News & Reviews- Make: Infiniti

If this car looks familiar but the name doesn't come to mind, don't worry because you're not alone. Q70 is the new designation for the updated M series, Infiniti's mid-size entry that has served as its flagship sedan since the Japanese luxury brand abandoned the original full-size Q45 back in 2006. In the Q70's previous generation this particular model was the M37x (x denoting all-wheel drive), whereas it's now referred to as the Q70 3.7 AWD. There's a Q70 3.7 AWD Sport as well, plus a Q70 Hybrid. As for the old M56x, Infiniti has gone a step further by lengthening the wheelbase of this V8-powered model and redubbing it Q70L 5.6 AWD.

As much as I'd love to delve further into this range-topping model it will first require a test drive and that is still forthcoming, but the new regular wheelbase Q70 3.7 AWD that I just drove is certainly worthy of a deep dive all on its own. Infiniti upgraded the entire Q70 line for 2015, with a new front fascia incorporating a revised double-arch Read Full Story

Infiniti has made a good argument for choosing its Q50 sport sedan over competitors. One glance is all it takes to see that it's a great looking four-door, while a few minutes inside will make you wonder if the best British artisans have left Goodwood, Crewe, Castle Vale and Solihull for Tochigi, Japan. Still, true belief won't set in until after your first stint behind the wheel, at which point you could very well be driving home in a brand new Q50. It's been an entire model year since the Hong Kong-based luxury brand dropped its multi-letter and engine displacement numeric naming scheme for a single- and dual-letter alphanumeric system, and while quite simple to understand after a full explanation its Q50/60/70 and QX50/60/70/80 designations have left more than a few North American followers baffled. Why the need for change? Infiniti rejigged its model monikers so they'd make more sense within the 50 (soon to be 51) countries its cars are now available in, important as it transformed Read Full Story

For those of us who love true 4x4-capable SUVs, the pickings are thinner than they've ever been from volume brands. Then again, add a willingness to pay for a premium nameplate and a wider variety of top-tier off-roaders become available. Amongst these the full-size Infiniti QX80 is not only one of the nicest, but also one of the segment's best overall values.

The QX80 has been given a refresh for 2015, which includes a slightly updated grille with Infiniti's sportier new trademark diamond-pattern mesh insert replacing the six chromed ribs of last year's version (it already received the Infiniti's newly reshaped grille surround two years ago for its 2013 update), plus new LED-infused headlamps, a completely reworked front bumper and lower fascia with a chrome-rimmed secondary grille and glitzier set of combination LED fog lights set within multifaceted brightwork surrounds, while from the rear the changes are less obvious, including a new fully integrated bright metal bumper Read Full Story

It wasn't long ago that I tested and reviewed last year's 2014 Infiniti QX50 luxury crossover, but upon rereading that report I owe you all a big apology. In that review I stated that it was "the best value amongst compact crossovers period." I was so wrong. As it turns out, the 2015 Infiniti QX50 is an even better value.

That outgoing model was priced at $37,900 in base AWD Journey trim, but now the new 2015 QX50 can be had for a staggering $2,950 less at only $34,950, plus $1,995 for freight and pre-delivery prep of course. The ultimate shocker is that it hasn't lost many features with the new more affordable price. The only items missing are its auto-dimming rearview mirror, powered tilt and telescopic steering column, maple trim, and powered moonroof, all now optional.

The standard features that remain put its German competitors to shame just the same, starting with proximity sensing Intelligent Key remote access with an illuminated pushbutton ignition, premium Read Full Story

First they showed us part of a new grille, with the next photo being a long, lean and low profile shot, darkened beyond recognition in typical teaser fashion. Now we can clearly see the Q80 Inspiration concept, albeit only from its rear quarters.

This is good enough to depict its segment classification, however, the Q80 Inspiration slotting into the premium four-door coupe class to potentially do battle with the Audi A7, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, and Porsche Panamera. Infiniti categorizes the car in the "premium fastback segment," new terminology that doesn't appear to be used by any other manufacturer other than Ford in naming its new 2015 Mustang GT Premium Fastback. They can call it whatever they choose, of course, but "category-breaking," as the press release states, might be going a bit far.

Then again, where it differs from the aforementioned four-door coupes is size, the Q80 Inspiration a true full-size four-door rather than most of its Read Full Story