New York Auto Show: Infiniti Adds Some Hybrid To The QX60 (Formally The JX35): Comments

[William Maley]

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By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

March 8, 2013

Besides getting a new name in 2014, the JX35 (soon to be QX60) will also be adding a new hybrid model to be shown at the New York Auto Show later this month.

The QX60 Hybrid will use a 2.5L supercharged four-cylinder mated to a 15 kW electric motor, which will be rated at a combined 250 horsepower, only 15 horsepower short of the non-hybrid QX60. Like the non-hybrid model, the hybrid will use a CVT. A lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the third-row seat.

Infiniti says the QX60 Hybrid will return an estimated 26 MPG combined; a 24% increase when compared to the normal QX60.

Source: Infiniti

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Infiniti Announces New Hybrid Version of 2014 Infiniti QX60 Premium Crossover

• 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid set for world debut at upcoming New York International Auto Show
  
• Features Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® one-motor / two-clutch system adapted to front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive
  
• Inspired design offers anticipated combined fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon, which is expected to be best-in-class for any 7-passenger luxury crossover – without any reduction in passenger or luggage space
  
• Offered with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, joins Infiniti lineup in summer 2013 with a premium over non-hybrid QX60 of about $3,000 M.S.R.P
  

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. today announced that a new gasoline electric hybrid model will join the 2014 Infiniti QX60 premium crossover lineup in the United States this summer, following its world debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. With the addition of the new QX60 Hybrid to the Q70 Hybrid (currently available as the M Hybrid) and previously announced Q50 Hybrid, Infiniti will have a trio of advanced Direct Response Hybrids for the 2014 model year.

The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to realize 26 miles per gallon fuel economy (combined city/highway driving) – a 24 percent increase over non-hybrid QX60 models and is projected to have best 7-passenger fuel efficiency in the segment.* Most significantly, it does so with absolutely no compromise of performance, interior roominess or cargo space compared to non-hybrid QX60 models. The new Infiniti QX60 Hybrid is projected to be priced about $3,000 USD above the non-hybrid models, providing reduced emissions, enhanced fuel economy and extended driving range without a major price premium.

Launched in early 2012 as the Infiniti JX35, the Infiniti QX60 has quickly become one of the most popular vehicles in the expanding luxury crossover market. It is also one of Infiniti's best-selling models, second only to the current Infiniti G line, and has grown Infiniti's presence in the premium market by capturing family buyers with its advanced 7-passenger/3-row seating and stunning exterior and interior styling.

The new QX60 Hybrid will be powered by a 2.5-liter supercharged engine and 15 kW electric motor connected to an advanced CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Net system horsepower is estimated at 250 horsepower. Based on technology found in the Infiniti M35h Hybrid, the QX60 Hybrid's Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery and electric motor to provide supplementary power through its one-motor/two-clutch system. The result is a delivery of power equivalent to the 3.5-liter V6 but with 4-cylinder fuel economy. An Intelligent Regenerative Braking system partially recharges the battery during vehicle braking.

In addition, with use of the compact Li-ion battery located under the 3rd row seat, the QX60 Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to cargo room. The QX60 Hybrid will also offer a wide range of available advanced technologies, such as Backup Collision Intervention (BCI) and Around View® Monitor.

More information about the 2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid will be available following its official media unveiling on March 27. The 2013 New York International Auto Show public days run from Friday March 29 through Sunday April 7 at Jacob Javits Center.

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[Drew Dowdell]

I drove a JX35 as a rental for a week, sandwiched between a week with a Traverse and a week with an Enclave. Let me just say that anyone that buys the JX over either of the Lambdas has some serious irrational anti-GM feelings going on. The Traverse with Leather is more than the JX's equal and the Enclave simply blows it out of the water.

[G. David Felt]

Surprised that with the hybrid they did not keep an equal footing on power. This heavy lookin station wagon is going to be a real slow boat to china I suspect off the line.

Good to hear Drew just how nice GM's products are compared to a luxury model.

[Drew Dowdell]

The Buick Enclave is a luxury model.