2019 Infiniti QX50 Bows In LA With World's First Production Variable Compression Engine


Following a preview earlier this month, Infiniti has unveiled the 2019 QX50.


Previewed by the QX Sport Inspiration concept, the production model has a "Powerful Elegance" design that has been created to give the crossover a commanding presence. As part of this mission, the model has been equipped with a bold front fascia that features a double-arch grille and slender LED headlights.


The dynamic styling is evident elsewhere as designers installed a clamshell hood, strong character lines, and tasteful amounts of plastic body cladding. A closer inspection reveals a chromed dual exhaust system, LED taillights, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.


Infiniti interiors have always been a bit of a mixed bag but the cabin in the QX50 makes an impressive first appearance. A variety of different types of leather will be available and they can be mated with wood or aluminum trim.


Another notable interior feature is the new InTouch infotainment system which consists of a main 8-inch touchscreen display and a second 7-inch touchscreen which is used to control the climate and entertainment functions. Other highlights include an available heads-up display and a cargo compartment that can hold up to 64.4 cubic feet (1823 liters) of luggage when the rear seats are folded down.


Power is provided by an all-new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine which produces 268 hp (200 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. It is connected to an XTRONIC continuously variable transmission which has been designed to replicate a traditional eight-speed automatic gearbox. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive will be optional.


While this is normally where we would stop talking about the engine, the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo is truly unique as it is the world's first production engine with a variable compression ratio. The ratio ranges from 8:1 to 14:1 and it enables the model to offer high-performance as well as impressive fuel-efficiency. Speaking of the latter, the QX50 will have a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined with all-wheel drive.


Since Infiniti is a luxury brand, it should come as little surprise the QX50 can be equipped with an impressive assortment of driver assistance features. These include Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Back-up Collision Intervention, and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection. 


One of the more notable features is the ProPILOT Assist function which is a semi-autonomous driving system that allows the car to take over "single-lane driving operation at the push of a button, without the driver's input on acceleration, braking, or steering."


Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu
Read more