Infiniti shows off the new Q50 engine lineup in Chicago
Thu, Feb 11 2016
The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four based on a Mercedes design and built at the new joint-venture engine plant in Tennessee. The engine produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and will be available in the Q50 2.0t in either rear- or all-wheel drive. If those specs strike you as familiar, they're the same that you'd find in the Mercedes CLA250 and GLA250, both of which similarly make their 4Matic traction optional, but come standard in front- (not rear-) drive form.
Above the four-pot sits a new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that replaces the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter unit and will be available in two states of tune. The 3.0t model offers 300 hp and 295 lb-ft, but the performance model – dubbed Q50 Red Sport 400 – cranks it up to 400 hp and 350 lb-ft. Both versions come mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel drive.
The fourth powertrain options carries over in the form of the Q50 Hybrid, which still pairs a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 to a 50-kW electric motor for a combined output of 360 hp. So if you like your sports sedan to come with some manner of assist, the Q50 offers plenty of choices. But if you're in the atmospheric camp, we're afraid you'll have to look elsewhere.
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Infiniti Presents Three New Q50 Sports Sedan Engines for the First Time at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show
- Q50 Red Sport 400 offers new 400-horsepower VR-series 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine
- Advanced 300-horsepower VR V6 twin-turbo version shown for the first time in Chicago
- Pair of new V6 twin turbo engines joined by new 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 rated at 208 horsepower
CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2016) – Infiniti today revealed the full lineup of new advanced engines for its Infiniti Q50 sports sedan at the 2016 Chicago Auto, including two 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engines and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The trifecta of new powerplants will be available beginning this spring.
Joining the three new engine-equipped Q50 models – designated the Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t and Q50 Red Sport 400 – on display at the country's oldest and best-attended auto show are the redesigned 2016 QX60 crossover and the all-new QX30 premium active crossover. It is the first time all of these new models have appeared together.
"We are completely transforming the Infiniti model lineup this year with all-new models like the QX30 and Q60 sports coupe, major makeovers such as the QX60, and cutting-edge powerplants like the Q50's three all-new turbocharged engines," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Randy Parker. "We can't think of a better venue to showcase our full-scale product renaissance than the Chicago Auto Show, which attracts more than one million visitors annually."
Public days for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, held at McCormick Place, run from Saturday, February 13th through Sunday, February 21st.
The new compact, lightweight 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is the most advanced V6 engine that Infiniti has ever offered, striking an ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance. The new VR-series engine family replaces the award-winning Infiniti 3.7-liter VQ-series V6, which has been the industry standard for many years. The new VR V6 will be first available in the Q50 Red Sport 400 beginning in early spring, followed by the 300-horsepower Q50 3.0t in late spring.
The 400-horsepower Q50 Red Sport offers the highest standard, non-specialty horsepower in class, along with 350 lb-ft of torque. Key engine features include a compact, lightweight aluminum-alloy engine block and cylinder heads, Gasoline Direct Injection (DIG™) system, optimized turbine blade design, turbine speed sensor, electronic wastegate actuator, water-cooled engine charging, e-motor valve timing control and an integrated exhaust manifold.
The 400-horsepower version also uses a higher capacity air-to-water intercooler system with dual water pumps for more effective management of heat when operating at higher loads. In addition, for the 400-horsepower variant, an optical turbo speed sensor gives a 30 percent power boost to the turbo system by allowing the blades to spin faster.
Other performance-intensifying enhancements to the 2016 Q50 Red Sport 400 include an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension, new, rack-mounted electronic power steering or an updated version of Infiniti's available, industry leading Direct Adaptive Steering™, brushed finished exhaust tips and unique, staggered 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Q50 3.0t's 300-horsepower V6 shares the same advanced technology as the higher output design, but uses a single water pump and no turbo speed sensor. Both engines utilize a water-cooled intercooler system to further improve performance and efficiency by reducing the size of the pressurized intake track, thereby improving response. The system rapidly cools air as it enters the twin-turbo system, reducing turbo lag and allowing for more immediate acceleration. In addition, a new electric motor is fitted to the intake valve timing system, increasing the speed of the throttle for enhanced response times.
The VR-series 3.0-liter V6 engine will be built in Japan, and both 400-horsepower and 300-horsepower versions will be matched with a 7-speed automatic and available with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The third new Q50 powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Offered in conjunction with Daimler and assembled at Infiniti's engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee, this engine is available in the Q50 2.0t model in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and goes on sale later this winter. It will be joined by a fourth Q50 powertrain choice, the Q50 Hybrid with Infiniti's proven 3.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with a net 360 horsepower.
Along with the new Q50, other new Infiniti models expected to draw consumer interest at the Chicago Auto include the redesigned QX60 luxury crossover. The redesigned exterior features a new Infiniti-signature front fascia and rear tailgate and taillights, along with new wheel designs. Inside, the interior has been updated with new trim materials, seat quilting and more.
The 2016 QX60 also adds to its already strong suite of advanced safety technology with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection – a first for Infiniti and the brand's exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system. The new 2016 QX60 arrives in Infiniti showrooms later this month in both 3.5 and limited availability Hybrid models.
Also on display is the all-new 2017 Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover. The QX30 line is offered in three unique versions – QX30, QX30S and QX30 AWD – in the U.S. and Canada. The QX30 is powered by a 208-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2016.
- Q50 Red Sport 400 offers new 400-horsepower VR-series 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine
- Advanced 300-horsepower VR V6 twin-turbo version shown for the first time in Chicago
- Pair of new V6 twin turbo engines joined by new 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 rated at 208 horsepower
CHICAGO (Feb. 11, 2016) – Infiniti today revealed the full lineup of new advanced engines for its Infiniti Q50 sports sedan at the 2016 Chicago Auto, including two 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engines and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The trifecta of new powerplants will be available beginning this spring.
Joining the three new engine-equipped Q50 models – designated the Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t and Q50 Red Sport 400 – on display at the country's oldest and best-attended auto show are the redesigned 2016 QX60 crossover and the all-new QX30 premium active crossover. It is the first time all of these new models have appeared together.
"We are completely transforming the Infiniti model lineup this year with all-new models like the QX30 and Q60 sports coupe, major makeovers such as the QX60, and cutting-edge powerplants like the Q50's three all-new turbocharged engines," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Randy Parker. "We can't think of a better venue to showcase our full-scale product renaissance than the Chicago Auto Show, which attracts more than one million visitors annually."
Public days for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, held at McCormick Place, run from Saturday, February 13th through Sunday, February 21st.
The new compact, lightweight 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is the most advanced V6 engine that Infiniti has ever offered, striking an ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance. The new VR-series engine family replaces the award-winning Infiniti 3.7-liter VQ-series V6, which has been the industry standard for many years. The new VR V6 will be first available in the Q50 Red Sport 400 beginning in early spring, followed by the 300-horsepower Q50 3.0t in late spring.
The 400-horsepower Q50 Red Sport offers the highest standard, non-specialty horsepower in class, along with 350 lb-ft of torque. Key engine features include a compact, lightweight aluminum-alloy engine block and cylinder heads, Gasoline Direct Injection (DIG™) system, optimized turbine blade design, turbine speed sensor, electronic wastegate actuator, water-cooled engine charging, e-motor valve timing control and an integrated exhaust manifold.
The 400-horsepower version also uses a higher capacity air-to-water intercooler system with dual water pumps for more effective management of heat when operating at higher loads. In addition, for the 400-horsepower variant, an optical turbo speed sensor gives a 30 percent power boost to the turbo system by allowing the blades to spin faster.
Other performance-intensifying enhancements to the 2016 Q50 Red Sport 400 include an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension, new, rack-mounted electronic power steering or an updated version of Infiniti's available, industry leading Direct Adaptive Steering™, brushed finished exhaust tips and unique, staggered 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Q50 3.0t's 300-horsepower V6 shares the same advanced technology as the higher output design, but uses a single water pump and no turbo speed sensor. Both engines utilize a water-cooled intercooler system to further improve performance and efficiency by reducing the size of the pressurized intake track, thereby improving response. The system rapidly cools air as it enters the twin-turbo system, reducing turbo lag and allowing for more immediate acceleration. In addition, a new electric motor is fitted to the intake valve timing system, increasing the speed of the throttle for enhanced response times.
The VR-series 3.0-liter V6 engine will be built in Japan, and both 400-horsepower and 300-horsepower versions will be matched with a 7-speed automatic and available with rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.
The third new Q50 powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbo inline 4-cylinder, producing 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Offered in conjunction with Daimler and assembled at Infiniti's engine plant in Decherd, Tennessee, this engine is available in the Q50 2.0t model in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and goes on sale later this winter. It will be joined by a fourth Q50 powertrain choice, the Q50 Hybrid with Infiniti's proven 3.5-liter gasoline-electric hybrid system with a net 360 horsepower.
Along with the new Q50, other new Infiniti models expected to draw consumer interest at the Chicago Auto include the redesigned QX60 luxury crossover. The redesigned exterior features a new Infiniti-signature front fascia and rear tailgate and taillights, along with new wheel designs. Inside, the interior has been updated with new trim materials, seat quilting and more.
The 2016 QX60 also adds to its already strong suite of advanced safety technology with Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) with pedestrian detection – a first for Infiniti and the brand's exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system. The new 2016 QX60 arrives in Infiniti showrooms later this month in both 3.5 and limited availability Hybrid models.
Also on display is the all-new 2017 Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover. The QX30 line is offered in three unique versions – QX30, QX30S and QX30 AWD – in the U.S. and Canada. The QX30 is powered by a 208-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2016.
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By Noah Joseph
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