2014 Infiniti Q50 live photos: 2013 NAIAS

With a new nomenclature, Infiniti launches the all new Q50, replacing what was formerly the G sedan. Sales commence during the summer of 2013 as a 2014 model with two V6 based powertrains in the US and Canada. The first engine is a 3.7l DOHC unit making an estimated 328 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque featuring Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL).

The other available powertrain is a hybrid system based around a 3.5l 296 hp / 255 lb-ft V6 mated to a 67 hp electric motor with 199 lb-ft of torque totaling 354 horsepower. Both powertrains are backed by a seven speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and magnesium paddle shifters which can direct power to the rear wheels or the optional Intelligent All Wheel Drive system.

Keeping with Infiniti’s performance heritage, lightweight materials are used throughout the Q50’s suspension system including front and rear stabilizer bars. Aluminum is the alloy of choice for both the 225/55R17 inch standard wheels and the optional 245/40R19 inch units. Rack and pinion steering can be upgraded to a new Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering system. Calling it a “world’s first”, IDAS has four steering settings that allows the driver to change steering effort and steering gear ratio, “transmitting the drivers intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system”.

A backup mechanical system is provided. Another electronic driver’s aid is “Active Lane Control, which uses a camera-based straight-line stability system to further enhance on-center driving capability and improve vehicle stability. The system is included as part of the Lane Departure Prevention system, not only adjusting for unintended lane drift, but also making finer adjustments for minor road surface changes or crosswinds (as detected by the camera-based, lane marker detection system).

The system goes beyond the traditional Lane Departure Prevention system, taking it a step further by not only reading the road ahead (the camera is located above the rearview mirror) for unintended lane drift but also by making small steering input angle adjustments if the Q50 undergoes minor direction changes due to road surface changes or crosswinds”.

The Q50 offers the ability to preset comfort and dynamic parameters for up to four drivers via the I-Key system. Use of the center console mounted drive mode selector changes engine, transmission, handling and steering settings while HVAC, driving position, audio, navigation and telematics can be adjusted using one of the Infiniti InTouch dual touch screen displays .  Frequently used applications are directed to the upper screen, such as navigation maps.

Other content is directed to the lower display screen.  “The two screens work together so that, for example, the navigation map can be viewed on the top screen while setting destinations or finding points-of-interest can be done on the lower screen. A limited number of critical functions, such as heating and cooling, are operated by hard switches.” Infiniti will preload “vehicle-centric” apps into the system and the owner will be able to load apps via smartphone or USB drive.

The Q50 doesn’t scrimp on the safety front with Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Back-up Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control. New ergonomically designed front and rear seats will help reduce the stresses imparted to the human spine while thoughtful placement of controls make them easy to adjust without changing position, making the Q50 a healthy and happy place to spend your drive time.


Photo Credit: Newspress

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