What's all this about?
Last year, Infiniti went to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) with its Q60 concept car, said to preview the future design language of the company. At this year's instalment of NAIAS, the Japanese carmaker has brought the real, production thing: this is the Q60 coupé.
It looks sporty - does it have some powerful engines?
It certainly does. At the moment, only two are confirmed, but as even the 'entry' level is a 211hp/350Nm turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, expect the Q60 to be decently rapid. Unless, that is, you opt for the 3.0-litre model, when it becomes seriously fast.
Ah, what sort of power are we talking now?
Get your chops around 405hp and 475Nm, plus Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The Q60 V6 promises to be a bit of a beast, although Infiniti doesn't yet quote any performance or eco data for either variant of its new coupé.
What are the transmission choices?
It's a Hobson's choice. There's a solitary seven-speed automatic as standard, so you either take it or leave the Q60 in its entirety.
Does the Q60 have that weird, fly-by-wire steering seen on the early Q50 models?
Indeed it does, although Infiniti assures us it has recalibrated this set-up to make it feel more normal. It's called Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) and on that V6 it couples with Dynamic Digital Suspension - that's electronically controlled dampers, to you and us. Shame that Infiniti didn't just use the speed-sensitive, electrohydraulic rack-and-pinion steering of the 2.0-litre Q60 on the bigger V6 model, but there we are.
What else would I get if I opted for the Q60 above its rivals?
A swoopy, aerodynamically efficient (0.28 Cd) body sitting on 19-inch wheels, with 20s an option. Infiniti's current design language is clear to see in the wavy C-pillars, 'double-arch' grille (don't mention Mazda or Lexus, anyone... oh. Damn...) and LED light clusters. The V6 gets an Active Grille Shutter too (it's open when the engine needs cooling air and closed when fuel efficiency is the priority), while inside is a driver-centric cabin, a 13-speaker Bose stereo system, a dedication to reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) thanks to the addition of acoustic glass and Active Noise Cancellation and Infiniti's new InTuition infotainment control system. A load of active and passive safety tech will also be offered - such as Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control with Distance Control Assist, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Braking system, Lane Departure Prevention, Blind Spot Intervention and Backup Collision Intervention.
When does the Q60 go on sale?
It is launched in selected markets in the latter half of this year, so we've got a little while to wait yet before we start seeing any of these on the roads.
Matt Robinson - 11 Jan 2016
