INFINITI CANADA - The atmosphere was more New York night spot than traditional press conference as Infiniti Motor Company Limited debuted its new 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid model on the floor of the New York International Auto Show at Manhattan's Jacob Javits Center. There was also a decidedly worldly flavor with Infiniti's South Africa-born President Johan de Nysschen, the display of the new Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula 1 race car and 2012 Formula 1 Constructors' trophy, and the soundtrack provided by internationally known DJ EROK.
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
Infiniti, which experienced a global sales increase of 17 percent in 2012, is celebrating its expanded presence, now in nearly 50 countries worldwide, and a growing model lineup marked by the two spotlight models at this year's New York show – the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan and the new hybrid version of the popular Infiniti QX60 luxury crossover. Both vehicles are set to go on sale at Infiniti retailers in Canada later this summer.
Said de Nysschen: "We have clarified our brand and product vision as an aspirational global provider of premium design and craftsmanship, relevant performance, innovative technology and Japanese hospitality. Nowhere is this more beautifully expressed than in the new Q50 sports sedan or innovatively embodied in the new QX60's advanced hybrid powertrain."
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is designed to stretch the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be – with such advanced features as the world's first Direct Adaptive Steering technology and Active Lane Control. The Q50 is offered with a choice of a 3.7-litre V6 or new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to realize 7.2 L/100 km fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent improvement over standard QX60 models and is expected to have best 7-passenger fuel efficiency in the premium segment.* The Infiniti QX60 Hybrid, with its reduced emissions, enhanced fuel economy and extended driving range of more than 1,000 kilometres**, is projected to be priced about $3,000 above the 3.5-litre V6 equipped models.
In place of the standard QX60's 3.5-litre V6, the QX60 Hybrid utilizes a supercharged 2.5-litre 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 versus standard QX60 models. Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower.
New for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB9 race car on display features a new look, which integrates Infiniti's purple-hued branding with the team's existing racing colors. "Besides being the title partner of Red Bull Racing, winner of the 2012 F1 Constructors' Championship, Infiniti has strengthened the technical ties between the two parties, with the goal of developing new technologies for mutual benefits on the road and the track," added de Nysschen.
DJ EROK, who has toured with artists such as the Black Eyed Peas, is the official DJ for the Infiniti Red Bull Racing, accompanying the team and drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber to every venue throughout the season. He is expected to be back in New York in 2014 when Formula 1 returns to the banks of the Hudson River for the Grand Prix of America. But for one afternoon, the party was in Javits Center. The New York International Auto Show public days run until April 7th.
* EPA estimate not yet available. Preliminary estimate, combined city/highway mpg, Ward's 2013 Luxury Large SUV Segment.
** 1,000km estimated range calculated using 2014 Fuel Economy Estimate 7.2 L/100km combined divided by 73 litre capacity. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only