Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests Infiniti Q50 S Premium Infiniti Q50 released Home > News > Infiniti Recent new car releases ..... here Upcoming new car releases ..... here 6th February, 2014 All-new model sets a fresh direction in design, performance and technology for a new generation of Infiniti vehicles Choice of two powertrains for Australia: 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder; 3.5-litre petrol/electric V6 performance hybrid Offers world-first technologies designed to enhance the driving experience, including Direct Adaptive Steering™, Active Lane Control™, Predictive Forward Collision Warning and Back-up Collision Intervention Infiniti InTuition™ – Fully customisable digital environment for linking various driver settings and driving characteristics to Intelligent Key Infiniti InTouch™ next-gen smart connectivity features dual touch-screens and an array of advanced functions, features and custom apps The Infiniti Q50 medium-sized premium sedan is now on sale in Australia. Building on Infiniti's legendary sports sedan styling, performance and technology, the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is designed to provide a new, distinct level of customer engagement – propelling Infiniti in a bold new direction as a brand and as a provider of a unique luxury performance experience. The Q50's arrival sees the brand enter Australia’s highly competitive and prestigious Medium >$60k segment (according to VFACTS) with a sedan model rich in style, technology, performance and value. Peter Jones, Managing Director and CEO of Infiniti Cars Australia said “This exceptional car pushes the boundaries of what defines a premium sports sedan and sets a new direction for Infiniti.” Infiniti Q50: Range, prices, equipment The Infiniti Q50 is available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a Direct Response 3.5-litre petrol/electric performance hybrid drivetrain. Both come fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Q50 2.2d uses a torque convertor connection to the transmission and has a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Q50 Hybrid uses a dual-clutch connection. There are three trim levels for the diesel-powered Q50 2.2d – GT, S and S Premium – with the Q50 Hybrid available in two grades: S (rear-wheel drive) and S Premium (Intelligent All-Wheel Drive). As expected, every Q50 model comes with a generous list of standard equipment. In addition there is an optional Enhancement pack for the Q50 2.2d designed to give the buyer as much flexibility and choice as possible. The following highlight some of the standard inclusions in each Q50 model grade: The entry-level Q50 GT comes comprehensively equipped and includes the following: 17-inch 5 twin-spoke light alloy wheels Infiniti InTouch™ dual touch-screen displays Infiniti InTouch™ in-car navigation system with Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) LED headlights with integrated Daytime Running Lights Bluetooth3 audio streaming and mobile connectivity Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with auto-recirculation Infiniti Drive Mode selector (Standard, Snow, Sport, Personal) Active Noise Control (ANC) Digital radio (DAB+) Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Leather-faced seating upholstery with electric front seat adjustment Intelligent Key (I-Key) with smart access and enhanced memory The Q50 S adds to this extensive list of standard features: 19-inch triple 5-spoke light alloy wheels (Q50 3.5h Hybrid) 18-inch 7 twin-spoke light alloy wheels (Q50 2.2d) Direct-Adaptive Steering (DAS) with Active Lane Control Sport-tuned suspension (Q50 Hybrid only) Opposed-piston sport brakes and regenerative braking system (Q50 Hybrid only) Magnesium-modified paddle shifters Studio on Wheels® by BOSE®: 14-speaker premium audio system with Advanced Staging Technology® Electric sunroof with sliding sunshade Sports front bumper The high-grade Q50 S Premium adds even more equipment, including: 19-inch triple 5-spoke light alloy wheels (Q50 2.2d) Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Distance Control Assist (DCA) Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), Predictive Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Forward Emergency Braking Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) Back-up Collision Intervention (BCI) Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection Active Front-lighting System (AFS) with High Beam Assist The Hybrid version of the Q50 S Premium also includes: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) (Q50 Hybrid only) Finishing the look of the Q50 is the availability of eight exterior paint finishes – Black Obsidian, Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Hagane Blue, Chestnut Bronze, Venetian Ruby and Malbec Black. All finishes feature Infiniti’s innovative Scratch Shield self-healing paint technology. Q50 design: an inheritance of riches In a departure from the familiar design themes of the segment, the Infiniti Q50 stands out for being something different, its high tension surfaces and powerfully flowing lines finding their inspiration in natural forms rather than geometry. As a result, the Q50 is an emotional design – a fresh face whose self-confidence is summed up by its striking new headlight signature and distinctive crescent-cut C-pillar. The Q50 embodies in a spacious four-door sedan body many of the design cues of Infiniti’s trilogy of concept cars – Essence, Etherea and Emerg-E – that over the past four years have helped define the brand’s uniquely individual appeal. “The Q50 has Infiniti design DNA running through it,” says Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “A concept car to us is far more than a motor show indulgence. It is the canvas on which we paint our production car dreams. Now with the Q50 we see those dreams become real.” But it is not only the Q50’s exterior design that has been influenced by the Infiniti concept car trilogy – the interior too has benefited from designs and materials from Essence, Etherea and Emerg-E. “Concept cars make the ideal test bed for the craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology that no Infiniti would be complete without,” added Alfonso Albaisa. “The materials and designs explored in the concept cars have had a big impact on the Q50, and are a large part of the reason the interior is so special.” Painstaking attention to detail and a high-quality finish are further examples of the influence the concept trilogy have wrought on the Q50. For example, the Q50’s body brings not just a flowing new elegance to the class but construction techniques so precise that panel fit is among the best available. The Infiniti Q50’s shape is aerodynamic, with the zero lift concept body achieving an excellent Cd of 0.26 in GT specification. From concept to reality: the genesis of Q50’s design Headlights (Etherea, 2011) - The Q50’s distinctive headlights have changed little since they first previewed on Etherea. With that concept as with the Q50, the lights are very much the car’s “eyes”. Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, says: “The lights allow us to define the Infiniti face more clearly than ever, providing a unique visual signature, day or night.” The light clusters incorporate daytime running lights formed out of a crescent of LEDs, a motif mirrored at the back where the lights are tautly stretched around the car in a way reminiscent of Essence. Crescent-cut C-pillar (Essence, 2009) - One of Essence’s most distinctive design cues, the crescent-cut C-pillar is used on the Q50 in its purest and most powerful form yet, injecting dynamism into the profile and ensuring the mid-size sedan will always be instantly recognisable. Three-dimensional double-arch grille (Essence 2009 and Emerg-E, 2012) - The Infiniti double-arch grille – the top span representing the profile of a typical Japanese bridge, the lower span its reflection in the water – has long been an important part of the Infiniti “face”. For the Q50, this grille takes on a more three-dimensional look with more gravity and depth following the lead set by the design of the Essence concept with its distinctive, highly crafted steel mesh finish. Deep body section (Essence, 2009) - With its deep and steep body section the new Infiniti Q50 has some of the most complex surfaces of any car in its class. It is the result of inheriting design influences successfully advanced with Essence, whose wave-like body sections make the big luxury coupe’s styling so dramatically advanced and effective. For the Q50 the results are just as effective, with the car benefiting from particularly powerful shoulders. Asymmetrical cabin layout (Essence, 2009, and Emerg-E, 2012) - A driver focus in the cabin is an important part of any Infiniti – as is a welcoming and relaxing front passenger compartment. Essence, and later Emerg-E, managed to achieve both in the same car with a novel Yin-Yang approach, and it is this which the Infiniti Q50 brings into the showroom in production form. The result is an asymmetrical front compartment of two distinct areas, delineated by a line that curves elegantly across the centre console. Interior finishes (Essence, Etherea and Emerg-E) - Modern interpretations of Japan’s rich arts and crafts tradition are part of the appeal of Infiniti concept cars, and many have had a direct influence on the Q50, such as the aluminium inlays called Kacchu whose textures are based on intricate woven patterns. Powerful looks, powerful platform Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation in Denmark, WA ..... more The powerful looks are based on an equally powerful platform, a bespoke version of Infiniti’s latest chassis technology. Double wishbone front suspension and multilink rear (with Dual Flow Path shock absorbers) provide handling poise and precision whilst improving ride comfort. Handling is further enhanced by a stiffer body structure and, thanks to many aluminium components, lower weight. Sport versions, with their re-profiled front bumper section and even sharper looks, get sports-tuned suspension as well as upgraded brake rotors with 4-piston front callipers and 2-piston rear callipers. All Q50s have been designed to work with latest-generation run-flat tyres for the convenience and safety of owners. Interior design: technology in perfect harmony The Q50’s interior has an emphasis on natural elegance, spacious rear passenger accommodation and the signature craftsmanship, attention to detail and premium materials that set every Infiniti apart. In the design, there is a clear focus on the person behind the wheel, reinforcing the driving appeal at the heart of every Infiniti. A dual cockpit feel is achieved by a dashboard that flows around in a subtle “double wave” formation and by an asymmetrical centre section. With soft curves, contrasting surfaces and a precision finish, the design is both welcoming and also driver-centric. All key controls are located to be operated so the driver does not need to change driving posture. Enhancing the in-command feeling is a control lay-out that majors on ergonomic human/machine interface. This is in part thanks to the Q50 being one of the first cars to feature dual touch-screens, leading to a significant de-cluttering of the dashboard. With a generous wheelbase of 2,850mm, the Q50 has plenty of room for adult passengers front and back; rear kneeroom is among the best in class. Particular attention has been paid to easy entry and egress. The rear seat is split 60/40 (except Hybrid model) for when extra luggage capacity is needed, and there is access to the boot via the centre armrest (not Hybrid) so that long objects, such as skis, can be carried with up to two rear seat passengers onboard. Seats that are out of this world Infiniti engineers relied on NASA space research in order to solve an age-old problem: how do you design a seat that remains fatigue-free on the longest of journeys? Infiniti found the secret lay in replicating the neutral posture the body adopts in a zero gravity environment. NASA research shows this posture imposes the least amount of loads on the body, allowing the same position to be maintained without discomfort for long periods. Through a joint research programme with Yamazaki Laboratory at Keio University, using a seat simulator and a musculo-skeletal model for seating analysis, Infiniti engineers came up with a new design and structure for the “spinal support” front seats fitted in the Q50. Offering continuous support for the spine from the pelvis to the chest, the seats have been shown in tests to improve a person’s circulation by 15 per cent, allowing many more people to be able to travel long distances in the Q50 without discomfort. Infiniti Q50 Direct Response Hybrid The Q50 Hybrid’s homologated figures confirm what Infiniti has long believed – that for the ultimate ‘no compromise’ approach to both performance and efficiency in a petrol engine nothing beats hybrid power. At least hybrid power when it comes in the unique form of Infiniti’s Hybrid technology. Direct Response technology – a powerful electric helping-hand applying extra torque to the powertrain exactly when it is needed – guarantees the Q50 Hybrid a place in the top echelons of European high performance sports sedans. From a standing start 0-100km/h takes just 5.1 seconds (rear-wheel drive), faster even than the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid. The 268kW Q50 Hybrid shares the same intelligent dual-clutch Direct Response system and seven-speed automatic transmission as the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid, but with certain changes to improve performance, extend its electric-only range and allow for an outstanding cargo capacity for a hybrid in this class. The Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission features Downshift Rev Matching and manual shift mode via steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters. Outstanding performance is matched by a remarkable level of efficiency – with fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 6.8 l/100km (RWD) and CO2 emissions of 159g/km (RWD). The Q50 Hybrid is available in both rear and all-wheel drive forms in Australia. True to Infiniti form, the Q50 Hybrid retains the linear response and sporting sound central to a performance car, convincingly delivered by Infiniti’s famed 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with its distinctive exhaust bark, wide rev range and peak outputs of 225kW of power and 350Nm of torque (98RON petrol). Partnering this V6 engine in the Q50 Hybrid is a high-efficiency 50kW/290Nm electric motor. Direct Response technology means the Q50 Hybrid can combine its exceptional pace and sporting prowess with an extended zero emissions mode at low speeds, making it both the perfect open roads tourer and silent, electrically-powered, zero-tailpipe emissions city commuter. The Q50 Hybrid is capable of cruising at speeds up to 100km/h in electric mode. Impressively, the Infiniti engineers have been able to package the hybrid control hardware and new-for-the-Q50 lithium-ion battery pack in an innovative new way in the rear of the car, allowing for a generous 400 litres of boot capacity, whilst maintaining optimum weight distribution for enhanced driving dynamics. Engine output for the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid is summarised in the following table. Model Petrol Engine Electric Motor Total Power Total Torque Q50 Hybrid RWD 3.5l V6, 225kW, 350Nm 50kW,290Nm 268kW 546Nm Q50 Hybrid AWD 3.5l V6, 225kW, 350Nm 50kW,290Nm 268kW 546Nm Fuel consumption and performance figures for the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid are summarised in the table below. Model Fuel Cons CO2 Output 0-100km/h Emissions Class Q50 Hybrid RWD 6.8l/100km 159g/km 5.1 seconds EU5 Q50 Hybrid AWD 7.2l/100km 169g/km 5.4 seconds EU5 NOTE: Performance and fuel consumption figures shown for Q50 Hybrid achieved with 98RON petrol. Infiniti’s first four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine The Infiniti Q50 is the first Infiniti to benefit from the brand’s collaboration agreement with German vehicle-maker Daimler AG. The 2.2-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been modified by the Infiniti engineering teams to ensure engine response is in line with Infiniti’s emphasis on performance. Unique Infiniti engine parts include air inlet, intercooler, low-pressure fuel system and after treatment system, oil pan, engine mounts, and engine control unit (ECU). Visible engine items are in addition unique to Infiniti. The block, turbocharger, exhaust and injection system are common with the Mercedes-Benz version. The engine offers highly competitive power (125kW) and torque (400Nm) whilst retaining a low CO2 output (138g/km1) and fuel consumption (5.2-litres per 100km). Like the engine, the standard-fitment seven-speed automatic transmission has been tailored to Infiniti’s specific requirements. For the first time in an Infiniti vehicle, start-stop engine technology is available. The high-efficiency turbo-diesel engine in the Q50 2.2d cleverly switches itself off when the car is brought to a stop in traffic and re-starts quickly the moment the driver begins to lift their foot from the brake pedal. The system contributes to the Q50 2.2d’s impressively low fuel consumption rate. This start-stop function is not offered in the Q50 3.5h Hybrid as the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system manages the operation of the 3.5-litre V6 in low-speed traffic, deciding when to use power from the internal combustion (IC) engine and when to use the electric motor. Engine output for the Infiniti Q50 2.2d is summarised in the table below. Model Turbo-diesel Engine Power Torque Q50 2.2d 2.2l, 4-cylinder 125kW 400Nm Fuel consumption and performance figures for the Infiniti Q50 2.2d are summarised in the table below. Model Fuel Cons CO2 Output 0-100km/h Emissions Class Q50 2.2d 5.2l/100km 138g/km 8.5 seconds EU5 World’s first steer-by-wire production car Infiniti is bringing steering into the 21st century with world-first electronic steer-by-wire technology. Having its debut on certain models in the Q50 range, Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is a key ingredient in making the Q50 one of the most dynamic sports sedans on the market as well as offering the driver the ability to customise steering feel for the first time in this class. Light for manoeuvring, firmer and more agile for sporty driving and challenging roads, Direct Adaptive Steering makes all options available via simple touch-screen controls. Uniquely in the class, both steering weight and response (gearing) can be tailored, with all settings stored for each driver in the Q50’s sophisticated memory. Direct Adaptive Steering works by electronically transferring the driver’s input to the front wheels where a high-response actuator drives the steering rack. By eliminating the mechanical losses that can slow the responses in conventional systems, steering response is faster and vibration at the steering wheel non-existent. All this is achieved with retention of feedback from the road that is central to every Infiniti’s performance feel. Steering is adjusted on a touch screen as part of the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector. Depending on the model, there are up to four pre-set modes plus a personal setting that allows the driver to mix and match effort and response to suit individual driving style and type of road. As a result and in defiance of conventional car steering compromises, the Infiniti Q50 with Direct Adaptive Steering is as stable and stress-free to steer on a motorway as it is reassuring and rewarding to handle on a mountain pass – or as light and easy to manoeuvre in a crowded car park. Direct Adaptive Steering comes with triple-mode back-up (three separate electronic control units), 400,000km of real-world test distance behind it and the failsafe of a mechanical steering linkage. In normal use a clutch disengages this mechanical link so it cannot corrupt the steering response. Direct Adaptive Steering is standard on S and S Premium model grades. Active Lane Control steers a safer path A further benefit of Direct Adaptive Steering is that it comes with Infiniti’s latest driving technology, Active Lane Control (ALC). ALC is the most effective and sophisticated lane-keeping system yet developed because it is the only one to use the steering to ensure the car stays between lane markings. Other systems rely on the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) to apply braking force on one side of the car in order to alter its course. ALC uses a camera to detect the lane the vehicle is travelling in. The information is processed and relayed to the steering control unit which instructs the steering actuator to make any necessary corrections. The effect has been described as the car feeling “magnetised” to its lane. Apart from the obvious safety benefits in the mitigation of unintended lane departure, ALC adds to the Q50’s dynamic appeal with its firm on-centre steering feel and enhanced feeling of control. It has a positive influence too in making driving less tiring by reducing the need for continuous steering input owing to crosswinds or minor camber changes in the road surface. Like all Infiniti technologies, ALC and DAS are designed to support the driver rather than insulate them. The driver always has the choice of how the car is set up – ALC intervention can be mild or full depending on preference. Safety Shield: more complete than ever The Q50’s dynamic envelope is completed by the availability of more high-tech systems under the Safety Shield umbrella, all of them designed to enhance the drive and assist in preventing accidents. The newest, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, is another world-first technology: it doesn’t just react to the speed/distance of the car in front, but also the car in front of that. Other safety-related systems available on the Q50 include: Forward Emergency Braking – The forward emergency braking system can assist the driver when there is a risk of a forward collision with the vehicle ahead in the travelling lane. Active Trace Control – This system senses driving based on the driver’s steering and acceleration/braking patterns, and controls brake pressure at individual wheels to help smooth vehicle response. Back-up Collision Intervention™ (BCI) – The Back-up Collision Intervention system can help alert the driver of an approaching vehicle or objects behind the vehicle when the driver is backing out of a parking space. If the vehicle determines an impact is imminent it can apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop. It functions in reverse below approximately 8 km/h. Active Front Lighting System (AFS) – Headlights that change direction based on steering input to improve visibility when cornering at night. High Beam Assist – High Beam Assist will operate when the vehicle is driven at speeds of 35 km/h and above. If an oncoming vehicle or leading vehicle appears in front of the Q50 when the headlight high beam is on, the headlight will be switched to the low beam automatically. Around View Monitor (AVM) – The Around View Monitor system shows the position of the vehicle on the upper screen from multiple angles using cameras at the front, rear and side of the vehicle to assist with low speed manoeuvring of the vehicle. Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range – The Intelligent Cruise Control system maintains a selected distance from the vehicle in front up to the set speed. Distance Control Assist (DCA) – The Distance Control Assist system brakes and moves the accelerator pedal upward according to the distance from and the relative speed of the vehicle ahead to help assist the driver to maintain a following distance. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) – warns the driver that the vehicle is beginning to leave the driving lane and can help assist the driver to return the vehicle to the centre direction of the traveling lane. Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) – The Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention systems can help alert the driver of other vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes, and if active help return the vehicle into the lane of travel to reduce the chance of collision. Infiniti Q50: The car with App appeal Offering all that people like best about smartphones and tablet computers, the Infiniti Q50 takes staying in touch while on the move to a new level of convenience. This new-generation system offers a number of apps and delivers seamless connectivity with a user interface that any tablet owner will find second nature to master. Called Infiniti InTouch™ the core system is standard on every Q50. In essence, the car becomes an extension of the driver’s smartphone. Infiniti InTouch™ is as intuitive to use as an iPad and as functional as the latest smartphone, seamlessly integrating on-board hardware with off-board services using the driver’s smartphone as the portal. Options for operating the system include not just the easy-to-use lower touch-screen but also enhanced voice recognition, a central console commander, and steering wheel switches. Infiniti has set up its own app store, App Garage, where Q50 owners can choose from a wide variety of applications, with more to become available over time. Every aspect of the system is upgradeable, so the Q50 owner will be able to benefit from the latest software and apps. Key aspects of Infiniti InTouch™ (depending on market) include: For iPhone and Android platforms, with more to be added Email and calendar capabilities Automatic synchronisation with Google calendar Upgradeable with software updates Dual touch-screens with finger-flick zoom/scroll Fully customisable appearance and lay-out Central to InTouch™ is the lower touch-screen on the centre console, leading to a significant de-cluttering of dashboard buttons. Importantly, however, physical buttons for basic climate control and radio functions are retained. The top touch-screen is 8-inches and shows a navigation map. The bottom 7-inch touch-screen displays the preloaded apps (some available from March 2014): Inbox, Calendar, Clock, Compass, Driving Performance (for dynamic analyses that include g-force and fuel flow) and Maintenance Note (everything from tyre pressures to the car’s complete service history). The lower, 7-inch touch-screen also displays controls for the car’s ancillary systems, such as climate control and music. Infiniti is ensuring that only apps appropriate for in-vehicle use are able to be loaded. No advertising is permitted. The apps are optimised to work inside a car with the emphasis on a clear and simple user interface, so they may display differently in the car and not all functions from the phone app may be available. To get started all a new Q50 owner has to do is download the free Infiniti InTouch™ companion app to synchronise Q50 with their smartphone. Once paired, the owner can then select more apps. There will be no charges for apps or accessing content (over and above normal phone service provider charges) for the first owner in the first year. After that subscription charges may apply depending on apps loaded and content accessed. The system has been designed to be highly customisable with the screens’ lay-out, appearance, and content all easily changeable so each Q50 becomes unique to its owner. Both screens respond to finger-flicks to zoom in or scroll through pages, while InTouch™ boasts the very latest voice recognition software ensuring highly accurate results. InTouch™ recognises full-sentence voice commands, negating the need to enter into a tedious question and answer session. Infiniti InTouch™ also keeps Q50 drivers connected. Drivers who are in the office getting a route for a complicated new journey can use Google Maps and select the option “Send to car” to ensure that route will be loaded in the car’s navigation system, waiting for them when they are ready to set off. The car that never forgets The Infiniti Q50 is a car with a great memory for names. And faces, and seat positions, and cabin temperatures and routes home, even whether the driver prefers an ABC or a QWERTY keyboard. Depending on model, Infiniti’s all-new premium sedan will not just welcome the driver aboard by name; it can even display photographs of friends and family on one of the car’s dual touch-screens. The Infiniti Q50 takes the idea of a car with a memory to a whole new level in the premium mid-sized class. Thanks to 96 selectable settings across 10 functions, possible permutations for personalisation run into the millions, syncing car and driver far more comprehensively than any rival can manage. The Infiniti Q50 can remember the personal settings for up to four people – three registered users and one guest – covering the areas of life on board, dynamic performance and safety technology. The concept behind this bespoke digital solution is called Infiniti InTuition. And it is just as simple to use as it sounds, with the car doing all the hard work and the few controls that do exist being totally intuitive to use. Central to Infiniti InTuition is Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Key (i-Key). Each of the two i-Keys supplied with every Q50 stores personal settings for two different drivers. The information is saved automatically and can easily be updated, or deleted, on the touch screens. Tailoring the personal profiles extends to a facility to load up to 16 photographs. Infiniti Drive Mode Selector The new Infiniti Drive Mode Selector is fitted to every Q50 model. Operated by a switch on the centre console, the selector offers performance choices that include Standard, Sport, Eco (not diesel), Snow and Personal. Personal is the custom setting where a driver can choose his or her ideal performance feel, not just engine and transmission changes but also steering characteristics, even on Q50 models not equipped with Infiniti’s steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering system. Non-DAS-equipped Q50 models use Infiniti’s Hydraulic-Electric Power Steering (HEPS) system and drivers can select either a “standard” or “heavy” steering characteristic using the Drive Mode Selector. The Infiniti Q50 can also remember each driver’s preferences for the host of advanced technologies working away behind the scenes to enhance the drive and keep the car out of trouble. Where these systems offer control choices – ranging, for example, from a simple on/off to the level of electronic intervention required – the settings are stored and automatically engaged whenever that driver is behind the wheel. This guarantees that, whoever is driving, the car’s electronic systems – many of which form part of the Q50’s innovative Safety Shield – will always be perfectly set for that driver without the need to press buttons or scroll through menus. Life on board offers even more personalisation options – all of which the Q50 will recognise as that driver every time he or she gets behind the wheel. Depending on model, favoured driving position (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors), climate control, navigation routes and options, and preferences for the Infiniti InTouch™ communication, entertainment and information functions can all be set and stored. Screen displays, language, colours, photographs and shortcuts can be chosen, too – the system will even remember whether the driver prefers Fahrenheit or Celsius and an analogue or digital clock. Q50 and BOSE® put you in the best seats in the house Infiniti cars with Bose® surround sound are renowned for their ability to deliver the acoustics of a live concert - almost. Thanks to a world-first development by Bose, the new Infiniti Q50 takes the music to another level – by ensuring listeners don’t just feel to be part of the performance, but to be enjoying it from the best seats in the house. The “front-row effect” is the result of Advanced Staging Technology®, a key component of the Q50’s custom-designed 14-speaker Bose Sound System (where fitted). Advanced Staging Technology works by separating components of the music and distributing them across the Q50’s array of hi-tech speakers in a way that most faithfully resembles the staging of the actual performance. In technical terms, an advanced signal processing algorithm directs the musical components to their ideal locations on the “soundstage”. This is achieved via a dedicated channel of custom equalisation for each of the high performance speakers. The result is each instrument is separated with a precision never before achieved; creating the impression the orchestra – or band – is playing on a much wider stage. Advanced Staging Technology® is just one element of the Q50’s Bose sound system, the latest joint project between Infiniti and Bose in a collaboration that dates back to 1989. Other key features include 14 high performance speakers – a “five across” system of tweeters and Twiddlers on the dashboard and front doors, woofers and Twiddlers in the front doors, two wide-range speakers and two woofers in the rear doors and rear shelf and a 25.5cm subwoofer in the rear shelf. Bose Centerpoint® 2 Surround Technology – this enables listeners to enjoy a surround sound experience from almost any stereo source, including radio, CDs and MP3s. Bose AudioPilot® 2 Noise Compensation Technology – using a strategically placed microphone in the vehicle cabin, AudioPilot constantly monitors and adjusts music levels to compensate for vehicle speed and the effects of unwanted external sounds. Bose® Active Sound Creation – utilises the sound system’s speakers and amplifier to reduce unwanted engine and powertrain noise while creating the precise powertrain sound characteristics specified by Infiniti. A brief history of Q The letter Q has been synonymous with Infiniti since the luxury performance brand from Japan launched its first model, the Q45 sedan, almost a quarter of a century ago. Since then the letter has been an integral part of Infiniti’s success story in markets such as the USA. Now the Q50 is the first of a new generation of Infiniti models that once again will be known by the letter Q or, for the cross-overs, by QX. Like Q, QX also has a link to Infiniti’s past, with the QX4 SUV model of 1997. Infiniti Q line-up Q30 (Production in Sunderland, UK, from 2015) Q50 (all-new sports sedan) QX50 (formerly Infiniti EX cross-over; not sold in Australia) Q60 (formerly G Coupé and G Cabriolet) QX60 (formerly JX SUV, in USA and Russia; not sold in Australia) Q70 (formerly Infiniti M sedan) QX70 (formerly FX cross-over) QX80 (formerly QX56 SUV in USA and Russia; not sold in Australia) The Q50 is the first Infiniti to be badged according to this new nomenclature, but other models will follow soon to build a complete Infiniti Q model range. Australian prices The Infiniti Q50 2.2d GT is priced from $51,900* (MLP*). Between February and April, this Q50 model is available with a promotional estimated drive-away price of $55,900**. The Q50 3.5h Hybrid is priced from $67,900* (MLP*) and will be available in both rear-and all-wheel drive. Australian prices (MLP* and drive-away) are summarised in the tables below. Q50 2.2d MLP* Driveaway** GT $51,900* $56,809** (Promotional price of $55,900 Feb-Apr) S $57,900* $64,197** S Premium $61,900* $68,397** Q50 Hybrid MLP* Driveaway** GT NA NA S $67,900* $74,597** S Premium $73,900* $81,787** NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications. ** Recommended drive away price shown includes Manufacturer's Recommended List Price, a recommended Infiniti Retail Dealer delivery fee, any applicable GST and Luxury Car Tax, 12 months' registration and compulsory third party insurance (CTP) and is based on a private owner aged 40 with a good driving record and the vehicle being garaged in the postcode 3000. Promotional drive away price of $55,900 for Infiniti Q50 2.2d GT sedan valid from 1st February 2014 until 30 April 2014. Drive-away price will vary between states/territories and individual registered owner/driver circumstances. E&OE. Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more More Infiniti News ..... here Top of page About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2014   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.