Auto blog

2015 Infiniti Q70 stretches out in NYC

Infiniti released its refreshed Q70 (the car formerly known as "M") in New York this morning. The luxury sedan is brings with it, quite literally, a big change: it's now the only vehicle in its segment to offer both long- and short-wheelbase options here in the US (other automakers do this in China). Currently, the two-wheelbase sedan strategy is exclusive to the ranks of fullsize players like the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, etc.
Infiniti has elongated the standard Q70's wheelbase from 114.2 inches to 120.1 inches, in doing so lengthening the car 7.3 inches overall. For the sake of comparison, a standard wheelbase Audi A8 runs 117.8 inches, so the Q70 is no slouch. The extension mostly benefits rear-seat occupants, who are treated to an extra 5.6 inches of legroom. We think the enlargement improves the car's aesthetic, as well.
In addition to the long-wheelbase option, there are a few other tweaks in store for 2015. New head and taillights are the biggest changes, with full LEDs in the back and LED accents in front. Aspects currently seen on the smaller Q50 are evident, as well, such as the "double-arch" grille that comes with mesh-finish inserts. The fascia also includes a new front bumper with integrated foglights. Interior changes seem to be fairly minimal, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The outgoing Q70 had a spacious (if dated), luxurious cabin with all kinds of high-quality materials.

Infiniti Q60 Coupe spied in production guise

Here is the best news we've had all day: the production Infiniti Q60 Coupe will bear an uncanny resemblance to the concept car that previewed it earlier this year in Detroit. We know this thanks to our very first round of spy photos of the heavily camouflaged production car. Although there are only three images to draw from, we've got a clear picture of the concept-inspired lines of this new two-door. In particular, the front and rear fascias look to draw a lot of inspiration from the concept. In front, the headlights look to be similar in shape, while the double-arch grille looks largely unchanged from what the company previewed. Perhaps the biggest change up front is around the fog lights, which look to sit in far more conventional housings. Also gone is the Q60 Concept's Formula One-inspired chin, possibly in part due to the company's (and parent Renault's) perilous position as a title sponsor for the Red Bull Racing team. The taillights reinforce the concept car inspiration, retaining a similarly svelte shape and tying in with a small trunk lid. Also like the Q60 Concept, our spies report that a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 will be on offer, likely as the range-topping engine. We'd expect the volume motor to be the Mercedes-Benz 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder found in the likes of the new Q30, as well as the CLA-, GLA-, and A-Class. It's also certainly possible that Infiniti's long-serving 3.7-liter V6 will be available in some form. Whatever engines arrive, we can expect six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic transmissions to be the sole options. Have a look at the photos up at the top of the page. And for comparison's sake, we've included the official Q60 Concept gallery down below just under the video showing a 360-degree view. Take a peek at both and let us know what you think of Infiniti's work.

2017 Infiniti QX30 beefed up and ready for LA debut

Infiniti has released the first details and photos of its new compact crossover. Dubbed the QX30, the latest addition to the premium lineup is set for parallel debuts at the upcoming auto shows in Los Angeles and in Guangzhou, China. And with it, the luxury automaker is going after a younger demographic. Previewed by the QX30 concept unveiled earlier this year in Geneva, the new crossover joins the Q30 hatchback in Infiniti's new "entry-level" model line. Set to be produced at Nissan's mega factory in Sunderland, UK, the QX30 will be the first Infiniti to be built in Europe. But as you might discern from its introduction in LA, it'll form a vital part of the brand's strategy for the US market as well. The design looks instantly recognizable as an Infiniti, looking almost exactly like the Q30... only more rugged. Apart from the increased ride height, suitably ruggedized lower bodywork, and telltale (but slimline) roof rails, it adopts the same curvaceous, organic lines as the hatchback, and signature double-arch grille and kinked C-pillar as you'd expect from any modern Infiniti. The Japanese automaker has yet to show us much of the interior, but it promises an asymmetric design, premium materials, and ergonomic surfaces. Nor has Infiniti revealed much in the way of technical details. What it has told us, however, is that the new QX30 will encompass an all-wheel-drive system capable of sending up to 50 percent of output to the rear wheels, running through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Availability of diesel and gasoline engines will depend on the individual market. If its lower-riding stablemate is anything to go by, we should be looking at a 2.0-liter turbo four producing 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Technical specifications are due to be announced closer to its market introduction in the middle of next year. At that point, rivals like the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Lexus NX will be put on notice as Infiniti joins an increasingly competitive market for premium compact crossovers.