A quarter-century in, and Infiniti is still, by its own admission, focusing on brand-building. That was the core message of the company's press conference at the 2013 New York Auto Show, where President Johan de Nysschen touted Infiniti's expanded involvement with F1 racing and promised to double the brand's lineup in the coming years, including the release of an unspecified premium compact and a fully electric vehicle.
For now, though, Infiniti has some hybrids to sell you. De Nysschen announced the pricing for the Q50 luxury sedan — starting at $36,450 for the 3.7-liter V6 and $43,700 for the 3.5-liter hybrid — which can be ordered now for delivery this summer. He then unveiled the new hybrid version of the QX60, the premium 7-passenger crossover formerly known as the JX. Plenty of companies are positioning themselves as tomorrow's purveyors of high-tech pretty. But based on its recent releases, Infiniti is already there.
Click to enlarge picture
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
Click to enlarge picture
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
Click to enlarge picture
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
Click to enlarge picture
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
What is it?
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is a gas-electric version of the company's 3-row, 7-seat luxury crossover, which debuted last year. The QX60's 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine is swapped out for a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 230 horsepower, and a 15-kilowatt electric motor that adds 20 horses. Outwardly, though, nothing has changed — it's the same slick, high-end truck, available in front- or all-wheel drive.
What's hot?
By sticking the lithium-ion battery pack under the third row, no one loses legroom, and cargo space is unaffected. And the hybrid powerplant, which uses the same Direct Response technology that debuted in the M35h sport sedan, provides a 24 percent increase in fuel economy for a segment-leading 26 mpg combined.
What's not?
There's no cause for nitpicking. Infiniti has given luxury SUV owners another hybrid option, with no downside, aside from a slight price bump.
How much and when?
With an announced premium of roughly $3,000 over the gasoline version, the hybrid should start at somewhere around $46,000 when it launches this summer.
MSN Autos' verdict?
Through smart, space-saving engineering, the hybridized QX60 boosts the stylish SUV's fuel economy, without a significant boost in price. All hybrids should look this effortless.
1. Efficient performance
In place of the standard QX60’s 3.5-liter V6, the QX60 Hybrid utilizes a supercharged 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and an electric motor powered by a compact Lithium-ion battery pack located under the 3rd row seat – maintaining a flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to passenger or cargo room.
2. Regenerative brakes
The QX60 Hybrid is equipped with an intelligent regenerative braking system. When coasting or braking, the system recaptures energy that would normally be lost and charges the Lithium-Ion battery.
3. Seamless Shifting
Traditional transmissions with limited gear ratios create a “shift-shock” with every gear change. The QX60 Hybrid’s Continuously Variable Transmission has an almost infinite number of gear ratios, for seamless shifting and exceptionally smooth driving.
4. Lithium-Ion battery
Unlike older nickel-metal hydride cells, the QX60 Hybrid’s high-output Lithium-Ion battery allows for instant switching between charge and discharge, enabling it to deliver remarkable performance as well as extraordinary efficiency.