Infiniti debuts new Q70 long wheelbase and QX80 Limited models at New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Infiniti today announced a slate of new 2015 models during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show, including exclusive versions of Infiniti's two flagship models – Q70 performance luxury sedan and QX80 Limited full-size SUV. In addition to the new QX80 Limited and Q70L (Long Wheelbase) models, both the QX80 and Q70 have been redesigned for the 2015 model year. The Q70, Q70L and QX80 are scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in the fall, followed by the new QX80 Limited in the winter.

"In 2014, Infiniti enters its 25^th year here in the United States and we're going to make it a year to remember," said Infiniti Americas President Michael Bartsch. "The new Q70L, with nearly six inches added to the length of the cabin, brings SUV levels of rear legroom to this type of sedan for the first time. And the new QX80 Limited answers the demand from QX80 owners for a vehicle that is more sophisticated but not over-the-top – and one that remains at its core pure Infiniti. These two new models should also attract many new ultra-luxury buyers to the Infiniti brand."

2015 Infiniti QX80 and QX80 Limited
Leading off the parade of world debuts was the 2015 Infiniti QX80 Limited, an ultra-luxury full-size SUV that starts with every available feature of the standard QX80 and then adds subtle exterior upgrades and an interior that wouldn't be out of place in an ultra-executive boardroom or private jet.

The QX80 Limited is designed to occupy a unique place in the luxury SUV market, offering an ultra-luxury interior in a 3-row/7-passenger contemporary platform. With its proven 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, Infiniti All-Mode AWD^® and Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, the QX80 Limited is fully capable of towing 8,500 pounds in comfort and style. The exclusive cabin includes a unique Truffle Brown interior environment marked by a palette of brown, black and silver leather and wood appointments and trim.

Along with the new QX80 Limited model, all 2015 Infiniti QX80s offer a fresh new exterior design and a more crafted interior for 2015, plus additional standard features and technology, bringing Infiniti's premium full-size luxury SUV closer in look and feel to the dramatic new Infiniti Q50 sports sedan. The extensive exterior design refinements focus on the QX80's frontend appearance, with a revised front fascia featuring new LED high/low beam headlights, LED turn signals, LED fog lights and a new bumper with flush-mounted sonar sensors.

The 2015 QX80's interior refinements and revised grade level content reflect input from current owners, who have requested greater visual differentiation between color/wood trim offerings and more choices in the optional technology groupings.  Several new technologies have been added for 2015, including an advanced High Beam Assist and Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW).

2015 Infiniti Q70 and Q70L
For 2015, Infiniti is extending its Q70 portfolio with the introduction of a long wheelbase variant, the Q70L.

The additional 5.9 inches in the wheelbase not only increases the knee and leg space in the back but also greatly augments the athletic presence of the sedan. With its compelling design and premium interior ambience, the long wheelbase Q70 broadens Infiniti's offerings for those who desire enhanced spaciousness and versatility, appealing to the sporty sedan fan who also requires executive levels of interior room.

"We know our customers desire more choice and prestige. The long wheelbase Q70 is our offer to them," said Bartsch. "The Q70 delivers on all accounts – attention to detail, highly crafted materials, rear roominess, comfortable ride, and superior levels of interior quietness."

In addition to the long wheelbase model, all 2015 Q70s also take on a new dramatic design, which gives the premium sedan an even more upscale image. The front redesign includes new LED headlights, new double-arch grille with high-quality waved mesh finish and chrome surround, new front bumper and integrated fog lights. The redesigns rear of the 2015 Q70 features new LED combination lights, new trunklid shape and chrome rear finisher.

As in previous years, the Infiniti Q70 is offered in a range of powerful, efficient powertrains, starting with the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 gasoline engines. The refined 3.7-liter aluminum-alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 is rated at 330 horsepower, while the powerful 5.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy DOHC 32-valve V8 is rated at 420 horsepower for the standard model and 416 horsepower and 414 lb-ft of torque for the Q70L long wheelbase version. Also available is an advanced hybrid powertrain featuring the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid^® system with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control, rated at net power output of 360 horsepower.

"Globally, Infiniti set a sales record of 180,000 units in our fiscal year that just ended, helped by increased sales here in the United States. Our new Q50 helped us post a series of record sales months. And with vehicles like the QX80, Infiniti is attracting some of the most successful people in America," added Bartsch. "With the enhanced style, premium features and advanced technology coming to 2015 models like the QX80 and Q70, we expect tour strong momentum to continue in the years ahead."

The new 2015 QX80 Limited, QX80, Q70L and Q70 – along with the Q50 Eau Rouge, Q30 Concept and the complete line of 2014 Infiniti vehicles – will be on display at the Infiniti stand at New York's Jacob Javits Center. The show is open to the public from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 27, 2014.

About Infiniti:
Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio. As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti's Director of Performance.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti, visit InfinitiNews.com, "like" Infiniti on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @InfinitiUSA. For interesting content on Infiniti in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGP.

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SOURCE Infiniti