Infiniti's Detroit-bound QX50 Concept is Barely a Concept, Boasts Variable Compression Engine

by Steph Willems

Published: December 30th, 2016

infiniti s detroit bound qx50 concept is barely a concept boasts variable

Infiniti has had enough of the QX50’s voluptuous curves.

An edgier future awaits the brand’s midsize crossover, as shown by photos of the QX50 “Concept” released ahead of the North American International Auto Show. If this concept looks almost production-ready, that’s because it is.

Borrowing heavily from the earlier QX Sport Inspiration concept, the QX50 Concept’s updated design language isn’t the only way Infiniti plans to lure prospective buyers. Underneath the newly creased sheetmetal beats a very different kind of heart — one two decades in the making.

The concept bound for Detroit carries Infiniti’s radical turbocharged variable compression (VC-T) four-cylinder engine. Unlike other 2.0-liter turbos, this mill can be whatever the driver wants it to be.

The VC-T engine allows for greater efficiency and power when the conditions call for it, thanks to its ability to raise and lower the height of the pistons’ reach — a process that takes less than 1.5 seconds. This means both a low-compression (8:1) performance mode and a high-compression (14:1) efficiency setting. Infiniti hasn’t released exact specs, but it’s hoping for 268 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque.

Another feature found on the QX50 Concept is the automaker’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driver assist technology. While this isn’t a system that allows drivers to hand over full control to the vehicle, it will take over more of the work.

The QX50 is by no means a segment leader, but it has seen significant interest this year as buyers gravitate towards crossovers and SUVs. The next-generation QX50 should arrive as a 2018 model.

[Images: Infiniti]

#ConceptVehicles #Design #FutureModels #Infiniti #InfinitiQX50Concept #ProductPlanning

Steph Willems

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OldManPants on Dec 30, 2016

"its ability to raise and lower the height of the pistons’ reach" Is it antisemitism that prevents Rube's name being mentioned in articles about this approach?

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LTDwedge on Dec 30, 2016

Just bought the newest car I've ever owned. A (shudder) 03 Saturn Vue. (insert laughs, chortles & guffaws) 155k on the odometer, 4 cyl & trans replaced by the previous owners, 1 did the motor, 1 did the trans, neither did the brakes. So, for half a grand, a pretty looking hoopty that I hope I can get a year of weekly 200 mile beatings.(add more derision, nose coffee, etc) Thank you & sorry to waste your time...

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- SCE to AUX on Jan 01, 2017
  
  Congratulations on a wise automotive buy. Half a grand (and up) is what many people spend *monthly* on an unreliable new car (I know this from personal experience). You don't need to apologize for frugality, poverty, or your automotive choices. We bought an 01 Elantra with 138k miles, and drove it to 201k miles in 4-1/2 years. It needed lots of doodads to keep it running, but it never left us stranded. Rust finally doomed it - no regrets. I wish you many happy miles.
  
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- 28-Cars-Later on Jan 01, 2017
  
  Good luck friend. I remember when we started getting those how problematic they were, yet if its gone that far and has a fresh drivetrain, it should be good to go for a little while longer.
  
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- Koreancowboy on Jan 03, 2017
  
  Congrats on the new car! I'm currently looking for a cash car because I'm bored with driving the RAV everyday (I also have a new CRV that's for the family). I'm targeting something that has had the major components replaced, similar to what you have now. My top choice is Honda (I love Hondas), but I'm pretty open to whatever. Also, it has to have a manual.
  
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