2014 Infiniti Q70 in Jamaica, NY - $16,367

The Infiniti Q70 Hybrid continues to stand out as a true luxury performance “driver’s” hybrid. Updated last year, the Q70 Hybrid shares the wide range of enhancements given to the standard 2015 Infiniti Q70 – starting with updated exterior styling and the addition of several of Infiniti’s pioneer technologies. The Q70 Hybrid’s revised exterior includes new front and rear fascias, new grille design, Infiniti signature LED headlights, LED taillights, LED fog lights and side rearview mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.

The Infiniti Q70 Hybrid also includes revised interior content and trim, with leatherette replacing leather-appointed seating (leather-appointed seating is available with the Premium Package). Other changes include revised 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs and the availability of Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection (MOD) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB).

What is unchanged for the new model year is the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid’s unprecedented balance of three attributes: Power – the innovative one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system in the Infiniti Q70 Hybrid delivers thrilling performance and is capable of driving in pure electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph; Luxury – maintaining the Infiniti Q70 Sedan’s engaging driving feel and extensive array of standard comfort and convenience features; and Efficiency – utilizing the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® system.

At the heart of the Q70 Hybrid is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout based around an innovative Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system. The electric motor acts as either a propulsion unit, alone or in tandem with the VQ35HR 3.5L V6, or as a power generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking. The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the V6 engine and the electric motor. It facilitates full decoupling of the engine when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical losses and boosts efficiency of the electric motor.

Both the gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor’s high torque from zero rpm provides strong performance from a standing start and contributes to the sporting feel.

The Q70 Hybrid’s Lithium-ion battery pack is designed to quickly alternate between charging/discharging and, size for size, offers twice as powerful as conventional Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. Along with its fast charge/discharge response and 1.4 kWh capacity, the Lithium-ion battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes, helping provide exceptional battery reliability.

The Q70 Hybrid utilizes the automaker’s proven FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, along with the Q70’s independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear. The suspension system also features front and rear stabilizer bars and double-piston shock absorbers that have been specially tuned for use with the Q70 Hybrid. Newly designed 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/50R18 all-season performance tires are standard.

Inside the passenger cabin, the new dramatic exterior design gives the premium sedan an even more upscale image. The instrument panel features hybrid-unique instrument meters, meter display and IT screen displays, providing battery and other essential system information. It allows the driver to view hybrid system and available navigation system information simultaneously. Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters and Infiniti analog clock complete the elegant design. In addition, standard equipment includes: leatherette seating, heated 10-way power driver and front passenger’s seats including 2-way power lumbar support, as well as dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the Q70 Hybrid’s outstanding level of standard luxury appointments.

Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 114.2; overall length: 196.1; width: 72.6; height: 59.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.5L gasoline V6 – 302 hp at 6,800 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm; advanced electric motor – 67 hp at 1,770-2,000 rpm and 214 lbs-ft of torque at 1,770 rpm ; high-output laminated Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries – 50 kw. (combined hybrid system output – 360 hp at 6,500 rpm)
Transmission: seven-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control
EPA Fuel Economy: 29 city/41 highway
Cargo capacity: 11.3 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, body side reinforcements, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, approaching vehicle sound for pedestrian, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic LED headlights, LED front fog lights, rain-sensing variable front windshield wipers, HomeLink universal transceiver, Bluetooth hands free phone system, rear view monitor, automatic power door locks, and intelligent key with illuminated push button ignition.

Optional safety features include: adaptive front lighting system, full-speed range intelligent cruise control, distance control assist, active trace control, forward emergency braking, back collision intervention, predictive forward collision warning, around view monitor with moving object detection, navigation system, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, blind spot warning, blind spot intervention, and intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning.

Warranty
Basic: 4-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Infiniti Q70 hybrid sedan starts from $55,900. Destination charges add $905.