2010 Infiniti G37 on 2040-cars

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Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept fits perfectly in the QX50's shoes

If there was any doubt about whether the Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept is a preview of the next QX50, the official details presented at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show should erase them. The concept is smaller – a lot smaller – than the last QX70. And despite a recent update to the QX50, the brand's midsize crossover is due for a new model. We're basing that statement on dimensions. The QX Sport Inspiration Concept rides on a 110.2-inch wheelbase, and is 181.1 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 65 inches high. The last QX50, meanwhile, rides on a 113.4-inch wheelbase, and is 186.8 inches long, 71.0 inches wide, and 62.7 inches high. Ignore the different lengths – the concept's front and rear overhangs are remarkably short and aren't likely to translate to production – but the wheelbase, width, and most importantly the height, present a footprint that's remarkably similar to the QX50. Combine that with our assessment of the QX Sport Inspiration Concept's styling, and it's a virtual certainty that we're looking at the QX50's successor. As we said yesterday, the high beltline, tight greenhouse, long hood, and aggressive headlights are all trademarks of both the QX50 and QX70. Infiniti didn't say what kind of engine is under this concept car's hood (if there even is one – it might just be an engineless shell), but we're almost certain it's something performance-oriented. That would prove true if and when a new production QX50 is unleashed. We're betting the company will opt for the increasingly familiar setup of the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, like what you can get on the Q50 Red Sport 400 and new Q60. With 300- and 400-horsepower versions of this engine available, it could signal an introduction of a two-tier QX50 lineup. We're getting ahead of ourselves, of course. The QX Sport is still only a concept, but Infiniti's latest information dump at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show serves as even stronger evidence that its CUV lineup will grow back to four vehicles sooner rather than later. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Infiniti rolled out the IPL version of its G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show more than a year ago. The Infiniti Performance Line treatment logically mirrors that of the IPL G Coupe, meaning it receives both cosmetic and mechanical tweaks designed to raise the pulse of driving enthusiasts. Aside from the overstated aerodynamic styling components and huge exhaust tips, the cabin features special leather upholstery, aluminum trim and IPL badging to distinguish it from lesser siblings. Under the hood, the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) has been recalibrated to deliver 343 horsepower - 18 more than the standard coupe - and 273 pound-feet of torque. The suspension has been upgraded with firmer spring and stabilizer bar rates, multi-piston sport brakes are fitted and 19-inch graphite-finish wheels wrapped with summer rubber are bolted on. There are only two exterior color choices (Moonlight White and Malbec Black) and two upholstery choices (Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red). Everything sounds marvelous until someone reveals its as-tested $62,415 window sticker.
DRIVING NOTES
The three-section steel roof raises and lowers in a leisurely manner - give it about 30 seconds each way. While it is marvel to watch, the operation seems clunky, not fluid. Buttoned up, with all four windows closed, the cabin is comfortable. Wind noise is minimal and the front buckets coddle passengers in all the right places. While tight, those of smaller stature will find the two rear seats tolerable for short journeys (my kids never complained). Outward visibility is also very good for a convertible - no impeding B-pillar.

Poor headlights cause 40 cars to miss IIHS Top Safety Pick rating

Over the past few months, we've noticed a number of cars and SUVs that have come incredibly close to earning one of the IIHS's highest accolades, the Top Safety Pick rating. They have great crash test scores and solid automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems. What trips them up is headlights. That got us wondering, how many vehicles are there that are coming up short because they don't have headlights that meet the organization's criteria for an "Acceptable" or "Good" rating. This is a revision made after 2017, a year in which headlights weren't factored in for this specific award. This is also why why some vehicles, such as the Ford F-150, might have had the award last year, but have lost it for this year. We reached out to someone at IIHS to find out. He responded with the following car models. Depending on how you count, a whopping 40 models crash well enough to receive the rating, but don't get it because their headlights are either "Poor" or "Marginal." We say depending on how you count because the IIHS actual counts truck body styles differently, and the Infiniti Q70 is a special case. Apparently the version of the Q70 that has good headlights doesn't have adequate forward collision prevention technology. And the one that has good forward collision tech doesn't have good enough headlights. We've provided the entire list of vehicles below in alphabetical order. Interestingly, it seems the Volkswagen Group is having the most difficulty providing good headlights with its otherwise safe cars. It had the most models on the list at 9 split between Audi and Volkswagen. GM is next in line with 7 models. It is worth noting again that though these vehicles have subpar headlights and don't quite earn Top Safety Pick awards, that doesn't mean they're unsafe. They all score well enough in crash testing and forward collision prevention that they would get the coveted award if the lights were better.