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Infiniti QX30 Concept is... a mountain lion that stings?

According to Alfonso Albaisa, Executive Design Director at Infiniti, "The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular." He added, "With its higher stance and edgier design to match its tough capabilities, you can almost visualize how the QX30 Concept floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee." We're not quite sure that it looks like a mountain lion or whether it buzzes and stings, but it's definitely more aggressive than the Q30 Concept that it shares a good deal of underlying structure with, and that seems appropriate. We also think it stands apart as different than the cars it will compete against, like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus NX and Buick Encore, which is a good thing, considering that those models have a solid head-start in the burgeoning premium compact crossover segment in which the QX30 will play. Power in this conceptual crossover comes from a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, and a seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, but Infiniti is quick to say that the QX30 will boast "a wide range of powertrains," so perhaps a hybrid or diesel could join the fray in some markets. We'll have to wait and see, but Infiniti says the QX30 is "earmarked for production" in 2016. Feel free to read more in the press release below, but not before scrolling through our high-res gallery of live images from Geneva, above. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Stylish and Capable: Infiniti QX30 Concept debuts in Geneva – Infiniti's precursor to a premium compact crossover – Sharp design, rugged looks and command sitting make QX30 Concept the ideal urban explorer – Hints at a full range of powertrains to suit every need Hong Kong/Geneva – Infiniti has revealed the stylish and highly capable QX30 Concept, the design vision that will inspire a new premium compact crossover. Making its debut at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, the QX30 Concept cements Infiniti's ambitions to expand into the global premium compact segment, which is forecast for significant growth with the entry of younger affluent customers. Combining the sleek lines of the coupe with the command sitting and all-wheel drive of a crossover, the QX30 Concept is just as adept at navigating high street as it is exploring weekend getaways.

Infiniti Q70 won't live to see 2020

The Infiniti Q70 won’t be returning for the 2020 model year, effectively killing InfinitiÂ’s large luxury sedan. This news comes to us via a report from Motor Authority, citing “the automaker” and Infiniti spokesperson Kyle Bazemore. WeÂ’ve reached out to Infiniti to confirm the news, but it doesnÂ’t strike us as a surprising move whatsoever. Update: Infiniti confirmed the Q70 won't be sold in the U.S. or Canada for the 2020 model year. Back in July of this year, Nissan made it clear that we should expect 10 percent of its models to be cut from its global product lineup. We speculated then that the Q70 and Q70L would be part of these cuts, as itÂ’s the manufacturerÂ’s worst-selling model. To no oneÂ’s surprise, that eventuality came true. Infiniti moved 4,479 Q70s and Q70Ls in 2018, making it a super low-volume vehicle in a tough segment. Back in the mid-2000s, Infiniti topped 20,000 sales of its largest luxury sedan (not named the Q70 at the time). Cars like the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 are all more enticing buys next to the aged Q70 — a slightly cheaper base price was the last stand for this vehicle, but it looks like a good deal wasnÂ’t enough to save it from our crossover apocalypse. Infiniti SUV sales are up, as the QX80 continues to gain more ground in 2019. More folks are opting for the raised and rugged options than smooth and comfortable sedans across the industry, which is why we continue to see news like this. Unfortunately, the Q70 isnÂ’t riding off into the sunset in any sort of glory. We can trace the Q70Â’s lineage back through a few name changes (Q45 into a series of M cars like the M45 and M56). Its oldest ancestor would be the Infiniti Q45, which was a revolutionary car back in the early 1990s. It featured an active hydraulic suspension system that aimed to provide a supremely comfortable ride and flat cornering at the same time. When equipped with the suspension system, hydraulic actuators on each wheel were able to counter the forces exerted on it from cornering, braking and acceleration. And remember, this was 1991!  Transitioning back to today, Nissan and Infiniti have made it clear that EVs will be the future. We know that weÂ’d love to see another industry-changing flagship sedan from Infiniti, and a fully electric vehicle might just be the way to go about it. Anybody wanting for a production version of the Q Inspiration Concept?

Formula 1 seeking independent engine supplier

Formula 1 could get a new engine supplier in the near future, if Bernie Ecclestone and the independent teams gets their way. According to Autosport, the FIA is soon to open the contract up for bids, and there are already several manufacturers that have expressed interest. Currently Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault, and Honda supply engines – both to their own premier teams (Red Bull and McLaren for the latter two) but also to other teams like Williams, Sauber, and Toro Rosso. Because the new turbocharged V6 hybrid power units cost those four suppliers so much to develop, they're charging their customer teams big bucks – around $20-30 million per season – to provide the engines. These costs are much higher than the $10 million or so it used to cost to purchase a V8 engine under the previous regulations. Ecclestone figures it's time to bring in another supplier who will not run their own team and not play favorites, but will supply engines to private teams at a lower cost. There are already a number of potential suppliers under consideration. One of them is said to be Cosworth, which has a long history in the series stretching back to 1963. The British firm stepped back between 2007 and 2009, returned in 2010, and dropped out again after 2013. The development could be of particular benefit to Red Bull, which has been unable to find an engine supplier and could be forced out of the series as a result. The team has long been powered by Renault, but that relationship has grown sour. And the other three engine manufacturers have not been forthcoming in offering an alternative arrangement for the team. Related Video: News Source: AutosportImage Credit: Cosworth Motorsports Ferrari Honda Infiniti McLaren Mercedes-Benz Renault F1 engine contract