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Infiniti replaces Americas chief

The Nissan-Renault alliance has been something of a revolving door for high-level executives of late, and the latest shakeup comes at its luxury unit, Infiniti, where Michael Bartsch (shown above) has been replaced as vice president of its Americas division by Randy Parker. Bartsch had a short tenure – he only took the helm in September 2013. In a press release, Infiniti said he was leaving to "pursue other interests." Bartsch, a veteran of more than 30 years in the auto industry, came to Infiniti from Porsche. Parker comes from within the Nissan empire, formerly heading up the company's sprawling west region, including its marketing, distribution and dealer network. Before that, he served stints at GMAC and General Motors. Bartsch isn't alone in leaving Renault-Nissan recently. Ex-Renault COO Carlos Tavares took the top spot at Peugeot, Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen left for Cadillac and Nissan executive vice president Andy Palmer took over at Aston Martin. Scroll down for the full press release from Infiniti. Feb. 17, 2015 Infiniti Motor Company announces leadership change at Infiniti Americas NASHVILLE - Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd. today announced a leadership change at Infiniti Americas aimed at growing the brand's presence in the U.S. Randy Parker is appointed Vice President, Infiniti Americas, effective immediately. He succeeds Michael Bartsch who will leave the company to pursue other interests. Most recently, Parker, 48, was Vice President, Nissan West Region, Nissan North America, Inc. "Randy has been a key contributor to the growth of Nissan in the United States," said Jose Munoz, chairman, Management Committee, Nissan North America and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "He has overseen strong growth for the Nissan brand in our western region, and we look forward to the skills that he will bring to Infiniti." "It is our pleasure to welcome Randy Parker to Infiniti," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Co., Ltd. "Randy will be responsible for accelerating Infiniti's progress in our largest worldwide market and driving our brand transformation as we execute an expanded product portfolio of premium luxury products." Most recently, Parker was responsible for regional marketing, distribution, dealer network development and financial controls for Nissan's largest U.S. regional operation.

2017 Infiniti Q60 Coupe debuts with 400-hp V6

Infiniti killed it with the G35 Coupe in 2002, its second act being the G37 in 2008. The third act has officially begun, the 2017 Q60 Coupe launches today at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. It hasn't strayed far from the concept shown a year ago, the major tweaks being government-approved headlights and side mirrors. Without discussing numbers, Infiniti says the new car is lower and wider than the current Q60, with a lower center of gravity, and it is more powerful and efficient. Much has gone on with the rolling stock, too: tighter wheel gaps, staggered tires on some models, wheels designed to absorb road vibration, and optional 20-inch alloys available for the first time. In the US, there are two engine choices with three levels of output. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 comes with either 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, or 300 hp and 295 lb-ft. In the US that will mean a boost of 70 hp and 80 lb-ft over the 3.7-liter V6 in the current car, and Infiniti estimates a combined fuel economy rating of 22 mpg. The 300-hp unit has a provisional rating of 23 mpg, the increased efficiency down to bodywork shaping and an active shutter behind the grille. A direct-injected, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo is the second engine, getting 208 hp and 258 lb-ft and an estimated 24 mpg in the US. All engines will shift through an adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission. G'bye, manual gearbox. A Drive Mode Selector can dial through six settings, the Customize option throwing up three more individual choices to get the most from the updated internals. The V6 models can be optioned with Infiniti's second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering and brand-new Rack Electronic Power Steering that claims to provide more linear assistance. The four-cylinder comes with a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion setup. Revisions to the base suspension include relocated shock absorbers among a new link layout, and modified shock tuning and bushings. Above that there's a brand new Digital Dynamic Suspension that will come standard on the Sport trim, now with adaptive dampers. Both units should have improved performance thanks to stiffer crossmembers. Finally, the cockpit gets dressed in one of three trims depending on the model, with aluminum or black wood at the entry-level end, carbon fiber at the other end, and silver glass fiber for buyers who choose the white or red leather.

Infiniti Q50 sedan recalled over steering software glitch

The Basics: Infiniti will recall around 60,000 Q50 sedans globally due to a glitch in the software that controls the cars' direct adaptive steering system. It's this hardware and software that allows the Q50 to steer itself autonomously under certain conditions. A total of 28,182 Q50 sedans will be recalled in the US, with another 3,804 in Canada. We're not certain yet which model years will be recalled, but the direct adaptive steering debuted in 2014. The Problem: According to Infiniti spokesperson Stefan Weinmann, "in certain rare circumstances, just after starting the vehicle" a software glitch "can lead to a lack of steering responsiveness and change in turning radius." Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Infiniti hasn't yet announced how it will fix the issue, but a software update seems likely. That means a trip to the dealership. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer later this month or next. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Infiniti Q50S 3.0t Recalls Infiniti Safety Technology Autonomous Vehicles Sedan infiniti q50