PARIS - Infiniti looks forward with the next gen Q50, VC-Turbo variable compression engine & QX Sport Inspiration concept.

• Global debut for VC-Turbo engine – the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine
• Design evolution for 2016 QX Sport Inspiration concept
• World debut for upgraded 2017 Q50 sports saloon

INFINITI is giving attendees of the 2016 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l’Automobile) a glimpse into automotive future today (29 September 2016), with the reveal of ground-breaking new engine technology.

INFINITI’s new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Promising to be one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, VC-Turbo technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-litre turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain – without the equivalent emissions.

Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI Motor Company, commented: “The pioneering new VC-Turbo powertrain represents a leap forward for engine development. Vehicle engineers believe the breakthrough in internal combustion technology would come from mastering the variable compression ratio.  INFINITI will be the first to bring this technology to the market in 2018. This new generation of powertrains will help our global growth and expansion of the INFINITI product portfolio.”

Making its European debut in Paris is the INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration Concept, laying down markers for the design of future INFINITI QX models. 

The daring new concept has received some design upgrades since its global reveal at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2016, and explores the brand’s vision for a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV.

They are joined in Paris by the updated Q50 sports saloon, refreshed for 2017 with new design features and INFINITI’s InTouch in-car technology.

VC-Turbo: The first production-ready variable compression engine

Transforming on demand, INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology uses an advanced multi-link system to seamlessly raise or lower the reach of the pistons, detecting the car’s driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio. The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).

With a development target power output of approximately 200 kW (268 hp / 272 ps) and 390 Nm torque, the VC-Turbo engine will be comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance, while significantly outperforming them in efficiency.

The four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine achieves lower levels of noise and vibration than conventional internal combustion engines, particularly diesel, and is lighter and more compact than V6 units with comparable power outputs.

INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid-cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors, and turbocharging. The arrival of the variable compression ratio engine will establish new benchmarks – for power, efficiency and emissions – against which future powertrains will be measured.

QX Sport Inspiration: the evolution of a concept

Revealed for the first time at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration is an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV design, and explores the company’s vision for a next-generation, premium mid-size SUV.

INFINITI’s progressive outlook is evident in the QX Sport Inspiration’s elegant yet powerfully proportioned exterior, with upgrades to the Paris show car adding to this confident look. The exterior colour changes to matt grey, while wheels are made larger, now at 22 inches in a striking bronze colour with matching brake calipers.

Flowing lines and advanced craftsmanship characterise the spacious and beautifully appointed interior, which gains kick plate lighting at the base of every door. The interior’s colour palette – predominantly black and white with flashes of the hide’s natural tan colour – is enhanced with sections added in brown leather.

2017 Q50: a premium sports saloon delivering an empowering drive

INFINITI’s continued global sales momentum has been underpinned by the Q50 sports saloon, which has received a range of upgrades for 2017 and is revealed in Paris for the first time globally.

The 2017 Q50 will be available with a new Designer Pack, which includes: new Graphite or Java Brown colours for the semi-aniline leather cabin upholstery, a new open-pore dark wood veneer, dark chrome trim and a black roof lining. Buyers can specify a new Bose® Performance Series sound system, which features 13 speakers, an all-new electronic architecture and high-performance components.

For selected markets, INFINITI has equipped the 2017 Q50 with a new Telematic Control Unit, allowing the owner to control elements of their car remotely via INFINITI’s InTouch Services smartphone app, for greater security and convenience. New features include remote engine start, car locator, and stolen vehicle tracking.

The 2017 Q50 goes on sale in selected markets later this year.