HONG KONG – The INFINITI Q50 is a car with a great memory for names, faces, seat positions, cabin temperatures, routes home and even whether the driver prefers an ABC or a QWERTY keyboard. Depending on model, INFINITI's all-new Q50 will not just welcome the driver aboard by name, it can even display photographs of friends and family on one of the car's dual touch-screens.
On sale later this year and priced from $37,500 CDN, the INFINITI Q50 takes the idea of a car with a memory to a whole new level in the premium mid-sized class. Thanks to 32 selectable settings across 10 functions, the Q50 allows for optimal syncing of car and driver based on the driver's preferences.
The INFINITI Q50 can remember the personal settings for up to four people – three registered users and one guest – covering the areas of life on board, dynamic performance and safety technology.
The concept behind this bespoke digital solution is called "My car knows me." And it is just as simple to use as it sounds, with the car doing all the hard work and the few controls that do exist being entirely intuitive to use.
Central to "My car knows me" is INFINITI's advanced intelligent i-Key. Each of the two i-Keys supplied with every Q50 stores personal settings for two different drivers. The information is saved automatically and can easily be updated, or deleted, on the touch screens. Tailoring the personal profiles extends to a facility to load up to 16 photographs.
While memory functions vary between countries and Q50 models, engines and transmissions, a constant ingredient is the new INFINITI Drive Mode Selector, fitted to every model. Operated by a switch on the centre console, the selector offers performance choices that include Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Personal.
Depending on country and model, Personal is the custom setting where a driver can choose his or her ideal performance feel, not just engine and transmission changes but also steering weight and response type on vehicles equipped with INFINITI's Direct Adaptive Steering system.
The INFINITI Q50 can also remember each driver's preferences to customize the driving experience using various hi-tech technologies. Where these systems offer control choices – ranging, for example, from a simple on/off to the level of electronic intervention required – the settings are stored and automatically engaged whenever that driver is behind the wheel.
This guarantees that, whoever is driving, the car's electronic systems – many of which form part of the Q50's innovative Safety Shield – will always be perfectly set for that driver without the need to press buttons or scroll through menus.
The considerable extra peace of mind this facility ensures is especially valuable given that the Safety Shield is more complete than ever in the Q50. Features include the world-first Predictive Forward Collision Warning which uses some of the most advanced sensor technology yet developed to react to the speed/distance not just of the car in front – but also the car in front of that.
Other systems, many of which have user preferences so they can be precisely tailored to driver and journey, include (depending on model and country) Back-up Collision Intervention, Intelligent Brake Assist Plus, Lateral Stability Enhancement, Active Trace Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, High Beam Assistant and Blind Spot Intervention and Warning, as well as Active Lane Control, another world-first system that uses Direct Adaptive Steering (where fitted) to "magnetize" the car to the centre of its lane on motorways.
Life on board offers even more personalization options – all of which the Q50 will recognise as that driver's every time he or she gets behind the wheel. Depending on model, favoured driving position (seats, steering column, exterior mirrors), climate control, navigation routes and options, and preferences for the INFINITI InTouch™ communication, entertainment and information functions can all be set and stored. Screen displays, language, colours, photographs and shortcuts can be chosen, too – the system will even remember whether you prefer L/100km or mpg, Fahrenheit or Celsius and an analogue or digital clock.
About the 2014 INFINITI Q50
The 2014 INFINITI Q50 sports sedan brings distinctive design, engaging performance, world's first technologies and unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization to the roads of North America when it goes on sale in summer 2013. The all-new Q50 is designed for a new generation of young, premium customers seeking INFINITI's unique fusion of inspired performance and hospitality.
Taking many of its seductive styling cues from the INFINITI Essence concept, the Q50's tight, athletic appearance blends low, wide proportions with excellent interior roominess to a class marked by unexciting design.
Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver-centric cockpit with an array of premium comfort and convenience features. The new INFINITI InTouch™ communications system includes large dual touch-screen displays and puts communication with the outside world within easy reach, with integration of hands-free phone, moving map navigation, entertainment and smartphone apps in a way that is safe and easy-to-use while driving.
INFINITI's sports sedan performance leadership continues with the new Q50, which is available with a choice of a refined 328-horsepower 3.7-litre V6 or Q50 Hybrid featuring INFINITI's Direct Response Hybrid™ System with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. All models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The INFINITI Drive Mode Selector with a range of personal settings is also standard on all models, part of the advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, transmission, handling and steering settings.
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 steering effort and responsiveness, 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-center driving capability and improve vehicle straightability.
The 2014 INFINITI Q50 3.7-litre V6 and 3.5-litre Hybrid models will be available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and in a range of well-equipped models, including versions with special sport appearance and performance features with sport brakes and sport suspension tuning.
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