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Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept shows a future with variable compression

For weeks, Infiniti has been teasing the Q Inspiration Concept ahead of its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Details were absent, but the design was clean, swoopy athletic. Not seeing any tailpipes on the rear end, we hoped it could sport some kind of electrified powertrain, but surmised that Infiniti could take the opportunity to further showcase its variable compression turbocharged engine technology. Now, Inifniti has officially taken the wraps off its Q Inspiration Concept, and has indeed chosen to use the stunning show car to demonstrate "near future applications" of the potent yet efficient VC-Turbo tech. VC-Turbo made its production debut in the 2019 QX50 at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. Here, in the Q Inspiration, VC-Turbo allows Infiniti designers to make the most of the packaging, taking advantage of the compact powertrain to increase the size of the cabin while maintaining the footprint of a mid-size car. Electric automakers like Fisker, Lucid Motors and the like have been doing something similar with electric powertrains, but Infiniti's VC-Turbo allows the company to do something similar with technology that is ready for primetime, while still bridging the gap to more efficient future powertrains. VC-Turbo, as we've learned earlier, allows the engine to change and optimize compression ratios on the fly, between 8:1 for high-performance situations, to 14:1 for maximum efficiency. Mounted to the exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder heads of the four-cylinder engine is a single-scroll turbocharger. The system, says Infiniti, provides the torque and response of a hybrid or turbodiesel powertrain without sacrificing efficiency. In the Q Inspiration, the power is directed to four wheels via a front-biased all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The system can direct torque to the rear wheels individually as needed. As a design study, the Q Inspiration is a success. The proportions and lines are sleek and attractive, accentuated by the car's white paint. There's kind of a lot going on up front, with a large "double-arch" grille at the leading edge. Everything behind that, though, looks particularly harmonious. Its elongated cabin and coupe-like dimensions help provide efficiency while maximizing headroom for the four occupants. It's a car that stands up to close inspection, as attention to detail makes it more interesting the closer you scrutinize it, inside and out.

Infiniti QX80 to spearhead new direction for Nissan's luxury brand

Infiniti has had a tumultuous time in the last few years. However, a new plan is under way to revive Nissan's luxury marque, and to give it some much-needed direction. Now, Infiniti chairman Peyman Kargar has detailed his plans for the first time, and revealed that the QX80 will be at the vanguard of this new push. Left to languish under former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's quest for market share at the cost of all else, Infiniti's lineup failed to receive the necessary updates in several hotly contested segments. In a time when the luxury brands have seen record profits, Infiniti has instead seen its sales plummet. In 2018 the brand was among the first to announce a date by which it would "go electric." That was taken by many to mean solely electric or hybrid vehicles after 2021, but that time has come and gone. Infiniti missed its own deadline for a first EV model last year, and sales have nosedived by more than 50 percent since 2019 (117,708 in U.S. sales in 2019, versus 58,553 in 2021). Part of that is due to the  pandemic and resulting semiconductor shortage that's plagued the entire industry, but there's no doubt that the brand is seldom uttered in the same breath as Mercedes, BMW, Lexus or Audi. Speaking with Automotive News, Kargar outlined a three-phase plan to get Infiniti back on its feet. The first phase, focusing on restructuring and recovery, was just completed in March. Infiniti has now turned record profits globally, Kargar said.  Phase two has now begun and will play out through March 2026. By this time next year, designers will have locked in a new corporate face to take over on all new models. Leading the charge with that identity will be a new QX80 that arrives in late 2023 or early 2024.  Kargar didn't disclose details, but called it the future flagship of the marque. It will have enhanced performance specs to distance itself from the Nissan Armada on which it is based. Infiniti hopes that the QX will be seen as a competitor against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade Lexus LX, and Range Rover. Despite riding on the same platform as the Patrol — a Land Cruiser-like body-on-frame SUV — since 2010, the QX has not fallen in sales as much as other models. Part of the rebranding also includes a unification of Infiniti's identity. Kargar spoke of a new dealership look and feel, which includes a "brand scent" for showrooms and a "sound signature" that will tie in apps, websites, and call centers.

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.