?2014 Infiniti Q60 : a new nomenclature?
For reasons unknown to many members of the automotive press, Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan decided to change the alphanumeric nomenclature of their model offerings. As an example, with the Infiniti G37 models, the ?37? used to indicate the engine size (3.7-liters). Now that model has become the Q60 rather than G37. So, the former Infiniti G37 Coupe is now the 2014 Infiniti Q60 Coupe, which will come in a variety of trims or models: Q60 Coupe Journey, Q60 Coupe AWD and Q60S Coupe 6MT, along with two Infiniti Performance Line? (IPL) models, the Q60 IPL Coupe and Q60 IPL Coupe 6MT. 2014 also includes the addition of a new exterior color, Venetian Ruby metallic. No Virginia, the power does not come from a 6.0-liter engine, but is still provided by a 3.7-liter V6.
The 2014 Infiniti Q60 Coupe remains essentially unchanged, continuing as the embodiment of the company?s “Inspired Performance” theme and still offering an unmatched combination of emotional design, exhilarating performance and a modern, luxuriously crafted interior. The 2014 Q60 Coupe still provides a pure expression of intense sports coupe performance along with Infiniti?s seductive styling. The Infiniti Q60 Coupe’s smooth, aerodynamic design displays flowing front fender curves, a wave-style hood, an expressive front fascia with Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge bi-functional xenon headlights. The front fascia comes with fog lights in the lower fascia area as standard fare, while the strong side character line and side sills integrate with the large wheel well openings and performance-oriented wheel and tire packages transmitting an added sense of power.
The aft end of the Infiniti Q60 Coupe features broad rear fenders that flow into the large LED taillights, a refined rear bumper, integrated RearView Monitor camera, rear underbody air diffusers and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips. The Q60S Coupe 6MT and Q60 Coupe models with Sport Package add an enhanced performance look, with a unique front fascia and standard 5-?Tri-spoke19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires.
The Q60 Coupe’s cabin styling features expert craftsmanship, with a cockpit-oriented front driver and passenger area, Infiniti?s signature “double wave” instrument panel design showcasing the Infiniti-signature analog clock and bold, full-length center console with a leather and aluminum-clad shifter. “Silk Obi” aluminum interior trim adds a unique look to the instrument panel, center console and door panels.
The instrument panel features Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white illumination and integrated multi-function information drive computer display (average fuel consumption, real-time fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, outside air temperature, warning displays, odometer and automatic transmission shift indicator).
The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is standard and is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Solid magnesium column mounted paddle shifters are available for the 7-speed automatic transmission with the Sport Package. 8-way power driver and front passenger seats are covered with Infiniti’s exclusive premium leather, featuring 2-way adjustable head restraints and a unique rear-seat access system (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allowing ease of entry for passengers into the rear seats).
The Sport Package, which is available on the Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD as well as the Q60S Coupe 6MT, add specific sport-styled seats with thigh extensions and power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters for the driver, unique steering wheel stitching (except with the Stone interior) and high-grip, rubber-studded aluminum pedals.
Technology and convenience features include standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Remote Keyless Entry system, a tilt/telescoping steering column with increased travel, illuminated glove compartment and automatic temperature control. Also standard is a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and center console-mounted auxiliary input, as well as a 7-inch color display and standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).?Standard on the Q60S Coupe 6MT model and optionally available on the Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD models is an 11-speaker Infiniti Studio on Wheels? by Bose?. An available Infiniti Navigation System features NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), and Zagat Survey? Restaurant Guide. Two interior color combinations are offered ? Graphite and a Stone interior with high contrast Graphite components. Monaco Red is available on Q60 IPL models.
Power for all 2014 Infiniti Q60 Coupe models is provided by a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift that cranks out 330 horsepower at 7,000 rpm along with 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm on non-IPL models. The limited production Q60 IPL Coupe offers an additional 18 horsepower (348 horsepower) and 6 lb-ft of torque (276 lb-ft). Motive energy is delivered to the driving wheels by either an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport mode and Adaptive Shift Control that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and available solid magnesium paddle shifters in the Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD; or a responsive, lightweight 6-speed manual transmission for the Q60S Coupe 6MT model.
The Infiniti Q60 Coupe’s foundation for its impressive handling and ride performance comes from the second-generation Front Mid-ship platform. The 4-wheel independent suspension design features lightweight aluminum components and large front and rear stabilizer bars.
Suspension componentry consists of a double-wishbone design up front, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link, while the multi-link rear suspension separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center. Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing design, providing optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds. Vehicle Dynamic Control is standard on all Q60 Coupes.
For consumers who desire r the added performance of all-wheel drive, the Q60 Coupe AWD comes with Infiniti’s advanced ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system.?Bringing the Q60 Coupe to a halt is accomplished by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS, EBD and BA. The Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD with Sport Package and Q60S Coupe 6MT are further enhanced with aluminum four-piston calipers (front)/two-piston calipers (rear) embossed with Infiniti lettering and large ventilated rotors.
Also available on the Q60 Coupe is Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Brake Assist with Preview Braking. The Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD models come equipped with standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/50VR18 all-season tires. A Performance Tire & Wheel Package with 19-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels and high performance tires is also available for the Q60 Coupe Journey. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is standard on all models.
Enhancing the performance of the Q60S Coupe 6MT, Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD with Sport Package are a unique sport suspension, a Viscous Limited Slip Differential and 19×8.5-inch front wheels with 225/45WR19 front tires and 19×9.0-inch rear wheels with 245/40WR19 rear tires (Q60 Coupe AWD with Sport Package features front and rear 225/45R19 tires).
A long list of standard safety and security features comes on very 2014 Q60 Coupe, including an Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Available as part of the Technology Package are brake-operated pre-crash seat belts.
Options and packages offered include: the Premium Package, with a power sliding glass moonroof, 11-speaker Infiniti Studio on Wheels? by Bose? audio system, memory system (drivers seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors) with synchronization, driver’s seat power lumbar support, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and Rear Sonar System.?Also available is the Sport Package (available on Q60 Coupe Journey and Q60 Coupe AWD models and standard on Q60S Coupe 6MT), which includes 19-inch wheels and high-performance tires, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), sport-tuned suspension, sport brakes, unique front fascia, sport-styled seats and steering wheel stitching, aluminum pedals and paddle shifters (automatic transmission models only).
The Infiniti Navigation Package adds navigation system with WVGA display screen, NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey? Restaurant Guide, Infiniti Voice Recognition and touch screen.?The Technology Package includes Infiniti Intelligent Cruise Control, Brake Assist with Preview Braking, Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS). Also available are the Performance Tire & Wheel Package and Interior Accent Package with high-gloss Maple accent interior trim on the center console, instrument panel and doors.
My test RWD 2014 Infiniti Q60 Coupe came in Journey trim, in the new Venetian Ruby metallic exterior finish with the Stone interior and faux polished wood trim accents. The base price was set at $ 40,400. Adding the Technology Package, trunk mat, net and first aid kit, Premium Package, Sport Package, Navigation Package, Interior Accents Package and Destination charges, elevated the final sticker price to $50,405.
SUMMARY: The 2014 Infiniti Q60S Coupe Journey delivers a delightful performance experience along with its sensual visual image. Acceleration is brisk, with a smooth linear response, in either manual or automatic mode. The ride quality is quite comfortable without feeling either too compliant or too firm and the handling characteristics are precise, resulting in an athletic response — some drivers may perhaps perceive the feedback as perhaps a little too assisted, but it is sporty and fun to drive none-the-less.
The interior ambience displays a luxurious ambience with a pleasing fit, finish and textures to savor along with all the onboard technology. The layout is intuitive from a driver?s point of view, providing legible instruments and gauges. Safety and security are paramount in the Q60 as well, and the state-of-the-art content provides a heightened sense of security when motoring in a spirited fashion.
The smoothness and lack of effort required by the 7-speed automatic is a big plus ? it is capable of changing gears more quickly and efficiently than most drivers are able to do in the fully automatic mode, and it delivers a smoother transition in gear changes when shifting manually with the paddle shifters.
Acceleration is exceptionally quick for a naturally aspirated V6, handling attributes are quick with a positive response, and the ride quality, even though the suspension componentry is specially tuned for added stiffness and stability, is surprisingly compliant and comfortable. I actually found only one nit to pick ? the power driver?s seat controls are difficult to access with the door closed, as the armrest is in the way.
Bottom line, the 2014 Infiniti Q60S Coupe Journey signifies a most logical move for Nissan?s luxury division. Regardless of the new nomenclature, it continues to deliver a sporty, luxury performance coupe that?s a cut above many other competitive performance models on all counts – looks, power and ride, and all without destroying one?s personal finances.
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[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2014 Infiniti Q60 Coupe Journey [/wptabtitle]
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| Base Price: | $40,400. |
| Price as Tested: | $50,405. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 3.7-liter, DOHC, 24-valve VVEL V6 with sequential multi-point fuel injection. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 330 @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 270 @ 5,200 rpm |
| Transmission: | Seven speed automatic with Drive Sport mode, manual shift mode with downshift rev-matching and column-mounted paddle shifters. |
| Drive Train: | Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-wheel drive. |
| Suspension: | Front -?Double wishbone with stabilizer bar. Rear -?Independent multi-link with stabilizer bar. |
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel vented discs with 4-wheel/4-channel/4-sensor ABS, EBD, VDC, TCS and BA.
Tires: Bridgestone Potenza 225/45WR19 front / 245/40 WR19 94W rear mounted on 5-“Tri-spoke”alloy wheels -?19×8.5? / 19×9 respectively.
Wheelbase:?112.2 inches
Length Overall:?183.1 inches
Width:?71.8 inches
Height:?54.8 inches
Curb Weight:?3,633 lbs.
Fuel Capacity:?20 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates:?19 mpg city / 27 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient:?0.31
0 – 60 mph: Not Tested.
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<a href=”https://ourautoexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Arv_Voss.jpg”><img class=”alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image 21472 alt=” alt=”” src=”http://www.tflcar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Arv_Voss.jpg” width=”150″ height=”144″ /></a>Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
