MISSISSAUGA, ONT. - Today, INFINITI Canada announced the national debut of the INFINITI Q50 luxury sports sedan at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto on February 14. Building on INFINITI's legendary sports sedan design, performance and technology leadership, the all-new 2014 INFINITI Q50 is designed to create a new, distinct level of customer engagement when it launches in Canada this summer.
The 2014 INFINITI Q50 will be the centrepiece of the INFINITI display at the CIAS, which runs from February 15-24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Also featured at the INFINITI exhibit is the complete line of 2013 INFINITI cars and SUVs, including the all-new INFINITI JX luxury crossover, and the championship-winning INFINITI Red Bull Racing Formula One race car. As the official sponsor and exclusive automotive partner of Cirque du Soleil® Touring Shows, the INFINITI CIAS booth will also include animation by Cirque du Soleil Special Events for photo opportunities throughout the first weekend of the auto show.
"The INFINITI Q50 reflects the direct influence of the INFINITI concepts known as the 'INFINITI Trilogy', particularly 'Essence,' while honouring the iconic design dynamics of earlier INFINITI sports sedans," said Wendy Durward, Director of INFINITI Canada. "The new Q50's athletic and tightened appearance blends its lower and wider proportions with enhanced interior roominess to stunning effect inside and out."
There are two powertrain choices for Canada - a 3.7-litre V6 and 3.5-litre Hybrid. The hybrid powertrain features the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid™ system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 and compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control. The system's V6 is rated at 296 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system net power is 354 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy.
Two new world's first production performance technologies make their debuts in the Q50 - INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology and Active Lane Control™. The new steering system allows advanced control of the Q50's tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. Four different steering settings are offered, allowing customization by driver preference or road conditions. The Active Lane Control™ uses a camera-based lane marker detection system to further enhance on-centre driving capability.
"2012 was a good year for INFINITI in Canada as the brand continues to progress and re-define premium motoring. INFINITI experienced double-digit growth for eleven consecutive months last year in Canada, propelled by the all-new INFINITI JX luxury crossover, which has effectively set new benchmarks in its competitive segment," says Durward. "We are excited for the years ahead as we implement INFINITI's new nomenclature philosophy, embark on ambitious growth plans and drive a new direction for the brand, starting with the all-new 2014 Q50."
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