Infiniti South Africa has debuted the all-new Q50 sports sedan at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) ahead of its South African introduction, scheduled for the first quarter of 2014. Infiniti are implementing a new ‘Q’-based naming strategy for all Infiniti vehicles going forward, and the new Q50 will spearhead that action (See below for a list of all the renamed models).
The new Infiniti Q50 is the real-life, production culmination of three important concept cars – the Infiniti EMERG-E, Infiniti Essence and Infiniti Etherea – with unique design elements like the signature crescent-cut C-pillar, 3D double-arch grille and asymmetrical cabin layout. Shown off by the new Infiniti Q50 Hybrid and 2.2 Diesel variants, breakthrough technologies like the world-first Direct Adaptive Steering system and they will be joined by a small turbocharged petrol variant at a later stage.
The Q50 Hybrid features a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine mated to a full hybrid electric drive system and is currently the world’s fastest-accelerating hybrid vehicle – the sprint from 0-100 km/h is done in less than 5.5 seconds. The Infiniti Q50 will be the first new model to be introduced to South Africa after the successful launch of the brand in 2012.
Parked across the walkway from the Infiniti Q50 is undoubtedly the highlight at the Infiniti stand at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, the limited edition Infiniti FX Vettel version boasting the brand’s motorsport involvement and performance virtues. Triple Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who doubles as Infiniti’s Director of Performance, plays a large role in the company’s product development and know-how in Formula 1.
The Infiniti FX Vettel Version, which is based on the Infiniti FX50, was designed personally by Sebastian Vettel and is his daily drive – with collaboration from then Infiniti Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Shiro Nakamura. Built by hand for Infiniti by German specialist company Brabus, just 150 of the Vettel’s Version will ever be globally available.
The design changes are both visually and dynamically important, with the addition of carbon fibre panels and spoilers not only giving the Vettel Version a unique look, but also contributing to its enhanced performance through improved aerodynamics. Bespoke, dark-painted 21-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels – shod with 265/45 tyres – complement the contrasting white-only body colour, and give the Vettel Version an air of prestige prowess – something echoed by the extensive carbon fibre work all around the car.
Featuring an uprated version of Infiniti’s 5.0-litre petrol V8, the Infiniti FX Vettel Version is the most powerful, exclusive and expensive Infiniti ever produced. The engine now produces 309 kW and 520 Nm (up from 287 kW and 500 Nm), the seven speed adaptive shift automatic gearbox and intelligent all-wheel drive system converting the power into ultimate performance. The new Infiniti FX Vettel Version dispatches the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.6 second and tops out at a limited 250 km/h. Improved handling comes courtesy of a 20 mm-lower ride height and sport springs.
The Infiniti FX Vettel Edition will be available for sale in South Africa immediately on the back of the Johannesburg International Motor Show. Going forward Infiniti are also changing their naming strategy. The renamed Infiniti model portfolio is outlined as follows:
Infiniti G Cabrio becomes the Infiniti Q60 Cabrio
Infiniti G Coupe becomes the Infiniti Q60 Coupe
Infiniti EX becomes the Infiniti QX50
Infiniti FX becomes the Infiniti QX70
Infiniti M becomes the Infiniti Q70