INFINITI will debut an industry first engine technology for the first time in North America today at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs Nov. 18 through the 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Centre.
“In a city known for its appreciation for great automotive design and environmental sustainability, INFINITI is delighted show the new design direction for our future SUVs, as well as the world’s first variable compression ratio engine, for the first time in North America,” said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company. “We are undergoing a major product offensive based on our strengths in design and innovation, and, as such, are poised to have another record year.”
QX Sport Inspiration: the evolution of a concept
Revealed for the first time at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show, the INFINITI QX Sport Inspiration is an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV design, and it explores the company’s vision for a next-generation, premium mid-size SUV.
INFINITI’s progressive outlook is evident in the QX Sport Inspiration’s elegant yet powerfully proportioned exterior, with upgrades that include a matte grey exterior colour and larger, 22-inch wheels in a striking bronze colour with matching brake calipers.
Flowing lines and advanced craftsmanship characterize the spacious and beautifully appointed interior, which gains kick plate lighting at the base of every door. The interior’s colour palette – predominantly black and white with flashes of the hide’s natural tan colour – is enhanced with sections added in brown leather.
VC-Turbo: The first production-ready variable compression engine
Transforming on demand, INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology uses an advanced multi-link system to seamlessly raise or lower the reach of the pistons, detecting the car’s driving condition and driver inputs, and instantly selecting the most suitable compression ratio. The engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency).
In production form, the VC-Turbo engine is expected to have a power output of approximately 268 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque, comparable to certain six-cylinder gasoline powertrains for performance while significantly outperforming them in efficiency.
The four-cylinder VC-Turbo engine achieves lower levels of noise and vibration than conventional internal combustion engines, particularly diesel, and it is lighter and more compact than V6 units with comparable power outputs.
INFINITI’s VC-Turbo technology marks a significant leap forward for the internal combustion engine, joining other renowned powertrain innovations such as liquid cooling, fuel injection, catalytic convertors and turbocharging. The arrival of the variable compression ratio engine will establish new benchmarks – for power, efficiency and emissions – against which future powertrains will be measured.
“INFINITI has a longstanding tradition of design prowess and engineering excellence, and at our core, we stand for empowering the drive of our products,” said Randy Parker, vice president, INFINITI Americas. “The QX Sport Inspiration and VC-Turbo engine embody the brand’s promise to deliver innovative and forward-thinking products and experiences for our customers.”
