- Global debut awaits for new QX50 Concept, INFINITI's vision for a next-generation mid-size premium crossover
- QX50 Concept demonstrates INFINITI design language in crossover form
- INFINITI prepares for future autonomous drive support technologies
- Demonstrates a potential application for INFINITI's production-ready VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine
DETROIT – The INFINITI QX50 Concept, which will make its global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, showcases the brand's vision for a next-generation mid-size premium crossover.
An evolution of the 2016 QX Sport Inspiration, the QX50 Concept shows how the design of its conceptual forebear could be adapted for a future production model in the world's fastest-growing vehicle segment. INFINITI's latest concept confidently articulates the artistic influence of the designer through the brand's "Powerful Elegance" design language. A "cabin-forward" silhouette combines with taut, muscular lines and flowing surfaces telegraph it as a dynamic and practical crossover.
The organic forms of the "driver-centric, passenger-minded" cabin harmonize with the exterior. Blending progressive design with elevated levels of modern craftsmanship, the QX50 Concept's interior reflects INFINITI's desire to challenge conventional approaches to premium interior design.
"With the unveiling of the QX Sport Inspiration at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, we showed the future of INFINITI QX models. The new QX50 Concept evolves this concept further and shows how INFINITI could develop its future presence in the fastest-growing vehicle segment globally."
Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI
INFINITI engineers continue to develop autonomous driving technologies
INFINITI's QX50 Concept's driver assist system is part of the company's development of autonomous drive support technologies. Central to the strategy for the development of all future autonomous drive support systems is that they should ensure the driver retains control over their vehicle – in keeping with INFINITI's focus on driver engagement .
In the future, INFINITI's autonomous drive technologies will continue to make driving less stressful, – such as navigating stop-start traffic on the highway or keeping track of the positions of surrounding vehicles.
Since its inception in 1989, INFINITI has brought a number of pioneering driver-assistive technologies to the customer. The company has been responsible for a series of world-first semi-autonomous technologies, including Predictive Forward Collision Warning, drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering® and Active Lane Control.
The QX50 Concept's driver assistance technologies preview the first production-ready incarnation of a technology package that will be developed further in future production models.
VC-Turbo: the first production-ready variable compression ratio engine
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INFINITI will exhibit its ground breaking new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) engine technology in Detroit. The VC-Turbo engine is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. VC-Turbo technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain. Such an advanced powertrain would be perfectly suited to the packaging of the QX50 Concept.
The production-ready 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine represents a compelling alternative to diesel powertrains. Using an innovative multi-link system, the VC-Turbo engine is able to adapt its compression ratio according to driving conditions to deliver optimal levels of performance and efficiency. By seamlessly raising or lowering the reach of the pistons, it instantly selects the most suitable compression for current driving conditions. The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).
With a development target power output of approximately 200 kW (268 hp / 272 ps) and 390 Nm torque, the VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency. INFINITI engineers are targeting a 27 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over V6 gasoline engines of similar power output.
INFINITI's VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors, and turbocharging. The arrival of the VC-Turbo will establish new benchmarks – for power, efficiency and emissions – against which future powertrains will be measured.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.
INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.
INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.
From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at infiniti.com. You can also follow INFINITI on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
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Contact
For INFINITI U.S. Communications, contact:
Kyle Bazemore
Senior Manager
Infiniti USA Communications
(615) 725-3210
kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
For INFINITI Global Communications, contact:
Jon Walsh
Senior Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0129
Mobile: +852 9447 9705
jon.walsh@INFINITI.com
Chris Jordan
Manager, INFINITI Global Communications
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3948 0209
Mobile: +852 9447 9974
chris.jordan@INFINITI.com