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Nissan Skyline Nismo gets a more powerful Z engine

Recent rumors claim the Nissan Skyline will morph into an electric crossover in the coming years. Regardless of whether or not they're true, the company isn't done with the current, gasoline-powered Skyline yet and it launched a limited-edition, Nismo-branded model in Japan. If you're experiencing deja vu, it's likely because the Nissan Skyline is sold as the Infiniti Q50 in the United States. We even get a range-topping, performance-oriented trim level, the 400-horsepower Red Sport 400. The Skyline Nismo goes further, though, by adopting an evolution of the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 that powers the Red Sport 400 and the Z coupe. It's rated at 414 horsepower and 404 pound-feet of torque. For context, the Q50 and Z pack 400-horsepower and just 350 pound-feet of torque. The Nismo's engine spins just the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission, whereas America's Red Sport 400 is available with all-wheel drive. Nissan didn't settle for adding a few horses to the cavalry, slapping a couple of "Nismo" emblems to the body, and calling it a job well done. Its engineers redesigned the Skyline's suspension system, installed fade-resistant brake pads and recalibrated the various vehicle control systems, including the ABS, to deliver a sportier driving experience on and off the track. The brand even went as far as securing the windshield and the rear window with a type of adhesive normally reserved for the GT-R Nismo to improve rigidity without adding weight.  Visual updates are part of the Nismo package as well, including 19-inch Enkei wheels wrapped by tires that are wider than the ones worn by the regular-production model, an old-school "GT" emblem on each fender, and a body kit that includes a front splitter and side skirts. These updates aren't just for show: Nissan notes the redesigned grille opening helps channel additional cooling air to the radiator and the oil cooler. The Nismo treatment also permeates the cabin. The front passengers sit on Recaro sport seats with red inserts, while the driver faces a steering wheel with a red 12-o'clock mark as well as a new-look tachometer with a red ring and a small "Nismo" logo below the needle. Enthusiasts who want an even rarer version of the current-generation Skyline can try their luck at scoring the Nismo Limited.

Infiniti QX Monograph Concept debuts at Pebble Beach looking large

The Infiniti QX Monograph Concept is here, and it sure presents like a veiled look at the next Infiniti QX80 SUV to us. Now, Infiniti didn’t make any allusions to the QX80 in its announcement at Pebble Beach, but the full-size dimensions and general shape tell us pretty much everything we need to know. This reveal is also a continuation of InfinitiÂ’s “Monograph” line of concept cars with the most recent one being the QX60 Monograph. That concept previewed what would become the production QX60, suggesting that this next Monograph concept will do the same for the larger QX80. As for the details of this particular design concept, Infiniti went into great detail about all its elements. Starting up front, the grille is meant to evoke a bamboo forest with its gentle arcing lines surrounding the new Infiniti logo. Meanwhile, the black finish and surround hint at the power found behind it — Infiniti didnÂ’t say what this concept is powered by, but we fully expect the next QX80 to have a gasoline engine situated under the hood. Flanking the grille are the lights that Infiniti says feature its “digital piano key” design and both “welcome” and “farewell” animation sequences. Since the headlights and DRLs are separated, Infiniti went ahead with that intricate “piano key” look for the DRLs to create a distinct signature. They wrap from the grille to around the side of the front bumper in an attempt to emphasize the width and height of the QX Monograph. You really get a sense of the QX MonographÂ’s size from its side profile. It has a vast monotone greenhouse that visually separates itself from the body by being painted entirely in black. The minimalist styling Infiniti says it used for this vehicle is best seen from this angle. It has electric door handles that pop in and out to create an uninterrupted look all the way down the side of the SUV. Meanwhile, the massive wheels bring some visual pizazz to the whole package. TheyÂ’re machine-finished wheels with both black and red accents arcing through, and Infiniti says its design inspiration for them was wind turbines. And on the topic of paint, Infiniti says it developed a new hue called Akane for this concept. ItÂ’s difficult to tell in photos, but the six-layer paint glows in the sun in an attempt to mimic “a warm glowing red sunset as it transitions into a dark night sky.” Of course, in most conditions, itÂ’ll likely just look gray.

2022 Infiniti QX50 starts at $40,025

Infiniti upped prices on the 2022 QX50, but at least some of the MSRP increase goes toward new features. Nissan's luxury arm made ProPilot Assist standard for all five trims, the driver assistance suite includes tech like steering assist, intelligent cruise control, speed limit assist, and distance control assist. Apple CarPlay is another included item for next year's model, as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more soft-touch luxuries for the rear quarters with keyless entry able to be activated by the rear doors now, LED welcome lights in the rear door handles, and a USB-C port for the aft chairs. The first four grades are front-drivers; adding all-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the tab. For 2022, top front-wheel drive Autograph bows out, making AWD the de facto standard. The trims and their pricing after the $1,025 destination fee, plus their differences from the 2021 model, are: Pure: $40,025 ($950) Luxe: $43,375 ($750) Essential: $47,825 ($2,000) Sensory: $52,525 ($1,400) Autograph AWD $57,975 (no change) On top of the other newly standard equipment, the Essential trim picks up a heated steering wheel, 16-speaker Bose Performance Series audio, climate-controlled front seats,  Luxe fits "leather-appointed seats," and offers an updated Appearance Package for $1,200. The bundle is composed of black mirror caps, body color rear diffuser, black mesh grille, black fender accents, a black liftgate finisher, and 20-inch black-painted, machine-finished wheels. A graphite headliner finishes the package inside.   Sensory snares some features formerly reserved for the Autobiography, like "leather-appointed" perforated seats, four-way passenger power-seat lumbar adjustment, heated outboard seats in the second row, ultrasuede interior trim, and a motion-activated liftgate.  The eight-strong color palette welcomes a new Slate Gray hue. Mechanicals don't change, every model powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder with 268 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, routing its output through a continuously-variable transmission. The 2022 Infiniti QX50 should reach dealers later this month.