Available extended wheelbase model debuts.
The Infiniti Q70 is the flagship sedan for Nissans luxury brand, a model that has been refreshed for 2015. Dropping cover in advance of the 2014 New York International Auto Show, this sports sedan gains an extended wheelbase model, adding 5.9 inches between the wheels to optimize rear seating room.
The extended wheelbase model will be sold in North America and in China where stretched versions of competing models from Audi and BMW are popular. The 2015 edition receives an updated face with new headlamps, a double arch grille, and a new front bumper with integrated fog lights.
At the rear, the Q70 receives new LED tail lights, tweaks to the trunk lid, a new rear bumper, and a chrome finisher. Choose the Sport edition and this sedan is outfitted with 20-inch wheels and tires.
2015 Infiniti Q70L debuts.
2015 Infiniti Q70 and Q70L
Rear-wheel drive remains standard; all-wheel drive is optional. Both the regular and extended wheelbase models offer two engine choices: a 3.7-liter V-6 and a 5.6-liter V-8. The V-6 makes 330 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 270 foot pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm; the V-8 makes 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 417 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. The V-8s numbers come in slightly lower for the Q70L. Both engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
A Q70 hybrid model returns, outfitted with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor. The gas engine makes 302 horsepower and the electric motor adds 67 horsepower. The engine produces 258 foot-pounds of torque and the electric motor makes 214 foot-pounds of torque. Like the gas versions, the hybrid is outfitted with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Cross Your Legs
Adding 5.9 inches to the wheelbase (7.3 inches overall) the big gains realized with the Q70L is in its rear seat leg and knee room. In the Q70, rear passengers have 36.2 inches of legroom. In the Q70L it measures 41.8 inches. Knee room measures 26.6 inches in the Q70 to 32.5 inches in the Q70L.
Infiniti claims that the Q70 comes in quieter, especially at high speeds. New noise insulation materials, additional sealing and stiffened wheels were among the changes Infiniti’s engineers employed to reduce noise. The sedan also makes use of active noise control monitors that effectively offsets sound from four speakers, technology Infiniti says makes it easier to hold conversations and to improve music enjoyment.
Safety and Security Features
The 2015 Infiniti Q70 also receives four new safety and security technologies including the predictive forward collision system introduced to the Q50 sedan last year. What this system does is sense the relative velocity and distance of both the vehicle in front of it as well as the one two places forward.
An around view monitor, backup collision intervention and forward emergency braking are additional enhancements for this sedan. Other safety equipment already available include intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, lane depart warning, lane departure prevention, and blind spot monitoring.
The Competition
With these updates, the Infiniti Q70 is better positioned to take on its competitors including the Audi A6/A7, the Jaguar XF, Lexus GS, BMW’s 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Thats more good news for Infiniti dealers who are enjoying a 14 percent boost in year-to-date sales, doubling the pace of the industry.
Refreshed Infiniti QX80
Another Infiniti model refreshed for 2015 is the full-size QX80 sport utility vehicle. A restyled grille, new headlamps and tail lights, and the same safety upgrades available in the Q70 are present in the QX80 as well.
The model line also receives a new top-of-the-line Limited edition featuring smoked headlights and tail lights, 22-inch chrome wheels, semi-aniline leather seats and real ash trim. An ultra suede headliner is included as well.
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