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Infiniti Q60 to pack upwards of 400 horsepower

Infiniti turned heads when it unveiled the Q60 Concept at the Detroit Auto Show last month. While the concept coupe was revealed with a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, the Japanese luxury automaker didn't indicate how much power it would produce. But now we may have our first indication. Speaking with an unidentified source at Infiniti during the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, AutoGuide reports that the production Q60 will arrive late in 2016 and pack at least 400 horsepower. A higher-output version of the same engine, however, could produce as much as 450 hp. That would still be significantly less than the Q50 Eau Rouge, which packed the larger 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan GT-R with 560 hp. It would put it right on pace with the likes of the BMW M4 (with 425 hp) and perhaps more importantly, the Lexus RC F (with 450 hp). Related Video:

The Infiniti Q30 is dead! Long live the Infiniti QX30!

Remember that Infiniti Q30 hatchback we drove last month? It's not coming to the US. But it also is coming to the US. Let us explain. Because of our crossover-obsessed culture, it's easier for automakers to brand new offerings as CUVs rather than hatchbacks. Take one five-door, front-wheel-drive car, add a teensy bit of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, and boom, success! So because the Q30 and ever-so-slightly higher-riding QX30 are so darn similar, Infiniti made the decision to just sell them both under the QX30 name. This might seem stupid to most, but to Infiniti – and the crossover-buying masses – this is actually a pretty logical move. The QX30 arrives in mid-2016. On the base end there's the standard QX30, then there's the lower-riding QX30S, and finally, the higher-than-standard-riding QX30 AWD. They all come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. They're also practically identical to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLA-Class, except for the swoopy sheetmetal. But even Mercedes sells its cars as two separate model lines. If you're not confused enough yet, feel free to read more in the press release below. Related Video: Infiniti announces QX30 line-up in the AmericasInfiniti QX30 Premium Crossover set to go on sale in mid-2016 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti today announced the line-up of its all-new QX30 premium active crossover for the United States and Canada. While sharing basic exterior and interior designs, the QX30 line will be offered in three unique versions, each with its own front and rear fascia, wheel design and interior themes: QX30: The crossover's highly sculpted exterior, unique stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti's design-led approach to product development. This version is sold in Europe and other regions outside of the Americas under the Q30 name. In the Americas, this model will be front-wheel drive. QX30S: With a lower stance, aggressive front and rear fascia, cross-drilled front brake rotors, 19-inch wheels and performance tires, the QX30S is the sports version of Infiniti's new premium compact line. It was shown at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show and is sold in other markets as the Q30S. QX30 AWD: With an intelligent all-wheel drive system, slightly higher ride height and off-road inspired front and rear valence panels, the vehicle is able to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions.

Red Bull to run TAG Heuer-branded engines next season

After a drawn-out and very public effort to switch to a different engine supplier, Red Bull Racing will once again be running under Renault power next season. Only it won't be labeled as a Renault. Instead, it will be branded by TAG Heuer. Now if you're thinking that TAG Heuer was in the McLaren camp, you were right up until today's announcement. One of McLaren's oldest partners, the watchmaker jumped ship to join up with Red Bull instead, ostensibly replacing Casio as the team's official timekeeper. Now here's where it gets a little tricky: Mansour Ojjeh and his Techniques d'Avant Garde holding company remain a major stakeholder in McLaren. The firm owned Tag Heuer from 1985 to 1999; now its former watch brand is leaving for Red Bull. This isn't the first time that the TAG name has transferred from one F1 team to another, nor is it the first time we'll see its name replace that of a major automaker on an F1 engine. Techniques d'Avant Garde previously partnered with Williams before Ron Dennis took over in Woking and convinced Ojjeh to come on board. That partnership saw TAG work with Porsche on a successful F1 engine program that won three drivers' championships (with Niki Lauda and Alain Prost), two constructors' titles, and 25 grands prix. While unusual, the deal is hardly unprecedented. Aside from the McLaren-TAG-Porsche arrangement, Sauber once ran Ferrari engines under the brand of its sponsor Petronas (which has long since switched to Mercedes). For another example, the 1998 world championship saw Benetton running Renault engines under the Playlife name, while Williams rebranded its version as Mecachrome, as the French automaker shifted its priorities in F1 much as it is right now. The announcement still leaves a few questions unanswered, however. For one, will Red Bull continue running TAG Heuer-branded engines made by Renault (or another supplier) after 2016? And what does this spell for Infiniti, Renault's sister-brand that has sponsored the team for the past several years? Infiniti declined to comment, but we're told there'll be some sort of announcement early next week. Red Bull Racing to drive forward with TAG Heuer power unit in 2016 From the milliseconds that separate victory from defeat to the finely balanced and perfectly measured rhythm of a racing engine, in motorsport timing is everything.