Infiniti Confirms Q30, QX30 And Redesigned Q60 Coupe For 2017 Model Year

It’s been a quiet year for Infiniti, with the only significant news being a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine being added to the Q50, a longer wheelbase being fitted to the QX50, and a limited edition Signature Edition model being added to the QX80. Next year, however, the Japanese luxury brand will be busy with a handful of new additions to its lineup.

In the second quarter of 2016, Infiniti will start selling its highly anticipated Q30 and QX30 compact duo. The Q30 hatch has already been previewed and is due for a debut at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. A debut of the QX30 crossover should follow shortly after. Both vehicles are to be sourced from a plant in the United Kingdom and arrive as 2017 models.

Arriving in showrooms around the same time will be an updated version of the QX60 crossover. The third-row crossover, which is related to the Nissan Pathfinder, was a new addition to the Infiniti lineup for 2014. The updated version will arrive as a 2016 model and be shown for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show next January.

And last but not least, a new Q60 coupe will finally land in showrooms in the third quarter of 2016. The vehicle, previewed earlier this year by a thinly-veiled concept, will arrive as a 2017 model and replace the current Q60 which can trace its roots back to the G37 Coupe introduced for the 2008 model year.

The new Q60 is expected to be launched on the market with two horsepower ratings: an entry-level model is said to offer around 400 hp and a more potent model will reportedly offer close to 450 hp. It should be noted that these figures are comparable with the outputs of dedicated performance models from rival brands, such as the BMW M4 (425 hp), Cadillac ATS-V (455 hp) and Lexus RC F (467 hp), so take this info with a grain of salt.

As part of the transition to the new lineup, Infiniti will end production of the current Q60 as well as the Q60 Convertible this year. There will be no 2016 model year for the Q60. Another model ceasing production is the Q40 sedan (the former G37 sedan), which will not be replaced.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/

2015 Infiniti Q50 Wins Ritvo Design & Elegance Award

Named for the late Gene Ritvo, a veteran concours photographer and member of the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA), the Ritvo Design & Elegance award recognizes the very best in automotive design. The recipient of the award is nominated with input from the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

"Our friend Gene Ritvo would have been proud to see the Infiniti Q50 take home an award bearing his name," said Craig Fitzgerald, NEMPA president. "In its thoughtful design, it conveys the class and the sophistication, of which Gene was a pure devotee. NEMPA couldn't agree more with the expressed views of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Larz Anderson Auto Museum that selected the Infiniti Q50 this year."

Since its introduction in 2013, the Q50 has been recognized with a number of awards for styling, performance and technology leadership. When it was first launched, the Q50 introduced with it a new design language—which would later be incorporated into the rest of the brand's vehicles—giving the car a decidedly aggressive, athletic look underscoring its on-road performance.

Emanating from the sedan’s signature "double arch" grille is a character line that flows over the front fenders and tightly around the side of the car, culminating on the rear deck lid, giving the vehicle an element of both elegance and strength. Other characteristic design features include its crescent cut c-pillar and distinctive, almost-human like LED headlights and taillights.

The Q50 also introduced a number of world's first technologies, including Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), an innovative steer-by-wire system that allows drivers the option of customizing steering sensitivity and feel, while simultaneously helping to isolate road vibrations. Working in conjunction with Infiniti’s own lane-keeping technology, DAS—like each of the brand's safety and performance technologies—is designed to complement the driving experience, not replace it.

Source: http://www.infinitiusa.com/

Infiniti QX80 named Best-In-Class for luxury segment in AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Franklin, Tenn. - Infiniti has announced that for the third year in a row its QX80 full-size luxury SUV was recognized as best-in-class in the 2015 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) for the Luxury/Large SUV segment.

Now in its 19th year, AutoPacific's VSA identifies the most satisfying vehicles on the market. An industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle, VSAs are based on survey responses from over 66,000 owners of new 2015 model year cars and light trucks.

"We're honored to be recognized for the third year by AutoPacific for the QX80," said Randy Parker, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "This award is particularly important to us as it's solely based on owner input for satisfaction which is a direct result of Infiniti's passion in creating the most luxurious and reliable offerings for our owners."

"By surveying a substantial number of owners who have purchased a new 2015 model year vehicle, AutoPacific's VSA provides an objective measurement of how well the makers are doing," said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. "2015 represents a year of diversity and the competition was fierce."

The QX80 offers a unique combination of inspired design and performance that makes it stand out in the luxury performance SUV class. Offering accompaniments such as the standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, available Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system, available Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System and available Bose® Cabin Surround® Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers. The QX80 also has a rugged practicality that comes with a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine capable of hauling up to eight passengers and towing up to 8,500 pounds.

For more information on the QX80 and Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience, please visit www.Infiniti.com.

Source: http://infinitinews.com/

Infiniti debuts new QX60 "Vacation" ad campaign

• Infiniti recreates famous scene from "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 30-second commercial with 2015 QX60 Luxury Crossover
• Commercial stars Christie Brinkley and Ethan Embry
• Campaign includes extensions in digital and social media

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti has released a new campaign for the 2015 QX60, inspired by the 1983 classic "National Lampoon's Vacation" which coincides with the July 29 release of Warner Bros. Studio's remake. The campaign begins with a TV commercial starring the original movie's car-loving blonde bombshell and supermodel, Christie Brinkley, and puts a spin on the famous movie scene as the modern day family heads to Walley World.

In the national spot titled "Vacation," Ethan Embry (who notably starred as Rusty in "Vegas Vacation") loads his family in the roomy 3-row QX60 and hits the road for Walley World. While on the road trip, Ethan looks in his side view mirror and sees an attractive blonde in a sports car fast approaching. As Ethan and the blonde keep up with each other on the highway, Christie Brinkley is revealed as his wife who catches this action and ends the scene with an ironic response: "Honey, a blonde in a convertible? Seriously?"

The popular Infiniti QX60 continues to stand out in the premium crossover segment, excelling in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior versatility, roominess, available safety, and available advanced hospitality features. Ending with the tagline "Built for Families, Designed for Drivers," the commercial captures nostalgia of family vacations but also the functionality of the family-friendly QX60.

"The QX60 is the ideal choice for families needing versatility but who also don't want to sacrifice a thrilling and empowering drive. The ‘Vacation' scene is so iconic, and we wanted to recreate it through the lens of a modern day family in a luxury SUV," said Allyson Witherspoon, director of Marketing Communications and Media, Infiniti USA. "We knew we might have struck an interesting cultural moment, but having Christie and Ethan involved really elevated the concept given their history with the movie franchise. It was a pleasure to work with them."

Available in both front-wheel drive and with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the QX60 features a standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 which produces 265 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 248 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Starting at just $42,400 MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, actual price set by Infiniti retailers) and featuring spacious accommodations for seven people, the 2015 QX60 is the ultimate family vacation vehicle.

The 30-second commercial, created by Infiniti's advertising agency of record CP+B, airs nationally beginning July 9, 2015 and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/PLEbr5Hnop8.

Source: http://infinitinews.com/

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

“If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.

Infiniti Vision GT displayed outside its online world for the first time

SHANGHAI, China – Last week at the 2015 Shanghai auto show, Infiniti held its inaugural Infiniti Design Night ahead of Auto Shanghai 2015. The evening occasion took place at the Shanghai Himalayas Art Museum.

Under the theme of "Aesthetics of Contrast," Infiniti Design Night showcased three design concepts showing an exciting path to Infiniti's future: the Q80 Inspiration (first shown in Paris, October 2014), Q60 Concept (Detroit, January 2015), and the Vision Gran Turismo designed especially for the latest Gran Turismo® 6™ video game.

This was the first time the Vision GT was displayed as a real "flesh and bones" concept car, having only been seen and experienced digitally in GT6 prior to this event.

The dramatic Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo

The Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo is a vision of what a high performance Infiniti could look like in the future. Available for download in GT6 exclusively on the PlayStation®3 system, it was created through close collaboration with the creators of Gran Turismo®, the racing game franchise developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. that has sold more than 72 million copies worldwide.

The virtual concept car began as an ambitious global Infiniti Design competition to "design a pure Infiniti GT car," which Infiniti's Design team in Beijing won. Part beauty, part beast, its shape is powerful, sensual and audacious – articulating the team's ambitious racing language for Infiniti.

The team kept to Infiniti's design language and added some Chinese influences to the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo. The fluid movement and the delicate gradation of the body are inspired by traditional Chinese calligraphy and landscape paintings, while the character lines uninhibitedly flowing through the car reflect the dynamism of China.

Up front, the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo sports a sharp visage and a wide grille, giving it a wild and powerful look. The curves of the fenders wrap around the tires, and the car appears ready to pounce.

The design development of the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo started with hand sketching, then refined digitally, refined again by hand sculpting, and then returned to digital for final refinement.

"The Q80 Inspiration, the Q60 Concept and the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo are all thematically different," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "Yet the same thread of handcrafted artistry weaves through them, and they all speak with one Infiniti design language."

Infiniti Q70 secures a 2014 Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety | Infiniti of West Chester

The Infiniti Q70 sedan has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest rating of "good" for its performance in the institute's small overlap front crash test, and when equipped with Forward Collision Warning the Q70 has been awarded a TOP SAFETY PICK+.

The Infiniti Q70's "good" rating applies to the 2014-15 Q70. The vehicle also received good ratings in the IIHS' four other crashworthiness evaluations qualifying the Q70 for the 2014 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award.

IIHS introduced the small overlap evaluation in 2012. In the test, which is more challenging than either the head-on crashes conducted by the government or the Institute's moderate overlap test, 25 percent of a vehicle's front end on the driver side strikes a rigid barrier at 40 mph. The crash replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or a utility pole.

Short Throw to Infiniti – The 2015 Q60S Shifter is FAST

In an era when the manual gearbox is all but extinct, Infiniti not only continues to offer a brilliant close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, but equips the 2015 Q60S with one of the shortest throw shifters you’ll find in a luxury sport coupe. Once you get a feel for Infiniti’s clutch and tight shifter gate, driving the Q60S while holding the throttle to near redline and powering through the gears is an absolute blast.

Check out the massive spring and shock assembly on that aluminum clutch pedal! While you’re at it, check out all of those aluminum pedals and footrest!

Winterizing Your Vehicle | Infiniti of West Chester

Are you ready for the upcoming winter and what it will be offering? Before you rush to the store for the last gallon of milk and loaf of bread, you’ll want to be sure your car is ready to battle the elements. Follow these tips before venturing out into the winter wonderland.

• Get a Tune-Up. Have your mechanic check your hoses, belts 
  and anti-freeze. A weakened hose or belt can break and leave you stranded, or a 
  weak solution of anti-freeze can ice up and damage your cooling system. 
• Check Your Battery. Make sure your car’s battery connection 
  is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If 
  the battery is three years old or more, have it tested and replace it if 
  necessary.  
• Check Your Heater and Defroster. If your heater isn’t 
  working, you’ll probably know. But what about front and rear defrosters? Before 
  you’re faced with a frosty windshield, turn your front and rear defrosters on 
  and off to make sure they’re working. 
• Give Yourself a Brake. If you have the slightest concern 
  that something’s amiss with your brakes, get them inspected immediately. If you 
  have anti-lock brakes, you should avoid pumping the brakes if you begin to 
  slide.  
• Have Your Exhaust System Checked. Ask your mechanic to 
  double check the exhaust system for leaks, which can emit dangerous carbon 
  monoxide into your car. If you become stuck in the snow and want to run the 
  engine and heater, make sure your tail pipe is clear of the snow and crack open 
  a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 
• Fill up with Washer Fluid. Slush and mud splashed on a 
  windshield can spell danger for a winter driver. Make sure your washer fluid 
  reservoir is sufficiently full, and keep a spare jug in the trunk. 
• Consider New Wiper Blades. Even if your windshield wiper blades 
  are in good condition, you might want to upgrade to a rubber coated snow blade 
  that can handle the extra weight of wet snow. They’re not expensive, and could 
  make your winter driving a lot safer in the long run. 
• Take a Look at Your Tires. Your tires need to have adequate 
  tread with “grip” to propel you through the snow. 
• Fill Her Up! One of the best driving tips for winter is to 
  keep your tank more than half full at all times. It will help you avoid 
  freezing in your fuel lines, and will keep you safer in winter weather 
  situations.

If for any reason you are in need of assistance with any one of these safety precautions please give us a call and we will be happy to help you in any way we can. Click here to schedule an appointment with Infiniti of West Chester.

Five Habits that Will Ruin Your Car | Infiniti of West Chester

Avoiding these habits can go a long way in preventing an expensive repair bill.

Most things you own will last longer if you take care of them and treat them well. Your car is no exception to this rule. While neglecting your car may seem harmless in the short term, regular neglect and mistreatment will add up and will reduce your car’s lifespan. To keep your car running longer and stronger, avoid these five harmful habits.

1. Delaying regular maintenance

Regularly maintaining your car is vital to your car’s longevity. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter replacement, as well as transmission fluid, air filter and brake pad care. Every vehicle manufacturer specifies a different maintenance routine, which can be found in your owner’s manual. While regular maintenance requires you to invest some time and money, it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a new engine or transmission.

2. Ignoring dash warning lights

When a warning indicator lights up on your dash panel, it’s important to address the problem immediately. If you don’t know what the light means, check your owner’s manual or call your mechanic. Dash warning lights can alert you to some very serious problems, such as a coolant leak, which can cause your engine to overheat. A simple preventative repair can often prevent a large problem down the line.

3. Shifting while moving

The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive parts in your car and it’s important to use is as it was intended. Be careful not to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the car is still moving. This “jerky” shifting places excess strain on the transmission’s internal gears and can instantly destroy it.

4. Jerky driving

We all know someone who accelerates wildly on every straightaway only to brake hard at a traffic light or stop sign. This type of driving won’t destroy your car immediately, but will cause your engine, transmission and brake system to deteriorate much more quickly than intended. Cars that have been abused will have premature fluid leaks, broken seals and mechanical problems.

5. Putting off tire replacement

Tires for some cars can be expensive, so replacing them is an unwelcome cost. Driving on bald tires is very risky, however. If a tire blows out while you’re driving, you can lose control of your vehicle and have a serious accident. And if you drive with bald tires in the rain, the risk of hydroplaning goes up tremendously. A new set of tires may seem pricey, but probably costs less than your car, and even less than your insurance deductible.