[supra93]

Official image from Infiniti shows the QX50 SUV in the metal, ahead of full launch in LA next week

Infiniti has released the first official image of its new QX50 SUV ahead of the global launch at next week’s LA Motor Show. The Audi Q5 rival features the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio petrol engine, and should arrive in the UK late 2018.

Although there is only one image, it’s clear to see that the production QX50 sticks close to the original QX50 concept car in terms of design. It features Infiniti’s family face with a chrome-surround rectangular grille, enlarged badge and stretched back headlamps, while the pronounced lines take influence from the smaller QX30. The new body shape is six per cent more aerodynamically efficient than the old model, according to Infiniti.

At 4.69m long, 1.9m wide and 1.68m tall it’s similar in size to a BMW X3, and Infiniti claims the elevated driving position maximises visibility. We’ve yet to see the interior, but Nissan’s luxury division says it features an “artistic application of high quality materials and advanced craftsmanship”.

Sector-leading levels of space are also touted, with a sliding rear bench to increase legroom or boot space. While we need to wait for European-spec boot capacity data, Infiniti reckons it’ll swallow up three golf bags and still leave space for more stuff.

The QX50 sits on an all-new front-wheel drive platform, and uses super high-tensile steel to improve rigidity over the old model by 23 per cent. But the biggest news it what’s under the bonnet, with new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that promises the torque and efficiency of a diesel.

The four-cylinder unit, called VC-Turbo, can adjust its compression ratio continuously between 8:1 (boosting performance) and 14:1 (increasing efficiency) depending on driving style. It produces 268bhp and 380Nm of torque, and Infiniti claims it is 35 per cent more efficient than the V6 in the old QX50. It’s mated exclusively to a CVT transmission in this car.

Front-wheel drive versions are capable of 0-62mph in a claimed 6.7 seconds, while the fitment of all-wheel drive sees that sprint reduced to 6.3 seconds. The top speed on both is 143mph. Infiniti hasn’t revealed homologation data for fuel economy and emissions, however.

Infiniti has also revealed that the QX50 will use Nissan’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving technology. It’s capable of controlling acceleration, braking and steering in single-lane carriageway driving for now, but could be further updated to offer extra functionality in future.

We’ll find out further information about Infiniti’s latest SUV when our reporters head out to the LA show next week.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/infinit...ol-engine-tech

[Sedoy]

The CVT transmission kills the deal...

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Lobb

Saab had a running variable compression engine thirty years ago. Funny how sometimes the old ideas are the best

The internet doesn't seem to know about that. Looks like they had a functioning one that never made it to production because of their bankruptcy, but that wasn't 30 years ago.

[b4hand]

Pretty sure the infinirt 4cyl already has this tech

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The internet doesn't seem to know about that. Looks like they had a functioning one that never made it to production because of their bankruptcy, but that wasn't 30 years ago.

Afaik they havent had one in production perminently. Too expensive according to GM.
There have been loads of prototypes throughout the years with multiple designs; variable conrods, eccentric crankbearings, variable chambers, variable heads etc etc, some dating back 100 years.
But I think this one is the first to see actual large scale production.

However ideally what you really want is variable intake/exhaust stroke; thats where most efficiency can be gained. But thats much more complex.
They nowadays mimick this by variable camshaft control, but thats not really the same.

[DrivenByE30]

I think it looks mighty good...
https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-infini...lle-1822448774

I might have gone soft with age...
...especially when i say i probably wont mind the CVT here...

[DrivenByE30]

It looks great, great achievements for trying something slightly different and innovating technologically (not tesla level, but still)

The CVT here is a great choice because this car is honestly never going to see dirt and a race track....

It will be for a confortable daily driving...
https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-infini...lle-1822448774

[Captain Blood]

Originally Posted by Incontinentia Buttocks

Saab had a running variable compression engine thirty years ago. Funny how sometimes the old ideas are the best

When will the rotary engine come back?

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by Real Dodger

When will the rotary engine come back?

hopefully never.

[KingOfJericho]

Was totally on board to get this for my wife as her next car until I noticed the CVT. Officially off the list. Shame, because this is a real beauty!

[RedlinePSI]

Beautiful truck, loved it since i first saw it. But like others, what i'm hearing about the ride is kind of killing it for me. I don't need my SUV to feel like a sports car, but it's definitely nice to drive an SUV that feels more like a car than a big chunking slush box. I would definitely need to drive this thing before considering it.

[eleniki]

no offence but i still find Infinity to be one of the most overrated brands on the market. They look nice, yet technically speaking - are clumsy and unreliable.

[wuzupfoo]

I wouldnt say they are over rated. If you look at actual sales prices and lease rates the market agrees with you. If you want one you can always get a great/good deal depending on your desire to drive a hard bargain. You have all the power when you walk into an infiniti dealer.. or at least from anecdotal experience.