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2014 Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS 250 fail to achieve Consumer Reports 'Recommended' rating

Infiniti and Lexus might be a little concerned now that both of their new luxury sedans, the Q50 and IS250, were unable to net Consumer Reports vaunted "Recommended" rating during their first year on the market. In fact, not only did the two fail to earn a "Recommended" rating, they finished behind the vast majority of the competition after testing, including the BMW 328i, Mercedes-Benz C250, Lincoln MKZ and Volvo S60 T5.
The Q50 managed to snag a "Very Good" rating overall, but CR criticized it's road manners for not being as thrilling as the car it (sort of) replaces, the G37. The mag called the handling mundane and the steering dull, while also remarking on the poor controls. According to CR, the interior quality is "nothing special." Shade was also thrown at the Q50's reportedly poor ride.
Compared to the IS, though, the Q50 got off easy. CR called it "neither sporty nor luxurious," while criticizing the 2.5-liter V6's lack of oomph and poor fuel economy. The mag then went on to lambaste the IS's handling, steering, interior, cabin space and infotainment system.

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.

Infiniti Qs Inspiration shows itself before Auto Shanghai

Infiniti's shown off a bit of the Qs Inspiration concept before debuting the creased contrivance at Auto Shanghai next week. The concept serves a few purposes, the first to reimagine a future for sports sedans on a planet of crossovers and SUVs. The result blends a fastback with high sides that connect low ground clearance below and an elevated seating position above. The Japanese luxury maker is all about sedans, the Qs Inspiration signaling how a carmaker watching the bottom line can maintain its interest in the passe bodystyle. The concept previews a production model, and perhaps the design language and lingo we'll see spreading through the range. We're not sure how the low floor and higher roof work out in the cabin, but Infiniti mentions a "low-mounted powertrain and potent e-AWD system." That's undoubtedly the promise of the "all-new flexible architecture developed to accommodate high-performance electrified powertrains." Production-izing for a non-electric version would mean laying in a grille for the ICE, but an electrified version would have plenty of room for batteries and e-motors. Before that retail model, it's possible we'll see Qs Inspiration cues on the Q50 and Q70 sedans. Take a long gander at the profile and the way the roof slopes, and you'll notice an elongated GT-R glasshouse profile. On top of that, before Infiniti released official photos, a few images leaked from China showing other angles of the concept. The rectangular steering wheel and massive digital dash cluster probably aren't going anywhere beyond Shanghai, but if Infiniti can bring that glass roof to production, that's a win in our book.