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Infiniti extends long-wheelbase Q50 L for the Chinese market

Want to sell your luxury sedan in China? You're going to need a long-wheelbase model. Not because the still-dominant Chinese government mandates it, or because the customers are taller, but because Chinese buyers tend to like being chauffeured around in the back of their luxury sedans instead of driving themselves, so the priority is on rear-seat space over driving dynamics.
We've seen the likes of Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo all roll out long-wheelbase versions of their compact and midsize sedans specifically to cater to Chinese tastes. Even Infiniti - which now bases itself in Hong Kong - offers a long-wheelbase Q70 L not only in China but around the world, and has now bolstered its extended offerings with the reveal of the Q50 L, set to debut at the Chengdu Motor Show later this month.
Set to be produced locally for the local market, the Q50 L adds nearly two inches to the wheelbase of the Q50 to the benefit of rear-seat legroom. Power comes from Infiniti's 2.0-liter turbo four offering 208 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, driving to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission with drive-by-wire steering.

Infiniti introduces Q70 Premium Select Edition to Monterey crowds

Infiniti has made its presence at the 2015 Monterey Car Week known, introducing a new version of its flagship sedan, the Q70. As far as special editions go, the new Premium Select Edition Q70 is fairly light on upgrades, going for minor aesthetic tweaks rather than rocking the boat too heavily. Unsurprisingly, one of the most obvious changes is down low, where Infiniti's stylists have fitted new 20-inch wheels. The gunmetal hoops are joined by dark chrome trim on the fascia, a new rear bumper, and a decklid spoiler. Buyers have the choice of two interior trims. There's Graphite and Stone, both of which feature semi-aniline leather, a "suede-like" headliner, and aluminum interior trim pieces. Infiniti isn't too picky when it comes to powertrains for the Premium Select Edition, although there are some restrictions. It can be had with both the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 and in rear- or all-wheel-drive models. Weirdly, though, you can't get the stylish trim on the Q70 Hybrid or on long-wheelbase models. We can't tell you how much it'll cost to add the special-edition trim, because Infiniti did not deign to release pricing info. We can, however, tell you that the Q70 Premium Select Edition will hit dealers this November. Look for more, including live images of the new sedan, as the Monterey Car Week continues. Until then, scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition debuts at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Infiniti today announced that the new 2016 Infiniti Q70 Premium Select Edition will be on display this week in the Infiniti Pavilion at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The specially equipped Q70 premium sedan will be available at Infiniti retailers nationwide beginning in November. "Following the introduction last year of the new Infiniti Q70 long-wheelbase model, we are continuing to expand our flagship Q70 sedan's portfolio of offerings," said Randy Parker, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "The new Premium Select Edition package gives the Q70 an extra touch of premium elegance that is right at home here at Pebble Beach – or in any neighborhood or driveway across the country." The Q70 Premium Select Edition's exterior offers dark chrome trim, a darkened lower rear bumper, a rear decklid spoiler and unique design and color 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires.

Infiniti Q30 Concept uncovered in Frankfurt

The curtain has officially been raised on the Infiniti Q30 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, an oft-teased five-door hatchback that will move the neo-luxury brand downmarket to compete with the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Not only is Infiniti moving down market, it's targeting a younger audience, a field that it hasn't traditionally played in, that wants something different than a hum-drum luxury car. According to Infiniti's marketing director, Hugues Fabre, "Younger customers are coming into the premium segment with their own attitude toward premium-ness."
Infiniti's trademark styling elements are on full display here, from the radically kinked C-pillar and Q50-inspired headlights and grille, to the dramatic character lines on the profile. In the cabin, it looks like an extraterrestrial disco, with a lot of violet lighting, bronzed touchpoints and creamy leather. Ignore the concept car tinsel, though, and you'll see that Infiniti is dead serious when it says the Q30 foreshadows a production model.
We'll have plenty more of the Infiniti Q30, including live images from the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show floor, very soon. Until then, click over to our Frankfurt coverage page, scroll down for a full press release on the Q30, or click over to the high-res gallery.