Vehicle Overview
Infiniti is introducing an updated coupe at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2017 Q60 is the two-door version of the Q50 sedan and was previewed by the Q60 Concept we saw a year ago. The production model shares a platform and powertrains with the Q50, which receives three new engines for the 2017 model year.
Exterior
While it’s not as wild as the Q60 Concept, much of that car’s flavor and style translates to the production 2017 Q60 coupe. It’s lower and wider than the car it replaces, and it features many of Infiniti’s distinctive styling elements like the spindle grille, crescent-shaped C-pillars and aggressive squinty-headlight design. It’s certainly different than competing coupes like the BMW 4 Series, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard, with first-ever 20-inch wheels offered as an option. Sport trim models will have wider rear tires for handling and appearance benefits.
Interior
Inside, the Q60 gets a new dashboard, door panels, console and seats. The controls have been reconfigured and relocated, accommodating a new dual-screen setup in the center console. Base models get an aluminum finish with optional black wood trim, while Sport and Premium models get carbon fiber trim with an optional glass fiber accent.
The InTuition multimedia system is standard, which includes an adjustment screen for just about every interior setting one can imagine. A new Bose 13-speaker stereo is standard and combines with a standard active noise cancellation system for what Infiniti says are exceptional levels of interior quietness and refinement.
Under the Hood
Powering the Q60 are the same three powertrains that appear in the updated 2016 Q50 sedan. The base model will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive; it makes 208 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. No manual transmission will be offered. Two optional powertrains are available, and both of them use twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engines. One makes 300 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque, while the top engine makes 400 hp and 350 pounds-feet of torque.
Two suspensions are offered: a conventional steel one on the base model or an optional electronic adjustable suspension on Sport and Premium models. The transmission also features various adjustable modes to tailor the vehicle’s performance to the driver’s tastes, ranging from eco minded to super sporty.
The steering features adjustable modes as well, allowing for both response and effort adjustments. The base four-cylinder model gets hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering, while the 300-hp V-6 model gets an updated version of the optional electronic steering system.
Safety
Like the Q50, the redesigned coupe offers a number of advanced safety features. As with most luxury cars, they’re almost entirely extra-cost options. Available on the new coupe are an around-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and assist, blind spot warning and backup collision intervention that can stop the vehicle if it detects an object behind the car.
The new Q60 will go on sale in late summer 2016.
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