Monday 14th January 2013

Infiniti Q50 goes chasing the Germans

Vettel signed off the chassis but it's a hybrid: the highs and lows of the new Infiniti Q50

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There's little doubt that Red Bull and co-sponsor Infiniti have given Sebastian Vettel the vehicle for F1 dominance. It's just a shame for Seb about the product endorsements that follow. Oh sure, Alonso and Massa have to endure the odd awkward 'thumbs up beside a Fiat 500 limited edition' photocall from time to time. But, ultimately, endorsing Ferrari road cars and doing the odd junket around Fiorano with an F12 isn't the most tiresome chore in the world. Likewise Button and - as was - Hamilton getting to shake down 12C prototypes for the cameras. How's that new A-Class looking by the way Lewis? Configured those side sweeps with thin strips of fur to mimic your facial fuzz?

'Slightly mysterious' - and that's Infiniti talking

Meanwhile what does Vettel get for his towering performances on the track? A re-wheeled 'signature' edition of an ageing SUV. Awkward cameos in pop videos. And now the proud boast that he helped sign off the chassis for the new Infiniti Q50.

Q-what? Q-3 Series, Q-C-Class, Q-A4, etc... this is the first all-new fruit of Infiniti's bravely new prefixed future and a replacement for the outgoing G37. In simple terms it's a mid-sized exec saloon with a mildly spicy engine line up comprising a regular 3.7-litre V6 with 328hp or a 3.5-litre version with a bit of hybrid assistance and total of 360hp, both driving the rear wheels via a seven-speed auto with paddleshift override. 'Intelligent All-Wheel Drive' is an option. The 3.7's 269lb ft of torque won't see which way a diesel-powered German rival went, the hybrid's combined 456lb ft offering a fighting chance at least. The Detroit debut is the clue here though - the powertrain options are very States-friendly and Infiniti is promising further engines for other markets. So you can safely assume that means at least one diesel version for Europe.

Token chassis input from Vettel and Buemi

For a brand starting - on these shores at least - effectively from scratch, Infiniti has had to work hard to establish a visual signature of its own and the Q50 successfully continues the swoopy work of the distinctive FX and EX crossovers, translated into saloon form. "The Q50's enhanced sense of three-dimensionality gives it a look of strength and agility," says Infiniti's 'chief creative officer' Shiro Nakamura, "a look that is highly personal, seductive and slightly mysterious." Is 'slightly mysterious' a desirable quality when you're up against the branding might of BMW, Audi and Mercedes? We shall see, but it's certainly trying hard to stand out.

With the Germans going all-out on tech, Infiniti has had to keep pace, so the Q50 is packed with all the gizmos you'd expect, including two touchscreens and 96-way personalised settings via your own key fob for seat position, climate control, infotainment preferences. There are another 93 options we won't bother listing right now. The electronic safety nets are vast and complex too; perhaps necessary if you're going to get carried away with all that dual-screening configuration for your 96 personalisation options.

Touchscreens and gizmos galore

The European spec Q50, with that promised expanded engine range, will debut at Geneva in March. Expect further pricing information and the rest then.

[andrewparker]

Awful. You'd have to be truly bonkers to spend good money on one of those.

[andrewparker]

A3tdi said:

why?

Because it's awful.

[andrewparker]

Nick Young said:

Why?

Are you unable to see the images? Visually it is terrible, both outside and inside. I agree that a car of that size should have presence, but making it bulge in places it shouldn't bulge isn't really the way.

[andrewparker]

will261058 said:

Dont like this much, reminds me of some of the early Korean swoopy bulgy stuff which was just trying too hard!

The Koreans are doing a much better job of it now though. Look at the Kia Optima for example. Compared to this it's a mighty fine looking car.

[andrewparker]

Nick Young said:

So what you really mean is that you don't like the design, and because you don't like the design it means anyone that does is 'bonkers'?

I can understand that you don't like it if it isn't to your tastes, then that's fine. But people stating a car is awful because it's bland/generic/boring etc, and then going and eulogising a BMW, Merc or Audi despite these being exactly the same level of boringness is one of the things I really don't get about Pistonheads...

Is it really necessary each time someone posts something to state that it is their own personal opinion? Isn't that pretty obvious?

[andrewparker]

Nick Young said:

Nick Young said:

andrewparker said:

The Koreans are doing a much better job of it now though. Look at the Kia Optima for example. Compared to this it's a mighty fine looking car.

I like the optima - shame they only offer it with a gutless 1.7 Diesel engine - A decent 2.5 petrol would make it into a great car - I'm guessing the market isn't there for that though...

Actually the Kia I really like is the unfortunately names "Koup". Shame it's not available here in the UK though...

Along with the 2.4L petrol in the Optima!

[andrewparker]

vz-r_dave said:

andrewparker said:

Awful. You'd have to be truly bonkers to spend good money on one of those.

Have you read this again, your making a statement that "you would have to be truly bonkers to ......" then your saying that its an opinion. Troll.

So you'd have preferred me to say "I think you'd have to be truly bonkers to spend good money on one of those"? Is there really any point in analysing my every word?

Pistonheads yet again proving it is inhabited by some of the most difficult people alive.