Infiniti’s all-new Q50 saloon took centre stage for the Japanese company at the 2013 Dubai Motor Show.
[Not a valid template]Powered by a 3.7-litre V6 which kicks out 328hp and 265lb ft of torque, the new Q50 – the first new model since Infiniti’s ‘Q’ rebranding earlier this year – is capable of hitting 100kph from standstill in am estimated 6.1 seconds. A hybrid powerplant will also be available for the Q50, which utilises a 302hp 3.5-litre V6 and a 60kW electric motor/lithium battery powertrain to punch out a combined 360hp. Both powerplants are mated with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Further performance enhancing features include Available Direct Adaptive Steering for improved steering feel, a three-way drive mode selector, multi-link independent suspension and Advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control with Active Trace Control for dynamic cornering ability. So confident in the Q50’s capabilities is Infiniti that the company invited Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula 1 world champion – and the brand’s director of performance – to perform hot laps with members of the media in Abu Dhabi ahead of the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (for which crankandpiston.com was kindly give VIP access).
Key aesthetic features on the outside include Infiniti’s ‘double arch’ front grille, a low stance and wide body, aerodynamically designed bonnet and panel curves and new LED headlights, while the inside boasts aluminium interior trim and a Studio on Wheels by Boseaudio system. Key technologies included on the new saloon include active lane control Direct Adaptive Steering, both of which makes their respective debuts for Infiniti.
The new Infiniti Q50 saloon – which made its global debut at this year’s Detroit Motor Show – will be on sale in the Middle East next Spring.
