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Paris 2016: Infiniti updates QX concept, launches innovative engine tech

Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration in Paris
Photo: Infiniti
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Guillaume Rivard
The future of Infiniti looks bright

Infiniti presented an updated QX Sport crossover concept plus a brand new Variable Compression Turbo engine technology today at the 2016 Paris Auto Show.

With the QX Sport Inspiration, INFINITI has started to explore the potential to expand its portfolio in the midsize SUV market. Inspired by the brand’s Powerful Elegance form language, with taut lines, short overhangs, muscular haunches, and superior ground clearance, it has received some design upgrades since its global reveal at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2016.

The list includes a sleek matte grey body and 22” alloy wheels (instead of 21”) finished in a new bronze colour that is also applied to the brake calipers, and wrapped in low-profile tires. The new wheels hint at the car's dynamic potential.

“The QX Sport Inspiration comes at a time when Infiniti continues to expand its product portfolio globally ― into new and popular segments,” said Francois Bancon, Vice President of Product Strategy. “We design concept cars with true production potential, and the QX Sport Inspiration offers a vision of how Infiniti could bring something exciting and new to the midsize SUV segment.”

Meanwhile, performance enthusiasts will appreciate the introduction of the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, available in new Infiniti models from 2018.

Promising to be one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, VC-Turbo technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0L turbo gasoline engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain without the equivalent emissions.

Using a sophisticated multi-link system, this engine is able to offer any compression ratio between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The target power output is 268 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque.

A more detailed explanation will follow in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Infiniti's Variable Compression Turbo engine
Infiniti's Variable Compression Turbo engine
Photo: Infiniti
Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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