What's the news?
Detroit has played host to the launch of Infiniti's latest offering - the 2014 Q50. The sports saloon is the first in the Infiniti range to sport the company's new naming strategy and will eventually replace the 'G' and 'M' series saloon cars.
Exterior
Two words spring to mind when describing the Q50's design: bold and clean. The front features Infiniti's signature double-arched grille; and LED daytime running lights have been fitted too. A sloping roofline leads to a sporty rear-end featuring twin exhaust outlets. More arches can be found in the rear lights, which follow a similar design to the ones found at the front. Standard-fit alloy wheels come in 17-inch diameter, while 19-inch versions are optional.
Interior
The dashboard of the Q50 is dominated by two large touchscreens that control most of the car's gadgetry. The two screens have been designed to work together, allowing the driver to operate the satnav displayed on the top screen by options displayed on the bottom screen, for instance. This system is hooked up to the latest Bose 'Studio on Wheels' 14-speaker audio system as standard. Smartphone technology is also a feature, allowing users to sync their smartphone directly to the Q50's infotainment system. Other toys available include dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera.
Mechanicals
So far we have only been given details of the American and Canadian versions of the Q50 and these will be powered either by a 3.7-litre V6 engine developing 328hp, or a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain that puts out 360hp thanks in part to a 50kW electric motor. Both systems will be coupled with Infiniti's seven-speed automatic gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control. Steering wheel mounted paddles can be had as an optional extra.
A smorgasbord of safety features come with the Q50, including Direct Adaptive Steering for the first time on a production car. The system, called Active Lane Control, automatically adjusts the steering to keep drivers from wandering out of lane; which is designed to keep drivers safer and reduce fatigue over long journeys.
Anything else?
Details of the European version of the Q50 will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Among the changes for Europe, we have been told that a revised engine line-up - probably introducing one or two diesel units - will be implemented.
James Giddings - 14 Jan 2013