Infiniti Prototype 10 Concept Reviews

Infiniti's long-rumoured replacement for the full-size Q45 luxury saloon could be unveiled as early as 2016, according to a new report.According to Japan's Holiday Auto magazine, the new model will follow the 1-Series rivalling Q30 and new Q60 coupe expected in 2015, along with the new QX70 and refreshed QX80 SUVs in 2016, rounding off five new models expected between 2015-18.Speaking with an anonymous source, the magazine suggests the "high performance luxury saloon" will appear in concept form by late 2016 or early 2017, with a production model due some time in 2018.Nissan's luxury brand has not marketed a new S-Class and 7 Series-rivalling full-size saloon since the demise of the third-generation Q45 in 2006, and the report suggests a fourth-generation model had been near completion before being halted by the global financial crisis in late 2008.Another anonymous source claims to have seen a full-size clay model of the car in mid-2007, which was effectively a four-door version of the Essence coupe concept shown two years later in Geneva."We can say that its concept will be based on Cima's (Japan-spec Q45) successor, which was cancelled due to the global financial crisis and also the concept car Essence released the following year," the source noted."Of course it has been a while since the crisis, so the design and concept must have been improved."The report also cites an unnamed Nissan executive, who confirmed that such a model is in the works. "We won't make a car like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. We will revisit the concept of Essence…"This suggests a more sporting flavour for the big Infiniti, with the long-nose proportions of the Essence concept likely to result in a model more in line with the Jaguar XJ or Porsche Panamera.Like the Q30 and next QX70, the flagship saloon is expected to benefit from significant technical input from Mercedes-Benz, with drivetrains sourced from both Nissan/Infiniti and the German carmaker.Asked why the model is still at least two years away, despite its basic design predating the GFC, the unnamed source cited the need to align with Mercedes' new front-engine, rear-drive platform that debuted with the new C-Class, and will also form the basis for the next E-Class and other assorted derivatives."Infiniti had eyes on this and decided to use the new platform with Mercedes technology rather than its own old FR-L (used with the current Q70). The truth is, the negotiation took time and development has finally started," according to the source.So it may not directly replicate the S-Class, but the flagship Infiniti looks set to benefit from the brand's renowned premium technology at least.The report also suggests that the new sedan will spawn an Eau Rouge high-performance variant, similar in principal to the recent Q50 Eau Rouge concept, and possibly also using a version of its GT-R sourced 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.  However, a high-performance hybrid drivetrain is more likely. 

There are lots of sharp angles on the Q50. it's been designed to lure people away from the more predictable German rivals with it's unique look and spacios cabin. Infiniti claim the car has more rear legroom than any of its rivals. The large transmission tunnel and raised middle seat does mean that the Q50 isn't great for carrying 3 people in the back.Infiniti Q50 GTPrice: from $51,900Engine: 2.2L four-cylinder turbo diesel, 125kW/400NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDThirst: 5.2L/100Km, 138g/km CO2

Previously shown at the Detroit Auto Show as a design study, the high performance concept will appear again at Geneva, sporting an aggressive powertrain.The Japanese prestige brand previously indicated that this high performance engine uses forced induction with its cylinders set in a 'V' formation. It has also said that this is a 'big personality' engine.Now we can objectively agree with Infiniti on the whole 'big personality' claim because the company has released a teaser video giving us our first listen to the car. With wastegates 'whistling' and turbochargers 'whooshing' throughout the video, this engine, which is likely a V6, certainly sounds angry.Specific details on the power plant remain a mystery, but Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen believes power should be in the realm of 370kW and 810Nm of torque for this sort of car. What's more, anyone who has listened to a Nissan GT-R will likely hear similarities between its exhaust note and the new Infiniti's.Whether the GT-R team would give up the 3.8-litre twin turbo unit that they've developed almost obsessively over the past few years is, however, unknown. We'll learn more details when the Eau Rouge concept appears at the Geneva Motor Show next month.Watch the Inifiti Q50 Eau Rouge engine teased video on our desktop site. 

Determined to become a major player in its class in Australia, Infiniti has introduced a midsize model called Infiniti Q50.

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Infiniti says the Q50 is the real start to Infiniti's success in Australia. It's the first all-new design to reach our shores and it shows.

Infiniti says the Q50 is the real start to Infiniti's success in Australia. The three-tier, two engine range kicks off at $51,900, for the 2.2 diesel-only GT, a very handy $8400 cheaper than its most obvious competitor, the BMW 318d. It's also cheaper than the A4 and C Class.The diesel S can be had for $57,900 and the S Premium for $61,900. The S Hybrid is $67,900 and the range tops out at $73,900 for the hybrid AWD-only S Premium. The GT base model bursts out of the blocks with an impressive array of standard features, but we've only space for the highlights.Every Q50 has the dual stacked screens of Infiniti InTouch system which handles most of the car's functions. The top screen is for navigation and you can leave the maps on even when you - or your passenger - are fiddling with the other functions. The standard list features DAB digital radio, sat-nav, electric driver's seat, leather upholstery, Moving on to the S spec level adds the Direct Adaptive Steering, sport front bumper and Bose stereo. The range-topping S Premium, available with both engines, adds a safety package with backup collision warning, active headlights, blind spot and lane drift warning and active cruise control.Standard across the range are six airbags, brake assist, brake force distribution, active cruise control, front and rear sensors with rear-facing camera. S Premium adds a suite of safety features including predictive collision forward warning, active lane control, blind spot intervention, forward emergency braking and moving object detection.The diesel 2.2d is from Mercedes-Benz and produces 125kW/400Nm for 5.2l/100km. The hybrid 3.5l V6 is good for 268kW and 546Nm while returning 6.8l/100km (RWD) or 7.2l/100km (AWD). While still a seven-speed transmission, the electric engine sits between two clutches to allow for electric only running. Both have paddle-shifts and downshift rev-matching. Steer-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is standard on all models bar the GT.2014 Infiniti Q50 pricesInfiniti Q50 GT $51,900 ($56,809 drive-away, $55,900 drive-away launch offer).Infiniti Q50 S $57,900 ($64,197 drive-away)Infiniti Q50 S Premium $61,900 ($68,397 drive-away)Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid $67,900 ($74,597 drive-away)Infiniti Q50 S Premium Hybrid AWD $73,900 ($81,787 drive-away)

The Detroit motor show may showcase some of the most stylish and extravagant of the world's upcoming automotive models, but the manufacturers also garnish these four-wheeled objects of desire

Hot on the heels of Infiniti announcing a $51,900 entry yesterday for the new Q50 in Australia -- and tossing a price challenge at the Merc C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Lexus IS -- the brand has unveiled the car's halo concept at Detroit motor show.Inspired by the Red Bull Racing RB9 Formula One car -- and named for the famed corner of Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps track -- the Eau Rouge comes with the promise of a high-performance engine if it heads for production, with Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen saying it could see outputs of more than 373kW and 813Nm."If we built this car I would expect it to feature over (those figures)," de Nysschen says in the accompanying press statement. "Through our various alliance partners we have access to a range of engines featuring this performance capability which, with a fair amount of engineering effort, can be developed to exhibit Infiniti character and accommodated within the Q50 engine bay."The engine we are evaluating for the Q50 Eau Rouge is a big personality, V-cylinder engine with forced induction. I think our engineers have been waiting for a project like this."The Eau Rouge is slung low and wide on light 21-inch forged wheels, with weight-saving strategies including liberal use of carbon-fibre for the panels, roof, bodykit and mirror housings. Race-bred cues include 

Infiniti has announced price and specifications for the new Q50 mid-size luxury sedan, ahead of its February arrival in local showrooms.The Q50 will be the first Infiniti to wear the Japanese luxury brand’s ‘Q’ naming strategy, with sedan models soon to wear a Q-prefix, and SUV models to be badged ‘QX’.Starting beneath the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a $51,900 list price, the new model will arrive with three trim levels, a choice of diesel or petrol-electric hybrid drivetrains and rear or all-wheel drive.The $51,900 entry Q50 GT will be available with introductory drive away pricing of $55,900 until April 30, and come equipped with a Mercedes-Benz-derived 125kW/400Nm 2.2d-badged 2143cc turbodiesel engine and driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.The 2.2d drivetrain will also be available in $57,900 S-grade, with the $61,900 S Premium rounding off the diesel lineup.The hybrid range will kick off with the $67,900 S Hybrid, and an all-wheel drive S Premium AWD Hybrid to top the Q50 range at $73,900.Hybrid models will come with a 268kW/546Nm petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain related to that found in the bigger Infiniti M35h sedan. This means a 3.5-litre petrol V6 paired with a 50kW electric motor, lithium-ion battery system and seven speed automatic transmission. Infiniti claims the rear-drive Q50 S Hybrid is capable of a very impressive 5.1 second 0-100km/h sprint.Fuel consumption is an official 5.2L/100km combined for 2.2d models, with the rear-wheel drive Hybrid models recording 6.8L/100km, and the heavier Hybrid all-wheel drive at 7.2L/100km.The entry Q50 GT 2.2d will come equipped with leather trim and electric front seats, climate control, LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights, dual touchscreen display in-car navigation system with traffic updates, digital radio and Bluetooth audio and telephone, noise-cancelling audio, proximity keys, four-mode Infiniti drive select and 17 inch alloys.Q50 S models add a more aggressive front bumper design, electric panoramic sunroof, 14 speaker Bose audio, magnesium paddle shifters, steer-by-wire Direct-Adaptive Steering with Active Lane Control, 18 inch alloys for the S 2.2d, and 19 inch alloys and sport-tuned suspension for the S Hybrid.The top-grade S Premium models add adaptive cruise, forward collision avoidance, forward emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, blind-spot warning and intervention, back-up collision intervention, around-view monitor with moving object detection, active front lighting with high beam assist, and both versions come with 19 inch alloys.Infiniti Q50 Pricing:Infiniti Q50 GT 2.2d - $51,900 ($55,900 drive away until April 30)Infiniti Q50 S 2.2d - $57,900 (MSRP)Infiniti Q50 S Premium 2.2d - $61,900 (MSRP)Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid - $67,900(MSRP)Infiniti Q50 S Premium AWD Hybrid - $73,900 (MSRP)