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2024 Infiniti QX80 gets Dark Chrome Appearance package, higher price

The body-on-frame Infiniti QX80 is entering the 2024 model year with a new appearance package offered on the most expensive trim level. It's otherwise unchanged compared to the 2023 model, which received Amazon Alexa compatibility, but every trim becomes more expensive. While the QX80's overall design doesn't change, the range-topping Sensory trim level gets an optional Dark Chrome Appearance package that includes black-painted door mirror caps as well as Dark Chrome trim on the front end, the fenders, and the hatch. The bundle gives the SUV a more subtle look, as models not equipped with the Dark Chrome Appearance package ship with flashier bright exterior trim pieces. The list of standard features includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Driving aids? It's got them: a surround-view camera, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and back-up collision intervention come standard. The QX80 isn't the newest or best-selling model in its segment, but it's not as outdated as the age of its platform suggests. Infiniti positions the QX80 as its most expensive model, and it's increasing pricing across the board for 2024. Pricing is as follows: QX80 Luxe rear-wheel-drive: $76,045 ($1,650 more than in 2023) QX80 Luxe four-wheel-drive: $79,195 ($1,700 more than in 2023) QX80 Premium Select rear-wheel-drive: $80,680 ($1,685 more than in 2023) QX80 Premium Select four-wheel-drive: $83,780 ($1,685 more than in 2023) QX80 Sensory rear-wheel-drive: $87,730 ($1,685 more than in 2023) QX80 Sensory four-wheel-drive: $90,830 ($1,685 more than in 2023) Note that these figures include an $1,895 destination charge. The brand collected a $1,395 destination charge in 2023. Infiniti hasn't made any mechanical changes to the QX80. Power comes from a tried-and-true 5.6-liter V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It's bolted to a seven-speed automatic transmission, and it gives the big SUV a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds. Dealers across the nation will begin receiving the 2024 QX80 in the coming weeks. Infiniti hasn't commented on what's next for the model, but weaving together various tidbits of information released earlier in 2023 nudges us in the right direction.

2016 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 First Drive

When the original Infiniti Q50 arrived to replace the long-lived G Sedan, our reaction was lukewarm. It lacked poise, refinement, and efficiency, and we hated the Direct Adaptive Steer system. We originally thought of this steer-by-wire system as, "technology for the sake thereof." Infiniti is hoping to address these shortcomings with the 2016 Q50. It gets a new and far improved version of DAS, and a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 sits atop a diversified powertrain family. And at the top of the ladder sits this: the Q50 Red Sport 400. The Red Sport's all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6 pumps out 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which can be called upon between 1,600 and 5,200 rpm. That low-end thrust is what's most evident out on the road – everything from standing starts to freeway passes are effortless. It's actually kind of ferocious – the tachometer needle climbs relentlessly, and the engine feels strong and purposeful all the way up to its 7,000-rpm redline. It's a refined and smooth powerplant, too, which is a tremendous improvement over the old 3.7-liter V6. The sensations the revised Direct Adaptive Steer system delivers are comparable to the average, modern, electric power-assisted setup. The bigger accomplishment is Infiniti's second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering system. Owners can choose from three steering weights and three levels of responsiveness, but steering adjustments feel more incremental rather than dramatic, so you won't be jarred if you suddenly switch from an aggressive mode to a more comfortable setup. Computer wizardry still can't match natural feedback, but the sensations the revised Direct Adaptive Steer system delivers are comparable to the average, modern, electric power-assisted setup. Make no mistake, that's a huge improvement and it means DAS performs far better dynamically, especially when you ask for its most aggressive behavior. See the differences between the different modes in the video below. Even half-throttle situations in the standard drive mode required counter-steering. Direct Adaptive Steer feels perfectly fine during everyday driving. We spent about 75 percent of our time testing a DAS-equipped car, but hopped into a non-DAS model a the short, 20-mile drive back to our hotel. DAS felt more stable and easy to track down the road – it didn't require the constant, tiny steering inputs of the traditional system.

Red Bull keeps 2015 RB11 F1 challenger under wraps [UPDATE]

UPDATE: A previous version of this post suggested that Daniil Kvyat drove for Red Bull last year, when he actually drove for its affiliate team Toro Rosso. The text below has been updated with the correct information. This season will be one of new beginnings for Red Bull Racing. It's the first time in three years that it's not returning to the Formula One grid as defending champions, and without a world champion at the helm. But return it will to fight to regain its title, and this is the car with which it intends to do so. Revealed ahead of the season's first test session in Jerez this weekend, the new RB11 is wearing a bold camouflage "testing livery" of the type we're more accustomed to seeing on road-going prototype than on a racing car. Expect it to be replaced by the familiar blue, red and yellow by the time the season kicks off in Melbourne next month. Though the camouflage may keep certain aero developments disguised (if not altogether hidden) from the prying eyes of its rivals, the sloping nose mandated by the new regulations is plain to see. Otherwise the new RB11 is likely more of an evolution rather than a revolutionary clean-sheet redesign over the RB10 that returning hot-shoe Daniel Ricciardo drove last year, to be joined this season by Daniil Kvyat, who's been promoted from Toro Rosso to replace departing four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. Whether they can succeed, however, will largely depend on the engine. Red Bull has emerged as the primary partner for engine supplier Renault (sister company to the team's title sponsor Infiniti). In fact, after Lotus switched to Mercedes (and assuming Caterham doesn't make it back to the grid), Red Bull and its sister team Toro Rosso will be the only teams running Renault engines this season. The team says it has worked closer than ever with the French automaker to develop the Renault power unit, but chances are slim that they'll be able to catch up to Mercedes given the restrictions on engine development. If anyone can catch the Silver Arrows, though, it'll surely be Red Bull – the only other team to win a grand prix last season. THE RB11 REVEALED After an intensely busy off-season, Infiniti Red Bull's Racing's 2015 Formula One car, the RB11, has hit the track and begun testing at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain ahead of the new season.