INFINITI's 16 empowering moments of 2016
As 2016 comes to a close, we take a look back on 16 empowering moments at INFINITI this year. Last month, we set global records and are on track for 2016 to be the best sales year in history. To name a few: We unveiled the all-new Q60. The first-ever QX30 arrived in showrooms. Q50 got some new engines, as well as an award for the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. We took an all-new INFINITI Q60 to Havana – the first U.S.-spec car registered in Cuba in 58 years. Kit Harington recited William Blake's "Tyger," and we launched many unique marketing programs. Here's to continued success, and a happy and successful 2017 for all.
Dec. 12, 2016
INFINITI 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 named one of Wards "10 Best Engines" for 2017
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INFINITI's new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine was been named to Wards "10 Best Engines" list for 2017.
The advanced VR-series engine, which was tested by the WardsAuto editors as offered in the INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400, is available across the range of Q50 sports sedan models as well as in the recently introduced, all-new INFINITI Q60 sports coupe.
"INFINITI customers have a passion for driving and offering the new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine helps make sure we meet their high expectations," said Roland Krueger, president, INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd. "INFINITI is honored to be named to this prestigious list of the most technically significant powertrains in the world by the experts at WardsAuto. We are on track for record global sales in 2016 and the exceptional engineering and performance of our engines have certainly played an important role in this success."
Dec. 6, 2016
INFINITI sets new global sales records for November, on track for record 2016
INFINITI achieved its best November sales month and is on track for 2016 to be the best sales year in its history. From January to November, INFINITI set a new global record for sales in the first 11 months, with almost 204,000 vehicles sold, an increase of 6 percent compared to the same time last year. INFINITI sold 215,000 vehicles in 2015.
Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI Motor Company said: "INFINITI is on track to have a record sales year this year, thanks to the strength of our expanding product portfolio and the hard work of everyone at INFINITI. The QX30 compact vehicle recently went on sale in China, where we also showed the new Q60 coupe for the first time. INFINITI had its best sales month ever in Mexico in November. Sales of the Q60 are strong in the US which is INFINITI's largest market around the world. Customers around the world appreciate the combination of attributes our vehicles offer – from dynamic design and superior performance, to driver-assist technologies and great fuel efficiency."
Dec. 6, 2016
INFINITI brings first U.S. vehicle to Cuba in 58 years
Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI executive design director, took an all-new INFINITI Q60 to Havana – the first U.S.-spec car registered in Cuba in 58 years – to trace his roots back to his parents' birthplace. Now based in Japan, where he oversees all four INFINITI design studios across the world, Alfonso grew up in Miami. This was his first opportunity to visit Cuba and see the curves of the mid-century modern architecture of his great-uncle Max Borges-Recio, including the Tropicana, Club Nautico, as well as Borges Recio's own home. In the process, Alfonso may have also found the origins of his own design DNA that is expressed in the unique flowing lines of current INFINITI vehicles.
Nov. 22, 2016
INFINITI, in collaboration with Emotiv Inc., seeks to measure human excitement with the Q50 Red Sport 400
INFINITI in the Middle East, in collaboration with Emotiv Inc., announced the launch of an innovative new study where INFINITI will seek to identify and measure the level of human excitement unleashed when individuals get behind the wheel of the recently launched INFINITI Q50 Red Sport 400.
Over the course of the next four weeks, customers around the Middle East region will have the opportunity to drive the Q50 Red Sport 400 wearing the pioneering Emotiv Insight headsets that will measure their mental performance indicators and sub-conscious responses to characterize their driving experience.
Nov. 14, 2016
INFINITI Engineering Academy winners begin their dream careers in Formula One
Exciting new chapters began in the careers of the seven winners of the 2016 INFINITI Engineering Academy, as they started their dream engineering placements with INFINITI and the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team.
The winners were initially selected from more than 4,000 hopefuls, having beaten nine of their qualifier peers in their respective regional final events around the world. The university students and budding young engineering talents have now spent their first days in their new job roles in the UK.
A key pillar of the INFINITI Engineering Academy is exploring crossover opportunities and the sharing of technology between INFINITI road car and Renault Sport Formula One race car projects. As the seven Academy winners split their placements in half between each company, they will be the driving forces behind this technology transfer. These exchanges of key primary data will benefit INFINITI road car customers and the Formula One™ racing team.
Nov. 3, 2016
"INFINITI Accelerator 2.0" startups present the future of "Smart Cities" and IoT technology at Investor Demo Day
INFINITI, in partnership with Hong Kong-based Venture Capital firm Nest, recently concluded the 12-week "INFINITI Accelerator 2.0" program with an Investor Demo Day held at the INFINITI LAB, a co-working space on the first floor of the brand's flagship showroom in Hong Kong.
Nine startups pitched their businesses to over 100 potential investors with the goal of securing additional funds and resources to rapidly scale their companies. Alongside the investors, Mr. Nicholas Yang, Secretary for Innovation and Technology and Dr. David Chung, Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology of the Hong Kong SAR Government, were present to hear the startups' innovative ideas around "Smart Cities" with a particular focus on connectivity technologies as solutions for future intelligent urban mobility.
Oct. 4, 2016
INFINITI Q50 wins inaugural Wards 10 Best User Experiences award
INFINITI announced that its Q50 sports sedan has been selected as a winner of Wards 10 Best User Experiences. In its inaugural year, the Wards 10 Best User Experiences (UX) awards are meant to highlight exceptionally advanced, intuitive and forward-thinking vehicle systems and interfaces designed to minimize distractions, prevent accidents and improve safety.
"It is a great honor to accept this award on behalf of INFINITI and all of the tireless work and care that has gone into developing the technologies featured in the Q50 sports sedan," said Randy Parker, vice president INFINITI Americas. "We strive to push the envelope of not only vehicle technology, but also consumer tech integration in our products, and it is extremely rewarding to have this recognized not only by INFINITI owners, but also by independent industry experts."
Sept. 29, 2016
INFINITI VC-Turbo: The world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine
INFINITI unveiled the all-new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) gasoline engine, the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Shown for the first time at the 2016 Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, the four-cylinder VC-Turbo promises to be one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created.
With the ability to continuously transform, INFINITI's VC-Turbo technology uses an advanced multi-link system to seamlessly raise or lower the stroke of the pistons, detecting the car's driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio.
Sept. 7, 2016
The future of color with INFINITI
Color has always played a major part in car design. But just as the creases and curves of a car's outward form have evolved down the years, so too has the palette of colors adorning the metal.
Much of this, of course, may be attributed to the transient nature of fashion and the constant evolution of taste.
Colors often capture and reflect current trends, fluctuating between flamboyant and conservative with the passing of time. However, the emergence of new paint technology and processes has, perhaps, been an even bigger factor – giving designers and color teams the ability to play with new shades and finishes to delight the senses, inject personality, heighten visual impact and accentuate the aesthetic.
At INFINITI Design London, the importance of color in the design of a new vehicle is fully understood, and the team there – led by Matthew Weaver, director of INFINITI Design London and INFINITI Color Manager Sandra Boberg – ensure that the brand is always on trend and will be at the forefront of the next color revolution.
Aug. 2, 2016
Kit Harington takes the new INFINITI Q60 for an empowered drive in his debut brand film, "Tyger"
INFINITI marked the launch of the dynamic INFINITI Q60 with a film starring one of the world's most talked about actors, Kit Harington. Emmy-nominated Harington is a fearless craftsman who has risen to prominence through his much-lauded recent performances on stage and screen. Now, he stars in an exhilarating short film for INFINITI'S Q60 titled "Tyger."
"Kit Harington is a unique and refined talent,"said Melissa Bell, INFINITI senior director of Marketing. "He is performance orientated with intelligence and a passion for his artistry and the Q60 has inspired a powerful performance from him in "Tyger." In this one-minute drive we're thrilled to take viewers on a test-ride through multiple emotions. The Q60 is a dynamic automobile, driven by one of the world's best actors – a winning combination."
Aug. 1, 2016
The first-ever QX30 premium active crossover arrives in U.S. showrooms
After its simultaneous global unveiling at the Los Angeles and Guangzhou motor shows in late 2015, the INFINITI QX30 went on sale in the U.S. in September.
"The all-new QX30 is a tremendous addition to the INFINITI lineup – a powerful statement of our design and technology leadership and a vehicle that we predict will bring a new generation of premium buyers into our showrooms," said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. "In addition to its striking appearance, the QX30 offers confidence-inspiring handling and an available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, making the QX30 the ideal vehicle to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions."
May 20, 2016
INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo displayed at launch of new Grand Turismo Sport game in London
The INFINITI Concept Vision Gran Turismo made its first-ever appearance outside of China at the Copper Box in Olympic Park, London, during the launch of a new game, Grand Turismo Sport.
Displayed alongside seven other full-size concept cars, the largest ever gathering of GT concept vision cars in one place, the vehicle provides a visualization of what a high performance INFINITI could look like in the future.
April 24, 2016
QX Sport Inspiration: A daring new SUV vision from INFINITI
The INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration is an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV design. Laying down markers for future INFINITI QX models, the QX Sport Inspiration explores the brand's vision for a next-generation, premium mid-size SUV.
Flowing lines and advanced craftsmanship characterize the spacious and beautifully appointed interior, which follows INFINITI's "driver-centric, passenger-minded" approach to cabin architecture. The interior's color palette – predominantly black and white with flashes of the hide's natural tan color – is striking, yet harmoniously blended through careful use of line, form, and texture.
"The QX Sport Inspiration is a statement of intent from INFINITI, showcasing a daring design philosophy and a demonstration of our capabilities in the mid-size SUV segment," said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI.
Feb. 25, 2016
INFINITI initiates brand partnership with chef Simone Zanoni and champion freeskier Camille Jaccoux
INFINITI has announced a partnership in France with Simone Zanoni, Chef de Cuisine of Trianon Restaurant in Versailles, and Camille Jaccoux, Champion Freeskier from Chamonix – both of whom will be acting as new brand ambassadors for INFINITI in Europe.
February 11, 2016
INFINITI presents three new Q50 sports sedan engines for the first time at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show
INFINITI revealed the full lineup of new advanced engines for its INFINITI Q50 sports sedan at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, including 300-horsepower and 400-horsepower versions of the advanced 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engines and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The three new engine-equipped Q50 models – designated the Q50 2.0t, Q50 3.0t and Q50 Red Sport 400 – are on display at the country's oldest and best-attended auto show, along with the 2016 QX60 crossover and the all-new QX30 premium active crossover. It is the first time all of these new models have appeared together.
"We are completely transforming the INFINITI model lineup this year with all-new models like the QX30 and Q60 sports coupe, major makeovers such as the QX60, and cutting-edge powerplants like the Q50's three all-new turbocharged engines," said Tony Gardina, regional vice president, INFINITI North, INFINITI USA. "We can't think of a better venue to showcase our full-scale product renaissance than the Chicago Auto Show, which attracts more than one million visitors annually."
Jan. 11, 2016
All-new 2017 INFINITI Q60 sports coupe: Designed and engineered to perform
Making its world premiere at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, the new INFINITI Q60 is a premium sports coupe that combines expressive design with exhilarating performance and dynamics.
The Q60's bold exterior – lower and wider than predecessors – expresses a powerful elegance through its daring proportions and taut, muscular lines. Dynamic enhancements, including an all-new lightweight and sophisticated 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, together with new adaptive steering and digital suspension systems, result in a premium sports coupe designed and engineered to perform.
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