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The long wait is almost over as Jaguar finally unveiled the new 2016 XE, its threat to the likes hreat to the likes of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. You can tell the XE is very much a Jaguar in its design. The front end is adorned with the rectangular grille, angled headlights, and long hood that are seen on the XF. The side profile features a sloping roofline and fender vents. The short rear end and wheels pushed to the far corners help give the XE a athletic pose. Jaguar says the XE's body has a drag coefficient of 0.26 cd. The XE's interior looks to be taking some ideas from the F-Type. The gauge cluster features two analog gauges sit on either side of a color screen. Jaguar's new InControl infotainment system sits prominently in the center stack, while a rotary shift knob handles gear selection. Jaguar has only released information on one engine for the XE. The supercharged 3.0L V6 which powers a number of Jaguar vehicles produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. This is paired to a eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine is standard on the XE S model and can hit 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds. Expect more information on other engines to come later on. The XE will ride on a a largely aluminum chassis with a double-wishbone front suspension. Steering will come in the form of a electric-power system, a first for the automaker. Now time for the bad news. We won't see the XE till 2016 as a 2017 model. So we'll be waiting a while for Jaguar's entrant in the compact luxury battle. Source: Jaguar William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 WORLD PREMIER OF JAGUAR XE AT LONDON'S EARLS COURT First showing of the performance-orientated Jaguar XE S The Jaguar XE S features a 340hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph1 Front engine, longitudinal rear wheel drive layout, with capability of accepting all-wheel drive Highly aerodynamic with a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd Intuitive new InControl™ infotainment system will be available Intelligent Active Driver Assistance technologies to support the driver The XE will launch in the UK in 2015 and U.S. in 2016 (MAHWAH, N.J.) – September 8, 2014 - The Jaguar XE has been revealed to the world at an event held at Earl's Court, London. A true driver's car, the Jaguar XE redefines the concept of the sports sedan thanks to its advanced lightweight construction, streamlined styling, luxurious interior, and outstanding ride and handling. The XE goes on sale in 2015 in the UK and in 2016 in the U.S. The high-performance S model will be at the top of the line-up. The Jaguar XE S provides responsiveness and refinement from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, this engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls. Accelerating to 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the XE S has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph1. The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. The long wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined, coupe-like profile. The S model's large front air intakes, chrome side vents, discreet rear spoiler and optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels reinforce its' performance potential. The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and spaciousness. Exquisite materials and finishes, combined with traditional Jaguar craftsmanship make this an interior without compare. The Jaguar XE will be the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering. This system is tuned to provide responsiveness and excellent feel, and offers improved efficiency over hydraulic systems. The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is manufactured at an all-new facility at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull plant. Part of a $2.5 billion USD (£1.5bn GBP) investment, this highly flexible, manufacturing site will create 1,700 jobs. The XE completes the Jaguar sedan range sitting below the XF and XJ models. Compelling designThe Jaguar XE was developed in parallel with the new modular architecture. The architecture unlocks design possibilities that did not exist before because the core dimensions were determined by design and engineering working together from the very beginning, under a philosophy of 'anything we can imagine, we can create. This makes it possible to realize perfect proportions: short front overhang, longer rear overhang and dynamic, cab-rearward stance. The architecture also enables the XE to feature both a low, sporty driving position and a sleek, coupe-like profile. The strongly-sculpted hood creates a taut, muscular appearance. The rising waistline adds to the sense of movement, while the form of the rear quarters takes inspiration from the F-TYPE Coupe. The signature J-Blade running lights are a recognizable Jaguar design element. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a circle is a powerful styling feature inherited from the iconic E-Type. Jaguar has a rich history of producing stunning, aerodynamically-efficient cars. The new Jaguar XE continues the tradition of uncompromised form and function: its streamlined shape has a low drag coefficient of 0.26. This achievement is the result of 1,200 computational fluid dynamics simulations and million hours of processor time. "Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE positioning as a serious driver's car. The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it's standing still. It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-TYPE and will stand apart in the crowd." – Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep center console which creates a cockpit-like feel. The F-TYPE-style dials and the cluster needle sweep on start-up further emphasize the sports sedan attributes of the Jaguar XE. Front and rear seat occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom – the XE proves that sleek, streamlined styling and interior space need not be mutually exclusive; fine-grain leathers and details such as contrasting twin-needle stitching give the cabin a bespoke quality. The choice of gloss black, textured aluminum, and contemporary wood veneers enhance the luxurious, hand-crafted feel. Available ambient lighting in a range of up to 10 colors adds to the sense of occasion. Aluminum-intensive unibodyJaguar is highly experienced in the use of aluminum construction. The expertise in working with this lightweight material has culminated in the revolutionary body structure of the new Jaguar XE. It is the first model designed around an all-new modular architecture. Much of the aluminum is high-strength, 6000-series alloy. The body sides are a perfect example: these complex pressings are formed in one piece, and what would once have been 1.5mm gauge sheet has been reduced to just 1.1mm. Sustainability is a big part of the Jaguar aluminum story. Recycling this highly valuable material delivers impressive savings in overall CO2 emissions and the new XE uses RC 5754 – an aluminum alloy made predominantly from recycled material. Future models will also use RC 5754 and this breakthrough will help Jaguar towards its goal of using 75 percent recycled material by 2020. The use of recycled aluminum reduces demand for primary aluminum, saving energy. Riveting and bonding the lightweight body structure of the Jaguar XE consumes less energy than traditional spot welding. The XE also contains 101lbs. of recycled plastics and renewable materials, further reducing its environmental impact. "The XE is as strong and light as it could possibly be thanks to exhaustive analysis and by bringing the latest engineering techniques to bear on its design. It has been challenging to accomplish but the XE structure is absolutely at the cutting edge of what is achievable today." – Dr. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist, Jaguar; Body Complete ChassisThe new Jaguar XE features a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension. The aluminum front spindles are light and stiff – forged from cast blanks using a patented production process while the rear suspension features an integral link system. This system delivers lateral and longitudinal stiffness for precise handling and a supple ride. Aluminum has been used extensively in the suspension, minimizing weight. Offering incredible tuning possibilities and greater efficiency than traditional hydraulic systems, electric power steering (EPAS) will be standard on the XE. Powertrain For customers demanding ultimate performance and an exhilarating engine note from idle right up to the redline there's the Jaguar XE S, which shares its supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with the acclaimed F-TYPE.Direct injection and fully variable valve timing optimize power and torque throughout the rev range. The 90 degree cylinder bank angle provides space for the twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger, a balancer shaft ensures the engine runs smoothly. Developing 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, the V6 provides the Jaguar XE S with exceptional performance: 0-60 mph takes just 4.9 seconds, and top speed is electronically-limited to 155 mph. The Jaguar XE will receive the new family of Ingenium engines. This advanced in-house modular design began from a clean sheet and will be manufactured at the new JLR Engine Manufacturing Center in the UK. Proven over 2 million miles of real-world testing, Ingenium is the future of the low-CO2 powertrain strategy at Jaguar and is engineered to deliver fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. The Jaguar XE will be offered with a lighter version of the ZF 8-speed automatic used in the rest of the Jaguar range: this benchmark eight-speed transmission is controlled using the Jaguar rotary shifter. Active Safety and Driver Assistance features The new light and stiff body structure of the Jaguar XE has been engineered to meet demanding legislative and consumer crash test requirements. Complementing the outstanding levels of protection it offers is a suite of advanced driver assistance systems designed to help and support the driver. The Jaguar XE will be equipped with All Surface Progress Control (ASPC)2. This all-new system, developed with the input of decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience in off-road traction systems, works like a low-speed cruise control. Functioning between 2 mph and 19 mph, ASPC is designed to precisely control the brake system and powertrain to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions. Projecting high-contrast color images onto the windshield, the optional laser heads-up display (HUD) technology provides the driver with information such as speed and navigation instructions. Jaguar is one of the first manufacturers in the segment to use stereo camera technology. When fitted, this sensor is the 'eyes' of the optional autonomous emergency braking system for the Jaguar XE, providing measurements of speed and distance of objects ahead, and can initiate full braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. The stereo camera also performs traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning functions as part of the autonomous emergency braking system package. The XE also offers systems such as adaptive cruise control, closing vehicle sensing, blind spot monitoring, semi-automated parallel and perpendicular parking, and reverse traffic detection2. All-new infotainment systemThe all-new Jaguar InControl® infotainment system offered on the XE provides the latest technologies to connect the car, driver and the outside world. At its heart is an eight-inch touchscreen featuring a clear, intuitive interface and fast response times3. InControl Touch® supports Bluetooth®, audio streaming and USB connectivity. The Jaguar XE can be fitted with an SD card-based navigation system which allows easy upgrades of map data and voice control using plain speech gives access to any level of the system, without navigating through menus, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road3. Smartphones are changing the way people interact with the world around them so the new Jaguar XE ensures that drivers can stay connected. With a subscribed data plan, the Jaguar XE functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet. Jaguar InControl Remote® functionality allows users of iOS® and Android™ smartphones to connect to the car remotely to control car functions. These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the vehicle's climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine. Jaguar InControl Apps® allows users to seamlessly access smartphone apps through the vehicle's touchscreen3. The new Jaguar XE will be available with Meridian™ audio systems. These superb systems are the latest product of the long-standing partnership between Jaguar and British audio experts Meridian. Unique algorithms guarantee the best possible sound reproduction and tailor the experience to the interior's acoustics. Detail of the Jaguar XE U.S. model line will be announced when the car is launched in 2016. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com January 14, 2013 The exterior design of the new Q50 draws heavily from the current M (soon to be Q70). Up front, the Q50 wears a large grille and a tapered, vertical front fascia. The side profile features fluidic lines running along the fenders and doors, and a unique crescent-shaped C-pillar. The back end has a tail trunk lid with an integrated spoiler, and a set twin exhaust pipes. When compared with the current G sedan, the new Q50 is longer, wider, lower, and more aerodynamic (0.26 drag coefficient). The Q50's interior is an evolution of the current G sedan's interior with a dual-cowl styling. The dash features genuine aluminum trim and will offer maple wood as an option. Leatherette seats will be standard, while leather, heated seats and sports seats are optional. The big change in the Q50's interior is the center stack. The stack features two touchscreens that are a part of Infiniti's new InTouch system. InTouch uses touch and hand-gesture commands to control audio, climate, navigation, and other functions. There will also be actual buttons for the climate and audio. Under the hood of the Q50 are two engines. The base is the 3.7L V6 carried over from the G37 that produces 328 horsepower and 269 pound feet of torque. New for the Q50 is a hybrid powertrain from the M Hybrid that uses a 3.5L V6 paired to a 50 kW motor and compact lithium ion battery to provide a total output 354 horsepower. Both engines use a seven-speed automatic with rev matching. The Q50 will come in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive versions. Tech-wise, the Q50 will have intelligent cruise control, forward collision warning, forward emergency braking, back-up collision intervention, and numerous cameras to name a few. The Q50 arrives at Infinti dealers in the summer. Album: 2014 Infiniti Q50 8 images 0 comments Album: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Live 12 images 0 comments William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 2014 Infiniti Q50 Press Kit: Overview 2014 Infiniti Q50 Sports Sedan Unleashes Inspired Performance and Hospitality All-new model sets the fresh design, performance and technology direction for new generation of Infiniti vehicles and brand Choice of powertrains for United States launch includes 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid; other powertrains to be added as part of global market launch rollout Offers world's first technologies designed to enhance the driving experience, including Direct Adaptive Steering™ and Active Lane Control™ Fully customizable digital environment for linking various driver settings and driving characteristics to i-Key Infiniti InTouch™ next-gen smart connectivity features dual touch-screens and an array of advanced functions, features and custom apps On sale in North America beginning summer 2013 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 the North American market in summer 2013. The Q50 rollout will be followed by other Infiniti global markets later in the year. Said Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen: "This exciting new Infiniti Q50 stretches the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be, propelling Infiniti in a bold new direction." A New Dimension in Dynamic Design While Infiniti sports sedans have always been noted for their outstanding proportions and presence, the new Infiniti Q50 adds a new dimension of premium style. Its strong first impression is anchored by the smooth yet dynamic character line arising from its "double arch" grille. It energetically flows through the bodyside like a wave and merges with the rear end, creating a highly fluid and intriguing profile and fully illustrating the Infiniti Q50's dynamic and athletic stance. "The Infiniti Q50 reflects the direct influence of the Infiniti concepts known as the ‘Infiniti Trilogy', particularly Essence, while honoring the iconic design dynamics of earlier Infiniti sports sedans. The new Q50's athletic and tightened appearance blends its lower and wider proportions with enhanced interior roominess to stunning effect inside and out," said Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer. Signature Infiniti exterior design features include the "double arch" grille, dynamic arch roofline and Crescent-cut C-pillar. The front end is decidedly aggressive, with a sport front fascia offered on the Q50 sport models. The new grille's three-dimensional, textural quality is provided by elaborate detailing of the waved mesh pattern surface and chrome surround, while the distinctive LED headlights and marker lights' sharp lines suggest an almost human look. The lean, robust body sides are designed to anchor the performance stance with a strong, solid "bone" and arched roofline that flows to the Crescent C-pillars that are similar to those that originally appeared on the Essence Concept. In the rear, the side character lines smoothly merge with the shape of the rear LED combination lights. The familiar rear double-arch trunk line completes the strong, unforgettable view from behind. Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals are standard, while a power sliding and tilting glass sunroof is optionally available. Other exterior refinements include new door architecture with narrower, roll-formed A- and B-pillar sashes that provide improved ingress and egress, as well as a more open cabin environment. A new color palette has been specially selected to accent the Q50 contours and sculpted surfaces and includes a range of eight premium colors. The new body design also offers enhanced airflow over both the upper and lower body portions, resulting in a coefficient of drag of just 0.26. The Q50 also features zero front and rear lift. "Moving forward, we want all Infiniti vehicles to reflect an energetic force rooted in nature, such as the shape of a dynamic wave," said Nakamura. "The Q50's enhanced sense of three-dimensionality gives it a look of strength and agility – a look that is highly personal, seductive and slightly mysterious." Performance With a Personal Touch Throughout the Infiniti Q50's development, compromise was never an option. No compromise on innovation, design or performance targets, allowing the development teams to stretch the boundaries of what a sports sedan can be. "The new Q50 amplifies every driver's performance preference and enjoyment behind the wheel. We have one of the fastest accelerating hybrid engines, which also happens to be projected as one of the most fuel-efficient. We have advanced performance and safety technologies that can see and react before the driver can. And, we have the world's first quick and precise Direct Adaptive Steering technology," said de Nysschen. At launch in North America, two advanced powertrains will be available, followed by additional engine options in other global markets later in the year. The Q50's refined 3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 is rated at 328 horsepower (est.) and 269 lb-ft of torque (est.) and features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) and Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL®). The available hybrid powertrain features the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid™ system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control. It combines a 3.5-liter 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 (est.) and 255 lb-ft of torque (est.), while the advanced 50 kW electric motor is rated at 67 horsepower (est.) and 199 lb-ft of torque (est.). The hybrid system net power is 354 horsepower (est.), providing strong acceleration and lean fuel economy. "True to the Infiniti DNA, our hybrid powertrains put performance first, without compromising fuel efficiency. It takes full advantage of the electric motor's instant torque for exceptional acceleration and, in combination with the 3.5-liter V6, provides a sporty driving feel under all driving conditions. We have targeted the best balance of performance and fuel economy and hit it dead center," said de Nysschen. Both Q50 powertrains are matched with an advanced 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters. The Q50 is available in rear-wheel drive and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with both powertrains. Precise handling is provided by the 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The front is a single pivot double-wishbone design, while the revised rear design utilizes a multi-link design with coil springs and Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers, with increased camber stiffness and improved ride comfort. The suspension features extensive use of lightweight aluminum components, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. A sport-tuned suspension is available with Sport models. Also supporting the enhanced handling is an improvement in front body stiffness (versus the previous generation). The Q50 rides on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with machine-finished surface with 225/55R17 all-season run-flat tires. Also available are 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 245/40R19 run-flat all-season or summer tires. Confident braking is provided by 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes with 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. Also available are sport brakes with upgraded rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear. Steering is provided by a power-assisted vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system. The new Q50 also features available Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology, a world's first production vehicle design. The system allows independent control of the Q50's tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. This increases the direct driving performance feel by quickly and intelligently communicating road surface feedback to the driver. Four different steering settings are offered, allowing customization by driver preference or road conditions. This world's first technology provides the flexibility for the driver to change both steering effort and the steering gear ratio. A backup mechanical steering system is provided with models utilizing the new Direct Adaptive Steering technology. Also offered is another world's first, Active Lane Control™, which uses a camera-based straight-line stability system to further enhance on-center driving capability and improve vehicle stability. The system is included as part of the Lane Departure Prevention system, not only adjusting for unintended lane drift, but also making finer adjustments for minor road surface changes or crosswinds (as detected by the camera-based, lane marker detection system). The system goes beyond the traditional Lane Departure Prevention system, taking it a step further by not only reading the road ahead (the camera is located above the rearview mirror) for unintended lane drift but also by making small steering input angle adjustments if the Q50 undergoes minor direction changes due to road surface changes or crosswinds (as detected by the lane marker detection system). By reducing the need for steering input for the driver, the driver's effort may be reduced. "The beauty of these advanced systems is to allow a more personal driving experience, with more input when desired and less intrusion of road imperfections in the steering wheel," said de Nysschen. "These are just the start of a range of future technologies that are becoming a point of differentiation for our Infiniti customers." In fine-tuning the Infiniti Q50's exceptional performance standards, Infiniti's partnership with Red Bull Racing enabled three-time Formula One World Driver's Champion Sebastian Vettel and the team's Test & Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi to provide an extra dimension to its development. With the goal of making the new model the most dynamic and exciting sports sedan on the market, Vettel provided input on the Q50's performance and handling at Infiniti's Tochigi facility in Japan. Buemi tested at Nurburgring – one of the toughest proving grounds in the world – pushing prototypes to the limits to help produce a chassis with outstanding handling characteristics. Infiniti recently announced that from 2013 it will be Title Partner and Technical Partner to ‘Infiniti Red Bull Racing.' This deep collaboration will lead to joint technical projects for mutual benefits on the track and the road. "Having the opportunity to receive feedback on chassis development from two world class drivers is priceless," said de Nysschen. "Our partnership as ‘Infiniti Red Bull Racing' is an extensive one. We are working together to identify a number of areas for technical collaboration and to apply the benefits of partnering with the Formula One World Champions to our own people, processes and technology." Another way that the new Infiniti Q50 raises the performance standards in class is the high degree of available personalization, which is made possible with the new fully customizable digital environment. The system works with the vehicle's advanced i-Keys to recognize the vehicle settings for up to four different drivers. Offering a sense of "my car knows me," the i-Key can recognize each driver and automatically engage pre-set preferences for driving position, heating and cooling, audio, navigation and telematics. For example, up to 96 optional settings in are offered in the custom mode alone. Easy setting or changing of settings is accessed through the innovative dual touch-screen displays. In addition, by using the drive mode selector located on the center console, engine, transmission, handling and steering adjustments can be instantly tuned, for example, for sport or touring settings. Modern Luxury Meets Meticulous Craftsmanship Matching the inspired Infiniti Q50 design and performance is an interior created to the same extraordinary standards. The interior environment offers a powerful blend of three-dimensional textures, highest craftsmanship and premium quality, combining modern luxury and user-focused advanced technology. "An interior is a confluence of thousands of parts and many materials, including leathers, fabrics, metals and glass. The harmony with each element is an important part of the Q50's warmth and high quality feel," Nakamura explained. "Our designers approached the integration of every element in the interior in terms of not just function but also of stimulation of the senses – color, touch, texture, finish and beauty – creating an environment that is both intuitive and indulgent." The Q50 interior is also designed as an invitation to drive – to celebrate the elation of driving that is often lost in the modern world. As such, special attention was paid to the driver position, offering a generous range of customizable adjustments within a cosseting yet comfortable cockpit. The Q50's instrument panel honors Infiniti's "double wave" design tradition, while updated with a new asymmetrical flow from the top of the center cluster to the wide center console. Access to all key operations and controls is designed so that the driver does not need to change driving posture, including use of hard switches, touch panels and drive mode selector controller. The front and rear seats are a new ergonomic design, developed to help distribute body pressure across a wider range of the upper seating surface. When sitting, the pressure load on the backbone is about 1.4 times greater than while standing. The bending moments that become a factor of load are reduced by the new seat design, with the additional support for the pelvis and the self-weight of the chest. The roomy interior space offers ample front and rear head room, ample rear knee room enhanced by the new, thin front seatback design, and greater front seat slide and lift adjustability. Front and rear seat hip points have also been adjusted for greater comfort. The rear seat foot room is also expanded by moving the B-pillar forward nearly an inch (versus traditional designs), making it easier to enter and exit. Effective luggage space is expected to be the best in the segment at 18.0 cubic feet with the 3.7-liter V6 and 14.1 cubic feet with the hybrid powertrain. The Infiniti Q50 features a choice of interior fabrics and colors, including available leather-appointed seating surfaces. Three interior colors are offered: Wheat, Graphite and Stone. Finishing off the elegant interior is a combination of "Kacchu" aluminum inspired by traditional Samurai armaments and genuine maple wood trim, which is representative of the 16th century Urushi painting technique. "Quality is another Infiniti Q50 strong point," added Nakamura. "Our designer's passion, obsession with detail and devotion to craftsmanship and continuous improvements ensure we are producing a truly premium product of the best quality." The Q50's quiet cabin is augmented by standard Active Noise Control, with cancelling of intrusive low frequency noise from four door-mounted speakers, allowing easy conversation with passengers. Premium audio systems include an available next-generation Studio on Wheels by Bose® audio system with a new instrument panel 3-speaker array (14 speakers total throughout the cabin) and Advanced Staging Technology®. SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and High Definition (HD) radio are standard. Other features include Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and available Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster® air purifier and Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection. Infiniti Connected Technologies Building on Infiniti's unique approach to making owners' lives easier, which includes the Infiniti Personal Assistant program with 24-hour access to a live team of professional assistants, the new Infiniti InTouch™ telematics system brings the future of in-car connectivity to the Q50 interior today. Unlike conventional interfaces, the Q50 has not one but two touch capacitive screens with intuitive hand gesture screen operation to easily connect drivers to their lives outside the car. "We have new technologies that embrace the way people live today – seamless connectivity and personalization everywhere they go, including while in their cars, with an optimized human-machine interface for ease of use," said de Nysschen. Along with the large dual screens, the Infiniti InTouch™ system is designed to effortlessly synchronize car and driver. Content and functions directed to the upper screen includes the most frequently used applications, such as navigation maps. Other content is directed to the lower display screen. The two screens work together so that, for example, the navigation map can be viewed on the top screen while setting destinations or finding points-of-interest can be done on the lower screen. A limited number of critical functions, such as heating and cooling, are operated by hard switches. Content can be customized using easy-to-understand menus. A selection of vehicle-centric apps will be pre-loaded into the system. Owners will also be able to download, update and synch personal apps through their smartphones and USB drives. Additional details on the system's operation will be available at a later date. Safety Shield Technologies The final area of segment leadership for the new Infiniti Q50 is its advanced safety systems. Building on the long list of safety and security technologies already found in other Infiniti models, the Infiniti Q50 offers available Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range, predictive Forward Collision Warning (world's first technology), Forward Emergency Braking, Distance Control Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Back-up Collision Intervention®, Lane Departure Prevention and Active Lane Control™. Coming Soon The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 will be initially offered in the United States and Canada beginning in summer 2013. At launch, two powertrains – the 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid – will be available, each in a choice of rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and in a selection of trim levels, including Sport models. The Q50 will roll out in other global Infiniti markets beginning in summer 2013 and will include additional powertrain offerings adapted to respective market needs. "The new Infiniti Q50 is a true game changer in the sports sedan segment," said de Nysschen. "With its cutting-edge performance, design and technology, it breaks away from ordinary – just like the Infiniti brand." View full article