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US buyers show little interest in big hybrids

The idea of producing large, luxury-vehicle hybrids is turning into a "what were they thinking?" exercise in futility, USA Today reports. General Motors is discontinuing hybrid versions of the Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs, while Mercedes-Benz and Toyota's Lexus division are doing the same with their S-Class hybrid and LS hybrid sedans, respectively. The culprit? Big price increases for fuel economy improvements that border on the unimpressive. Granted, the Escalade hybrid gets 31 percent better fuel economy than the standard version, but that still maps out to a combined fuel-efficiency rating of just 21 miles per gallon. That can be seen as a worthwhile increase, if it didn't cost over $8,000 extra. The 2014 Escalade Hybrid, for example, starts at $74,425 while the non-hybrid can be had for $66,295. Meanwhile, the Lexus full-size hybrid costs $6,000 more than the regular version but only gets 1-2 mpg better combined fuel economy. The result of all these high costs? Low sales. Through April, GM sold 82 of its hybrid SUVs and pickups, down from 541 a year earlier. And the LS hybrid sales were in single-digit territory for April. That isn't stopping Lexus from promoting its hybrids as the right solution (with the wrong facts), though. There are still automakers giving big hybrid vehicles a shot, though. Nissan's Infiniti division is selling a hybrid version of its QX60 and says an impressive 10 percent of QX60 buyers choose the hybrid, which costs just $3,000 more. Looks like money talks. Featured Gallery 2015 Cadillac Escalade: First Drive View 35 Photos News Source: USA TodayImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Brandon Turkus / AOL Green Infiniti Lexus Mercedes-Benz Hybrid lexus ls gmc yukon mercedes-benz s-class infiniti qx60 chevrolet tahoe

Infiniti previews its own Vision Gran Turismo

Every automaker and its parent company is lining up to design its own set of wheels for the GT6 as part of the Vision Gran Turismo program, and this latest one comes from Infiniti. Although nothing in the way of details were disclosed at this point, the two teaser images released today show that, like most of its compatriots, Infiniti's design is for a low-slung, track-focused, two-door sports car. Its long bonnet suggests a front-engined layout, with an intriguingly ovoid windshield framed by raised buttress A-pillars and Infiniti's signature dog-leg rear pillars. The aerodynamic profiling looks suitably advanced for a mythical beast like this one, with deep extractor vents cut into the hood, intersecting side sills running from the front brake vents, an enormous rear diffuser and an even bigger rear wing. More than that we couldn't tell you at this point, but we're sure video racers will enjoy driving this super-Datsun as much as the Nissan Concept 2020 Vision Gran Turismo released back in June.

Infiniti Q60 Concept previews sexy styling, twin-turbo V6

Okay Infiniti, this was worth the waiting and teasing. Behold, the Q60 Concept, the coupe that foreshadows a future production two-door while also introducing a new family of 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engines. It's fair to say we like it very much. Of course, this is not our first unfettered look at the Q60 Concept. Infiniti's final "teaser" image showed off the final product, but now we can analyze it from all angles, including the lovely, almost S-Class Coupe-like rear end and the clean, fashionable cabin. The Q60 Concept's design, particularly in the swoopy profile, comes across as organic and muscular, particularly in the shape of the front fenders and rear haunches. The car's dead front view reveals a few styling details that were overshadowed by the angle of the teaser image, like the interesting ridge that runs from the grille into the powerfully domed hood. A fixed glass roof gives the cabin an open-air feel, while the overall layout is largely reminiscent of the current Q50 sedan, only with cleaner, updated materials that we wouldn't bet on making production. Thin sport seats look supporting and feature quilted leather bolsters, while a two-tone steering wheel spices up the driving environment. Under the Q60 Concept's hood is the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that was first shown on the Q80 Inspiration Concept from the 2014 Paris Motor Show. According to Infiniti, the direct-injected six-pot will arrive in a production car within the next two years. In the Q60, a seven-speed automatic handles power delivery, although it's unclear if a similar gearbox would be used alongside the production engine. Other notable features on this sleek two-door include Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering system and the new InTuition system, which promises a "fully customizable digital environment." Of course, we'll have much, much more on the Q60 Concept tomorrow, when it makes it arrives on the floor of the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Scroll down for the full press release from Infiniti. January 11, 2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept: Fusing exhilaration and power - Infiniti's precursor to a high-performance sports coupe - Unique proposition of striking styling and high-output powertrain in a premium package - Previews new family of powerful and efficient engines Hong Kong/Detroit – Infiniti has set out to captivate the imagination and exhilaration of sports coupe fans with the stunning Q60 Concept.