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 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.