corner, itÂ’s deeply disappointing. ThereÂ’s lots of body roll and understeer.