Infiniti could save petrol cars with ‘breakthrough’ new tech on new QX50 SUV
INFINITI has just debuted its new QX50 SUV which features a ‘groundbreaking’ compression petrol engine. Here is everything you need to know about the new SUV.
Infiniti QX50 has debuted ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show 2017.
Powering the car is a 2.0-litre VC-Turbo engine engine, which features some new technology that could dramatically improve performance and efficiency.
The powertrain includes variable compression which can be adjusted to optimise power and efficiency on demand.
According to Infiniti it combines the power of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with the torque and efficient of a four-cylinder diesel engine.
When the driver wants more speed, the engine’s cylinders can compress at 8:1 and then drop down to 14:1 for a more economical drive.
“Variable compression ratio technology represents a breakthrough in powertrain development,” said Christian Meunier, INFINITI Global Division Vice President.
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“The QX50, powered by our VC-Turbo, is the first production vehicle ever to give drivers an engine that transforms on demand, setting a new benchmark for powertrain capability and refinement.
Variable compression ratio technology represents a breakthrough in powertrain development
“This uncommonly smooth engine offers customers power and performance, as well as efficiency and economy.”
The engine also develops 264bhp and 404Nm of torque which will allow the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds (all-wheel-drive version), 6.7 seconds (front-wheel drive version), on to a top speed of 143mph.
Infiniti claims that it could improve overall efficiency by 35 per cent compared to the old QX50 V6.
The groundbreaking new powertrain performs like a diesel car but with a lot less harmful emissions than those vehicles.
The VC-Turbo engine is paired with INFINITI’s new XTRONIC continuously-variable transmission (CVT), a ‘shift-by-wire’ system which eliminates the need for traditional gears.
For the first time on any Infiniti car, Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driver assistance systems will be offered.
Nissan is the parent company of Infiniti and has integrated the ProPilot system into Infiniti’s new SUV, which will allow it to partially control the acceleration, braking and steering.
The technologies that comprise QX50’s ProPILOT Assist system include Direct Adaptive Steering and Intelligent Cruise Control.
These are also supported by: Distance Control Assist; Back-up Collision Intervention; Predictive Forward Collision Warning; Blind Spot Warning and Intervention; Lane Departure Warning and Prevention; and Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection.
It will be able to reduce speed if you hit traffic and speed back up again as the flow improves.
The platform the new car was built on is lighter and more rigid than before thanks to new high-strength steel in its construction.
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In the words of Christian Meunier, INFINITI Global Division Vice President “The QX50 is the most important vehicle we have ever launched, and it embodies everything the brand stands for: Beautiful design, advanced technology and empowering performance.
“As a premium, mid-size SUV, it’s the right vehicle at the right time in one of the world’s fastest growing segments.”
The car can accommodate five passengers and the rear bench seats can slide forward, allowing variable luggage space of between 898-1,048-litres.
The seats are wrapped in premium leather and the interior looks smart and refined.
At the centre of the dashboard is one screen which controls navigation and driver information and allow larger screen which controls audio, infotainment and climate using touch commands.
For more information about the new SUV then visit Infiniti’s website.
