Infiniti has decided to step up their game in the popular not-so-compact-anymore luxury sedan segment. They have been working hard to break out of the mold of quiet, under-the-radar luxury by introducing designs with a little more personality to them and on that note, here's what Infiniti came up with: the upgraded Q50 sports sedan.
Most of the innovation on the 2016 Infiniti Q50 is invisible to the naked eye; all the work has been done under the layer of metal, deep down at the core. For the 2016 model year, the Q50 receives an all-new Direct Adaptive Steering system, an evolution from the first-generation system. Infiniti explains that this new system will not only allow the regular steering to be more responsive, it will also offer more options to match the driver's preferences through a drive mode selector. Inspired by the comments of current owners, the engineers have worked on optimizing the control logic of the system to improve its feedback. According to the manufacturer, this electronic system's input is actually faster than a traditional, mechanical one.
The sports sedan also receives for the first time the customizable Dynamic Digital Suspension that can be switched over to personal mode, which allows the driver to create his own mix of engine input, steering and suspensions responsiveness.
To match this increased level of driving customization and feedback, the Q50 receives three new powertains; an entry-level 2.0L, turbo four-cylinder engine rated at 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, a brand new 3.0L V6 twin turbocharged engine available in two different tunes, producing either 300 or 400 hp, and the existing 3.5L V6 teamed with a lithium-ion battery for a combined 360 hp of hybrid power. Between the turbo providing low-rev torque, direct injection, the new idle stop-start system and the hybrid's Direct Response Hybrid with dual clutch control, these powertrains are Infiniti's version of performance meets efficiency. All three powertrains are matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission with electronic manual mode and paddle shifters and are available with standard all-wheel drive.
The new twin-turbo V6, or VR30 series engine has also become the maker's lightest, most powerful and cleanest V6 engine to date.
Infiniti is strong in the automated safety technologies game, with a Driver Assistance Package that includes forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, back-collision intervention, cross traffic alert, predictive forward collision warning, and the Around View Monitor with motion detection.
A luxury sedan wouldn't be complete without a selection of comfort and convenience features. The Q50 is available with Infiniti InTouch telematics system that includes a seven-inch and eight-inch touchscreen that integrate navigation, voice commands as well a Concierge service. Other familiar features are also offered, either standard to the model or as part of an optional package. The 2016 Infiniti Q50 range will offer six different trim levels, from the entry-level 2.0t all the way to the top-of-the-line Q50 Sport.
The upgraded 2016 Q50 will go on sale in early 2016. With the spectre of the Eau Rouge Concept haunting our memories, the expectations are high for Infiniti's new engine family.
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