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Introduction
At the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Infiniti introduced the long-awaited replacement for its aged Q60 Coupe, and the production model looks nearly identical to the concept vehicle that preceded it. Standard, Premium, and Sport versions are offered in 2.0t and 3.0t series.
Slated to arrive in Infiniti showrooms at the end of summer 2016, the new 2017 Infiniti Q60 lines up for battle against the Audi A5/S5, Cadillac ATS Coupe, BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
Exterior Features
Lower, wider, and more aerodynamic than the car it replaces, the new Q60’s design uses “daring proportions” to “convey a powerful elegance,” according to Infiniti.
Glance at the Q60 and the signature Infiniti design cues are clearly evident, in particular the deeply recessed double-arch grille, the dramatically flowing body work, and the unmistakable crescent-shaped rear roof pillars.
Standard equipment will include 19-in. aluminum wheels, with staggered-width 20-in. wheels available as an option. Available LED headlights employ Light Guide Technology to spread the light evenly upon the road ahead, Infiniti says.
Interior Features
Infiniti calls the Q60’s interior a “driver-centric” environment, rendered in bold and modern materials with premium accents. Standard active noise-cancellation technology filters unwanted noise from the cabin.
Performance-bolstered “spinal support” seat designs are wrapped in standard leather with high-contrast stitching. Red leather is a new color choice, and buyers can select an optional White Leather Interior package.
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Seating faces a dashboard that is very similar to the Q50 sedan, one decorated with standard aluminum trim panels. Black wood is available, and the Premium and Sport versions of the car are offered with optional carbon fiber trim.
Optional Features
New for 2017, and optional for the Q60, a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system debuts and is tailored specifically for this car’s acoustics, the automaker says. Infiniti describes the listening experience as “fully immersive.”
Under the Hood
With the redesigned 2017 Infiniti Q60, the automaker promises “exhilarating performance and dynamics,” thanks in part to a lower center of gravity than the car it replaces.
A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz is standard equipment, making 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 1,500 rpm. Infiniti estimates that the Q60 2.0t will return 24 mpg in combined driving.
Two versions of the optional twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine are available, each a member of Infiniti’s new “VR” family of engines, and each installing a “3.0t” badge on the car’s front fender. In standard tune, the engine generates 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,600 rpm and 5,200 rpm. Infiniti thinks this engine will return 23 mpg in combined driving.
For greater power and performance choose the high-output version of the new “VR30” engine. It makes 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 475 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,600 rpm to 5,200 rpm while returning an Infiniti-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving.
All three engines are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control and a sport driving mode. The transmission automatically accounts for driving on hills and around corners, and adjusts shift points based on the driver’s driving style. The transmission powers the Q60’s rear wheels, and a drive mode selector supplies Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and Customize settings. Some versions of the car also come with a Sport+ mode.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is an option for the new Q60. It exclusively powers the car’s rear wheels until conditions warrant the transfer of power to the front wheels. Depending on the situation, the AWD system can distribute up to half of the engine’s power to the front axle, Infiniti says.
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Suspension components are shared with the Infiniti Q50 sedan, modified and tuned specifically for duty in the Q60. The Q60 Sport is equipped with a new Dynamic Digital Suspension that the automaker says is “designed to offer best-in-class handling response and agility.” Based on Drive Mode Selector choice, this suspension continually adjusts damping appropriate to driver preference.
Traditional hydraulic steering is standard for the Q60 when it is equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Upgrade to one of the twin-turbocharged engines and Infiniti swaps in a rack-mounted electric steering system that provides what the automaker characterizes as “a linear and in-control driving experience.” The electric steering increases off-center effort levels based on vehicle yaw rate, reverting to lighter effort as the steering wheel returns to center. The electric steering is tied in with the Drive Mode Selector settings.
As an option on Q60 twin-turbo cars, a next-generation Direct Adaptive Steering system replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rack with an electronic one. This steer-by-wire technology is claimed to transmit driver input to the front wheels faster than a mechanical setup can, making up to 1,000 steering corrections per second, Infiniti says. With this next-generation version of the technology, Infiniti promises improved steering feel and feedback, with greater ability for the driver to tune the steering to specific preferences.
Safety
Infiniti offers its latest safety technologies for the new 2017 Q60. They include predictive forward-collision warning with pedestrian-detection capability, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot warning, and rear-collision prevention systems. Additionally, the Q60 will be available with a 360-degree surround-view camera system called AroundView Monitor.
Technology
The Infiniti Q60 is equipped with a standard InTuition infotainment system, which receives a faster processor for improved response and performance. The system is available with navigation and supplies the ability to custom-tailor multiple aspects of the Q60’s controls, technologies, and interior environment.
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