Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept, 2014

 

 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept, 2014

The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, revealed at the 2014 NAIAS Detroit Motor Show, is a concept car that expresses Infiniti's design vision of a high-performance Q50 premium sports sedan.
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge embodies the arresting design features of the Q50 premium sports sedan - infused with the enticing spirit of Formula One.

Featuring bespoke aerodynamic carbon fiber bodywork, Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider, possessing genuine road presence. This striking design is inspired by muscularity, aerodynamics, refinement, and understated power.

Hints at powerful intent
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge was born out of competition at the very pinnacle of motorsport, mirroring components from the successful RB9 race car.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge visibly hunkers down with menace and intent. New front and rear fenders extend the current Q50's already broad-shouldered stance by 20mm, while a larger deck lid spoiler creates air-pressure downforce. All of this dynamic width is wrapped in a tailored coat of customized red paint.

Framing the paintwork across the Q50 Eau Rouge's athletic physique is dark-chrome detailing to replace the chrome bright work of the production Q50, darkening the concept's demeanor dramatically.

Q50's signature double-arch front grille too takes the dark-chrome's matte finish, as do the glasshouse surrounds, door handles and deck lid accents. The curving hood is double air-vented as a further suggestion of the capability and purpose of the Q50 Eau Rouge.

Premium interior. Sporting inspiration
Further underlining the sporty character of the design study, the interior was designed to offer command and comfort.

Further precision control is afforded by a high-grip sports steering wheel and Formula One-style paddle-shifters.
Red-infused carbon fiber detailing to the doors and center console complement the exterior style, and dark-chrome again replaces silver-chrome in the red cockpit.

The breadth and depth of capability is self-evident; the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge is a design concept that clearly indicates what Infiniti could achieve if it was to build a performance version of the Q50 sports sedan.

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Infiniti Q50, 2014

 

 

 

 Infiniti Q50, 2014

A New Dimension in Dynamic Design
While Infiniti sports sedans have always been noted for their outstanding proportions and presence, the new Infiniti Q50 adds a new dimension of premium style.

Its strong first impression is anchored by the smooth yet dynamic character line arising from its "double arch" grille. It energetically flows through the bodyside like a wave and merges with the rear end, creating a highly fluid and intriguing profile and fully illustrating the Infiniti Q50's dynamic and athletic stance.

Signature Infiniti exterior design features include the "double arch" grille, dynamic arch roofline and Crescent-cut C-pillar. The front end is decidedly aggressive, with a sport front fascia offered on the Q50 sport models. The new grille's three-dimensional, textural quality is provided by elaborate detailing of the waved mesh pattern surface and chrome surround, while the distinctive LED headlights and marker lights' sharp lines suggest an almost human look.

The lean, robust body sides are designed to anchor the performance stance with a strong, solid "bone" and arched roofline that flows to the Crescent C-pillars that are similar to those that originally appeared on the Essence Concept. In the rear, the side character lines smoothly merge with the shape of the rear LED combination lights. The familiar rear double-arch trunk line completes the strong, unforgettable view from behind. Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are standard, while a power sliding and tilting glass sunroof is optionally available.

Other exterior refinements include new door architecture with narrower, roll-formed A- and B-pillar sashes that provide improved ingress and egress, as well as a more open cabin environment. A new color palette has been specially selected to accent the Q50 contours and sculpted surfaces and includes a range of eight premium colors.

The new body design also offers enhanced airflow over both the upper and lower body portions, resulting in a coefficient of drag of just 0.26. The Infiniti Q50 features zero front and rear lift.

Performance With a Personal Touch
Throughout the Infiniti Q50's development, compromise was never an option. No compromise on innovation, design or performance targets, allowing the development teams to stretch the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be.

"The new Q50 amplifies every driver's performance preference and enjoyment behind the wheel. We have one of the fastest accelerating hybrid engines, which also happens to be projected as one of the most fuel-efficient. We have advanced performance and safety technologies that can see and react before the driver can. And, we have the world's first quick and precise Direct Adaptive Steering technology," said de Nysschen.

At launch in North America, two advanced powertrains will be available, followed by additional engine options in other global markets later in the year. The Q50's refined 3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 is rated at 328 horsepower (est.) and 269 lb-ft of torque (est.) and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL).

The available hybrid powertrain features the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control. The system's V6 is rated at 296 horsepower (est.) and 255 lb-ft of torque (est.), while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower (est.) and 199 lb-ft of torque (est.). The hybrid system net power is 354 horsepower (est.), providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.

"True to the Infiniti DNA, our hybrid powertrains put performance first, without compromising fuel efficiency. It takes full advantage of the electric motor's instant torque for exceptional acceleration and, in combination with the 3.5-liter V6, provides a sporty driving feel under all driving conditions. We have targeted the best balance of performance and fuel economy and hit it dead center," said de Nysschen.

Both Infiniti Q50 powertrains are matched with an advanced 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters. The Q50 is available in rear-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with both powertrains.

Precise handling is provided by the 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The front is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear design utilizes a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers, with increased camber stiffness and improved ride comfort. The suspension features extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. A sport-tuned suspension is available with Sport models. Also supporting the enhanced handling is an improvement in front body stiffness (versus the previous generation).

The Infiniti Q50 rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires. Also available are 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 run-flat all-season or summer tires. Confident braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes with 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. Also available are sport brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear. Steering is provided by a power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system.

The new Q50 also features available Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering technology, a world's first production vehicle design. The system allows independent control of the Q50's tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system.

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Infiniti Q30 Concept, 2013

 

 

 Infiniti Q30 Concept, 2013

The Infiniti Q30 Concept debuted at the 2013 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, signalling the next step in an aggressive strategy to extend the Infiniti brand into new premium segments. The global compact premium segment is forecast for significant growth with the entry of younger affluent customers.

Bodystyle Mix: Best of Coupe, Crossover and Hatch
The shape of the Infiniti Q30 Concept deliberately challenges categorisation - not a coupe, not a hatch and not a crossover - to appeal to younger customers who are less likely to follow tradition and actually desire to disrupt convention to create their own unique experiences.

The design concept reflects that, by the end of this decade, Gen X and Gen Y will represent 80 per cent of buyers in the premium segment, bringing new, more contemporary expectations for premiumness.

Infiniti is confident its concept's fusion of the dynamic design and sportiness of a coupe, the roominess of a hatch and the higher stance of a crossover will resonate with these customers. Q30 Concept is immediately differentiated from traditional mass-market premium vehicles.

Its uplifted shape resonates with younger premium customers, who tend to be more urban, by providing a higher visual perspective in heavy traffic and in parking maneuvers.

Infiniti Q30 Concept's sensual design connects spontaneously to forge a strong emotional bond with a new wave of consumers less likely to conform to traditional fashion dictats and not willing to be defined by their vehicle's body type.

Sculptural, stretched, dynamic
From the sculpted fluidity of its contours and dynamic, stretched silhouette to the artistry, ambition and authenticity of its interior, Q30 Concept represents a coherent design vision.

The Infiniti Q30 Concept design language creates a unique place for Infiniti, reflecting the brand's intent to deliver outstanding product substance in terms of design, materials, fit and finish, craftsmanship and performance.

Evolving Infiniti Design Language
Just as younger premium customers want freedom to disrupt convention, Infiniti designers are stretching out to challenge - even to provoke - the design conventions of the premium car segment with new, more contemporary ideas.

Infiniti Q30 Concept represents the latest evolution of the Infiniti design philosophy introduced with the Infiniti Q50. Yet Infiniti designers had the freedom to explore bolder, even more sensual sculpting, enhanced muscularity and playfulness, reflecting Infiniti's approach as the seductive alternative to traditional premium automobile brands.

Infiniti Q30 Concept also incorporates dramatic design cues from visionary Infiniti concept vehicles - Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e - in a realistic vision of what a future production compact premium car in the Infiniti lineup could be.

Infiniti Performance Imagery
The enhanced muscularity and athleticism of the Infiniti Q30 Concept - with its sleek profile and wheels-at-the-corners stance - offers the visual promise of engaging performance and dynamics.

Infiniti's forthcoming compact premium entry will be the first Infiniti model Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti's Director of Performance, will influence from its inception.

The three-time Formula One world champion from Infiniti Red Bull Racing has engaged with Infiniti's technical teams around the world as part of Infiniti's commitment to infuse its brand with a performance pedigree.

Bespoke Interior Introduces Dissymmetry
The bespoke feel of the interior design envisions Infiniti's ambition of interior design and quality leading the premium segment.
Q30 Concept signals Infiniti's intent to achieve that goal by charting its own design path as a premium brand exemplified by its interior design, with its warm, inviting and emotionally engaging experience for the vehicle occupants, eschewing the more clinical approach found in other premium brands.

Designers achieved this through pursuing greater artistic freedom to create highly sculptural shapes, featuring a unique execution of Infiniti's "dual wave" effect and pursuing the notion of dissymmetry.

Dissymmetry, an unconventional approach, orients design features - from air vents and armrests to the instrument clusters - for more sculpted visual appeal. The technique creates an interior design for Q30 Concept markedly in contrast to any found in premium car products from traditional market leaders.

Insight about younger and younger-minded premium customers inspired the Infiniti Q30 Concept design team.

Authentic Materials
Reflecting Infiniti's philosophy that premium character begins with genuine materials, the Infiniti Q30 Concept makes creative use of ceramic, leather and metallurgical artistry in the vehicle interior:

• Sculpted ceramic, integrated in the upper front seatbacks, is used to house speakers for the audio system not only due to its design appeal but its special audiophile properties.
• Metalwork throughout the interior features genuine metal crafted with a high degree of finishing art. Metal surfaces, in the centre console, door panels, seats, vent bezels and controls, feature contrasting matte and gloss finishes.
• Leather features bespoke-tailoring with the selective use of Infiniti-signature violet stitching, particularly the instrument panel and seats.
• The Q30 Concept exterior incorporates genuine carbon fibre - inspired by the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB9 Formula One Car - in the grille and the lower sill on the body sides. Subtle use of Infiniti violet highlighting on selected surfaces of these carbon fibre elements adds another Infiniti design cue, communicates lightweight performance character and contributes an edgy attitude.

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