Deluxe Touring, Tech Pkg, Navigation, Forest Air System, Bose, Intel Cruise! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Infiniti takes to Facebook to explain model names, mentions 550-hp flagship

Infiniti caused quite a stir this week when it announced that it would be changing its vehicle names so that all of its cars start with Q and all of its crossovers and SUVs start with QX. Many displeased fans and owners took to social media to voice their opinions, and Johan de Nysschen, the new Infiniti boss, responded today with a Facebook post of his own.
In the note, de Nysschen talks about the challenge of product expansions with alphanumeric names that allow for flexibility without encroaching on the trademarked names of other automakers, although we're sure de Nysschen's former colleagues at Audi aren't looking forward to a Q30 or Q50. He also says that as Infiniti grows to become a global brand, the new naming structure - which closely mimics Volvo - is also designed to reduce confusion (just don't tell that to current owners). One thing that de Nysschen assured wouldn't happen is a confusing "X" added to the end of all-wheel-drive model names that would result in names like the Q60X or, even worse, the QX50X.
While we are not looking forward to relearning Infiniti's product lineup, de Nysschen has given us something to look forward to courtesy of a new performance sedan. From the brief explanation of this car, which was used as a key example in explaining the validity of the new names, we learned that the new model will be a performance version of what is now the M sedan, and it will be powered by a "charged induction" 3.0-liter V6 producing more than 550 horsepower. The M's name will become the Q70, but as of right now, it isn't clear if this will be an IPL model or something else.

2019 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition brings its flourishes to New York Auto Show

The 2019 Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition is coming to the NY Auto Show as a limited edition version of the sport sedan. Infiniti hopes to draw folks in with a new front and rear fascia, differentiating it slightly from the rest of the Q50s out there. Every Signature Edition will come equipped with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood that produces 300 horsepower. The bright 19-inch alloy wheels seen on this car are Signature Edition exclusives, according to Infiniti. Then you get your requisite Signature Edition badging on the trunk of this Q50. The inside gets some special touches with "Kacchu" aluminum trim and full leather sport seats. Infiniti makes a bunch of pay options standard equipment on the Signature Edition. These features include Infiniti's ProAssist bundle that includes niceties like blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and backup collision intervention. You get heated seats, a heated steering wheel and navigation, as well. Infiniti is offering the Signature Edition with five different colors: Black Obsidian, Graphite Shadow, Liquid Platinum, Pure White and Iridium Blue. You're looking at the blue in the one photo Infiniti has provided pre-auto show. Infiniti hasn't given pricing or how many Signature Editions it will build, but you'll be able to buy one in May this year. Expect a low number to be available and a higher price for the "exclusivity."

Infiniti's fastback 2021 QX55 crossover shows its stylish rear end

First announced in August 2019, the Infiniti QX55 will finally make its global debut on Tuesday, November 17. Nissan's luxury division released a preview image that gives us the best look yet at the next addition to its range. The QX55 is closely related to the QX50 crossover under the sheetmetal, but it stands out from its more family-friendly sibling with a rakish, fastback-like roofline that will inevitably attract the coupe label. It will be to the QX50 what the BMW X4 is to the X3. Although we haven't seen its front fascia yet, Infiniti's preview image shows the rear end wears horizontal LED lights that stretch deep into the quarter panels, along with a roof-mounted spoiler. We were pleasantly surprised by the QX50's upmarket interior, so we're expecting a comparable degree of opulence in the QX55. It's too early to tell if Infiniti will simply copy the 50's cabin layout and paste it inside the 55, or if the latter will receive a look of its own. Similarly, technical specifications won't be published until the model's introduction. We expect that the VC Turbo four-cylinder engine, which was a finalist for the 2019 Autoblog Tech of the Year award, will appear on the roster. All-wheel drive will certainly be available, and Infiniti may offer an entry-level variant with front-wheel drive. Infiniti will present the 2021 QX55 online Tuesday during an event that will star singer Aloe Blacc. It will stream the concert-unveiling cross on its various social media platforms starting at 8:55 p.m. Eastern time, 5:55 p.m. Pacific time. Built in Mexico, the model will arrive in American showrooms in early 2021 with a base price pegged above $40,000. What's next? The QX55 will stand out as the first model released under Infiniti's Nissan-Plus strategy, which was presented as a way to cut costs and boost profits by increasing the number of components it shares with its parent company. However, leaning more heavily on Nissan will not dilute its image or its products, according to executives. Stylists are in the process of overhauling Infiniti's design language, and the brand's reboot will put a major emphasis on technology. Looking ahead, the QX will be followed by the next-generation QX60, which is tentatively due out in 2021 as a 2022 model, and by the company's first series-produced electric car. Related Video: