You might not be aware of it, but the INFINITI Q50 has not only been praised for delivering excellent performance, but also is recognized as a fuel efficient luxury vehicle. The Q50 Hybrid offers up excellent fuel economy and even was put on the KBB.com 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Luxury Cars of 2014 list. Not only is the luxury hybrid sedan good at sipping fuel instead of guzzling gas, it also is the most powerful hybrid option on the list that was created by Kelley Blue Book, thanks to a top output of 360 horsepower. That outclasses models like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS, which are all options many consider darlings in the automotive industry. In other words, INFINITI has found a solution that works better.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the hybrid sedan’s fuel economy at 29 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, which are some impressive figures. Adding all-wheel drive to the vehicle provides only a small hit to its efficiency, dipping those numbers only slightly to 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
Under the hood is a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that works with the INFINITI Direct Response Hybrid system, which involves a 50 kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery that supplies electric power. The strategy INFINITI uses is to go a different route than other luxury automakers that often drop a larger engine in a car to supply big performance increases. While the peak horsepower output from the hybrid powertrain is listed above, car shoppers should also know just how much torque the INFINITI Q50’s hybrid setup generates. The gasoline engine produces 258 lb.-ft. of peak torque, while the electric motor contributes 214 lb.-ft. for an impressive result. What many people fail to understand is that much of what they refer to as power in a car, particularly while driving in a city, is actually torque, and the Q50 Hybrid comes with plenty.
A seven-speed automatic transmission works with the hybrid powertrain to send power to the wheels. The transmission is electronically controlled, with an adaptive learning algorithm that is set up to detect the driver’s style as well as road conditions, adjusting how it makes gear transitions accordingly. If drivers want to shift manually, they can by selecting the manual mode.
The Q50 Hybrid even can tailor how it behaves on the road, allowing the driver to change its nature based on mood, traffic conditions, or even the desire to conserve fuel. The INFINITI Drive Mode selector comes with a Standard setting that offers a balance between efficiency and performance. Sport favors rapid acceleration, while Eco focuses on maximizing fuel efficiency. Snow is calibrated to reduce wheel slip, helping the driver keep control of the car in slick road conditions. A Personal mode can be customized by the car’s owner.
Not only can Q50 Hybrid owners feel good about helping protect the environment, they can also feel good about enjoying some on-road fun at least now and then. Thanks to the mountains of torque the hybrid powertrain creates, the sedan can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, making it exceptionally quick.
The trick of fuel efficiency involves more than just the gasoline-powered engine and electric motor. Regenerative brakes are standard equipment, helping recharge the car’s lithium-ion battery every time the car slows down or stops. The INFINITI Q50 Hybrid also uses an intelligent dual-clutch that provides the full level of engine torque for excellent performance fun, but without causing the luxury sedan to chug fuel. If you have an interest in test driving the Q50 Hybrid Premium or Hybrid Sport please contact our INFINITI dealer today.
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