The updated 2016 Infiniti Q50 gets a trio of new engines, including a 400-hp V-6.
Infiniti is driving two newly updated models into showrooms for 2016, giving us a sneak peek at the 2016 Q50 and QX60 lines before their official debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month.
Both models undergo modest exterior revisions for the new year, with the Japanese maker promising improvements to their driving dynamics, as well. But the Infiniti Q50 gets the bigger makeover, the 2016 sedan also getting a new trio of turbocharged engines, including a 3.0-liter V-6 making 400 horsepower.
While Infiniti has decided to abandon the planned Eau Rouge line, at least for now, it appears to be hoping the new Q50 Red Sport 400 model will win over drivers looking for a bit more performance in their luxury sedans.
“The new Infiniti Q50 takes the core elements that have driven its global appeal to date, and now we have made it even better by offering a number of new and stand-out technologies,” said Francois Bancon, the maker’s vice president of product strategy. “With the upgraded Q50, we are furthering Infiniti’s position on innovation.”
The updated model gets a new, electronically adjustable Dynamic Digital Suspension.
The Q50 has been one of Infiniti’s most successful models in recent years, delivering a 65% bump in sales during the first 10 months of 2015. The fact that it’s the sportiest model in the line-up is probably no coincidence – and a good reason for Infiniti to bump up the fun factor for 2016.
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The updated model gets a new, electronically adjustable Dynamic Digital Suspension. Along with the requisite Comfort and Sport mode, drivers can set individual attributes to their own tastes and styles.
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 also sees some tweaks made to its industry-first steer-by-wire system, the Direct Adaptive Steering. Along with offering better feel and feedback, Infiniti claims, “the upgraded system offers even more options to personalize and tailor the steering system’s levels of response and feel to suit the driver’s preferences.”
The 2016 Infiniti QX60.
The three new powertrain options actually include two versions of the twin-turbo VR30 V-6, one making 300 hp, the other pushing the limits a little further, at 400 hp. Buyers also have a choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, turning out 208 hp; as well as a carryover 360-hp hybrid. It pairs a 3.5-liter V-6 with a single-motor, twin-clutch system drawing power from a small lithium-ion battery pack.
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As for the 2016 Infiniti QX60, the crossover-utility vehicle maintains the same engine options as before, with buyers offered both a 265-hp 3.5-liter V-6 and a 250-hp hybrid drivetrain. That package pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter inline-four with a single electric motor. It turns out a combined 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque.
The 2016 Infiniti QX60 also features a new range of connectivity and safety technologies, including Forward Emergency Braking.
The exterior design has been updated with a new double-arch grille, with new LED daytime running lamps and LED foglights. The rear of the QX60 adds a new chrome finisher. There are other subtle updates, such as the new shark fin antenna.
The Japanese maker says it has retuned the ute’s suspension for a “more engaging” ride, while aiming to maintain comfort levels for a vehicle that serves as a popular minivan alternative.
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The 2016 Infiniti QX60 also features a new range of connectivity and safety technologies, including Forward Emergency Braking.