Infiniti’s QX50 concept previews upcoming SUV, driver-assist tech

By Stephen Edelstein December 30, 2016

At the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti will unveil a concept car previewing both its next SUV and driver-assist technology that will find its way into future production models. But while the concept car is forward looking, it actually recycles a few things Infiniti has already shown to the public.

The Infiniti QX50 concept is based on the QX Sport Inspiration concept first seen at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show. It previews a replacement for the current Infiniti QX50, which is based on the now-discontinued G37 sedan. Where the current QX50 is really a G37 wagon on stilts, the new concept is styled more like a traditional SUV. The concept has short overhangs, a massive grille, and a tall hood and roof line, for a more macho SUV look.

The QX50 concept will feature driver-assist technology that may show up in future production models. Infiniti said these features will allow a car to drive itself through stop-and-go traffic, but that it doesn’t want to take full control away from the driver. The system is production ready according to Infiniti, though the automaker did not discuss a timeline for its launch.

Infiniti also noted that the QX50 concept “demonstrates a potential application” for its VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine, which was unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in September. The engine can change its compression ratio on the fly, potentially allowing for a better balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It does this by adjusting how much the pistons move within their cylinders.

The VC-Tubo engine itself is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that, as its name says, is turbocharged. It can alter its compression ratio from a performance-oriented 8:1, to an efficiency-focused 14:1. Infiniti is aiming for 268 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque. It expects a fuel-efficiency improvement of 27 percent over a V6 gasoline engine of comparable power output.

More details on the Infiniti QX50 concept will be revealed at Infiniti’s Detroit Auto Show press conference January 9, so stay tuned. Expect a production version of the QX50 concept to appear within the next year or so.

Editors' Recommendations

2020 Nissan Rogue Sport gets more expensive, but adds more driver-assist tech

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.