Drew Dowdell

At the 2015 LA Auto Show today, Buick unveiled the 2017 Buick LaCrosse. Using a phrase that was once a selling point for cars in the 1950, Buick released details on the Lacrosse for 2017 to make it longer, lower, and wider. but unlike the 1950s, Buick is now adding "lighter" to the list. The 2017 LaCrosse's chassis drops 300 lbs from the outgoing model, yet through the use of stronger steel, the chassis is stronger. Some of the weight loss also comes from new materials used in Buick's Quiet Tuning process that are lower in weight. With that weight loss, Buick expects the 2017 to be more fuel efficient than it's predecessor. Adding to the fuel economy gain is a new 3.6 liter V6 with cylinder deactivation and automatic start-stop, paired with a new 8-speed automatic front wheel drive transmission. Power remains about the same at 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. A new twin-clutch all-wheel drive system is available, similar to that in the new 2017 Cadillac XT5, that can split torque side to side in the rear for added control or disconnect from the rear wheels for added fuel economy. The wheelbase of the LaCrosse has been increased 2.7 inches while overall length is up 0.6 inches. This pushes the wheels closer to the corners of the car to give it a more athletic appearance. Inside a new sweeping and floating center console integrates directly into the center stack both moving controls closer to the driver and providing storage space underneath. Three new trim choices are available along with Moonglow LED accent lighting. On the tech front, Buick's Intellilink system has been updated to the newest software with an 8 inch diagonal screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now included. Safety technology abounds with standard and available features such as 10 standard airbags, front pedestrian braking, forward automatic braking, automatic cruise control, and more. You can follow all of our coverage of the 2015 LA Auto Show here or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Buick's press release is on page 2 Source and Photos: Buick Media Buick Introduces All-New 2017 LaCrosse Leaner and sleeker with effortless technology LOS ANGELES – Beautifully crafted and thoughtfully innovative, the 2017 Buick LaCrosse offers full-size sedan customers a striking, all-new design, sophisticated technologies and more-responsive performance. The next-generation LaCrosse also introduces the new face of Buick, which is influenced by the dramatic cues of the award-winning Avenir concept. Notably, it features a new grille design with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements set against darkened waterfall grille bars. Buick revealed the 2017 LaCrosse today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It goes on sale early next summer. “The new LaCrosse signals the next phase of Buick’s international momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick Sales and Marketing. “Its quietness, comfort and connectivity were developed to set new standards in the segment, supported by technologies not offered on competitors such as the Lexus ES. It is also drop-dead gorgeous.” Longer, lower and wider than the current model, the 2017 LaCrosse is built on a stronger yet lighter structure. In fact, it is about 300 pounds lighter than the current LaCrosse – thanks largely to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steels – which contributes to greater efficiency and more responsive handling. The new LaCrosse’s lower weight is also due in part to new, dissipative sound-absorbing materials that are lower in mass, but provide more effective sound attenuation, resulting in a new threshold for Buick’s signature QuietTuning and forming a pillar of the car’s enhanced comfort. The balance of the efficiency equation comes from a technologically advanced, second-generation 3.6L V-6 paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard Stop/Start technology improves efficiency in stop-and-go driving. Additional new and enhanced features include: New five-link rear suspension and available HiPer Strut front suspension Available electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control active suspension with selectable Touring and Sport modes Driver-selectable Electronic Precision Shift Advanced, all-new dual-clutch AWD system (available) Efficiency-enhancing low-drag disc brakes with Duralife rotors Electric power steering system with Lead/Pull Compensation Easier rear-seat entry/egress and more usable storage space Technologies including available wireless charging, available Teen Driver and configurable, LED driver information center with 8-inch-diagonal color display Perforated leather-appointed front seats with new lumbar massaging feature IntelliLink with frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot integration. The 2017 LaCrosse also features extensive active and passive safety features that offer driver awareness and protection surrounding the vehicle, including: Ten standard air bags – including two knee air bags for front passengers Front Pedestrian Braking, which alerts drivers to and can automatically apply the brakes for pedestrians detected directly ahead in some driving conditions Lane Keep Assist, which provides gentle steering wheel turns – and Lane Departure Warning alerts, if necessary – to help drivers avoid crashes due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane Automatic Park Assist, which helps the driver parallel park/perpendicular park by automatically steering the vehicle into a detected parking space while the driver applies the brakes Adaptive Cruise Control Forward Automatic Braking Forward Collision Alert Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert Rear Vision Camera Safety Alert Seat. “The blend of sophisticated technologies and advanced safety systems offer a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience,” said Aldred. “It’s a rewarding sedan for those who seek luxurious appointments, style and quality.” New face of Buick The new LaCrosse’s expressive exterior design creates a new proportion, rendering a more dramatic road presence. The front wheels have been pulled forward and the wheelbase stretched 2.7 inches (65 mm), while the overall length is only 0.6-inch longer (15 mm). The dynamic proportion is further enhanced by a roofline that’s 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than the current model. The longer wheelbase is matched by wheels pushed outward 1.3 inches (33 mm) in the front and 1.1 inches (28 mm) in the rear, while the car’s width has grown only 0.4-inch (10 mm), creating a wheels-at-corners stance that conveys road confidence. “It’s a sleeker design that looks confident and purposeful,” said Holt Ware, exterior design director. “Stretching the wheelbase, lowering the roofline and making it slightly wider creates a dramatic effect that is enhanced by the design’s supporting elements such as the swept headlamps.” LaCrosse’s new proportion is further complemented by an all-new grille that signals the next chapter in Buick’s design anthology. Inspired by the Avenir concept, it’s distinguished by a new, three-color tri-shield insignia set on a wing-shaped element. Contrasting with darkened waterfall grille bars and spanning the width of the opening, it connects the grille and headlamps, and emphasizes LaCrosse’s new sculptural surfacing. The design was introduced on the Avenir concept and was inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. “It’s the new face of Buick – one that reflects the sophistication, modernity and international reach of this evolving brand,” said Ware. “The new, winged motif also emphasizes the wider, lower proportion of the LaCrosse.” The signature sweepspear body-side design element has been reinterpreted in a modern fashion, enhancing the car’s sculptural identity. It has a split design that gives the body side a greater perception of depth, while picking up additional body lines, for an elegant, uninterrupted flow from the front fenders to the rear. The 2017 LaCrosse’s body lines are reinforced by a longer, uninterrupted “daylight opening” – the portion of the upper body between the A- and C-pillars. They’re ringed with chrome, which adds a tastefully restrained premium accent to the body side. Other details blend form and function such as outside mirrors mounted on pedestals on the doors rather than the corners of the front side windows. The design offers a greater field of view, while the mirror housings were shaped in the wind tunnel to help reduce wind noise. Aerodynamic considerations also drove the dynamic sweep of the decklid, which acts as a spoiler to optimize airflow over the LaCrosse, and the front of the car features deflectors in front of the tires to reduce drag. Additional exterior elements include: High-intensity discharge headlamps and LED signature lighting are standard LED taillamps are standard Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are available Active grille shutters Capless fuel filler on all models. Seamless ambience, authentic craftsmanship The new LaCrosse’s interior is designed to offer an open and inviting space for passengers – one that is relaxing, luxurious and well-connected. Sculpturally beautiful form and premium materials complement technologies developed for effortless interfacing. It is the first Buick with a new single cockpit design aesthetic, characterized by a horizontal form that sweeps across the instrument panel and into the doors. It also incorporates a “floating” center console that positions the controller for the new Electronic Precision Shift high and close to the driver, while creating storage space below the console for items such as a handbag or tablet. “There is fluidity in the interior forms – a seamless ambience that flows throughout the cabin,” said Liz Wetzel, interior design director. “Like the exterior, there is sculptural beauty in the interior’s functionality, complemented with high-quality, authentic materials and exceptional attention to detail.” That attention to detail includes soft materials for virtually every touchpoint; real French stitching on the seats, instrument panel and more; and genuine aluminum sill plates and wood décor trim, depending on the model. “There is a handcrafted essence that is inviting and rewarding,” said Wetzel. “It is clean environment that is designed to refresh and inspire.” A number of new and enhanced available luxury features amplify the LaCrosse’s comfort quotient: Three fashion-inspired interior trim choices: Jet Black, Dark Atmosphere and Shale, and Jet Black and Brandy Contemporary Moon White ambient lighting Eight-way-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with new massage feature – with improved heating for quicker warm-up on cold mornings Perforated leather-appointed seats Heated steering wheel with power tilting/telescoping steering column Dual-zone automatic climate control Power rear sunshade Premium Bose® audio system. It also offers greater, more practical storage space and easier access. The rear doors, for example, open wider and offer easier entry/egress, and the trunk not only offers approximately 7 percent more storage space than the current model, but was configured to accommodate four golf bags. Sophisticated, intuitive technologies – including phone integration As one of the segment’s most technologically advanced vehicles, the new LaCrosse offers a host of communication and convenience features designed for effortless connectivity. The central technology is the latest edition of Buick IntelliLink, which is controlled by a new, frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen located at the center of an ergonomically optimized instrument panel. Along with the climate system and other features on the “center stack,” it was designed with fewer buttons and controls for more intuitive use. Phone integration technology is paired with IntelliLink and is designed to take phone features users would want to access while driving and put them on the 8-inch display via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The features allow customers to use select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface. Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Additional LaCrosse technology highlights include: All-new Electronic Precision Shift – Rather than a traditional shifter, gears are chosen andengaged via a simple toggle pull. It provides smooth, precise andresponsive shifting while enabling added storage in the center console. Configurable, high-definition driver information center – Located in the center of the gauge cluster and flanked by round instrument binnacles, it has a large, 8-inch-diagonal full-color display. Head-up display – This available feature offers four page views: speed, audio, navigation and performance. It also offers alerts for certain active safety features such as Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert. Available Teen Driver Technology – It encourages safe driving habits for new drivers by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. It also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds – and offers a “report card” for parents. Wireless charging – When equipped with this available feature, the phone storage slot in the center console enables inductive charging without the need for plug-ins or cables. Buick QuietTuning process The new LaCrosse builds on the exemplary reputation of the current model – already a benchmark in the segment – to offer an even quieter driving experience that contributes to the car’s comfort and enjoyment. Significantly, the Buick QuietTuning team employed a dissipative approach to sound attenuation rather than the current model’s barrier system. That means the sound is absorbed primarily with a specialized, lightweight dissipative dash mat rather than heavier noise-blocking pads. Additional quieting features include: New five-link rear suspension provides greater isolation from road noise than the current four-link design Active noise cancellation is standard on all models Acoustic wheelhouse liners Acoustic-laminated windshield and front side windows Triple-sealed doors Improved body noise-path sealing The windshield wipers “park” below the hood line to reduce wind noise. Next-generation powertrain LaCrosse’s all-new 3.6L V-6 engine with direct injection and dual overhead cams represents the second generation of GM’s acclaimed DOHC V-6 engine family and incorporates new features such as Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and Stop/Start technology. Active Fuel Management system temporarily deactivates two the 3.6L’s cylinders in light-load driving conditions to enhance fuel efficiency and seamlessly reactivates them when the driver demands full power. With the efficiency-enhancing Stop/Start system, the engine is shut down in certain driving conditions such as stop-and-go city driving to reduce fuel consumption, automatically restarting when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal. Additionally, noise-reducing features including an all-new cam drive system contribute to the vehicle’s benchmark quietness. The 3.6L is estimated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 268 lb-ft of torque (363 Nm); and it’s matched with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Balanced, efficient driving experience Thanks to its new, lighter and stiffer architecture – and a number of new and enhanced complementing technologies – the 2017 LaCrosse offers a driving experience that is as responsive and direct as it is quiet and comfortable. It also offers enhanced capability with Buick’s first twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. A new five-link rear suspension is the central component of the improved ride and handling characteristics. It helps reduces roll center motion, enables positive lateral control and promotes excellent dynamic stability. In short, it helps keep the tires planted on all surfaces – and contributes to a quieter ride through greater isolation from road noise. At the front, a MacPherson-strut suspension is standard and Buick’s HiPer Strut suspension is used on front-wheel-drive models with 20-inch wheels. It helps reduce torque steer and maintain negativecamber during cornering, improving maximum grip in all road conditions. Italso improves the direct feel of the vehicle, while isolating undesirable feedback. Available, electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control further optimizes ride comfort and handling capabilities over varying road surfaces and profiles. It’s an active suspension system that can adjust damping every two milliseconds, with Touring and Sport damping modes selected by the driver through the Electronic Precision Shift. Also contributing to LaCrosse’s more-direct driving experience is an enhanced, rack-mounted electronic power steering system, which incorporates Lead-Pull Compensation. It automatically adjusts the steering angle to account for factors like crowned roads or high crosswinds. LaCrosse’s new twin-clutch AWD system offers the ultimate in grip in and control, with better performance during acceleration and cornering. It allows torque to be split between the rear wheels for optimal performance and the twin-clutch design uses independent clutch actuation to determine and control the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel. Additional chassis and driver control features on the 2017 LaCrosse include: Low-drag four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors, which offer up to double the service life of conventional rotors Hill Start Assist with Automatic Vehicle Hold, which can hold the brakes up to five minutes, depending on conditions Electronic park brake Shear-type suspension mounts that offer greater ride, handling and noise isolation attributes. FAST FACT: Sales of the Buick LaCrosse have exceeded 900,000 globally since it went on sale in 2009. Buick is an international modern luxury brand offering vehicles with sculpted designs, luxurious interiors and thoughtful personal technologies, along with responsive-yet-efficient performance. Buick is attracting new customers with its portfolio of award-winning luxury models in North America and China. Learn more about Buick cars and crossovers at www.buick.com, on Twitter @buick, on Instagram, or at www.facebook.com/buick # # # CONTACT: Crystal Wilson Buick Communications [email protected] 313-618-9996 2017 BUICK LACROSSE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview Model: Buick LaCrosse FWD & AWD Body style / driveline: front-drive/all-wheel-drive, front-engine, four-door, five- passenger sedan Construction: integral EPA vehicle class: midsize sedan Manufacturing location: Detroit-Hamtramck, Mich. Key competitors: Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKZ Engine 3.6L V-6 DI VVT Displacement (cu in / cc): 223 / 3649 Bore & stroke (in / mm): 3.74 x 3.37 / 95 x 85.8 Block material: cast aluminum w/ cast-in-place iron bore liners Cylinder head material: cast aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable valve timing; Active Fuel Management Fuel delivery: direct high-pressure fuel injection Compression ratio: 11.5:1 Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): 305 / 227 @ 6800 (est.) Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): 268 / 363 @ 5200 (est.) Recommended fuel: regular unleaded GM-estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): TBD Transmission Type: eight-speed, electronically controlled automatic overdrive with torque converter clutch Gear ratios (:1): First: 5.25 Second: 3.02 Third: 1.95 Fourth: 1.47 Fifth: 1.22 Sixth: 1.00 Seventh: 0.80 Eighth: 0.57 Reverse: 4.01 Final drive ratio: 3.07 Chassis / Suspension Suspension (front): FWD/AWD with 18-in. wheels & AWD with 20-in. wheels: MacPherson strut coil-over-spring FWD with 20-in. wheels: HiPer Strut with Continuous Damping Control Suspension (rear): FWD/AWD with 18-in. wheels & AWD with 20-in. wheels: five-link FWD with 20-in. wheels: five-link with Continuous Damping Control Steering type: electric variable-effort power steering with Active Return Assist Steering ratio: TBD Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: TBD Turning circle (ft / m): 38 / 11.6 Brakes Type: split, dual-circuit four-wheel-disc with power assist; Duralife brake rotors; brake pre-fill and Electronic Brake Force Distribution Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): TBD Wheels / Tires Wheel size and type: 18-in. aluminum 20-in. aluminum Tires: P235/50R18 all-season P245/40R20 all-season Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.4 / 2905 Overall length (in / mm): 197.5 / 5017 Overall width (in / mm): 73.2 / 1859 Overall height (in / mm): 57.5 / 1460 Track (in / mm): front: 62.9 / 1599 rear: 63.1 / 1602 Curb weight (lb / kg): TBD Interior Seating capacity: 2 / 3 Headroom (in / mm): front: 38.4 / 975 (w/o sunroof) rear: 37.1 / 943 (w/o sunroof) Legroom (in / mm): front: 42 / 1067 rear: 39.9 / 1014 Shoulder room (in / mm): front: 57.7 / 1466 rear: 56.6 / 1437 Hip room (in / mm): front: 54.7 / 1390 rear: 55 / 1399 Cargo volume (cu. ft. / L): 14.2 / 402

Infiniti revealed their newest small crossover at the LA Auto Show today. Slotting in below the recently enlarged Infiniti QX40, the QX30 arrives staying true to the looks of the Infiniti QX30 Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2015. Those of you familiar with the Mercedes-Benz GLA will notice the Benz DNA in this car. That is because the QX30 is part of a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz . This is the first Infiniti built in Europe at a new facility in the UK which will be supplying the vehicle to all global markets. Much of the hardware under the hood is stock Mercedes. The QX30 in the US comes with a 2.0T matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power is fed to an AWD system that can feed 50% of the torque to the rear wheels. European and other markets will have a diesel available. Infiniti expects the QX30 to go on sale in the middle of 2016. Press Release on Page 2 Source: Infiniti Photos: Drew Dowdell Infiniti QX30: A premium active crossover for all purposes QX30 debuts as a new premium offering for global markets Combines crossover appearance with signature Infiniti design cues Delivers a confident drive and versatile attitude, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive Intuitive technologies enhance safety, comfort and convenience Part of first Infiniti production in Europe, at new facilities in Sunderland, UK Simultaneous world premieres at Los Angeles and Guangzhou motor shows LOS ANGELES – The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover is making its simultaneous global debut at the 2015 Los Angeles and Guangzhou international motor shows – signalling the next phase of the company’s global growth strategy. Created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out, the QX30 boasts a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement as part of Infiniti’s premium model line-up. Remaining true to the powerful and elegant design cues that guided the original QX30 concept, the car’s highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development. In addition to its striking appearance, the QX30 offers an elevated ride height, confidence-inspiring handling and a versatile attitude, underpinned by an intelligent all-wheel drive system. As a result, the vehicle is able to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions. The next step for Infiniti in the premium compact segment “With our recent sales successes and record growth, the current product offensive will further strengthen Infiniti’s global market position. The active crossover, QX30, will broaden our offer to new customers around the world.” Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti Further fulfilling Infiniti’s promise to expand its product line-up based on popular concept car designs, the arrival of the QX30 premium active crossover comes at a moment of opportunity for the Infiniti brand. The QX30 will play an integral role in Infiniti’s promise to offer customers a broader range of premium products. The QX30 adds another dimension to Infiniti’s premium model line-up and will play a vital role in the brand’s global growth. In the first 10 months of 2015, Infiniti sold almost 173,000 new vehicles worldwide, representing an increase of 16 percent compared to the same period in 2014. The 32,200 vehicles sold in China means Infiniti has already exceeded its full-year 2014 figure in the world’s largest car market, while in the U.S. Infiniti sold more than 106,700 vehicles, the best sales results in the country since 2005. Global sales of 18,400 units in October represented an increase of 20 percent over the same month in the previous year, and continued a 14-month run of best individual months on record for Infiniti, including the best October sales in history for many regions and markets such as the Americas, China, Mexico, and Western Europe. As a member of the new premium family, the QX30 gives Infiniti a great platform from which to achieve its goals in key markets globally. It will be built at new manufacturing facilities in Sunderland, UK, becoming part of Infiniti’s first car production in Europe. The high demands of premium vehicle manufacturing require significant investment and a highly skilled workforce. Establishing a production base for the Infiniti QX30 represented a new $1.9 billion (£250 million) commitment in plant extensions totalling over 88,000 square feet (25,000m2). A successful recruitment program was conducted, filling over 300 new jobs to support production, while 4,000 existing production line staff members were given special training to meet exacting Infiniti standards. Attracting a new type of premium car buyer “We have identified a new generation of premium buyers and have positioned QX30 as a personalized premium option to suit a varied range of needs. The car is as much at home in the city as it is outside of urban environments, inspiring confidence with its ‘ready-to-go-anywhere’ attitude.” Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy Infiniti is targeting a new generation of premium buyers with the new QX30. The premium crossover segment is currently among the fastest-expanding markets globally, and Generations X and Y will represent the majority of buyers in this segment by 2020. For them, the car is an expression of “self” rather than “status,” and they remain open to new, category-defying concepts. The QX30 will hold a unique position in the segment, bridging the gap between premium compact rivals and larger crossover models. Its crossover-style versatility extends from unique design appeal and a wide range of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic features, including intelligent all-wheel drive. Its elevated ride height and high-stability drivetrain will give confidence to drivers. This more purposeful, crossover-inspired execution has been achieved without the QX30 losing the premium look and feel that buyers expect of a car in this segment. It maintains its urban appeal, premium fit and finish and seamless integration of Infiniti’s highly expressive design – requisite elements required for the car to succeed in the premium arena. Category-defying design The original QX30 concept, which made its international debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, combined the sleek lines of a coupe with the in-command stance of an all-wheel drive crossover. Consistent with Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development, the production version of the QX30 maintains these characterful attributes. “The category-defying design of the QX30 stays true to the inspiration behind the daring 2015 concept. Its mix of artistry in the flowing lines, and power in the elevated stance and confident look, makes a bold visual statement and challenges current preconceptions of what a crossover should look like.” Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director The combination of a low-slung roofline, elevated stance and crossover appearance creates a striking visual impact. The versatile stance endows the QX30 with a “go-anywhere” attitude, ready to take on all driving conditions – without compromising the high quality finish that buyers associate with premium rivals. The QX30 exterior is characterized by dramatic curves and turbulent, sculpted character lines that make an emotional statement, evolving them into new dynamic shapes for a more purposeful appearance. The double-arch grille with three-dimensional mesh draws a flowing, fluid link to the headlamps for a more organic shape. The lines of the QX30 flow up the double-wave hood, over the fenders, across the bodyline and into the strong shoulders of the car. The overall effect is designed to look stretched over bone and muscle, rather than the straight, “mechanical” lines seen on rival models. Infiniti’s signature C-pillar design forges a dynamic crescent shape that emphasises motion, even when stationary. The elevated dimensions make for a confident and relaxing drive, while ascribing to the car’s versatile character. An overall height of 60.2 inches (1,530mm) (with standard roof rails) helps improve forward visibility over its rivals, aided by a slim A-pillar design, while the elevated ride allows for a higher hip point, improving ease of ingress and egress. Other exterior details include newly designed front and rear bumpers and grained side sills for a rugged look, as well as bodywork finished with satin chrome-plated inserts for a premium and high quality metallic finish. Living in asymmetry and comfort with QX30 “QX30’s asymmetric interior design results in an environment focused on the driver, yet encompassing passengers in such a way as to involve and cater for them, more so than the traditionally isolating designs found in the premium segment.” Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director The bold approach Infiniti has taken to design continues inside the QX30, which challenges traditional standards of symmetry with its expressive, modern and dynamic interior. The asymmetric surfaces feature wave shapes and dynamic lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. These give an “in-motion” feel when natural light moves over the highly sculpted lines and contrasting materials in the cabin. This “dissymmetry” creates a more pleasant environment in which to spend time. The most premium materials and processes available have been selected by Infiniti designers in order to create a modern-looking and luxurious cabin. A custom-designed QX30 trim delivers a personalized, self-expressive interior design. The standard interior is finished in high quality black cloth, while optional black or beige Nappa leather delivers an even more premium finish. Refinement and comfort is also a core appeal of the QX30’s interior. Comfort is guaranteed thanks to an advanced seat design, which makes use of Infiniti’s advanced “spinal support” research. The seat backs have been carefully engineered to match the curvature of the spine, providing consistent spinal support by more equally distributing load across the seat to minimise pressure on back muscles. Meanwhile, a wider fitting shape and soft seat cushion also provides enhanced support. Internal testing carried out by Infiniti engineers showed that the QX30 seat provides greater levels of support and comfort than rivals, reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys. The QX30’s supreme interior quietness adds to cabin comfort, with some of the lowest noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the premium compact segment. The extensive application of sound-absorbent materials reduces the intrusion of wind, road and unwanted engine noise into the cabin. In addition, closed sections of the high-rigidity body structure protect the QX30 from any negative noise and vibration generated by broken or inconsistent road surfaces. The result is an incredibly quiet and refined platform, allowing Infiniti engineers to isolate and emphasise the more pleasant and enriching tones of the QX30’s engines under acceleration, without disturbing the calm of the cabin. A versatile attitude and drivetrain to deal with any challenge The QX30 is engineered to deliver a confidence-inspiring, dynamic driving experience, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive. Development of the QX30 started at the brand’s technical center in Japan, before moving to Europe for final validation and testing. In total, over 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the development and testing of the QX30 in a wide variety of roads and environments. “Our holistic approach to engineering the QX30 has resulted in a car that delivers a precise, ‘in-command’ experience behind the wheel. The finely-tuned chassis and suspension, plus a number of assistive driver technologies, all work together to the benefit of the driver, providing a confident drive in all conditions and surroundings.” Grahame Cornforth, Infiniti Chief Vehicle Engineer The QX30’s chassis has been developed to offer a comfortable ride and confident handling in spite of its elevated ride height and ground clearance. Development teams responsible for QX30’s ride and handling worked hard to ensure the car’s dynamic characteristics met with buyers’ expectations of a vehicle that has been engineered to bridge the gap between compacts and crossovers. Its springs and rear anti-roll bar are stiffer, continuing the engineers’ efforts to ensure a flat ride. While the slightly firmer suspension helps to counteract the dynamic effects of a higher center of gravity, the modifications to the chassis enable QX30 to remain comfortable at all speeds and over a variety of road surfaces. The QX30 comes equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The drivetrain is able to send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather, enhancing a feeling of control and confidence when driving. For example, if sensors detect wheel slip, braking is applied to the slipping wheel, while torque is sent to the gripping wheel for additional stability. Combined with the elevated ground clearance, the QX30’s drivetrain is engineered to deal with all conditions. Another standard feature is the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The dual-clutch intelligently pre-selects gears so the next shift is always ready to go, while manual mode lets the driver control gear changes when desired. Delivering seamless acceleration at any speed and in any gear, the application of torque is almost uninterrupted during gear changes, reducing lurching while in motion and between shifts. Depending on market, there will be a choice between responsive diesel and gasoline engines for QX30 buyers – with specific details available closer to launch. Intuitive technologies enhance an involving, safe driving experience The QX30 will be among the safest cars in its class owing to a range of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies that enhance the driving experience and provide maximum safety to all occupants. An Around View Monitor with moving object detection and Intelligent Parking Assist makes the QX30 the easiest car to park in its segment. A special metal plating method allows the radar waves of the Intelligent Cruise Control to pass through the Infiniti badge without disrupting the QX30’s striking appearance with unseemly radar units. Infiniti’s trademark InTouch infotainment system, first introduced on the pioneering Q50, has been evolved and upgraded for the QX30 for a highly intuitive finger touch and swipe control through a seven-inch touch-screen HMI (human machine interface). Infiniti Voice Recognition interacts with the InTouch infotainment system to control audio and navigation commands. The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover will go on sale in selected markets in the middle of 2016. Please note: All product information contained in this press kit relates to global QX30 information, including technical specifications, powertrains and standard/optional equipment and features. Please contact your country’s Infiniti PR office for product details relevant to your market.