2016 Detroit motor show: Infiniti has unveiled the new Q60, a premium sports coupe that will do battle with established German rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
Let’s address the looks first because this really is Infiniti’s first saloon design that can actually tempt buyers aware from their German ride. Yes, really.
The Q60 Concept is actually very similar, including all those aggressive lines, double-arch grille and crescent-shaped C-pillars. It’s meaty and elegant in all the right places yet retains the instantly recognisable front end seen on the Q30 and Q70. We approve very much.
We also approve of the all-new ‘VR30’ 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo and powertrain that runs it, comprised an all-wheel drive system that favours the rear wheels and an impressive 400hp of power. That’s not far from BMW M4 territory.
All 400hp is available from 6,400rpm, while all 350lb/ft (475Nm) of torque comes in from a mere 1,600rpm, so this should be a car very able to make progress without little effort on your part. No word on performance or efficiency figures.
Those who love the looks but want something less thirsty will have the option of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 208hp that is rear-wheel drive, which delivers full horsepower at 5,500rpm and 258lb/ft (350Nm) of torque from 1,500rpm.
Suspension comes in the form of Infiniti’s electronic Dynamic Digital Suspension and a set of new dampers. Firmness depends on the selected driver setting (Sport and Sport+ are harsher), but all will constantly adjust to improve the ride and handling.
Meanwhile the second-generation of its Direct Adaptive Steering is said to offer high levels of steering feel and feedback.
19-inch alloys will be offered as standard, with 20-inchers available for the first time on an Infiniti. Another world debut is the 13-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system.
The Q60 sports coupe also gets ergonomically-shaped seats that are said to minimise the pressure on lower and upper back muscles, as well as Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Braking System, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Sport Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.
The Infiniti Q60 will go on sale ‘in selected markets’ in the second half of 2016. We would be very surprised if the UK isn’t one of them.
We’ll let you look at the pictures below to decide whether 2016 could be the year Infiniti makes a dent on the competition.
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