Author: Steve Allen |
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2016 Infiniti Q70 Combines Inspired Performance, Welcoming Interior and Crafted Feel

As Infiniti’s flagship performance luxury sedan, the Q70 is a showcase of advanced technologies. It embraces the essence of all things Infiniti – style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

For 2016, the Q70 adds new a Premium Select Edition. Offered exclusively on standard wheelbase Q70 3.7 and Q70 5.6 models, the Premium Select Edition combines unique exterior and interior finishes with sporty style and modern luxury content. The exterior features dark chrome trim, darkened lower rear bumper finisher, rear spoiler, unique 20-inch wheel design with dark chrome finish and Sport Brakes.

Inside, the Premium Select Edition includes a choice of two exclusive semi-aniline leather colors, Stone and Graphite, along with contrasting seat piping, suede-like headliner, exclusive laser-etched aluminum trim, illuminated kick plates, unique floor mats with contrasting piping and aluminum badging. The Premium Select Edition includes all content from the Premium Package, with no other options available.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

In addition, two new exterior colors are offered for 2016 – Hagane Blue and Majestic White (with premium pearl finish).

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 is offered in four standard wheelbase models (Q70 3.7, Q70 3.7 AWD, Q70 5.6, Q70 5.6 AWD), the Q70 Hybrid, and four long wheelbase models introduced for the 2015 model year (Q70L 3.7, Q70L 3.7 AWD, Q70L 5.6 and Q70L 5.6 AWD). For full details and specifications on the 2015 Q70L and 2015 Q70 Hybrid, please visit InfinitiNews.com.

Premium Flagship Styling

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Infiniti Q70’s dramatic exterior design combines balanced, rear-wheel drive proportions and stance with a long, low hood and high rear deck to create an efficient aerodynamic shape – while also providing a roomy cabin.

The multi-layered, sporty appearance is highlighted by the deep body shape of the fenders and doors, which give it a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The wave-style doors are constructed from aluminum for lighter weight, despite the material’s difficult formability. The stamping dies for each door are hand polished to maintain their precision and every door undergoes an exacting human inspection, providing a handcrafted level of quality. Every model features standard LED headlights, double-arch grille with high-quality waved mesh finish and chrome surround, and integrated LED fog lights. The rear features LED combination lights and chrome rear finisher.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Infiniti Q70 models equipped with the optional Sport Package also feature a revised front fascia with dark finish grille and dark headlight housings.

Contributing to the Q70’s low coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero lift front and rear are a series of aerodynamic enhancers, including front tire deflectors, engine under cover, center floor cover, rear tire deflectors, exhaust cover, floor side fairings and rear diffuser.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Other standard Q70 exterior features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade, dual exhaust with polished tips, power-folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature and integrated LED turn signals, rain-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles. An Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights is available as part of the Technology Package.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 is available in eight exterior colors: new Hagane Blue and Majestic White (with premium pearl finish), along with Hermosa Blue, Chestnut Bronze, Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow and Black Obsidian.

An Interior to Enjoy

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Inside the stunning exterior, the focus of the interior design is centered on the individual driving the car. The goal of the Infiniti Q70 interior is to present an elegant yet functional design that combines artistry with precision, comfort with innovation – all in support of enhancing driving performance and passenger enjoyment.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The instrument panel, for example, features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters, a 7.0-inch color vehicle information display and Infiniti analog clock. Leather-appointed, heated 10-way power driver and front passenger’s seats including 2-way power lumbar support are standard, along with a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors – which can be linked to the individual Intelligent Keys. In addition, each Intelligent Key remembers the last used climate control, audio and navigation settings. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the Q70’s outstanding level of standard luxury appointments.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Standard technology equipment includes Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Illuminated Push Button Ignition, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor. Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB Connection Port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Also standard on all 2016 Q70 models is Active Noise Control, which generates “canceling” sound from four door speakers (and subwoofer for models equipped with a Bose® sound system) to reduce unpleasant engine harmonics. The cabin noise levels are monitored by two microphones located in the Q70’s ceiling, with no action needed from the driver and passengers except to enjoy the quiet, comfortable cabin.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

For buyers seeking a slightly higher level of features and technology, the Premium Package adds an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately) and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. The Premium Package also adds a Bose® 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system, heated steering wheel, climate-controlled front seats and Rear Sonar System.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Premium Package also includes Infiniti Connection™ services, including available Automatic Crash Notification, Emergency Call, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, My Schedule, and Remote Door Lock/Unlock; and Infiniti Connection Plus including Drive Zone, Speed Alert, Destination Assistance, and in-vehicle access to Infiniti Personal Assistant, a 24/7 personal concierge service. All Premium Package equipment is standard on Q70 5.6 models.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Deluxe Touring Package adds such notable features as the Bose® Studio SurroundÒ sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers (including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat), power rear sunshade, unique quilted seat pattern with additional seat bolstering, suede-like headliner and a premium stitched meter hood.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Deluxe Touring Package also features semi-aniline leather – full-grain leather that contains a small amount of surface coating allowing the natural character of the leather to show through. The seats are soft and firm, like premium sofa material, and offered in three available colors – Graphite, Java or Stone. Also part of the Deluxe Touring Package is specially developed soft touch material for the armrests, door inserts, center console and kneepads. The special genuine White Ash wood trim has been enhanced with real silver powder (Japanese Ash wood trim is offered on Q70 models without the Deluxe Touring Package).

A total of four interior colors are offered – Graphite, Stone, Wheat and Java (availability varies with option packages). Sport Package-equipped models offer a Stone Sport color treatment with high-contrast carpet and headliner, along with unique front seat designs, sport steering wheel and shift knob stitching, and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Advanced Powerplants, A Naturally Dynamic Driving Feel

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The 2016 Infiniti Q70’s 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines are equipped with the VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) system.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The Q70 3.7 model’s 3.7-liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 is rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The engine also features rigid ladder frame construction, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Q70 5.6 model’s 5.6-liter VVEL, 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (compared to a non-direct injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offered more precise injection control.

All Infiniti Q70 models come standard with Infiniti’s refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are also included in the Sport Package.

Estimated fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 and 17 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 AWD.
The Q70 5.6 is rated at 16 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway, while the Q70 5.6 AWD achieves fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

A unique feature of the Q70 is Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.

The system also adjusts Active Trace Control and Eco Pedal settings (available with Technology Package). In addition to the standard mode (suitable for normal driving conditions), the fuel-efficient Eco mode utilizes green or amber indicator on the instrument panel to provide feedback on driving efficiency. The Eco Pedal system also provides feedback directly through the accelerator pedal, giving a slight pushback if driving inefficiently. The Sport mode increases throttle sensitivity and changes transmission shift patterns for sportier driving.

The Q70 utilizes Infiniti’s advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle, resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance. Laser welding is performed at critical locations to help enhance lateral bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and suspension mounting point stiffness (versus the previous design).

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The Q70 suspension features an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been designed to provide a quiet, comfortable ride. The Sport Package’s sport-tuned suspension includes double-piston shock absorbers that provide a high damping force at low frequency vibrations for a flat ride and low damping force at high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.

The Infiniti Q70’s large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to enhance performance. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/50R18 all-season performance tires are offered on all models. Unique split 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive 245/40R20 low-profile tires are available with the Sport Package (summer performance for RWD, all-season for AWD). In addition, the Performance Tire & Wheel Package offers split 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires.

Every 2016 Q70 utilizes standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Sport Package includes larger 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors with 4-piston front/2-piston rear opposed calipers.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2016 Infiniti Q70 © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The steering system is an electronically controlled vehicle-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion design. Every Q70 includes Infiniti’s advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). VDC automatically adjusts brake pressure and engine torque during certain situations where the vehicle is near its handling limit, helping the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. An advanced Active Trace Control system, included with the Technology Package, helps enhance the transition from braking into and then accelerating out of corners. The system utilizes the Q70’s VDC system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes so that load is increased on the front wheels. The system also modulates engine torque.

The Active Trace Control system also applies selective braking to help create increased steering response in S-turns and other steering operations. When Sport mode is engaged (on the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector), the level of braking applied by this feature is reduced.

For drivers seeking the enhanced performance of all-wheel drive, the Q70 3.7 AWD and Q70 5.6 AWD models feature Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.

Advanced Safety and Security Systems

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 is available with a number of innovative technologies, including Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems.

The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes.

Also offered are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention® (BSI) systems, which are available as part of the Technology Package. BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then uses the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.

If the vehicle gets close to the lane marker and another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, the indicator flashes, an audible warning sounds, and selective braking is applied to one side of the vehicle to help the driver bring the vehicle back to the center of the driving lane. BSI operates regardless of turn signal usage.

Other available safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

The advanced Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) system warns the driver of risks beyond the driver’s field of view, while the Around View® Monitor (AVM) shows a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle in relation to parking lines. The AVM system also includes Moving Object Detection, which alerts the driver to moving objects around the vehicle).

Also available is Backup Collision Intervention®, which helps detect crossing traffic as well large, stationary objects behind the vehicle and can apply the brakes momentarily to help avoid a collision, and Forward Emergency Braking, which detects danger of collision with a vehicle ahead and warns the driver with visual and audible warnings.

In addition, all Infiniti Q70 models come equipped with standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor; standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; and standard roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

The 2016 Infiniti Q70 also includes standard 3-point seat belts with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (driver’s seat ELR only), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints with 4-way manual adjustments, along with Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).

A Range of Model and Equipment Choices

The standard wheelbase Infiniti Q70 is offered in five well-equipped models: the Q70 3.7 (V6 rear-wheel drive), Q70 3.7 AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), Q70 5.6 (V8 rear-wheel drive), Q70 5.6 AWD (V8 all-wheel drive) and the Q70 Hybrid (3.5-liter Direct Response Hybrid™ System, rear-wheel drive).

In addition, nine equipment packages allow owners to custom fit their vehicles to their exact tastes. The packages are led by the new Premium Select Edition, which features dark chrome exterior trim, darkened lower rear bumper, rear decklid spoiler, unique design and color 20×9-inchaliminum-alloy wheels with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires, Sport Brakes with aluminum 4-piston opposed front calipers, suede-like headliner, aluminum interior trim, unique color semi-aniline leather seating, floor mats with contrast piping and illuminated kick plates.

Other options include the Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Sport Package, AWD Sport Package, Sport Touring Package, Technology Package, Performance Tire & Wheel Package and Pearl Paint.

Price

Recommended retail price (MSRP) starts from $49,850

4.2 Out of 5
EXTERIOR STYLE / DESIGN
INTERIOR & SPACE
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES
LUXURY FEATURES
ENGINE & PERFORMANCE
COMFORT & QUALITY
HANDLING & BRAKING
PRICE & FUEL EFFICIENCY