INFINITI Middle East recently unveiled the new 2017 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan with a number of performance and dynamic upgrades that deliver a more empowering and rewarding drive experience. The comprehensive updates include next-generation ride and handling technologies while two new powertrains are introduced to the range, featuring two advanced turbocharged V6 engines.
“The Q50 Red Sport 400 is the first vehicle launched in the region encompassing our new ‘Empower The Drive’ brand positioning,” said Juergen Schmitz, Managing Director, Infiniti Middle East. “Offering a premium driving experience with two all-new powertrain’s (300hp and 400hp) as well as a number of technological advancements in driver aids safety; the new Q50 definitely empowers drivers and is poised to further build on its regional successes, as it continues to be a key model for Infiniti in the Middle East.”
Leading the way is the new Q50 Red Sport 400, the performance-orientated version of the refreshed sports sedan. Its 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine with direct injection delivers 400hp and is the focal point of the power plant.
Continuing the list of powertrain options, the number of Q50 trim levels is extended to four for the sports sedan. An additional turbocharged V6 powertrain is also available for the Q50 with a 300hp output, included in the Q50 Sport. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces 208hp is packaged in the standard Q50. Customers seeking a performance hybrid model will also be able to opt for the Q50 Blue Sport which combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The hybrid system net power is 350 hp with a combined torque of 536 Nm, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.
The new Q50 features INFINITI’s Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) for the first time, which gives the new sports sedan an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading response and agility. For those drivers looking for a blend of dynamic settings tailored to their own particular requirements and tastes, the Q50’s Drive Mode Selector (DMS) can be augmented with ‘Personal’ mode (as before), which permits a bespoke mix of engine, suspension and steering characteristics.
As standard, Q50 models equipped with the new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine (300 hp) feature Infiniti’s new Rack Electronic Power Steering.
When making steering inputs, traditional steering systems can create an unnatural feeling through imprecise control of the power assistance, reducing the feeling of linearity. To counter this, Infiniti’s Rack Electronic Power Steering precisely increases the steering effort required as the vehicle’s yaw rate changes, before adjusting to provide more assistance when the wheel returns towards on-center. This all-new system provides a linear and in-control driving experience that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector.
The new Q50 also receives an upgrade with the company’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering, comprehensively modified from the daring and ground-breaking first-generation system. Infiniti has enhanced the Direct Adaptive Steering after gathering customer feedback from around the world and completing 625,000 miles of real-world testing. The standard steering mode now offers advanced levels of steering feel and feedback – more akin to that of a conventional steering system.
The new version of Direct Adaptive Steering works with Active Lane Control (Speeds over 70km/h) to maintain lane positioning against crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. This semi-autonomous capability is a precursor to future steering systems that will form a key building block on the way to achieving fully-autonomous driving.
The new Infiniti Q50 delivers in spades on safety and security technologies, ensuring that drivers are empowered with a plethora of assistance and safety aids.
Key technological enhancements include; Blind-Spot Warning with Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention with Active Lane Control, Back-up Collision Intervention with Cross Traffic Alert, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 3.0t 400 is available across the Middle East from AED210,000, while the entry level Q50 2.0t is available from AED136,500.
