Jean Knows Cars: 2015 Infiniti QX60 offers artful luxury

The Infiniti QX60 3.5 looks like a big SUV (it's actually midsize), but it is surprisingly easy to drive and to live with, for a three-row crossover.

It helps that the QX60 has just a ton more style than cars of this ilk. The side profile is quite lovely, and both front and rear views aren't the locomotives we've become used to seeing. And it helps that the interior is a beautifully, thoughtfully trimmed luxury palace, even without the $11,000-plus in options, which took our test car from a base price of $43,395 to $54,690.

In addition to the standard features you would expect (heated front seats, a good audio system, all of the necessary ports and jacks for your electronics and a full complement of front, side and curtain airbags), you'll be pleased to find leather-appointed seats, a power sliding and tilting glass moonroof and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Drivers of smaller stature (and I with my demolition derby-damaged neck) will especially appreciate the standard power tilting and telescoping steering column, the power rear liftgate and a rearview monitor, which together make the QX60 less daunting. All part of the price of entry.

Options? Oh, buddy, are there options! You are on your own there, but bring your checkbook. The Deluxe Touring package is $3,450 (it's where you find the air-conditioned front seats and the power-up folding third row). The Premium package is $1,550, and that's where my beloved heated steering wheel lives. There is also the Premium Plus package ($3,000) with the magic AroundView Monitor with its moving object detection and front and rear sonar. You can sort it and your budget out on Infiniti's online configurator.

Our test car had all of that razzmatazz and, frankly, I liked it, yes I did. But the only must-have in my book is the Technology package ($2,800). That's where most all of the advanced safety resides, those technologies that are the precursors to fully autonomous cars: full-speed-range intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot warning and intervention, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning and backup collision intervention. You'll notice that most of these are more than warnings and alerts; they actually intervene when you're just not cutting it behind the wheel.

And isn't that what autonomous cars are all about?

You'll still be doing the driving in the 2015 QX60, so it's good to know that the 3.5-liter V-6 produces 265 horsepower — not a barnstormer off the line, but it will take you easily to 80 mph. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission, which Infiniti is very big on, and there are Standard, Sport, Snow and Eco drive modes. The main CVT benefit is that there are no gears to mesh and gnash and make loud noises while straining to up- and downshift. CVTs do a better job of maintaining optimum engine revs. And that pretty much works. The QX60's CVT tends to hem and haw a little at higher speeds but probably not enough to bother most drivers. You can ameliorate it by changing the drive mode switch to Sport.

More things in life should have a Sport option.

Three-row crossovers attract a specific clientele that are not me. I have no children, I don't have that many friends that need carting around, and the ones I have would rather walk than crawl into the wayback of an SUV.

I tested the QX60's cargo area by bringing everything I owned and my husband's golf clubs for a 1,100-mile trip across Florida. With midsize utility vehicles, you have to give up cargo to get that third row of seats. We did the opposite, accessing maximum cargo space with the power liftgate and power buttons that flipped down the 50/50 split-folding third-row bench. The low-load floor is a boon to women of the world with girly amounts of shoulder strength.

Three rollerboards went in upright, followed by the bag of clubs, four stuffed duffels, a few hatboxes, two garment bags and, yes, more. And you could still see out the rear window from the rearview mirror. Without those clubs, we could have left 50 percent of the bench in the upright position for a passenger.

When you don't need room for antiquing, that third row is pretty plush, with plenty of knee room and backs that recline. Getting back there is made easier by a clever forward flip of the outboard second-row seat behind the driver. This sets it up to slide forward on the same tracks that allow second-row passengers to fine-tune legroom. Even cooler is the ability to leave a child seat attached in place while accessing the third row. You won't have to make your kids crawl in through the rear and scale the back seat from behind.

There's an overhead handhold and an indentation in the sill to give you a boost. I gave it a go, got my 6-foot frame up and through the generous opening, and was impressed. However, getting out of the third seat almost crippled me. I'd recommend calling dibs on that second row with its cushy reclining and sliding seats and its own climate controller, complete with precise temperature settings.

2015 Infiniti QX70's performance pays off

Porsche, Audi and others blend performance sedan and sport utility truck, but few deliver as stylish a blend as the Infiniti QX70.

The sporty QX with bulging fenders and long muscular sports car-style hood was formerly known as the FX37. The former moniker was tied to this sport-oriented SUV's engine size, a 3.7-liter V6 that cranks out 325 horsepower. Regardless of the name, the QX70 is a beast.

That can cut both ways.

The V6 delivers strong power to all four wheels in the test model. Step on the gas and you'll growl up to highway speeds in short order. That's real power needed to haul a heavy feeling SUV up to 65 mph. The QX weighs 4,321 lbs., but feels much heavier.

It's beastly in its ride as well. The sport-tuned suspension delivers an incredibly stiff ride that borders on severe at times, especially surprising considering it rides on a 113.6-inch wheelbase. The ride's stiffness seems to contribute to the QX rocking side to side on uneven roads. It's not what the average luxury SUV buyer who appreciates a soft, smooth, controlled ride would expect and for a truck that carried a final price of $59,535, I was surprised there was no electronic way to soften the ride.

Yet the QX70s performance bent pays off in other ways. Handling along with crisp shifts from its 7-speed automatic are strong points.

Steering is responsive with moderate wheel effort, and the Infiniti turns into corners well and stays planted. Its AWD system surely helps when the roads turn sloppy, which they did early in my drive. There's also a Snow setting on the console to help all the SUV's systems work better when the roads are bad.

The crisp transmission has a manual mode controlled by tall paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel, but those are merely for fun as the shift points are already well handled. Another plus is excellent braking from large discs at all four wheels.

My white test unit's interior was black leather and the seats, dash and steering wheel featured purple stitching to give the cockpit some personality. Doors and center armrests featured a pillow-like soft leather feel and the seats are well shaped for comfort. The test truck also added power back and hip bolsters on the driver's seat along with two memory settings and a manual lower cushion extension on both front seats that aids long-legged drivers.

Dash layout is good, but Infiniti loads this center stack with buttons, as it does in several other models. I counted 43 buttons and knobs to control a touchscreen navigation and radio system. The good news is the system sounds great and includes six small channel selection buttons, avoiding a few clunky touchscreen problems that I've found in many vehicles. These old-tech buttons work, even when you're wearing gloves.

You'd expect this sort of power and luxury to push the cost envelope. At its base the tested QX70 AWD lists at $47,300 and adds a $995 delivery fee. But this one ladled on the pricey option packages to give it the luxury features most high-end crossover and sport-SUV buyers would expect.

These included a Technology Package for $2,950 that adds intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers and front pre-crash seatbelts. I'd pass on this one just because the lane departure warning must be manually turned off each time you start the car. It defaults to "on" and beeps incessantly when you get near a center line.

More valuable is the Premium Package with its navigation system with easy-to-see 8-inch VGA color display. The system includes voice recognition, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Infiniti's Around View monitor that uses four cameras to show you all around the vehicle. The system also includes moving object detection and front and rear sonar, which is helpful in busy parking lots.

The premium package also includes a Bluetooth system, in-dash CD/DVD player, dual occupant memory system and entry/exit assist for the driver's seat and steering wheel. That means they power up and back when you turn the ignition off to ease driver access. Infiniti also includes outside mirrors with a reverse tilt-down feature, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and aluminum roof rails in the package, which costs $4,300.

This one included a $3,550 Sport Package too that boosts the 18-inch tires to giant 21-inchers with 6-spoke dark finish wheels. The dark finish also includes the grille, roof rails, fog lamp surrounds, outside mirror housing, side air vents, lower side moldings and trunk finishers.

Other features of the sport package include that purple contrast stitching, a dark headliner, climate-controlled front sport seats with the power bolsters mentioned earlier, plus magnesium paddle shifters and aluminum pedals. Illuminated kick plates added another $440.

Standard features include a sunroof, power hatch, fog lights, HomeLink, sliding visors and power folding side mirrors. Its rear seat will split and fold flat to increase storage room too and there's a full-size spare under the cargo floor.

A downside of the QX's size and weight is paltry gas mileage. I got just 17 mpg in about 60% city driving and with a couple really cold days during my week's drive. The EPA rates the QX70 at 16 mpg city and 22 highway and it prefers premium unleaded.

IPrice is nearly identical between the tested AWD QX70 and the QX60 hybrid. A rear-drive QX70 is available starting at $46,845, including delivery.

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!

Q50 Hybrid, One of the Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars| Infiniti of West Chester

Since its debut, the Infiniti Q50 premium sport sedan has regularly been recognized for its exhilarating performance and excellent fuel economy. With its estimated EPA rating of 29/36 MPG city/highway, the Q50 Hybrid was recently named one of Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars of 2014. Producing 360 horsepower, it also happens to be the most powerful hybrid on that list.

Additional honors

The Q50 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with Forward Emergency Braking, and a 5-Star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . Furthermore, Edmunds.com presented the 2014 Q50 with its Top Rated Vehicle award, and a jury of international automotive journalists nominated it as a contender for the 2014 World Car of The Year.

Owners Join in on the Celebration of Q50’s Top Features 

In addition to recent recognition from the automotive industry, Q50 owners have taken to social media and online forums to share what they like best about their vehicle—most notably its styling, handling, and hybrid torque.

Styling

The Q50’s design cues exhibit an aggressive athleticism that hint at its impressive performance. Owners love the styling for many reasons, including unique headlights and markers, and the integration of Infiniti’s characteristic crescent cut c-pillars.

Handling

Balancing power and refinement has always been a challenge for the premium sport sedan segment. While performance-minded consumers want nimble handling and responsive steering, luxury-minded buyers look for a car with a more polished, relaxed ride. Infiniti took both these types of drivers into account when it developed the world’s first steer-by-wire system. Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) filters out excessive road vibrations, and lets drivers select from three steering modes for unprecedented handling customizability. Satisfied owners report that the Q50 is just as comfortable hugging the corners of a twisted country road as it is cruising on the highway, or running errands around town.

Hybrid Torque

Not only is the Q50 one of the most fuel-efficient luxury cars of 2014, it also delivers outstanding acceleration. Building upon the already powerful 328-horsepower standard V6, Infiniti’s all-wheel drive hybrid version accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds, with the help of more than 250 lb-ft of torque from the gas engine and electric motor.
 
See more at: http://www.infinitiusa.com/now/news-and-events/q50-hybrid-kbb-most-fuel-efficient-luxury-car-2014.html#sthash.xQTaZrsp.dpuf

Winter Driving Tips | Infiniti of West Chester

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. We want to remind motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. 

We recommend the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Original post can be viewed here.

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.