Infiniti Q70 adds long-wheelbase model, fresh looks for 2015

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

After all the work done for the Q50, Infiniti has finally given some attention to its flagship sedan, the Q70 (or, for those that refuse to use the brand’s latest nomenclature, the M). While the refreshed sedan sports a few visual tweaks, the big bit of news is that it’s the first vehicle in its segment to offer both long- and a short-wheelbase options (keep in mind, both BMW and Audi offer LWBs in China, but not in the US).

Infiniti has stretched the standard car’s 114.2-inch wheelbase to 120.1 inches, lengthening the car 7.3 inches overall. Nearly the entire wheelbase increase is dedicated to rear-seat legroom, with a substantial increase of 5.6 inches overall. As for the effect the stretching had on the Q70’s looks, well, we actually think it might look better with the longer wheelbase.

It’s a nice change of proportions that is complemented by the fresh looks of the facelifted Q70. New head and taillights are the biggest changes, with full LEDs in the back and LED accents in front. There’s certainly a bit of Q50 in the front, thanks to both the headlights and the new “double-arch” grille, complete with mesh-finish inserts. In the cabin, material quality looks to remain impressive, with Infiniti’s cool silver-dust wood trim being shown off in the press images. Outside of that, interior changes are kept to a minimum.

As this is a fairly light refresh, it’s no shock that there isn’t much in the way of mechanical changes. The base 3.7-liter, VQ37 V6 still pumps out 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, while the 5.6-liter V8 retains its 420 ponies and 417 lb-ft. Both of these engines will be available on the long-wheelbase (although the V8 will only pump out 416 hp and 414 lb-ft), while a seven-speed automatic remains the sole transmission across the board. The Q70 Hybrid, meanwhile, will remain a short-wheelbase item, only.

We’ll have more on the new Q70 and Q70L when they make their official debut tomorrow, at the 2014 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, check out the full press release below.

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Infiniti Q70 adds long-wheelbase model, fresh looks for 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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