Japanese rival to the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 coupés breaks cover at Detroit motor show; new V6 offered in 296bhp and 396bhp states of tune
12 Jan 2016 | 3562 Views | By Matt Burt, Autocar UK
The definitive production version of the Infiniti Q60 coupé has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show, one year on from a concept of the car being unveiled.
The Q60 is the replacement for the G37, making it Infiniti’s sports coupé challenger to the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5coupés.
Infiniti’s new ...
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The definitive production version of the Infiniti Q60 coupé has been unveiled at the Detroit motor show, one year on from a concept of the car being unveiled.
The Q60 is the replacement for the G37, making it Infiniti’s sports coupé challenger to the likes of the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5coupés.
Infiniti’s new offering measures 4683mm in length, 1850mm wide, 1385mm high with a 2850mm wheelbase. These dimensions are all increased over the G37.
The Q60 is powered by a high-performance 2997cc V6 twin-turbocharged engine named VR30, from Infiniti’s VR new-generation powertrain family.
This new unit is available in two states of tune. The lower-powered unit boasts 296bhp at 6400rpm and 295lb ft between 1600-5200rpm. The more powerful derivative serves up 396bhp at 6400rpm and 350lb ft between 1600-5200rpm.
The 296bhp engine returns a claimed 27.6mpg and emits 154g/km of CO2, while the 396bhp variant is capable of 26.4mpg and emits 206g/km of CO2 according to the manufacturer’s calculations.
The other engine choice is a turbocharged 1991cc inline four-cylinder which possesses 205bhp at 5500rpm and 258lb ft at 1500rpm. This engine returns a claimed 28.8mpg and emits 154g/km of CO2.
All engine variants are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The transmission has adaptive shift control, a system which uses a lateral acceleration sensor to detect changes in the road topography and enhances gear selection patterns according to the conditions.
The Q60 is rear-wheel-drive as standard, although a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system is also available.
The model also gets the second generation of Infiniti’s oft-criticised Direct Adaptive Steering. The electric steer-by-wire system has undergone significant retuning to enhance feel and feedback.
A Drive Mode Selector gives the driver the option to tailor the precise levels of steering response and feel to their personal preference. There are six choices of steering response: Standard, Snow, Eco, Customize, Sport and Sport+, with the latter only available on certain variants.
The Customize steering mode offers drivers a choice of three core modes - Standard, Sport and Sport+ - and then a preferred level of response – Default, Dynamic and Dynamic+.
For the highest level of steering assistance, the driver would choose Sport+ mode with Dynamic+ response.
Sport mode enhances the response of Direct Adaptive Steering, increasing the steering effort required while reducing the required steering movement from lock to lock.
In Sport+, steering effort remains the same as Sport mode but the response of the steering is further increased with an even quicker steering ratio for precise performance.
Infiniti Q60 models equipped with the 3.0-litre V6 engine feature Rack Electronic Power Steering as standard. It’s an new system that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector and is claimed to provide a linear driving experience without the imprecision of traditional assisted steering systems.
Cars with the 2.0-litre four-pot engine have a speed-sensitive hydraulic electronic rack-and-pinion power steering system as standard.
Two suspension set-ups are available. The standard version has link layouts and bushings specific to the Q60 and shock absorbers relocated for optimised sports coupé ride and handling. A new Dynamic Digital Suspension system is standard on Q60 Sport specification cars and has benefits from software and hardware upgrades, including a dedicated set of dampers. The Drive Mode Selector enables the driver to choose firmer set-ups for dynamic driving.
As standard the Q60 is offered with a new design of 19in alloy wheel, and for the first time on an Infiniti sports coupé 20in rims will be offered in some markets. Select Sport-specification models come with wider wheels and tyres on the rear axle.
The Q60 has a drag coefficient of 0.28, made possible thanks to its sleek new design and intended to keep the car stable at high speeds in crosswinds. Ducts in the front bumper channel air out of the engine bay, and the bonnet is also shaped to reduce drag.
Q60 models with the new V6 engine feature an active grille which remains shut during normal driving conditions and opens when greater performance is required. Narrow door-mounted side mirrors are intended to improve the flow of air along the flanks of the vehicle.
The Infiniti Q60 will go on sale in the summer of 2016.
More from Detroit Motor Show:
- Mercedes reveals new E-Class; to be showcased at NAIAS
- Ford unveils all-wheel drive and hybrid versions of Fusion