Just over a month since its regional debut at the Dubai International Motor Show, Sport Auto, one of the Middle East's leading automotive magazines, has named the Infiniti Q50 as its 2013 “Car of the Year”. The Infiniti Q50 captured audiences with its individuality, dynamic performance, futuristic technologies and supreme levels of connectivity. The model also featured the brand's first hybrid powertrain for the Middle East. Juergen Schmitz, General Manager of Infiniti in the Middle East, said: “It is an honor to accept the 2013 ‘Car of the Year' award for the Infiniti Q50. It is an outstanding vehicle in every sense and to receive that recognition from such a prestigious publication gives us great pride.” “The award further strengthens our confidence in the success of the Infiniti Q50. This superbly engineered sports sedan is expected to be very popular upon its introduction over the coming months.” The 2014 Infiniti Q50 sports sedan brings together category-defining design, rewarding performance, world-first technologies and unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization. The new Q50 is available with a choice of a refined 326-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, or a Hybrid featuring a 3.5-litre V6 engine in combination with Infiniti's Direct Response Hybrid System which utilizes Intelligent Dual Clutch Control and is capable of reaching 100km/h from a standing start in 5.1 seconds. Two new world's first production performance technologies make their debuts in the Q50– Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering™ technology and Active Lane Control. All models come equipped with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission with available solid magnesium paddle shifters. The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector with Eco, Standard, Sport and Custom settings is also standard on all models, part of the advanced customizable digital environment system that allows drivers to create unique settings for engine, transmission, handling and steering settings. With driving dynamics fine-tuned with direct input from Infiniti's Director of Performance, Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti Q50 offers the ideal balance of performance and efficiency. Inside, the Q50 interior offers a driver-centric cockpit with an array of premium comfort and convenience features. The new Infiniti InTouch communications system includes dual touch-screen displays constituting of a LCD 8” Colour VGA upper screen and a LCD 7” Color VGA lower screen, and puts communication with the outside world within easy reach, with integration of hands-free phone, moving map navigation, entertainment and smart phone apps in a way that is safe and easy-to-use while driving. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7-liter V6 and 3.5-liter Hybrid models will be available in rear-wheel drive and in a range of well-equipped models, including versions with special sport appearance and performance features with sport brakes and sport suspension tuning. Infiniti Q50 goes on sale across the region in spring 2014. – SG
