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Infiniti Q50S getting G37's hydraulic steering for 2016

Sometimes, new technology doesn't make things better. Take the march of power steering technology as an example. Electrically assisted systems are in vogue at the moment for their ability to increase fuel efficiency, but tuning them to offer good feedback remains something of a dark art. Some automakers get it, but most don't. The previous hydraulically assisted setups just seem to be inherently more communicative when driven with enthusiasm. And it looks like Infiniti might be learning this lesson the hard way.
In talking with Keith St. Clair, the luxury brand's head of product planning, Car and Driver has learned that the Q50S is probably going to ditch its standard electrically assisted steering in favor of a hydraulic system derived from the old G37, a model soon to be renamed the Q40. The system should make the sedan more engaging behind the wheel, but it still won't help those who tick the option box for Infiniti's controversial Direct Adaptive Steering drive-by-wire system.
According to St. Clair, Infiniti's engineers have heard the complaints of critics and previous G37 owners about the Q50S model's electric steering system, and wanted to see what they could do. They didn't have to go far to figure it out - all it required was taking the steering rack off of a G37 and putting it onto the Q50S. After a little tweaking, "the car is a blast to drive," St. Clair reports. Now, the company is said to be fast-tracking the switch, and it could be ready for the 2016 model year.

2023 Infiniti QX60 adds three-year maintenance plan, higher price

Infiniti has published pricing information for the 2023 QX60. The second-generation crossover enters its second model year on the market with price increases across the board, a handful of new features and a three-year maintenance plan called Infiniti Premium Care. Buyers still have four trim levels to choose from. Pricing for the full range (including the $1,195 destination charge) is as follows: QX60 Pure: $50,395 ($2,520 more than in 2022) QX60 Luxe: $56,445 ($2,520 more than in 2022) QX60 Sensory: $59,795 ($2,420 more than in 2022) QX60 Autograph: $63,795 ($2,420 more than in 2022) Note that those figures correspond to the front-wheel-drive QX60. Motorists who want all-wheel-drive will need to pay and extra $2,000 regardless of trim. Small updates to the list of standard features complement the price hike. Every trim level gains a wireless device charger and a frameless rear-view mirror for 2023. The Luxe model gets gloss black trim on the rear bumper, while Sensory and Autograph trims receive gray trim. Heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch display for the infotainment system and a power-operated hatch continue to come standard. Infiniti Premium Care is the final addition to the QX60 line-up. Announced in June 2022, and offered on every 2023 Infiniti model, it's an integrated maintenance plan that includes three years' worth of engine oil and brake fluid changes, tire rotations, inspections, cabin air filter replacements, tire road hazard coverage, and, on some models, car rental assistance. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

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.