2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model Feast your eyes upon the all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50. Say what you will about Infiniti's new Q and QX naming system, but after looking at the new Q50 unveiled today at the Detroit Auto Show and checking out its feature list, we're having a hard time coming up with any additional criticisms. The highlights of the Q50, which goes on sale this summer in the US, include the eye-catching design, innovative cabin technology and a fuel-efficient hybrid model.

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model headlight 1

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model grill

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model headlight

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model interior

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model mirior

The Infiniti G has always had a focus on leading-edge styling, and its replacement is no different. We can easily see that the basic theme of the Q50 was inspired by the Infiniti LE Concept we saw earlier in the year. The edges are a little toned down for the production design, but the overall look is there with the fluidic lines, crescent-shaped C-pillar, the now-signature grille and the horizontal headlights and taillights. Compared to the current G Sedan, the Q50 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, and it's also more aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of just 0.26, putting in between the Chevrolet Volt (0.28) and the Toyota Prius (0.25).Step inside the Q50, and you'll see a very familiar cabin with one significant exception: the center stack. The new Infiniti InTouch system features a pair of large and independent displays (yes, two) that utilize touch and hand-gesture controls. The climate and some of the audio controls are operated by actual buttons, but everything else is controlled using InTouch. One of the big benefits of this system is that a user can search and set destinations on one of the screens while the other is still displaying the map. There are also numerous apps that come preloaded into the system, and a new i-Key feature allows the car to recognize up to four different keys, allowing each driver to customize as many as 96 vehicle settings. As for the rest of the interior, it gets the same styling we've come to expect from Infiniti.

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model

The base engine for the Q50 is carried over from the G37 with a 3.7-liter V6 producing 328 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque, but the big news in the powertrain department is the addition of a hybrid model. Using a similar system to what is now known as the M35h (soon to go by the Q70 name), the Q50 Hybrid is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a 50 kW motor and compact lithium ion battery to give a total power output of 354 hp. Fuel economy estimates were not released for the hybrid, but in the M35h, this system is rated at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; being newer and lighter, we wouldn't be surprised to see much better numbers for the Q50 version. Both versions of the car use a seven-speed automatic with rev matching, and the Q50 will come standard with rear-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option. Additional powertrains will eventually be added for global markets, but these have not been announced either.New driver technologies that the Q50 offers are Direct Adaptive Steering and Active Lane Control. Direct Adaptive Steering consists of an electric power steering system, but it ups the ante by allowing each wheel to be controlled independently and offers four different driver-selectable modes. Active Lane Control, meanwhile, is a part of the Lane Departure Prevention system, and it helps Q50's driver use fewer steering inputs by compensating for crosswinds and road conditions (i.e., road crowns) in addition to the LDP's ability to keep the vehicle in its intended lane. The Q50 will also allow for some performance options such as a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded wheels and summer tires

2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts G-replacing design, new hybrid model