Η Infiniti ανακοίνωσε το ανανεωμένο για το 2016, Q50 και από την ανακοίνωση αυτή, ξεχωρίζουν οι ειδήσεις για τα μηχανικά του μοντέλου. Αυτό, γιατί αισθητικά, δεν άλλξαν πολλά πράγματα… για την ακρίβεια, άλλαξαν ελάχιστα και αυτά εντοπίζονται κυρίως στο εσωτερικό.
Στην βάση της γκάμας του 2016 Infiniti Q50, βρίσκεται ο υπερτροφοδοτούμενος, δίλιτρος βενζινοκινητήρας που αποδίδει 208 ίππους και 350 Nm ροπής. Εδώ δεν έχουμε να αναφέρουμε πολλά αφού αυτός ο κινητήρας υπήρχε και πριν το MY2016. Το ίδιο ισχύει και για το υβριδικό powertrain του Q50 που αποτελείται από έναν ατμοσφαιρικό V6 με χωρητικότητα 3.5 λίτρων, έναν ηλεκτροκινητήρα και μπαταρίες ιόντων-λιθίου με συνολική απόδοση 360 ίππων. Τα δύο αυτά σύνολα, συνδυάζονται με ένα 7-τάχυτο, αυτόματο κιβώτιο και μπορούν να εξοπλιστούν και με σύστημα τετρακίνησης.
Η νέα είσοδος στην γκάμα κινητήρων της Infiniti, είναι ο τρίλιτρος, twin-turbo V6 βενζινοκινητήρας. Στην βασική του έκδοση, αποδίδει 300 άλογα και 400 Nm ροπής, αλλά στην έκδοση υψηλής απόδοσης, η ιπποδύναμη αυξάνεται κατά 100 άλογα και η ροπή κατά 75 Nm! Η Infiniti δηλώνει έχει την καλύτερη αναλογία “power-to-efficiency” στην κατηγορία αλλά δεν το αποδεικνύει δημοσιεύοντας την κατανάλωση καυσίμου του κινητήρα. Αυτό που ανακοίνωσε, είναι ότι ο twin-turbo V6 έχει έναν ειδικό αισθητήρα μέτρησης της ταχύτητας της τουρμπίνας καθώς και νέο σχεδιασμό πτερυγίων που επιτρέπει 10% αύξηση στην ταχύτητα περιστροφής της τουρμπίνας και κατά συνέπεια, βελτιώνει την απόκριση στο γκάζι. Προς αυτό τον στόχο είναι άλλωστε και η βελτιστοποίηση του χρονισμού των βαλβίδων μέσω ενός μικρού ηλεκτροκινητήρα. Ο κινητήρας ζυγίζει φτάνοντας τα 194,8 κιλά, 14 κιλά λιγότερα από τον 3,7-λίτρων V6, ου αντικαθιστά και στην Ευρώπη θα προσφέρεται μόνο η ισχυρότερη παραλλαγή.
Οι πωλήσεις του 2016 Infiniti Q50 θα ξεκινήσουν στις αρχές του 2016, μετά την παρουσίαση του μοντέλου στην έκθεση του Detroit.
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2016 INFINITI Q50 SPORTS SALOON: NEW ENGINES AND CHASSIS TECHNOLOGIES DELIVER EMPOWERING PERFORMANCE
- Next-generation Direct Adaptive Steering leads dynamic enhancements
- All new powerful and efficient turbocharged V6 gasoline engines
- Dynamic Digital Suspension offers a number of engaging ride options
Hong Kong – The new 2016 Infiniti Q50 sports saloon is being launched with a number of performance and dynamic upgrades that deliver a more empowering and rewarding drive experience. The comprehensive updates include next-generation ride and handling technologies and all-new advanced turbocharged V6 powertrains.
Making its debut on an Infiniti is the company’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering™, comprehensively modified from the ground-breaking first-generation system. The standard steering mode now offers advanced levels of steering feel and feedback – more akin to that of a conventional steering system.
The new Q50 also features Infiniti’s Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS) for the first time, which gives the sports saloon an optimal blend of ride comfort and class-leading response and agility. For those drivers looking for a blend of dynamic settings tailored to their own particular requirements and tastes, the Q50’s Drive Mode Selector (DMS) can be augmented with a ‘Personal’ mode, which permits a bespoke mix of engine, suspension and steering characteristics.
Five powertrain options are offered with the Infiniti Q50, and for the 2016 model these include an advanced, all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine with direct injection. This new ‘VR30’ engine in Europe is available in only one state of tune: 400 hp – (300 hp also available for Middle East); developed to provide an ideal mix of drivability, efficiency and performance.
The Q50 was developed from the outset to showcase Infiniti’s daring design, dynamic performance and class-leading technologies within the sports saloon segment. Now in its third year, Q50 global sales between January and October 2015 reached almost 50,000 cars – representing a 65% increase compared to the same period in 2014.
“The new Infiniti Q50 takes the core elements that have driven its global appeal to date, and now we areoffering a number of new and stand-out technologies. With the upgraded Q50, we are furthering Infiniti’s position on innovation.”
Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy
Dynamic performance from innovative technology
A range of new and innovative ride and handling technologies deliver on the promise of the Q50’s daring design, and install confidence in all driving conditions.
Infiniti Q50 models equipped with the new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, or the hybrid powertrain, come available with the second-generation Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering™, which has undergone significant re-tuning to greatly enhance steering feel and feedback.
The changes to DAS – the world’s first digital steering system – have been made following extensive consultation with existing Q50 customers around the world and over 625,000 miles of testing.
For the new second generation Direct Adaptive Steering, engineers have optimized the control logic to improve feedback from the road. They have fine-tuned parameters so that the default setting better mimics the feeling drivers are used to from conventional systems.
The new system also provides more customisation options, giving drivers’ flexibility to choose the level of steering assistance and feedback according to personal preferences. In addition, Direct Adaptive Steering actively adjusts the steering ratio and effort according to vehicle speed and scene. In slow-moving situations, such as city driving or parking, the system is tuned for ease of manoeuvrability. In order to further enhance the steering feel in sporty driving conditions, the steering effort on the second generation Direct Adaptive Steering gradually saturates with high lateral G-force and acceleration in line with the overall vehicle behaviour.
Direct Adaptive Steering is able to transmit the driver’s input to the wheels faster than a mechanical system while requiring fewer steering corrections and is able to make 1,000 steering adjustments per second. The new system enhances the steering feel by quickly and intelligently communicating to the driver feedback about road surface and chassis behaviour. This gives the driver a secure and confident feeling at the wheel, free from unnecessary steering kickbacks or vibrations.
The expanded selection of steering modes within Direct Adaptive Steering is accessed through the Drive Mode Selector (DMS). Located via menus displayed in the centre console, DMS allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: ‘Personal’ ‘Standard’, ‘Snow’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, and – new for the 2016 Q50 model – ‘Sport+’.
The Personal steering mode allows for a high degree of fine-tuning. Drivers first select one of three core ‘Modes’ (Standard, Sport and Sport+) and then specify their preferred level of ‘Response’ (Default, Dynamic and Dynamic+). For a slower steering response and conventional feel, the driver would select a combination of ‘Standard’ mode and ‘Default’ response. For the highest level of precision, the driver would choose ‘Sport+’ mode with ‘Dynamic+’ response – making best use of Direct Adaptive Steering technology.
The Sport mode of the Drive Mode Selector enhances the response of Direct Adaptive Steering elevating the steering effort required while reducing the required steering movement from lock to lock. In the new Sport+ mode, steering effort remains the same as Sport mode, but the response of the steering is further increased, with an even quicker gear ratio for an enhanced performance feel. With both the Sport and Sport+ modes the result is an even greater sense of connection and control when the car is being put through its paces.
The new version of Direct Adaptive Steering works with Active Lane Control to maintain lane positioning against crosswinds and uneven road surfaces. This semi-autonomous capability is a precursor to future steering systems that will form a key building block on the way to achieving fully-autonomous driving.
As standard, Q50 models equipped with the new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine feature Infiniti’s RACK Electronic Power Steering. This all-new system provides a linear and in-control driving experience that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector.
When making a steering input or returning the steering wheel following an input, traditional steering system can create an unnatural feeling through imprecise control of the power assistance, reducing the feeling of linearity. To counter this, Infiniti’s RACK Electronic Power Steering precisely increases the steering effort required as the vehicle’s yaw rate changes, before adjusting to provide more assistance when the wheel returns towards on-centre.
2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel models are equipped with a speed-sensitive hydraulic electronic rack-and-pinion power steering system as standard. This increases assistance at low speeds and reduces assistance for enhanced feel and response at higher speeds.
The Q50 features a multi-link suspension and, for the 2016 model, revised suspension settings provide an improved balance between confident handling and a comfortable ride. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, while the revised rear suspension utilizes a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers. Extensive use of aluminium components for the suspension keeps weight down.
The Q50 now benefits from revised front and rear stabilizer bars. The result is heightening resistance to unwanted adjustments in the lateral movement of the suspension, affording a flatter ride and greater agility during cornering. The revised system is also better able to maintain contact between the tires and road.
2016 Q50 Sport models with 3.0 twin turbo powertrain are upgraded with Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS)for the first time, which offers enhanced ride comfort with class-leading response and agility. The shift from a comfort-biased ride to enhanced dynamic response can be made when the driver places the electronically adjustable shock absorbers in either Sport or Sport+ modes (adjusted via the Drive Mode Selector), providing firmer damping control for more agile handling. While in these modes, the suspension is constantly adjusting to provide ideal performance and a flat ride.
In all modes, Dynamic Digital Suspension also constantly adjusts the shock absorber valve within a wide range of damping force to control body motion when cornering. It monitors body roll, pitch and bounce rate to restrain body motion for a comfortable, confident and insulated ride in all conditions, ensuring that bumps and undulating road conditions are absorbed to maintain flat body pressure.
Infiniti’s most advanced V6 leads the refreshed engine line up
The all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine from the new and exclusive VR powertrain family has been developed to deliver optimal power and torque, alongside greater fuel efficiency. The high-output version of the power unit delivers 400 hp (298 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) maximum torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm; while the 300 hp (224 kW) version (at 6,400rpm) produces 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm.
These outputs have been achieved while ensuring an improvement in fuel efficiency of up to 6.7%, representing a best-in-class power-to-efficiency ratio for the 400hp power unit.
This power-to-efficiency performance was made possible thanks to a combination of newly-developed powertrain features.
An advanced new twin-turbo system contributes to the smooth and immediate power delivery while promoting gains in efficiency. The combination of a new turbine speed sensor and an optimized turbine blade design realize greater performance with more immediate response. The turbine speed sensor allows a 10% increase in turbine speeds, enabling the turbocharger to revolve at up to 220,000 rpm. With greater capacity for faster revolutions, the twin turbochargers enable the engine to deliver greater power and torque.
Advanced valve timing control incorporating a new electric motor mounted to the valve timing system delivers quicker reactions to driver inputs. As well as improved response, more immediate valve timing also helps the engine operate more efficiently, precisely controlling fuel and air quantities entering the combustion chamber.
A new high pressure direct injection gasoline (DIG) system, introduced for the first time, allows for precise control of fuel injection into the combustion chamber depending on throttle position and current engine speed. DIG contributes significantly to making the new engine the cleanest and most efficient V6 that Infiniti has ever offered.
2.0-litre turbo, 2.2-litre diesel and hybrid powertrains blend performance and efficiency
Complementing the new 3.0-litre V6, Infiniti Q50 offers is a 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 208 hp with peak torque of 350 Nm, and a 2.2-litre diesel offering 168 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm. These two powertrains have been engineered to achieve the same goals as the 3.0-litre V6 unit, blending response and performance with efficiency.
The Q50’s advanced hybrid powertrain combines a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC aluminium-alloy V6 and a compact laminated lithium-ion battery with an innovative one-motor, two-clutch control. The system’s V6 is rated at 302 hp and 350 Nm of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 hp and 270 Nm of torque. The hybrid system net power is 360 hp.
The hybrid powertrain is designed to put performance first, while bringing significant benefits for fuel efficiency. It takes full advantage of the electric motor’s instant torque for exceptional acceleration and, in combination with the 3.5-litre V6, provides an energetic feel under all driving conditions.
Smooth shifts from seven-speed automatic transmission
All Q50 powertrains are matched to an advanced seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
Adaptive Shift Control enhances gear selection by using a lateral acceleration sensor to detect changes in the road, such as hills and turns. Sport mode allows the driver to select a more aggressive shift pattern with automatic up- and down-shifting at higher rpm. The combined effect is for any driver to enjoy quick, smooth shifts and gear choices that are appropriate to both the road and the desired driving style.
The new Infiniti Q50 will go on sale in selected markets later in 2016.
Please note: All product information contained in this press kit relates to global Q50 information, including technical specifications, powertrains and standard/optional equipment and features. Please contact your country’s Infiniti PR office for product details relevant to your market.
3.0-LITRE V6 TWIN-TURBO ENGINE: THE MOST ADVANCED V6 FOR INFINITI
- The lightest, most powerful, cleanest and most fuel efficient V6 engine that Infiniti has ever offered
- Two power outputs available: 300hp or 400hp
- Technical innovations enhance drivability and performance
- Compact layout features new integrated exhaust manifold
- To be introduced in select new Infiniti models starting in 2016
Rolle – The new compact and lightweight 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is the most advanced V6 gasoline engine that Infiniti has ever offered, striking an ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance.
The 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is from the new and exclusive ‘VR’ powertrain family, born out of the brand’s longstanding heritage of V6 powertrain production. The new engine has been engineered to empower the driver and offer increased power and torque and higher levels of efficiency than any comparable predecessors from the company.
The engine’s reduced weight and contained size is credited, in part, to lighter and more compact cylinder blocks. The result is greater mechanical efficiency, while a series of new features and in-house innovations secure superior performance.
Selected Infiniti models will be equipped with the all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo from 2016 onwards, with the engine available in two performance levels – 300 or 400 horsepower. Both engines share the same technologies and offer the same unrivalled sensation of potent and immediate power delivery.
The most advanced V6 engine Infiniti has ever offered
The all-new ‘VR’ 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engines deliver a compelling combination of drivability, efficiency, and performance. The ‘VR’ engines will be used in new Infiniti models, models which have been engineered to satisfy every Infiniti market worldwide signalling the growing presence of the brand globally.
The all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine was created through extensive in-house experience of six-cylinder powertrain development and backed up by a strong history of V6 engine production. The ‘VQ’ V6 powertrain family, predecessor to ‘VR’, has been a long-established and multi-award winning series of engines that has appeared in Infiniti models since 1994.
For fourteen years, from 1995 to 2008, the VQ series engines were listed as one of ‘Ward’s 10 Best Engines’, an unrivalled achievement.
New technologies for class-leading power output and efficiency
The all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine has been developed to deliver optimal power and torque for an engine of its size, together with optimized fuel efficiency. The high-output version of the power unit delivers 400hp (298kW) at 6400 rpm and 475Nm (350lb-ft) maximum torque at 1600-5200 rpm; while the 300hp (224kW) version (at 6400 rpm) produces 400Nm (295lb-ft) torque at 1600-5200 rpm.
While the 300hp version is fitted with a single water pump, the 400hp engine uses two for more effective management of heat when under operating at higher loads. In addition, for the 400hp variant an optical turbo speed sensor gives a 30% power boost to the turbo system by allowing the blades to spin faster.
These outputs have been achieved while ensuring an improvement in fuel efficiency of up to 6.7% and this represents a best-in-class power-to-efficiency ratio for the 400hp power unit.
This power-to-efficiency performance was made possible thanks to a set of newly-developed features.Advanced timing control ensures improved responsiveness, enabling quicker reactions to driver inputs.
A new electric motor is fitted to the valve timing system, increasing the speed of the throttle for enhanced response times. Not only does this have a positive impact on performance but also efficiency, with the engine able to operate more efficiently through closer control of cylinder combustion.
Power delivery is enhanced through an advanced new twin-turbo system enabling smooth and immediate responses under acceleration, while aiding efficiency. An optimized turbine blade design helps the engine generate greater overall performance, with faster turbine revolution speeds allowing for an immediate response from the twin-turbo system.
In addition, the V6 engine features a new turbine speed sensor, which allows for the twin-turbo system to perform at up to 220,000 rpm – at steady condition and 240,000 rpm at transient condition– higher than ever before for an Infiniti V6 power unit. With greater capacity for faster revolutions, the twin turbochargers boost the higher-powered version of the engine to deliver higher power and torque. The turbo speed sensor on the 400hp version allows for up to 30% more power output.
The engineers have developed a water-cooled intercooler system to further improve performance and efficiency. The system rapidly cools air as it enters the twin-turbo system, reducing turbo lag and allowing for more immediate acceleration. The secondary result is a cooling system which is more compact – meaning a shorter flow path for air entering the turbocharger to enable quicker engine responses.
A new electronic wastegate actuator allows closer control of exhaust gas flow away from the turbocharger, restricting the amount of exhaust gas flowing through the unit to improve overall engine efficiency.
Lower weight, greater mechanical efficiency, more engaging drive
The core structure of the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine weighs 194.8kg (429.5lbs) – 14.1kg (39.1lbs) less than the engine it replaces. The new turbocharger and advanced intercooler (or CAC) system componentry adds just an extra 25.8kg (56.9lbs), for 220.6kg (486.3lbs) in total.
The all-new power unit is 19% (0.7 of a litre) smaller in capacity than earlier V6 engines offered by Infiniti. It builds on the company’s legacy of embracing new engineering solutions and technologies. Just as these earlier engines have always been respected for their lightweight aluminium construction and low mechanical friction – making them smooth, durable and highly responsive – the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine follows its performance-oriented predecessors with a more compact and lightweight design, while maintaining a performance focus.
Chief among the new weight-saving elements is the adoption of spray bore coating for the engine block and integrated exhaust manifold for cylinder heads. Not only does this make the engine lighter, but this also aids cooling as heat can dissipate more effectively through the aluminium alloy bore wall, a process boosted further by its physical design, which encourages faster engine heat management.
The lower weight throughout the engine contributes to greater mechanical efficiency, with lower inertia from its lightweight aluminium components, while this addedefficiency adds to the drivability and overall performance of the V6 engine.
The engineers have adopted a series of innovation technologies for application in the new V6 to deliver a more engaging driving experience. Special among these is a new direct-injection gasoline (DIG) fuelling system. The high-pressure DIG system allows for more precise injection of fuel into the combustion chamber, delivering the exact amount required for smooth engine acceleration, depending on throttle position and engine speed. This system makes the new V6 the cleanest and most fuel efficient engine of its type that Infiniti has ever offered, contributing towards the 6.7% improvement in fuel economy.
The advanced valve timing control allows for more precise regulation of the fuel and air mix in the combustion chamber, helping the engine to operate more efficiently and improving fuel economy under all conditions.
The new cylinder-bore coating process further boosts mechanical efficiency. The new low-friction ‘mirror bore coating’ technology allows the pistons to move more freely in the cylinders by reducing levels of mechanical friction by 40% compared to the previous V6 engines. This mirror bore coating process involves cylinder walls getting treated with a thermal arc spray coating after which the coating is hardened. The ‘mirror-smooth’ cylinder wall reduces piston friction and boosts performance.
The mirror bore coating process saves the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine 1.7kg (3.8lbs) in weight, when compared to previous V6 engines, owing to the hardened tolerance that the spray system gives to lighter metals.
One of the most significant features in the all-new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine is the adoption of a new integrated exhaust manifold, built into the cylinder head, enabling engineers to position the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point. This results in a shorter flow path for the hot exhaust gases, allowing the catalytic converter to heat up almost instantly – twice as fast as previous V6 engines – and reducing emissions from a cold start.
Moving the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point saves weight by making the engine more compact than before. This design accounts for a 5.3kg (11.7lbs) reduction in weight.
The new aluminium engine block has been constructed as a ‘square’ engine, with equal cylinder bore and stroke dimensions (86.0 x 86.0mm). As a result, the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine combines low mechanical friction and fast-revving response. Power and torque are accessed across a broader spread of mid-range engine speeds, in which drivers typically spend most of their time. The result is the ideal balance between drivability, efficiency, and performance.
New V6 engine to enter production in 2016
The All-new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is due to enter production during 2016 and will be manufactured at the company’s powertrain plant in Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.
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