Infiniti Q70 & QX80 Debut at 2014 New York Motor Show

Continuing our coverage of the 2014 New York Motor Show, today we’re going to take a look at the new Japanese cars from Infiniti. Not much to say by way of introduction here… As you continue reading, you’ll learn all about the 2015 Infiniti Q70 and the 2015 QX80.

2015 Infiniti Q70

For those of you who need a little refresher course on Infiniti’s new nomenclature, this year’s Infiniti Q70 sedan is last year’s Infiniti M. Infiniti unveiled the mid-cycle refresh of its high-end sedan with a new, longer version called the Infiniti Q70L. You might think the “L” stands for Length, but personally we’d like to think it stands for Limousine since the extra length is primarily seen in the 5.9-inch roomier rear seats.

Both the Infiniti Q70 and the Infiniti Q70L will be available with the same powertrains as the 2014MY. That means a 3.7L V6 with 330hp or a meaty direct-injection 5.6L V8 boasting a monstrous 416hp. The normal-length Q70 also gets a hybrid powertrain that pairs a 3.5L V6 outputting 302hp with an electric motor outputting 67hp. Both models are only available with a seven-speed automatic, although you can still choose between FWD and AWD.

If the mechanics remain largely the same, then obviously the aesthetics are where we will find the biggest differences in this Q70 refresh. As you can see, the front clip now features LED headlights framing a sleek mesh grille, and the front bumper has been revised to accent those changes with new, chrome-lined fog lights.

Perhaps the biggest improvements can be seen (and felt) inside the new Q70. The interior brims with luxury thanks to higher-quality materials including premium leather and subtle wood trim. The Q70L gets heated rear seating with reading lights and automatic closing doors. And, on the road, you’ll get a much quieter environment thanks to Active Noise Control, which “monitors cabin noise levels and generates ‘canceling’ sounds from four door speakers to reduce noise.”

All in all, we’d say that the new 2015 Infiniti Q70 has definitely justified itself as the top-of-the-range premium sedan for Infiniti.

2015 Infiniti QX80

Just like the Infiniti Q70, the 2015 Infiniti QX80 full-size SUV will get its own twin brother – the Infiniti QX80 Limited. In fact, many of the upgrades to the QX80 mirror those found in the new Q70 sedan.

Similar to the Q70, the QX80 gets a substantially revised front clip with new headlights, a new mesh grille and a chrome-accented bumper with plenty of LEDs all around. In fact, that chrome accenting is found all around the SUV’s exterior, from the side mirrors to the door handles to the windows to the top rack.

Inside the QX80, though, the changes are a little different. Infiniti has deliberately aimed the 2015MY at male drivers, claiming that “the interior is decidedly masculine in appearance, which might be unapologetically described as a mobile man cave.” That means wood trim with dark, charcoal leather seating and upholstery. The QX80 Limited gets an even more refined interior with Real Ash trim, Truffle Brown leather seating and silver accents. The QX80 Limited also gets new 22-inch duds with dark chrome trim around the head- and taillights.

Beneath the hood, the manly theme continues. The QX80 gets a 5.6L V8 direct-injection engine with 400hp and Infiniti’s Variable Valve Event & Lift technology. The engine drives power to all four wheels via a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and the option for a manual shift mode that uses Downshift Rev Matching.

Both new Infiniti models deliver more than we would’ve expected from a mid-life refresh with minor exterior upgrades and plenty of interior enhancements. But, there’s still more to see at the 2014 New York Auto Show, so come back next week for more Japanese car news. Until then, thanks for reading!