Infiniti Q50 sports saloon gets makeover

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 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2014.

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.

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.

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 adjust¬ing to provide ideal performance and a flat ride.

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.

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 this year.