FRANKLIN, Tenn. – INFINITI announced today its Q50 Hybrid premium sport sedan was named to Kelley Blue Book’s Ten Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars for 2014. Since its debut, the INFINITI Q50 premium sport sedan has regularly been recognized for its exhilarating performance characteristics and excellent fuel economy.
The Q50 is the most powerful hybrid on Kelley Blue Book’s list this year, producing 360 horsepower and achieving an EPA estimated fuel economy of 29/36 (city/hwy).
In addition to receiving praise from media, INFINITI has some of the most passionate and vocal owners of any premium manufacturer. Following the Q50’s start of sale last August, owners have taken to social media and online forums, to share photos and specific commentary on what they like best about their cars. New and repeat customers have recognized the Q50 for features it offers and hybrid torque, styling and handling are the most notable.
Hybrid Torque
The Q50 isn’t just one of the most fuel-efficient luxury cars of 2014, it also delivers outstanding acceleration along with its impressive fuel economy. Building upon the already exciting 328-horsepower standard V6, INFINITI’s available all-wheel drive hybrid version accelerates the car to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds, with the help of more than 250 lb-ft of torque from the gas engine and electric motor.
Styling
When it first debuted, the Q50 marked a new styling dimension for INFINITI, “an energetic force rooted in nature, such as the shape of a dynamic wave,” said INFINITI Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. INFINITI owners love the design of their new cars for many reasons, including a front fascia that exhibits an almost human look in the design of the vehicle’s markers and headlights, as well as the integration of INFINITI’s characteristic crescent cut c-pillar; traits not found on any other car, inside or outside the segment.
As with other models within the lineup, the Q50’s sheet metal wraps around the car in a tight, yet fluid manner conveying an aggressive athleticism that hints at impressive performance beneath its skin.
Handling
Tuned from the outset to offer drivers just the right amount of feedback to the road, owners note how the Q50 is just as comfortable hugging the corners of a twisting b-road as it is cruising at speed on the highway or grabbing groceries around town. Mixing the best of both worlds has always been a challenge for the premium sport sedan segment. Performance-minded owners look to their cars to provide nimble handling and responsive steering, while the luxury-minded buyer might look for a car with a more refined, relaxed ride. In fact, INFINITI took into account both of these types of drivers when it offered the world’s first steer-by-wire system. Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) removes the mechanical linkage between the steering and front wheels, and allows owners to customize their own driving experience for just the right amount of steering feedback, weight and responsiveness depending on road conditions and personal preference.
The Q50 has been recognized around the world for its driving dynamics, advanced safety and myriad convenience features. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Q50 a Top Safety Pick+, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the car its highest honor, a 5-Star overall safety rating. This year, Edmunds.com presented the 2014 Q50 with its Top Rated Vehicle award and a jury of international automotive journalists nominated it as a 2014 World Car of The Year contender. For additional information on the Q50 and the recognition other INFINITI models have received, please visit INFINITIUSA.com.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand’s portfolio. As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI’s Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI, visit INFINITINews.com, "like" INFINITI on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @INFINITIUSA. For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
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Contacts:
Kyle Bazemore
Senior Manager – INFINITI USA Communications
Office: 615-725-3210
E-mail: kyle.bazemore@infiniti.com
Alexandra Amelang
Senior Specialist – INFINITI USA Communications
Office: (615) 725-1455
Email: alexandra.amelang@infiniti.com
