Infiniti has released an official statement on the new 2013 Q50, the car that replaces the G-series sedan in the range aiming to compete against the also new Lexus IS, Cadillac ATS and BMW 3-Series compact executive saloons.
Signature Infiniti exterior design features include the “double arch” grille, dynamic arch roofline and Crescent-cut C-pillar. The front end is decidedly aggressive, with a sport front fascia offered on the Sport models. The new grille’s three-dimensional, textural quality is provided by elaborate detailing of the waved mesh pattern surface and chrome surround, while the distinctive sharp lines of the LED headlights and marker lights suggest a human look.
Other exterior refinements include new door architecture with narrower, roll-formed A and B-pillar sashes that provide improved access, as well as a more open cabin environment. A new colour palette has been specially selected to accentuate contours and sculpted surfaces of the Q50 and includes a range of eight premium colours. The new body design also offers enhanced airflow over both the upper and lower body portions, resulting in a coefficient of drag of just 0.26.
The Q50 rides on 17-inch machine-finished aluminium-alloy wheels with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tyres. Also available are 19-inch aluminium-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 run-flat all-season or summer tyres.
At launch in North America, two advanced petrol engines will be available, followed by additional options in other global markets later in the year. The Q50’s refined 3.7-litre aluminium-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 is rated at 328 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL).
The available hybrid powertrain features the Infiniti Direct Response HybridÔsystem with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC aluminium-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control. The system’s V6 is rated at 302 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 360 horsepower.
Both powertrains are available in rear-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive layouts matched to an advanced 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
Precise handling is provided by the 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The front is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear design utilises a multi-link design with coil springs.
The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 will be initially offered in the United States and Canada beginning in summer 2013. At launch, two powertrains – the 3.7-litre petrol V6 and 3.5-litre petrol V6/electric Hybrid – will be available
