DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti reveals QX50 concept
Japanese Audi Q5-rival reveals new design language, semi-autonomous cruise control and revolutionary variable compression engineInfiniti has unveiled its all-new replacement for the QX50 SUV ahead of its official reveal on January 8 at the 2017 Detroit motor show.
Called the QX50 Concept, it's thought the door handle-less SUV is in fact close to production.
Drawing heavy influence from the QX Sport concept that was shown back in April at the 2016 Beijing motor show, the QX50 Concept is claimed to share its taut, muscular lines and what Infiniti says is a "cabin-forward" silhouette.
It's thought the latest QX50 concept also share its dimensions with QX Sport.
That means the BMW X3 and Audi Q5-rival measures in at 4600mm long, making it 250mm shorter than the existing QX70.
Infiniti hasn't released pictures of the mid-size SUV's new interior but says it has been created to be "driver-centric, passenger-minded" - whatever that means.
The Japanese car-maker has revealed the new concept comes equipped with the firm's autonomous driving aids. But instead of taking over the full driving duties, Infiniti says the QX50 is more of a "co-pilot for the driver".
This means the Infiniti SUV will come with semi-autonomous cruise control that will maintain its speed, steer to keep in its lane and brake if it detects obstacles ahead but, like its rivals, require a pair of hands on the wheel at all times.
Under the bonnet the high-tech theme continues.
The QX50 gets the firm's state-of-the-art variable compression ratio - technology no other manufacturer has.
What's the advantage? Well, the new 200kW/390Nm 2.0-litre turbo is claimed to deliver V6-like petrol power but with 27 per cent better fuel consumption.
The efficiency gains come from varying the compression ratio of from 8:1 (for high performance) to 14:1 (for economy driving).
Infiniti has yet to announce official fuel consumption figures or emissions for its new engine but says the figures make it a tempting ownership proposition even beside a diesel SUV.
Expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of 2017, it's almost certain the QX50 will venture to Australia given the strength of mid-sized luxury SUV sales here.
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