2018 INFINITI Q60 Sports Coupe Delivers Daring Exterior Design, Tailored Interior and Advanced Technology That Empowers The Drive
08/15/2017
Infiniti
Last year's launch of the all-new Q60, the third generation of INFINITI's iconic sports coupe, provided a worthy stable mate to the popular INFINITI Q50 sports sedan. Sharing many of the same advanced technologies, the Q60 stands apart with its stunning coupe design and tailored, driver-centric interior. For 2018, the Q60 adopts INFINITI's global model nomenclature - PURE, LUXE, SPORT and RED SPORT 400 - along with 20-inch wheels and tires for the RED SPORT 400 (previously 19-inch) and a new exterior premium metallic color, Solar Mica.
Powerful, elegant and daring design
The Q60 gives expression to INFINITI's "Powerful Elegance" design philosophy
Flowing sculptural lines and strong, muscular proportions communicate the Q60's performance
Signature design cues make the Q60 unmistakably INFINITI
Aerodynamically-efficient design results in 0.28 drag coefficient
The Q60 brings INFINITI's powerful design language into the sports coupe segment with remarkable success, with its daring curves, deep creases, and flowing lines intensifying its low, wide, powerful stance. The look is progressive and modern, yet dynamic and moving.
The Q60's bold exterior - lower and wider than its predecessors - expresses a powerful elegance through its daring proportions and taut, muscular lines and striking silhouette, which emphasize the Q60's position as a powerful sports coupe. The Q60's aggressive stance gives an impression of stability and in-control driving potential, while its low center of gravity has a positive overall effect on driving dynamics.
The 2018 Q60 employs signature INFINITI design cues to communicate dynamism and a sense of fluid movement, representing a bold visual expression of the car's performance potential. Signature design cues ensure that the Q60 remains instantly recognizable as an INFINITI, such as the double-arch grille and the crescent-shaped C-pillars that arc forward and emphasize the car's in-motion appearance.
The signature LED headlights, employing Light Guide Technology to spread light evenly on the road ahead, are designed to emulate the shape of the human eyelid, providing an alluring face to the car. The deep grille is inset from the body, communicating a strong connection to the Q60's turbo engine offerings.
The Q60 features standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while Q60 RED SPORT 400 models feature new 20-inch aluminum-alloy designs for 2018. Rear-wheel drive RED SPORT 400 models feature wider wheels and tires at the rear, contributing to a more aggressive stance, while also improving handling with a higher capacity for lateral G-forces. The tight wheel gaps - the spaces between tires and wheel arches - further lower the visual volume of the car and giving it a low, powerful stance.
Aerodynamic efficiency was a major consideration for INFINITI's design and engineering teams. The Q60's drag coefficient of 0.28 and zero front and rear lift aerodynamics help keep the vehicle stable at high speeds and in crosswind conditions. Vents in the front fenders direct air out of the engine bay while the Q60's hood is also shaped to reduce drag.
INFINITI Q60 models equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 engine feature an Active Grille Shutter to balance the engine's cooling requirements with the desire to enhance aerodynamics. Under normal use, the shutter remains closed, opening when greater performance is required.
Relatively narrow door-mounted side mirrors accentuate the Q60's low stance and sleek coupe looks, and are designed to improve the flow of air down the flanks of the vehicle, while maintaining a wide angle of rear visibility for the driver. In addition, the Q60's flexible stop position doors are designed to hold the door open in nearly any position (level surfaces only), and it prevents the door from springing back on the occupants.
The 2018 INFINITI Q60 is offered in 10 exterior colors: Midnight Black, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, Dynamic Sunstone Red, Majestic White, Pure White, Iridium Blue, Hagane Blue and new Solar Mica.
A tailored, driver-centric, passenger-minded interior
Sophisticated craftsmanship
Spacious, beautifully appointed environment
A sense of artistry was as important in the creating the Q60 interior as it was with the seductive exterior. The interior was modeled around the concept of a driver's glove - fitted, personal and tailored for the person behind the wheel.
High-back, highly bolstered seats accentuate the Q60's in-control driving experience. The highly ergonomic seats are designed to offer greater thigh, lumbar and lateral support, keeping occupants in place during more enthusiastic driving. INFINITI's hallmark spinal support seats have been carefully engineered to match the curvature of the spine, providing a consistent level of support and minimizing pressure on lower and upper back muscles. The supportive seats reduce the spinal curvature that many traditional seats force occupants to adopt, with a more even alignment between chest and pelvis, while extensive upper body support spreads the occupants' weight more evenly all the way up the seat.
The Q60's interior features a choice of interior materials and colors, including available semi-aniline leather-appointed seating surfaces. Four interior colors are offered: Graphite or Stone leatherette and Graphite, Monaco Red and Gallery White semi-aniline leather.
The interior design also features high-end trim accents and bold, modern-looking materials. The Q60 2.0t PURE and Q60 2.0t LUXE offer aluminum trim, while 3.0t LUXE models offer an option of aluminum trim or Dark Maple wood. Q60 SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models are available with genuine carbon-fiber highlights, while 3.0t SPORT and RED SPORT 400 versions with white or red leather seating receive Silver Optic Fiber accents. High-contrast stitching throughout the cabin increases the premium ambience and feeling of quality in the Q60's interior.
INFINITI engineers ensured that the Q60's noise, vibration and harshness levels are among the best in the segment. Along with suspension insulation and rigid cross-members, Active Noise Cancellation is fitted to all Q60 models - effectively helping to prevent negative engine noise frequencies from intruding on the calm of the cabin.
The 2018 Q60 is available with a Bose(R) Performance Series Audio system with 13 speakers, Bose(R) Centerpoint(R) simulated surround, CD player, RDS and MP3 playback capability. The class-leading audio set-up has been tailored to the acoustics of the Q60's cabin. Polished metal speaker grilles enrich the acoustic performance while enhancing the distinctive look of the Q60's interior. Matched with Q60's noise cancelling technology, the fully immersive Bose(R) audio system transforms the cabin into the driver's very own audio lounge.
The standard INFINITI InTouch(TM) communications system includes large dual touch-screen displays (8-inch upper, 7-inch lower) and puts communication with the outside world within easy reach, with integration of hands-free phone, moving map navigation, and entertainment systems1.
The Q60 also comes standard with INFINITI's InTuition(TM) central control system, the latest generation of the company's advanced infotainment setup. Upgraded with a faster processor than earlier editions of the technology, InTuition(TM) allows occupants to personalize the interior environment of the Q60 according to their preferences, with fully adjustable temperature, seating positions, audio-visual settings, navigation and more.
INFINITI's comprehensive approach to safety, the INFINITI Safety Shield(R) concept, offers available layered technologies to help provide safety and convenience by monitoring conditions, helping the driver avoid a collision, and helping protect the driver and passengers if one occurs. This approach is evident throughout the Q60, instilling confidence in the driver and their passengers. The active and passive safety and convenience technologies include Around View(R) Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.
Advanced V6 powertrain technology
The lightest, most powerful, cleanest and most fuel efficient V6 turbo engine that INFINITI has ever offered
VR30 DDTT V6 provides potent and immediate power delivery, available with either 400 or 300 horsepower
Four-cylinder turbo-charged 2.0-liter gasoline engine also available
More than just its expressive design, the 2018 Q60 delivers performance credentials to match, thanks to next-generation ride and handling technologies and up to 400 horsepower. Dynamic advancements include an available lightweight, sophisticated 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine, along with adaptive steering and suspension systems. The result in a premium sports coupe designed and engineered to perform.
The three available engines for 2018 offer instant power delivery, smooth responses to driver inputs, high performance output and mechanical efficiency.
The 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engines (400 hp and 300 hp versions) have been developed to deliver optimal power and torque for engines of their size, alongside greater fuel efficiency. The Q60 RED SPORT 400 model's high-output version delivers 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft maximum torque at 1,600-5,200 rpm. The version utilized in the Q60 3.0t LUXE and Q60 3.0t SPORT models offers 300 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1,600-5,200rpm.
The 3.0-liter VR V6 adopts a number of innovative technologies to deliver the Q60's engaging driving experience. Chief among these is a direct-injection gasoline fueling system. The high-pressure direct-injection gasoline system allows for more precise injection of fuel into the combustion chamber, delivering the exact amount required for smooth engine acceleration, depending on throttle position and engine speed. This system makes the V6 the cleanest and most fuel-efficient engine of its type that INFINITI has ever offered, contributing towards the 6.7 percent improvement in fuel economy (versus the previous non-turbo V6).
The VR engine also features lightweight aluminum construction and low mechanical friction, providing smooth, durable and highly responsive performance. Chief among the engine's weight-saving elements is the adoption of spray bore coating for the engine block and integrated exhaust manifold for cylinder heads. Not only does this make the engine lighter, but this also aids cooling as heat can dissipate more effectively.
One of the many other significant features is the adoption of an integrated exhaust manifold, built into the cylinder head, which positions the catalytic converter closer to the exhaust point. This results in a shorter flow path for the hot exhaust gases, allowing the catalytic converter to heat up almost instantly, improve response, reduce emissions from a cold start and save weight by making the engine more compact than before.
The VR-series' power delivery is enhanced through an advanced twin-turbo system that enables smooth and immediate responses under acceleration while aiding efficiency. An optimized turbine blade design helps the engine generate greater overall performance, with faster turbine revolution speeds allowing for an immediate response from the twin-turbo system.
In addition, the 400-horsepower version features a turbine speed sensor, which allows for the twin-turbo system to perform at up to 220,000 rpm at steady condition and 240,000 rpm at transient condition. With greater capacity for faster revolutions, the twin turbochargers boost the higher-powered version of the engine to deliver higher power and torque. The turbo speed sensor on the 400 horsepower version helps produce up to 30 percent more power. Boost pressure is 14.7 psi, versus 9.5 psi for the 300-horsepower version. Both versions of the engine also feature a water-cooled intercooler system to further improve performance and efficiency. The system rapidly cools air as it enters the twin-turbo system, reducing turbo lag and allowing for more immediate acceleration.
A four-cylinder turbo-charged 2.0-liter gasoline engine is also available in the Q60 2.0t PURE and Q60 2.0t LUXE models, with direct injection and idle stop-start system for efficiency in all conditions. This engine delivers 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft maximum torque at 1,500 rpm.
A high-pressure direct injection with piezoelectric injectors delivers fuel to the engine in precise amounts for greater fuel efficiency - estimated at 30 mpg highway. This engine also features a lightweight aluminum block and cylinder head with chain-driven dual-overhead camshafts, die-cast aluminum cylinder crankcase and optimized crank assembly promote further weight savings, reduce friction and improve efficiency. The 2.0-liter engine was developed in conjunction with Daimler and is assembled at INFINITI's engine facility in Decherd, Tennessee.
All 2018 Q60 powertrains are matched to an advanced seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode and available steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models. The gearbox features improved logic and hardware to handle the power output of the new VR-series engines.
In addition, the Q60's Adaptive Shift Control enhances gear selection by using a lateral acceleration sensor to detect changes in the road, such as hills and turns. Sport Mode allows the driver to select a more aggressive shift pattern with automatic up- and down-shifting at higher rpm. Manual Mode is also standard, with paddle shifters added with Q60 3.0t SPORT and RED SPORT 400 grades.
The Q60's outstanding performance doesn't stop with the new powerplants. The Q60 sports coupe has been engineered to deliver a unique balance of ride comfort and agile handling that has become synonymous with the INFINITI brand. Enhancing this position, the Q60 has been fitted with a range of available innovative driving technologies to deliver empowering performance and a personalized experience behind the wheel, including second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering.
Available as part of the ProACTIVE Package on 3.0t LUXE, 3.0t SPORT and RED SPORT 400 models, Direct Adaptive Steering transmits the driver's input to the wheels faster than a mechanical system while requiring fewer steering corrections. The system quickly and intelligently communicates feedback about road surface and chassis behavior, while also reducing unwanted steering feel typically generated by a conventional steering system. This instills secure and confident steering feel for the Q60 driver while also reducing fatigue.
The wide range of steering customization within Direct Adaptive Steering is accessed through the Drive Mode Selector, a completely personalized handling system that can be calibrated 336 different ways. Through menus displayed in the upper screen of the Q60's INFINITI InTuition(TM) system and in the meter cluster screen, Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: Customize, Standard, Snow, Eco, Sport, and for certain models Sport+.
Models equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine feature standard Rack Electronic Power Steering. This system provides a linear and in-control driving experience that can be tuned through the Drive Mode Selector. The four-cylinder turbocharged Q60 models are equipped with a speed-sensitive hydraulic electronic rack-and-pinion power steering system as standard. This system increases assistance at low speeds and reduces assistance for enhanced feel and response at higher speeds.
In addition, a choice of two suspension systems allow the driver to tailor a dynamic response from the Q60 that best suits a range of personal driving styles. The standard suspension ensures a low level of road noise and minimal intrusion of unwanted vibrations, while allowing for more direct and linear handling response. Suspension link layouts and bushings have been modified specifically for their application in the Q60, while shock absorbers are relocated for optimized sports coupe ride and handling.
An electronic suspension system, Dynamic Digital Suspension, comes standard on the Q60 SPORT and RED SPORT 400 grades and has been designed to offer best-in-class handling responses and agility, and enhanced ride comfort - thanks to software and hardware upgrades, including a dedicated new set of adaptive dampers. Drivers can change the focus of the suspension from a comfort-biased ride to one which offers more dynamic responses, by placing the electronically adjustable shock absorbers in either Sport or Sport+ modes (adjusted via the Drive Mode Selector), providing firmer damping control for more agile handling. While in these modes, the suspension is constantly adjusting to provide ideal performance and a level ride.
The Q60 can be configured with one of two driveline options - rear-wheel drive or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Both are available with all grade levels. The system provides enhanced stability for greater road holding in low-grip conditions, distributing torque 50:50 between front and rear wheels in its default setting. If it detects that the extra traction isn't immediately required, the system will revert to 100 percent rear-wheel drive, redistributing power to each of the four wheels as conditions change or if it detects a momentary loss of traction.
A range of models and packages
The 2018 INFINITI Q60 is available in five available models: Q60 2.0t PURE, Q60 2.0t LUXE, Q60 3.0t LUXE, Q60 SPORT and Q60 RED SPORT 400 (each offered in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive), along with a number of equipment packages.
The Q60 2.0t PURE's long list of standard features includes 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 8-way power front seats, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI InTouch(TM), 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, INFINITI Intelligent Key, Rearview Monitor and much more.
The Q60 2.0t LUXE grade adds power sliding/tilting moonroof, Bose(R) Performance Series Audio system with 13 speakers, Bose(R) Centerpoint(R) simulated surround, HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver and auto-dimming inside mirror with compass.
Along with the standard 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo, the Q60 3.0t LUXE adds Electronic Power Steering. The Q60 3.0t SPORT includes a range of features such as steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, aluminum-accented pedals, sport-type semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, genuine carbon fiber or silver optic fiber interior trim, driver's seat power lumbar and power torso bolsters, sport brakes, sport-tuned Dynamic Digital Suspension, power tilt and telescope steering wheel with memory, memory seating, memory outside mirrors with reverse link, auto-dimming outside mirrors, 19-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with 255/40R19 summer performance tires and silver "S" exterior badging.
The ultimate Q60, the RED SPORT 400, comes complete with staggered 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (20x9.0 front / 20x9.5 rear - rear-wheel drive models only) and summer performance tires (255/35R20 front / 275/30R20 rear). The RED SPORT 400 AWD features 20x9.0 wheels at all corners, mounted with 255/35R20 all-season performance tires. RED SPORT 400 models also feature red-painted brake calipers (front and rear), custom exhaust tips, red "S"exterior badging and, of course, 400 horsepower.
Key feature packages, many of which have been renamed and reconfigured for 2018, include the Sensory Package, Leather Seating Package, Dark Maple Wood Accent Package, ProASSIST Package and ProACTIVE Package.
The feature-rich Sensory Package includes auto dimming exterior mirrors; memory exterior mirrors; electrically adjustable steering wheel with memory; INFINITI InTouch(TM) with navigation and one year of InTouch(TM) services; navigation-synchronized adaptive shift control; SiriusXM(R) Traffic; voice recognition; fold-down rear seat; power lumbar support and position memory for the driver's seat; heated steering wheel and heated front seats. For V6-equipped models, the Sensory Package also includes remote engine start.
The ProASSIST Package includes Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection; Blind-Spot Warning; Back Collision Intervention with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Predictive Forward Collision Warning; and Around View(R) Monitor with Moving Object Detection.
The ProACTIVE Package features Auto leveling Adaptive Front Lighting System, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Eco pedal, Advanced Climate Control System with PlasmaclusterÔ and Grape Polyphenol filter, Pre-crash seatbelts, Blind Sport Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, and Direct Adaptive Steering.