Photo: Infiniti
Infiniti Q50 has received a significant update for the year 2016. The Japanese brand has announced the changes that have been made to this important model.
The first significant change about the Q50 is under the hood, where the sedan can receive an all new V6 twin-turbo gasoline direct injection engine. This new engine option replaces the old VQ 3.7 liter unit and becomes Infiniti’s cleanest, most powerful and most efficient V6 ever. The new engine isn’t alone in the powertrain range, four other units being available. Among them, you can find a 2.0-liter turbo unit and a 2.1-liter turbo-diesel for some markets.
In case you’re wondering, the new V6 from Infiniti is an internal development and not “borrowed” from its partners at Daimler. This cannot be said about the 2.0-liter turbo unit or the 2.1-liter diesel unit, but there’s nothing wrong with a little engine sharing between industry partners, even at this level. The seven-speed automatic transmission remains standard, just like the rear-wheel-drive (on most variants). Customers can opt for all-wheel-drive on some variants of the Q50.
The new VR30 V6 twin-turbo gasoline direct injected engine will be made in two power levels. Europe will only get the 400 HP version while the Middle East and other markets will also get a 300 HP variant. The high output variant has a maximum torque of 475 Nm between 1,600 and 5,200 rpm while the lower output version offers 400 Nm in the same rev range.
Back in Europe, the lesser powered variants of the Q50 will probably be the most sought after cars because of a significant price difference. The new unit is a “square” engine, with equal bore and stroke, a configuration used for an excellent blend of high-revving capabilities and quick response.
This particular engine is vital for Infiniti because it will end up in almost every vehicle in the brand’s range. The engineers that developed this unit had to find a balance between drivability, efficiency and performance. With no fuel efficiency figures released and no emissions information, we’ll have to trust their word on this one until they supply complete information.
What we do know is that the new engine is lighter than the previous naturally aspirated 3.7 liter V6 engine and that several key features of the unit have been completely redesigned. Also, the exhaust manifold is integrated into the heads and the catalytic converter is now closer to the engine. Thanks to this, the “cat” heats up faster and is better at lowering emissions.
Turbo lag is also reduced by the shorter exhaust manifold and scavenging is improved, allowing better fuel economy. The turbos themselves have been upgraded and their blades have been redesigned, and so have the cooling system and the intercooler itself (now water-cooled). The timing control is updated and offers more variable parameters to improve response to driver input and enhance efficiency.
The engine range isn’t the only thing upgraded on the new Q50. The Japanese sedan has a new Direct Adaptive Steering system. Thanks to the upgrades, the electric drive-by-wire system now delivers advanced levels of feedback and feel. Infiniti claims that these levels are close to those of conventional electro-hydraulic units.
Another first for the new Q50 is the availability of the Dynamic Digital Suspension. For the first time, the Japanese brand offers such a system with the Q50 and the new option unveils an array of possibilities regarding the adjustment of engine, suspension, and steering characteristics.
Individual markets will also receive a new trim level that brings more equipment.
In case you’re wondering, the new V6 from Infiniti is an internal development and not “borrowed” from its partners at Daimler. This cannot be said about the 2.0-liter turbo unit or the 2.1-liter diesel unit, but there’s nothing wrong with a little engine sharing between industry partners, even at this level. The seven-speed automatic transmission remains standard, just like the rear-wheel-drive (on most variants). Customers can opt for all-wheel-drive on some variants of the Q50.
The new VR30 V6 twin-turbo gasoline direct injected engine will be made in two power levels. Europe will only get the 400 HP version while the Middle East and other markets will also get a 300 HP variant. The high output variant has a maximum torque of 475 Nm between 1,600 and 5,200 rpm while the lower output version offers 400 Nm in the same rev range.
Back in Europe, the lesser powered variants of the Q50 will probably be the most sought after cars because of a significant price difference. The new unit is a “square” engine, with equal bore and stroke, a configuration used for an excellent blend of high-revving capabilities and quick response.
This particular engine is vital for Infiniti because it will end up in almost every vehicle in the brand’s range. The engineers that developed this unit had to find a balance between drivability, efficiency and performance. With no fuel efficiency figures released and no emissions information, we’ll have to trust their word on this one until they supply complete information.
What we do know is that the new engine is lighter than the previous naturally aspirated 3.7 liter V6 engine and that several key features of the unit have been completely redesigned. Also, the exhaust manifold is integrated into the heads and the catalytic converter is now closer to the engine. Thanks to this, the “cat” heats up faster and is better at lowering emissions.
Turbo lag is also reduced by the shorter exhaust manifold and scavenging is improved, allowing better fuel economy. The turbos themselves have been upgraded and their blades have been redesigned, and so have the cooling system and the intercooler itself (now water-cooled). The timing control is updated and offers more variable parameters to improve response to driver input and enhance efficiency.
The engine range isn’t the only thing upgraded on the new Q50. The Japanese sedan has a new Direct Adaptive Steering system. Thanks to the upgrades, the electric drive-by-wire system now delivers advanced levels of feedback and feel. Infiniti claims that these levels are close to those of conventional electro-hydraulic units.
Another first for the new Q50 is the availability of the Dynamic Digital Suspension. For the first time, the Japanese brand offers such a system with the Q50 and the new option unveils an array of possibilities regarding the adjustment of engine, suspension, and steering characteristics.
Individual markets will also receive a new trim level that brings more equipment.
Google News