Infiniti will unveil its QX50 concept at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, showcasing the future of the brand’s SUVs.
Exterior photos released by the company shows a midsize crossover that doesn’t really deviate from the typical crossover formula. It’s got a long hood with a prominent grille, an upright cabin and Infiniti’s typical rear window treatment.
In fact, it looks like something that could be in Infiniti showrooms right now. Or even a few years ago.
While specifications have not been released, the midsize QX50 is also showcasing some of the Nissan group’s new technology. It will have the company’s latest autonomous tech, and it will also be a “potential application” of the new VC Turbo variable compression engine.
The new autonomous technology will, according to the company, act as a co-pilot to the driver, not actually replace the driver. The system will take care of more mundane driving tasks like stop-and-go traffic and other safety measures while still keeping the driver in control.
The VC Turbo engine is even bigger news. It’s the first successful application of variable compression ratio in an internal combustion engine and Infiniti said that it’s production-ready. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can vary its compression ratio between 8:1 and 14:1 seamlessly, giving the right amount of compression at the right time.
This technology allows the VC Turbo to have the power of a V6 – it’s rated at 268 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque (converted from Infiniti’s claim of 390 Nm) – with the efficiency of a smaller engine.
The NAIAS will run from January 8 to 22 in Detroit, and TFLcar will be there to cover it. Stay tuned for more updates before and from the show.
Check out this related TFLcar video of the QX50’s potential smaller brother, the QX30:
