Infiniti QX70 drops V8 for 2015, holds line on pricing

Fri, 23 May 2014

QX70 was the only application for the 5.0L, making it a tough sell in the boardroom.

It was always easy to chuckle a bit at Infiniti's branding of its FX crossover as a "bionic cheetah" – until you drove the thing. It was something of a revelation when it came on the market in late 2002 – certainly visually, but also in terms of performance, particularly in V8 guise. The Porsche Cayenne burst on the scene at the same time, and between the two of them, they vividly illustrated that the idea of a performance utility vehicle wasn't the oxymoron it first appeared to be.

Now in its second generation and recently rebranded QX70, Infiniti's Acinonyx Venator is back for 2015, but it's losing some teeth – last year's 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 will no longer be available, leaving the 325-hp, 3.7-liter V6 to soldier on as the model's sole powerplant.

But don't despair, sports (utility) fans, the 2015 QX70 still promises to be an entertaining drive. Kyle Bazemore, Infiniti's senior manager of communications, tells Autoblog, "We've taken the equipment that was only available on the V8 and made it available on the V6 for the first time." Those features come as part of an option pack that includes 21-inch dark-finish alloys with matching exterior highlights, paddle shifters, heated and cooled front sport seats and adaptive lighting.

So why no more eight-cylinder models? Bazemore says that "The vast majority [of sales] were V6s. The V8 was a low percentage, so we decided to focus on the V6." The shift to the 3.7-liter should also help Infiniti somewhat with its Corporate Average Fuel Economy goals, as it achieves up to 17 miles per gallon city and 24 highway, versus last year's all-wheel-drive only V8 model and its 14/20 ratings. And as Bazemore reminded us, the QX70 was the only application for the 5.0L, making it an even tougher sell in the boardroom. We've always had a soft spot for this particular Infiniti V8 and its burly soundtrack, but the automaker's logic is hard to fault.

In any case, pricing for the rear-drive 2015 Q70 starts at $46,845, and the AWD model starts at $48,295 (both prices include $995 delivery), just as they did for model year 2014.

Infiniti announces U.S. pricing for 2015 QX70 luxury SUV and 2015 QX50 luxury crossover

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti today announced U.S. pricing for the 2015 Infiniti QX70 and QX50, which are on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The 2015 Infiniti QX70 is offered in 3.7-liter V6-equipped rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, and with a new sportier exterior and interior look added as part of a new Sport Package.

The 2015 Infiniti QX50 adds Bluetooth Hands-free Phone as a standard feature on the base models. It continues most of the $2,500 price reduction from the 2014 model year (base models increase $150), keeping the Infiniti QX50 as one of the best values in the segment.

2015 Infiniti QX70

The Infiniti QX70, Infiniti's iconic performance crossover, continues to embody all things Infiniti – premium design, craftsmanship, performance and innovative technology. For 2015, the QX70 is offered in two models – QX70 3.7 and QX70 3.7 AWD.

Also available are four special equipment packages: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Technology Package and a new Sport Package, which offers unique dark finish exterior accents, 21-inch dark finish aluminum-alloy wheels, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and climate-controlled front sport seats.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the 2015 Infiniti QX70 are:
Model
Engine/Drive
MSRP
QX70
3.7-liter V6 / RWD
$45,850 USD
QX70 AWD
3.7-liter V6 / AWD

$47,300 USD
Destination and Handling $995 USD

2015 Infiniti QX50

The 2015 Infiniti QX50 combines a sleek, sculpted, elegant exterior design, exhilarating driving performance and an engaging interior environment. It is offered in four models: QX50, QX50 AWD, QX50 Journey and QX50 AWD Journey, each offering a 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic transmission. QX50 AWD models feature Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and heated front seats.
Three special equipment packages are also offered: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package and Technology Package.
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the 2015 Infiniti QX50 are:
Model
Engine/Drive
MSRP
QX50
3.7-liter V6 / RWD
$35,000 USD
QX50 AWD
3.7-liter V6 / AWD
$36,400 USD
QX50 Journey
3.7-liter V6 / RWD
$37,200 USD
QX50 AWD Journey
3.7-liter V6 / AWD
$38,600 USD
Destination and Handling $995 USD

For full information on the 2015 Infiniti QX70 and QX50, please go to InfinitiNews.com.

About Infiniti Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio. As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti's Director of Performance.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti, visitInfinitiNews.com, "like" Infiniti on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @InfinitiUSA. For interesting content on Infiniti in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGP.

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By Chris Paukert