What's New for 2014

Introduction

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is not only the new generation of the car formerly known as the G37, but it's also the first to bear Infiniti's new naming strategy. Infiniti passenger cars will earn "Q" designations, while SUVs get "QX." The Q50 might use a different name, but it is essentially the next generation of the car we used to know as the G37.

With a bolder snout, smoother curves, subtle character lines and optional 19-inch wheels (17-inchers come standard), the Q50 looks like an evolution of the G series and every bit a luxury sport sedan. The Q50 comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6, a seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive an available option. The V6 is rated at 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. Infiniti will also offer a hybrid version with a 3.5-liter V6 good for an estimated 345 hp combined and the seven-speed automatic.

Infiniti debuts a new technology -- Direct Adaptive Steering -- on the Q50, a system that the automaker claims allows independent control of wheel angle and steering depending on the driver's enthusiasm. Four different settings also give the driver control over steering effort and ratio. Sounds good on paper, but we'll have to wait to learn how it affects the Q50's handling. Infiniti touts that Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel helped tune the car, so we're guessing it won't be horrible.

While Infiniti used a traditional knob-and-button electronic interface that we've found to be among the best in the business, the Q50 embraces the future with a large touchscreen panel that controls most multimedia functions. The new i-Key system also stores preferences -- driving position, heating and cooling, audio, navigation -- for up to four drivers. The Q50 will also offer 18 cubic feet of luggage space, with the hybrid rated at a smaller 14.1 cubic feet.

A new safety technology called Active Lane Control also debuts on the Q50. It's part of the Lane Departure System and uses a camera mounted in the rearview mirror to read lane markings and road conditions. If the system senses changing road surfaces or crosswinds, it will add minor steering corrections, thus reducing driver effort and fatigue. Other safety features will include adaptive cruise control with forward and reverse-collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 goes on sale early this summer. Pricing has not yet been announced. Check back for a full review of the Q50, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.