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Infiniti spruces up Q70L Bespoke Edition for Shanghai [w/video]

"Luxury" is a relative term. Take the Infiniti Q70, for instance, which most of us would find plenty luxurious. But some buyers – in China especially – wanted more, so Infiniti stretched it out into the Q70L. And now it's revealed the even more luxurious Q70L Bespoke Edition. Revealed for the first time at the Shanghai Motor Show down the coast from the company's global headquarters in Hong Kong, the Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition is designed to "fill the gap between the current interiors in production cars and luscious interiors of Infiniti's concept cars." That's been materialized through a quilted white leather cabin space with four individual seats hewn "by meticulous craftsmanship and three-dimensional textures." It all looks pretty swank to us, but not the kind of space you'd want to put your kids in with their juice boxes, crayons and dirty soccer uniforms. Check it out in the video clip, high-res images and press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Apr. 19, 2015 Infiniti unveils Q70L Bespoke Edition at Auto Shanghai; joins Q60 Concept and Q80 Inspiration in show debut - Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition revealed with concept-car inspired interior - Q80 Inspiration and Q60 Concept vehicles also make China premieres - Infiniti design, plus Global and China growth, highlighted Hong Kong/Shanghai – Infiniti today took the covers off its Infiniti Q70L Bespoke Edition at Auto Shanghai 2015, showcasing its concept car-inspired interior for the first time in front of the predominantly Chinese crowd. The special version of the production Q70L, with a 5.9-inch (150 mm) longer wheelbase, features four luxurious seats wrapped in rich white quilted leather. This exploration is meant to fill the gap between the current interiors in production cars and luscious interiors of Infiniti's concept cars. Shaped by meticulous craftsmanship and three-dimensional textures, the cabin of the Q70L Bespoke Edition has been transformed into a cossetting space, hinting at how the artistry of Infiniti's concept cars can become reality. The production model of the Infiniti Q70, and two more Infiniti concepts – the Q80 Inspiration and Q60 Concept – were also making Auto Shanghai debuts.

2014 Infiniti Q50's novel drive-by-wire steering system recalled

The gradual replacement of mechanical components in automobiles with electronic systems brings with it definite advantages, but also poses certain potential dangers. Just think of the inevitable problems you've encountered with the computer on which you're reading these words and you'll know what we mean. But a computer crashing isn't as problematic as your car going on the fritz when its electronic systems fail.
That's what Infiniti is being reminded of with its new drive-by-wire electronic steering system. The Japanese automaker developed and installed the Direct Adaptive Steering System in its new Q50 sedan, but a small number of those cars on the road are now being recalled due to that system.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on a small number of examples, the Q50's optional by-wire system may fail if the temperature in the engine compartment drops below freezing. There's a backup mechanical setup in place should the electronic system fail, but NHTSA says that the backup system may also fail to engage in time to avoid a crash.

10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.