Infiniti QX80 (Second Generation)

The all-new Infiniti QX80 is a second-generation full-size luxury SUV that rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It can go off-road while delivering fancy living for high rollers from Dubai to New York. Let's take a look at the new model.

2025 Infiniti QX80

With prices starting at $82,450 plus additional costs, the all-new QX80 is cheaper to own than the titanic Range Rover, although this is the most expensive Infiniti emerged. Still, this new look signaled a new era for the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2025 Infiniti QX80

The second-generation Infiniti QX80 is the first to wear the new Infiniti logo. This one shines up front, which may be a bit too flashy for some observers. After all, an illuminated front badge is about as flashy as Christmas lights on a pine tree but it's not as flashy as the available Infiniti underglows. While incorporating the new Infiniti design language, the squarish looks are now edgier than its predecessor, giving an idea of what is life to be like in the mega box.

2025 Infiniti QX80

Inside, the all-new QX80 improves the first-class experience from its predecessor, giving both the driver and passenger the same experience they expect from a business-class flight. The driver's side is packed with tech arsenals such as the panoramic widescreen that features the digital instrumental panel to the left and the touch screen to the right, the class-first available Biometric Cooling technology, Tri-Zone Climate Control System, kabuki-inspired 64-color interior lighting design, and Klipsch sound system with up to 24 speakers, including ones at the headrest.

Yes, it has third-row seats that can accommodate seven or eight people, standard heated and available climate-controlled first- and second-row seating complemented by available heated seating in the third row, and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof featuring one-touch open/close technology. It has up to 22 cu.ft. of interior cargo volume, making it spacious enough for a perfectly straightforward shooting weekend.

2025 Infiniti QX80

The real treat of the all-new QX80 is what's under the hood as the old model's V8 engine was scrapped and replaced by Infiniti's brand-new 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine that produces 450hp of power and 516lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AT, it has a combined fuel economy of 17MPG and a towing capacity of 8500 lbs.

In terms of dynamics, the all-new QX80 features independent double wishbones, speed-sensitive rack-pinion electric power assist steering, all-season tires, INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, brake-actuated LSD, and available Dynamic Digital Suspension. It's still bulky to drive but it's now surprisingly more civilized and classy on and off the road.

Redefining the rules of safety, the all-new QX80 is the first Infiniti to feature the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 technology for hands-free driving on the motorways. It even features Steering Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, Smart Rearview Mirror, 3D Around View Monitor with Spin Capability and Moving Object Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, and leading-edge far-side airbag technology.

The all-new Infiniti QX80 rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It's the most expensive Infiniti in the range, but its price is lower than today's Range Rover. This means that the "out-on-a-limo" feeling is within reach, even if you're a super-rich high-roller who prefers cruising downtown from New York to Dubai. This is first-class luxury reasserted, the Infiniti way.

Available Colors: Anthracite Gray, Mineral Black, Coulis Red, Black Obsidian, Radiant White, Grand Blue, Dynamic Metal, Radiant White/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Mineral Black/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Coulis Red/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Grand Blue/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, and Dynamic Metal/Black Obsidian Two-Tone.

Photo: INFINITI

Infiniti QX60 (Second Generation)

Now on its second generation, the Infiniti QX60 seven-seater luxury crossover picks up where its predecessor left off with new and exciting ways to show to its owners that it can be the appropriate associate they need, although it's difficult to explain why. Time for some X files.

Priced at 46,850 US Dollars plus additional costs, this seven-seater Infiniti SUV is cheaper to own than its big brother, the almighty but aged QX80. It's cheaper to own than the Lincoln Aviator as well, making it the bargain luxury seven-seater SUV of 2021. So, what do you expect from the all-new QX60, you may ask?

Starting with the design, the new model stays faithful to the Monograph Concept it was based on, although it's hard to describe what the exterior is all about. The front is distinctively Infiniti while the rearview basically feels like the strongman version of the Toyota Corolla Cross but with the faux exhaust tips on the rear bumper for foolery purposes. Correct, the rear bumper on the new model dons the controversial faux exhaust tips, which is worth ruining speedo boys' heads for sure. Whatever the reason, even if you squint your eyes hard enough to get a clear look, this luxury crossover does has a strong image compared to the old QX60.

The interior has been renewed for the second generation, meaning it now sports a longer touchscreen and touch panels below the screen some would find it challenging on their first impression. Despite its minimalist stance, it still has dials for the aircon and volume for added convenience. You can toy around with its gadgetry as much as you want while you are busy waiting for your take-out order at the parking lot. In terms of spacing, it's surprisingly roomier and more comfortable than the previous model. Best of all, all three rows have USB charging ports so you can plug in your favorite devices while on the go, whether or not in your sweet spot.

The QX60's 3.5L V6 petrol engine has been revamped for the second generation so that now, it produces 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. of torque, and thanks to its idling stop feature, it has a 23MPG combined fuel economy. Best of all, the previous model's CVT gearbox has been replaced by a 9-speed AT with paddle shifters, making this crossover more engaging for the drivers with less drama.

In terms of dynamics, the new QX60 feels nicer to drive than the previous model, although it feels mild and spartan for a full-size crossover. Slap it with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and it feels prepped to take on the elements, although the lack of proper offroad capabilities means it's not going to be a walk in Central Park.

Tackling the challenges of the new normal, the all-new QX60 is equipped with standard Rear Automatic Braking, Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning (with haptic steering wheel alert), High Beam Assist, among many others. With additional features such as ProPilot Assist with Navi-Link, Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, and Smart Rear-View Mirror, the new QX60 is future-proof to take on almost everything.

The all-new QX60 is starting to take shape as a full-sized crossover for the established family men and thanks to its rather great upgrades, it feels like it's the best QX60 ever made but with the drama involved in it. Like it or not, it's proof that it's going to be your next appropriate associate for the road.

Photo: Infiniti

Infiniti QX55

Infiniti pioneered the coupe crossover trend since the launch of the FX and now, they're going back to the trend they've created with the launch of the first-ever QX55. So, what's it all about Infiniti's return to the trend they've started several years ago?

2022 Infiniti QX55

2022 Infiniti QX55

Priced at $46,500 plus additional costs, the QX55 is basically a second-QX50 with a low-slung roofline. Infiniti is the first to introduce the coupe crossover trend, which later became bread and butter for the luxury German carmakers, and with Infiniti back to the trend they've made in the first place, the QX55 is ready to show the German establishments who's the uncle.

This is the first time an Infiniti vehicle uses the number five at the end of the car name rather than the number zero like most of the lineup nowadays and although the naming is somewhat treated more like an orphan rather than being part of the family, the QX55 really is the relative of the second-generation QX50 

While the styling is nearly identical to the QX50, the QX55 has a sloping roofline that shows proof that this is the coupe crossover you are referring to, and if you're in the mood to trace its roots back to the first-generation Infiniti FX, rest assured that the QX55 is smaller and compact compared to its spiritual pop pop, that's for sure.

2022 Infiniti QX55 interior

Just like its QX50 relative, the QX55's interior features a dual-monitor dashboard that is as tech-savvy as Gen Z cars can be, and although it's less roomy on the back than the QX50 because of the sloping roofline, it still fits just like most coupe crossovers can be and it fits up to five people nicely. There's nothing to go wrong about it.

2022 Infiniti QX55

The QX55, like the QX50, is powered by a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo Engine, a petrol engine that is capable of delivering an optimal compression ratio from performance to efficiency, from 8:1 to 14:1 respectively. It produces 268hp of power, 280lb-ft of torque, and annoyingly mated to a CVT with paddle shifters. With this, the QX55 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22mpg city/28mpg highway.

The CVT really spoils the QX55's driving feel but because it has all-wheel drive by default, this coupe crossover really is capable on almost every road condition, even when you want to go sandblasting at the beach. Although not fun as such compared to the Germans, it's still smooth, dramatic, and worth driving just like what a proper luxury crossover should.

In the essence of safety, the QX55 features a wide array of safety features and when fitted with the Proactive Package, it comes with ProPILOT Assist, Steering Assist, and Intelligent Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range and Stop and Hold, HUD, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Direct Adaptive Steering.

So, while this is cheaper than the BMW X4, the first-ever QX55 is not quite a suitable contender against it but while it's not as enjoyable as such, it's still a silky smooth coupe crossover that deserves the attention it needs. Love it or hate it, the QX55 is proof that Infiniti is back in the trend that started it all.

Photo: Infiniti

Nissan Serena C27 and Skyline V37 (2020 facelift)

Two of the most noteworthy Nissans in the lineup, the Serena C27 and the Skyline V37 have been facelifted for the 2020 model year with newly redesigned looks, new features, and so much more. So, what's in store for the minor changes of these Nissans?

2020 Nissan Serena

First off, the updated version of the current-generation Nissan Serena. Starting below the 2.53 million Yen bracket, the C27 minor change features a newly redesigned exterior that looks somewhat noticeable by many. The base Serena now looks like the pre-facelift model's Highway Star variant, while the Highway Star variant now dons a massive grille that stretches toward the front bumper, which is rather odd for Japan's best-selling minivan but either way, the new models featured a redesigned wheels and a revised rearview.

On the inside, the Serena features a revised instrumental panel, optional waterproof seats in case the whole family went canoeing at the riverside, and pretty much it.

The choice of powertrains remains the same as the 2020 Nissan Serena is powered with choice of an MR20DD 2.0L petrol engine with a 1.8kW electric motor bolted on it for the S-HYBRID variant, and the popular choice e-POWER variant where the HR12DE petrol engine serves as a range extender for the 126PS electric motor and while it doesn't need charging like most electric cars do, the e-POWER variant will be getting 26.2km/L of fuel economy in the JC08 scale, which is outdated but rather impressive for a minivan like this.

Promising to be the safest Serena ever made since its launch three years ago, the 2020 Nissan Serena is offered numerous safety features, including a revised ProPilot with improved speed control. With a wide array of safety features that lets the Serena stop automatically, detects blind spots, suppresses false starts, and more, it's no doubt that this is the safest minivan Japanese families can't get enough of.

2020 Nissan Skyline

Next up, is the Nissan Skyline V37, and for the latest minor change, which starts at around 4.3 million Yen, not only the GT-R-styled front face that made the Skyline V37 striking to look at, but it's also the implementation of the brand new ProPilot 2.0 semi-autonomous tech as well as the first-ever VR30DDTT 3.0L Twin Turbo engine but more with that later on because let's look at the design first.

The previous Skyline V37 featured some Infiniti badges unknown to most Japanese customers for numerous reasons but for the 2020 minor change, the Nissan badge is back in the Skyline, and with the GT-R-styled nose slapped onto it, you can see that the luxury sports saloon is starting to take shape but please behave, people, because while the front looks like the GT-R, it's still the Skyline made for the posh gentlemen rather than for speedo boys.

On the inside, nothing's changed a bit, especially the twin monitors on the dashboard where the top one's for display and the bottom one's a touch screen. The double monitors, the steering wheel, the gear lever, they're all the same as last time.

Now, let's talk more about the ProPilot 2.0, which is available in the Skyline V37 minor change. The new and improved tech uses a wide array of sensors capable of hands-free driving while cruising in a single lane, although drivers still need to keep their eyes on the road. It kind of feels like the Autopilot from the Tesla but despite its scary-but-unique hands-free driving, the new feature isn't foolproof though so think smart before using this ultra-smart feature on the highway.

Couple that with numerous safety features and the result is a much safer experience, which is rather un-Skyline-ish, but if you want more for the Skyline, let's talk about performance.

While the Nissan Skyline still retains the Hybrid powertrain with the VQ35HR 3.5L petrol engine bolted to an electric motor, a Li-ion battery, and a 7-speed AT, the facelift introduces the brand new VR30DDTT 3.0L Twin Turbo engine. In the range-topping 400R variant, it produces 405PS of power and 475Nm of torque through the rear wheels and it's mated to a 7-speed AT. The 400R serves as the range-topper of the V37 and if you want something more powerful than the Lexus IS, consider this.

Apart from the engine choices, the 2020 Skyline comes with other features such as the revised Intelligent Dynamic Suspension with Direct Adaptive Steering.

These two recently facelifted Nissans are up for grabs in the midst of the autumn season so those who wanted something family-oriented should go for the Serena while those who wanted a luxury sports saloon that delivers a no-filter drive should go for the Skyline.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Infiniti QX50 (2nd Gen) vs. Acura RDX (3rd Gen) vs. Lincoln Nautilus

The crossover craze is an outbreak that can't be contained unlike SARS, Ebola, or MERS and the United States of America is the biggest to be hit by the pandemic where more and more people making the switch from conventional saloons to utility vehicles that are more than just vehicles, they're lifestyle checks. Specifically, people driving one would go out for garage sale hunting, trips to beauty spots, shopping, everything a crossover owner would do in their time. Infiniti brought us some of their examples in their time but one such crossover they have is a game-changer as they claimed.

2019 Infiniti QX50

2019 Infiniti QX50

This is the all-new Infiniti QX50. Priced at $36,550, it's one of the most reasonably priced luxury crossovers offered on American soil and Infiniti insists that this crossover is a game-changer because of what powers it. More than that later on but at the moment let's take a quick talk about the QX50. About over a decade ago, its predecessor called the EX was launched and it arrived on Japanese soil as the Nissan Skyline Crossover two years later. A normal one, because it runs on the same Skyline platform, is rear-wheel drive. Some say that this crossover is somewhat a spiritual successor to the Nissan Stagea but due to the policy shift Nissan faces, this new QX50 will not be a Skyline Crossover in the same way the new Q60 Coupe is not offered in Japan as the new Skyline Coupe. It's a shame really because judging by the looks of it...

2019 Infiniti QX50 interior

2019 Infiniti QX50 interior

The new QX50 is a concept turned reality and because it draws inspiration from the QX Inspiration Concept, that design is a warning shot for carmakers trying to tone down the concept car's design for production. That means you, Subaru, but although the design looks like it was derived from the Q50 and the Q60, it looks more like the Mazda CX-5 when you squint your eyes harder. On the inside, the dashboard really works like the Q50 and the Q60 as well because of the dual screens mounted on it; one for display and the other for control. While there's nothing so special about its handcrafted dashboard, the QX50 is surprisingly comfortable for a five-seater luxury crossover that works not just as a family car but for escorting VIPs as well. On the back, its 65.1 cubic feet of cargo space means that it has plenty of room for stuff listed from your to-do list such as trips to the laundry, to the birthday party, to the baptism, family vacation, so on, so forth, and because it comes with the motion-activated liftgate, opening the back door becomes more convenient for the Joneses.

Now, let's talk more about the engine it powers it and this is what it refers to as the world's first 268-hp 2.0-liter VC-Turbo Engine. This all-new Variable Compression Turbo engine is the first-ever publicly available variable compression ratio engine that is capable of delivering an optimal compression ratio from performance to efficiency, from 8:1 to 14:1 respectively.  It's like having two engines in one and that really is a game-changer that Infiniti has done for us so well done but not yet because while the first-ever VC-Turbo engine is worth its first impression, its dynamics are worth questionable. The old model has a standard rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. This new one, because of its new platform that runs with it, is now front-wheel drive, which is a bit of an upset for drivers everything that it's starting to behave like the Acura I'm showing later on, and adding AWD just won't burn your eyebrows either.

It's no fun crossover to drive but it's worth soothing your brows all the way home and to make the journey home more interesting, Infiniti gave the new QX50 with new driver assistance technologies such as Forward Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Distance Control Assist. It all sounds good but unless the Jalopnik boys get a stab on it, it might be worth complaining.

It's fair to say that because the new QX50 is front-wheel drive at default, some are complaining that the days of being a Skyline Crossover of yesteryears are well and truly over, in fact, that is why this new QX50 is not available in Japan as of now. But there are more reasons to think of rather than why this luxury crossover is not offered in the Land of the Rising Sun and the dynamics it possess can be rather explained in this...

2019 Acura RDX

2019 Acura RDX

This is the all-new, third-generation Acura RDX. It starts at $37,300, it's slightly more expensive than the QX50, but this crossover has a lot of explanations to deal with apart from being a glorified Honda CR-V in 3-Series money.

Acuras of today are adopting to their Precision Crafted Performance mantra but it's the facelifted ones like the MDX, the TLX, and the RLX are getting those new faces and no matter where you're looking at, they look a bit more average because of their age. Since this RDX is all new, this is the first time an Acura underwent a full model change to don the Precision-inspired face and by the looks of it, this glorified Honda CR-V never looked so alive, although the rear view looks like it came from the Subaru Impreza, if you know what I mean.

2019 Acura RDX interior

2019 Acura RDX interior

Inside, the new RDX looks like it was copy-pasted from the Lexus NX because the dashboard looks pretty much like the NX as they said. Getting clueless about that NX-esque dashboard, the question of comfort is pretty much as decent as most crossovers. It's pretty nice to live with but because it has more boot space than the new QX50, you can hardly imagine where will you put it with that extra 11.8 cubic feet of space. Perhaps fill it with some jumbo-sized plushies you won at the country fair.

The new RDX is starting to drive like the very first one because the first generation had a 2.3L K23A1 Turbo I4 engine while the previous and rather disappointing second generation had a 3.5 L V6 engine. This one has a brand new 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine with 272HP of power while mated with a 10-speed automatic, which is four more than what the previous model had and before you can say "VTEC just kicked in, yo", please consider. While the new QX50 returns with 24/ 31 City/Highway MPG of fuel economy, the new RDX will return with 22/28 City/Highway MPG. That's about less than what it needs but there is more good news to the RDX because the old model featured a rather simple AWD powertrain which is somewhat average but for this one, they brought back the SH-AWD in the new model and with the SH-AWD armed, the new RDX is starting to feel like, well, you get the idea but it's starting to liven things up even in the rain. In the journey home, the AcuraWatch safety systems ranging from Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation, as well as additional tech, are on standby and although puzzling for speedo boys, these techs will make the journey home more secure even when it's dark outside and it's raining hard.

So, while the QX50 is considered to be efficient thanks to its game-changing VC-Turbo engine, the new RDX's revival to form is starting to get the best out of the QX50. However, while some suggesting that they're not good-looking crossovers and others labeled it somewhat a minority, which is going to be troublesome, consider the alternative a wild card for the day.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

2019 Lincoln Nautilus

This is the all-new Lincoln Nautilus and while the name sounds like a Pakistani beverage from the distant past, the Nautilus is a luxury crossover that has the ones I've mentioned above worth noticing because the starting price of $40,340 makes it the most expensive of the three. Sounds abysmal and then we go deeper into what is known to be a glorified Ford Edge with a Lincoln badge on it.

2019 Lincoln Nautilus interior

2019 Lincoln Nautilus interior

The old model, the MKX, is of course a glorified Ford Edge of some sorts but for the new Nautilus, Lincoln wants to elevate it to further heights and by observing the design, it's like the best of both worlds because as you can see, the exterior dons the Continental-style nose that served as the new face of the Lincoln Motor Company while the side view is reminiscent of today's Ford Edge and the rearview is a bit Porsche-ish. Overall, the Nautilus' design is pretty decent indeed. As for the interior, it's all the usual Lincoln interior that works pretty much like every new Lincoln I know and in the comfort zone, the Nautilus is surprisingly elegant to get yourselves cozy. Boot space, the Nautilus boasts 68.8 cubic feet so it may not be as spacious as the new RDX, it's got more room than the new QX50 and looks like the space issue is where the Nautilus sits at second place.

The standard 2.0L turbo engine with an 8-speed manual produces 245HP, which is the least powerful of the three and also the least fuel-efficient of the three with the EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 21 city/26 hwy/23 combined but what one thing the others don't have is that the Lincoln Nautilus can be fitted with a 2.7L V6 turbo engine producing 335HP of power and this is how the Nautilus will win a game of Top Trumps with that power output, although I'm not sure if the Nautilus is the clear winner per se but while the V6 turbo sounds irrelevant for some, the Nautilus finds itself struggling to keep up with its rivals in the dynamics department and while it is considered to be above average compared to them, there's a strong feeling that the Nautilus might be ignored by many just as many American carmakers getting slammed by Consumer Reports for being less reliable. Ouch.

So, there we are. To sum things up, the new QX50's VC-Turbo engine excels in being economical while the new RDX excels in the spacing issue and the new Nautilus, with its available V6 Turbo engine, is as American as it can get. Either way, these new crossovers are proof that the crossover outbreak is far from over. In fact, there are more on the way that will keep this pandemic spreading for many generations to come but in the meantime, feel free to enjoy what they offered just for you.

Photo: Infiniti, Acura, Ford Motor Company

Nissan Skyline V37 - 2018 minor change

2017 marks the 60th anniversary of the Nissan Skyline and the Japanese car company decided to blow the candle on one of Japan's well-respected cars in history by releasing a new model, well, what I say new, what they mean was they are giving the current V37 Skyline, the one with Infiniti badges on it for no reason, a minor change which features almost none of the bits as seen on the Infiniti Q50.

2018 Nissan Skyline

Once again, the Japanese car company continue to disappoint the Japanese public by not selling stuff that was made in Japan but sold in other countries except Japan and this latest 2018 minor change Nissan Skyline is the latest example of Japan's blatant trend. First off, with the advent of the Infiniti Q60, which is the two-door version of the Q50, which is the international name for the Skyline V37, Nissan refused to sell the two-door version despite the fact that it's made in Japan, another blatant example of Japanese cars that don't want to be Tomicanized since the Toyota Hilux, Honda Civic, Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the one that was used to be called the Nissan Dualis. What's next? The one used to be called the Skyline Crossover? The one that is now the all-new Infiniti QX50 with the world's first variable compression turbo? The engine the Japanese too afraid to show it?

Another blasphemy is the engine because in America and Europe, the latest version of the Q50 has the new, fire-breather 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine that produces more power than the old 3.7L V6 engine it replaces. Sadly, Nissan also declined the engine as well, which is another act of cowardice for Japanese car makers these days, which involves afraid to sell global automotive stuff in their home market even though they made it there. Anyway, let's not get bogged down on Nissan's latest act of cowardice because while Nissan's too afraid to show what's new worldwide for the Japanese public, let's observe what's new on the 2018 minor change.

Of course, the 2018MY Skyline still bears Infiniti emblems but what's new in the exterior is the bumper design, set of wheels, and new rear lamps. In addition, there is now an Infiniti badge at the back of the car. Something they should have done a very long time ago.

2018 Nissan Skyline interior

On the inside, there are small changes occurred such as the steering wheel, the gear level now donning the Infiniti logo on the top, and the instrumental panel. Despite some subtle changes, it's still surprisingly as posh as its European rivals and the added wood trim adds a nice touch to the Skyline's well-proportioned interior.

Like I mentioned, Nissan declined to offer the firebreathing V6 turbo engine that the Q50 had in the world market and instead, they've retained the choice of a 3.5L V6 Hybrid and a Mercedes-Benz-sourced 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine. This “Intelligent Dual Clutch Control” Hybrid System has been around since the Fuga and it still works as it promised, balancing performance and efficiency at the same pace. It produces a total output of 364PS of power and for honest reasons, the fuel efficiency based on JC08 mode standards is 17.8km/L.

The Mercedes-Benz-sourced 2.0L Turbo engine for the 200GT-t variant, meanwhile, produces 211PS of power and 350Nm of torque while delivering a fuel efficiency of 13km/L by JC08 mode standards. Most of the variants are mated to a 7-speed AT.

Also, the Skyline still retains the breakthrough Direct Adaptive Steering which breaks away from mechanical components and uses technology to steer with precision, delivering precise handling and quickly communicates road surface feedback to the driver, but it has been recalibrated for better adaptability.

For safety, the 2018MY Skyline now features a wide array of safety features such as Active Lane Control, Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Emergency Braking, and Predictive Forward Collision Warning. Couple these with an array of tech in store and the result is a much safer Skyline that you can really drive with confidence.

The 2018MY Nissan Skyline starts at 4,164,480 to 5,840,640 Japanese Yen, which sounds quite a lot but competitively priced between the European opposition. So, while Nissan set another example of their cowardly acts not to sell the Infiniti Q60 as the Skyline Coupe as well as the 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine along with it, the V37 Skyline has been upgraded to make sure it still wants to be accepted by the public even though 2017 is already the year of the Skyline. It maybe a somber way to blow sixty candles but this is just enough to cater this occassion, unless Nissan learns to break the mold and become one with the world market to sell other Skyline versions such as the coupe based on the Infiniti Q60 and the crossover based on the new Infiniti QX50. The more you know.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Forza Horizon 3: The car that would be the new Skyline Coupe

Last time, I drove the one-off, GT-R-powered, Skyline saloon called the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept while moaning about how Nissan execs complaining to other people to stop including the R35 GT-R to the Skyline timeline in the same way that today's WRX is part of the Impreza bloodline even though two cars are now separate models. As true experts know, the "real" Skyline timeline started out as a midsize family saloon and continues all the way to the current Skyline known to many as the Infiniti Q50.



Continuing the Skyline's 60th anniversary celebration, I was in a middle of a quick thinking that the Q50 (which is a V37 Skyline to the Japanese market) did have a coupe version called the Q60. Since no production-spec Q60 on sight, because the Forza producers are too coward to feature it, I'm only stuck with this 2015 concept car as seen from the 2015 NAIAS but don't worry, it's almost as close to the real one.



While this is basically the concept version of the car that would be the V37 Skyline Coupe, it's been powered by its next-generation 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine generating 400HP of power and same amount for torques. This kind of engine powers not just the production version Q60 but also the Q50 as well, although Nissan has no plans to offer the turbocharged V6 model to the Japanese model as of now. A turbocharged V6 engine with 400HP of power is what you called, in Infiniti terms, the 400 Red Sport, and it has some bits and bobs sourced from, you guessed it, the Nissan GT-R. No wonder they christened the engine code VR30DTT and it comes with two kinds of configurations with the lesser one produces 300HP of power. Need I say more?



A turbocharged V6 engine may sound like the future is happening now but when revving, this engine sounds like the it came from the RB era of Nissan sportscars. It maybe feels modern for a turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine but it sounds very old school and that's a good thing. It's a shame that the Japanese will be missing out on this engine at this moment in time but no time to rest, let's drive it to the place "where Skylines belong". You get the point but let's do it in honor of the Skyline's 60th anniversary!





The job is over but the celebration continues. I may wish that Nissan should bring the new Skyline Coupe (now based on the Infiniti Q60) to the Japanese market along with the 400HP turbo V6 engine, which makes a nice addition to the four-door saloon model, but like all good historians, the story continues because there are still a handful of Skylines that needs to be driven in the Land Down Under while honoring the Skyline's 60th birthday with a little storytelling.

Forza Horizon 3: Which one is real?

2017 marks 60 years of Nissan Skyline and it's also 10 years of the R35 GT-R and while JDM fanatics are honoring the Skyline's 60th birthday this year, some Nissan experts are annoyed that most car enthusiasts are always putting the R35 GT-R in the history of Nissan Skyline rather than the V35 Skyline, which was known to some as the Infiniti G35, the V36 Skyline known by some as the new Infiniti G37, and the latest V37 Skyline known as the Q50 in saloon and Q60 in coupe. So, have you ever seen the Nissan Skyline timeline that has the R35 GT-R on it that annoys most Nissan execs?





To find out why, I'm driving this one-off Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, which is basically a V37 Skyline with bits and bobs from the Nissan R35 GT-R on it. So, you might be thinking why the folks from Nissan want people to stop calling the R35 GT-R a Skyline and instead focus on the "real" history of the Nissan Skyline? Well, some people don't understand Japanese cars to the fullest or that's because to them, the Skyline is the epitome of the JDM car empire and when the GT-R emerged at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, most folks still call it a Skyline in the same way today's WRX STi is still called an Impreza by car enthusiasts, not Subaru.

Both the Skyline and Impreza started out in life as normal everyday cars so it's understandable that some people still call these latest hi-po JDM cars the names that no longer bear from its predecessors. Anyway, when the folks from Nissan's Infiniti brand developed this one-off Skyline, they believed that this kind of trend will stop. Although this one-off never saw the light of day, it's proof that they made a car that can break many barriers for the Skyline nameplate and show world what the Skyline is capable of rather than being Nissan's 3-Series killer.



Nissan noticed people calling the R35 GT-R a Skyline rather than focusing on modern-day Nissan Skylines and used it as motivation to build this one-off powered by a 560HP VR38DETT engine sourced from the R35 GT-R while mated to a 7-speed DCT as well as Intelligent AWD and the Skyline's trademark Direct Adaptive Steering. With the Eau Rouge, Nissan wanted to change people's perception of the Skyline name by all means necessary.





Weird. What I have here is a battle between the car that is meant to be called the Skyline and the other that doesn't really bear the Skyline name from its predecessors and the venue for this place is, you guessed it, the Skyline View Circuit segment of the Surfers' Paradise. Get it? This is like a matchup between Yo-Kai Watch's Walkappa and Faux Kappa, with a tasty twist on it. With the V37 Skyline modified to have R35 GT-R bits on it and the "real" GT-R in place, let's find out which one is real.



And now the results...

2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge (560HP/442ft-lb/3,836lb/57%/3,800cc/A 798) - 1:14.741
2017 Nissan GT-R (565HP/467ft-lb/3,933lb/54%/3,799cc/S1 861) - 1:10.070

So, despite everything I've witnessed between these two, it's a clear reminded that the GT-R did separated from the Skyline range in the same way what happened between Subaru's Impreza and WRX STi. It's proof that these guys know how to separate the men from the boys and because this R35 GT-R is quicker than the Skyline with the same engine from it, it's a point that will have Nissan execs want people stop putting the R35 GT-R in the Nissan Skyline timeline. A point that they will have it mentioned during the Skyline's 60th anniversary celebration.

There, it's easier to said than done but there's one Skyline I want to show you later on but for now, this will serve as a motivation that for 60 years of Nissan Skyline, the trend of putting the R35 GT-R on the Skyline history has to stop and understand the real history of the Nissan Skyline; from the Prince Skyline saloon of 1957, all the way to the Infiniti Q50 saloon that was called the Nissan Skyline V37.

Happy 60th birthday, Skyline!

Infiniti QX30

Infiniti's first-ever compact, the QX30, comes in two different forms; a hatchback look for those who are a bit of a city folk and a crossover look for those who got their hands busy on all kinds of stuff. Whichever the QX30 will lead to, how it behaves as a compact is a very different experience compared to any other Infinitis in the range so what is it about the QX30?

2017 Infiniti QX30

2017 Infiniti QX30

In its basic form, the QX30 is basically front-wheel drive and styling wise, a normal QX30 looks very conservative to look at but when you give it four-wheel drive, the QX30 looks as rugged as compact crossovers you are familiar with. Although unconventional, the way the QX30 behaves isn't somewhat remind you any Infiniti you know. In fact, spoiler alert, it's basically a Mercedes-Benz underneath because it was utilized on the same platform used on the current-generation A-Class as well as the GLA-Class compact crossover so in theory, it behaves like a front-wheel drive Mercedes. There's no telling the difference between this and the A-Class it was based upon.

2017 Infiniti QX30

Because the new Infiniti QX30 is based on the same platform used on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, you might going to expect that this car behaves like a European luxury hatchback and it does...slightly. It maybe subtle, it maybe refined, and it may somewhat be comfortable but in terms of being a fun-to-drive car on a day-to-day basis, the QX30 doesn't feel like any other Infinitis of today, giving you a stark reminder of rethinking of what Infiniti should be as a luxury car brand that lives up to its "empowering the drive" catchphrase. Still, with all that Mercedes magic, it could use a little German lessons on how to act like a German car even though this is basically based on a German car.

As a front-wheel drive car, the QX30 feels very shallow for an Infiniti to be more engaging as any other luxury hatchback but as a four-wheel drive crossover, the QX30 feels like tomorrow's another day. No matter the weather, the QX30 feels like it leaves drivers a slight smile on their face, no matter the odds. Either side, the QX30 is just an Infiniti made for the commoners in the same way their first front-wheel drive car, the Primera-based G20 does.

What's under the hood, the QX30 comes with the same two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine as expected on the Mercedes A-Class. It produces around 208HP of power and it's mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox., which isn't half bad for an Infiniti but it can be a lot jerky on your personal taste. At first, it may sound peppy when you put your foot down but as the drive gets longer, the more you'll starting to realize that it can get dreary for too long unless you want to keep this hatch to the groove.

2017 Infiniti QX30 interior

So far as hatchbacks come and go, the new QX30 range is stylish, technological, and as luxurious as it should be for a Mercedes A-Class in Infiniti's clothing and with the starting price of 29,950 US Dollars, it's the most affordable Infiniti you can buy. Sounds like a bargain for a luxury hatchback but with all that generous pricing comes with average dynamics that is considered to be a commoner rather than viewing it as an car that is very exciting to drive as any other luxury hatchback. Although the QX30 is classified as a crossover in Infiniti's sales manuals, it's basically a hatchback in two different levels to choose from and whichever QX30 you went to, you get the feeling that it drives like a Mercedes rather than an Infiniti.

Photo: Infiniti

Infiniti Q60

From concept to reality, the brand-new Infiniti Q60 marks a brand new turn for Nissan's luxury brand as it readies to "empower the drive" for luxury car buyers looking for a luxury sports coupe that will give the Germans a run for their money. Ready or not, the new Q60 will give the stern Japanese car enthusiasts a taste of what will their new Skyline Coupe will look like.

2017 Infiniti Q60

Although this is an all-new model and a two-door derivative of the Q50 saloon (which is sold in Japan as the Skyline), the Q60 name is not new to us because that was once used on the previous Nissan Skyline Coupe V36, once called the Infiniti G37 Coupe until the name change. Now that the Q60 is the two-door Q50, it features all of the stuff that you get from the Q50 saloon while delivering that sporty feeling that you get from most Germans.

The Q60's exterior design is almost similar to the concept car last year, making it an undeniable proof that the are some good cars trying to inspire its design from concept cars, not like Subaru that features a much exciting concept car at first but made it into production with such bland results.

2017 Infiniti Q60 interior

The interior looks very similar to the Q50; the dashboard, the two monitors, the a/c, everything, but the Q60 is themed to be a sportscar rather than a sports saloon and even though it's got two doors, it's still has room in the back as long as they can survive squeezing through the back. Also, it's boot space is big enough for stuff to go golfing. For a sportscar of such caliber, it's all business as usual for the new Q60 coupe.

2017 Infiniti Q60

For a two-door version of the Q50, the new Q60 still has that clever Direct Adaptive Steering which delivers precise handling and quickly communicates road surface feedback to the driver but this is a brand new update to this clever steering stuff. It can now steer quicker and smoother as before and when driving on unstable roads, it constantly, automatically, making subtle changes for better stability, while decreasing feedback and vibration through the steering wheel. It's got a dynamic digital suspension which can change how it drives at the push of the button or it can adapt through different behaviors while cornering or going through unstable road conditions. It feels somewhat robotic, if you know what I mean?

The Drive Mode Selector offers over 336 customizable driver settings that can tailor your driving style based on its steering, engine, and suspension inputs. It can be very complicated to fiddle it on your own but if you're not sure how to fiddle it, you can select between Standard, Snow, ECO, Sport, and Sport+. This is like changing the settings of your TV set by color, contrast, brightness, warmth, etc.

Under the hood, the Q60 offers a powerhouse cast of turbocharged engines and because these turbocharged engines are proven to be quite a charm for the Q60, they can be carried over to the Q50 as well. There's the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz and the brand new 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine featuring friction-reducing technologies, and new cooling and valve timing systems. In the high-end Red Sport 400 variant, that bumps up to 400HP of power while promising a 26MPG HWY fuel consumption. They;re all mated to a 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control.

2017 Infiniti Q60

The Q60, as a luxury car, offers a wide array of safety tech such as Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Haptic Feedback, Blind Spot Warning, and the brand new Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. This new update alerts the driver to moving objects detected within the display image, delivering a better perspective around the driver.

The starting price for the new Infiniti Q60 is $38,950 for the 2.0L model while the 3.0L model starts at $44,300. The Red Sport 400, the one with the 400HP 3.0L V6 turbo on it, is priced at $51,300. With that pricing, that puts it within reach of rivals such as the BMW 4-Series, Audi A5, Mercedes C-Class Coupe, and the Lexus RC.

What can I say about the Q60? Well, with the concept-turned-reality design inside and out, a wide selection of turbocharged engines with no-nonsense performance, and its dynamics that really cater the driver very well, this could be one of the best luxury sport coupes ever sold to the market today and I believe that Infiniti manage to get things right to deliver a sports coupe that delivers the right amount of performance to please the car enthusiasts everywhere. I am very desperate for one of these right now.

Available colors: Dynamic Sunstone Red, Midnight Black, Majestic White, Iridium Blue, Hagane Blue, Liquid Platinum, Graphite Shadow, Black Obsidian, and Pure White.

Photo: Infiniti

Forza Motorsport 6: The Infiniti Q60 Concept

Through the coming months in Forza Motorsport 6, there will be content updates that will address some minor bug issues as well as some other improvements that will keep the game running smooth. Aside from the content updates, there will be some surprises in store and this is the first car players got since its first content update, the Infiniti Q60 Concept car.



Premiered at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the Q60 Concept previews Nissan's luxury brand's two-door four-seater coupe that is set to replace the V36-spec G37 Coupe (known in Japan as the Nissan Skyline Coupe) in the foreseeable future.

Combining striking elegance from its signature design that adorned most Infinitis since the Q50 (Skyline V37) saloon as well as Infiniti's inspired performance courtesy of its next-generation 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine generating 400HP of power as well as Direct Adaptive Steering that gives full control of the car's tire angle and steering inputs, the Q60 is a vision of a sports coupe that combines the best qualities that makes a sports coupe stand about the rest.



So, what can I say about driving Infiniti's radical concept coupe? Well, for starters, it's not bad when you take it on a track with some normal conditions but when things get wet, you need to be pretty precise because its Direct Adaptive Steering might experience a few kinks when it gets into something wet. Although the sound of its V6 twin turbo engine is what you called artificial, it has enough go juice to keep on going until you hit the brakes. Even when I find it problematic to handle on a wet lap, it;s Direct Adaptive Steering feels very communicative every time I turn this car to the nearest corner. Same thing as experience with the Q50 from a distant past but you get the idea.

Let's give this one a go round the Top Gear Test Track, I presume?



After a wet lap round the Top Gear Track, the Q60 Concept did it in 1:33.099, which isn't so bad for a concept car that will preview the next Skyline Coupe in the foreseeable future.

Nissan Fuga Y51 -2015 facelift-

2015 Nissan Fuga

The second-generation Nissan Fuga has now been facelifted for the 2015 model year and just as what happened on the latest-generation Skyline, this latest facelift now wears a new exterior design as well as the use of Infiniti badges for no reason and that's pretty much it. Believe it or not, this facelifted Nissan Fuga was sold globally as the Infiniti Q70, the new name for the Infiniti M a few moments ago following Infiniti's new naming structure that began with the Q50, which is the V37 Skyline saloon.

Perhaps now, you will no longer call it a Nissan or an Infiniti Q70 if you're in Japan right now. It's now just Fuga for the meantime because even with the Infiniti badges slapped on it, it's too significant for Nissan to ditch the Fuga nameplate anyhow.

2015 Nissan Fuga

2015 Nissan Fuga interior

Anyway, the facelifted Fuga draws its inspiration from its little brother, the V37 Skyline, judging from its exterior design. One look and you will notice that it's like its little brother accidentally took the blue pill. On the inside, there's nothing new about it. You still have a well-crafted wooden trim, an optional VIP package that features a rear-seat entertainment system, Fine Vision gauges, a 7-inch full-color vehicle information display, CARWINGS navigation system, a BOSE Surround Sound System, and pretty much about it. Yep. Nothing's new about the insides.

2015 Nissan Fuga

Engine choices remained the same. You can still choose between the entry-level 2.5L V6, 3.7L V6, and the top-of-the-line 3.5L V6 hybrid. All of these engines are mated with the 7-speed automatic gearbox while 3.7L variants get an optional Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

New for the 2015 minor change is an array of safety systems available such as Predictive Forward Collision Warning system, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Pedal, Around View Monitor, Backup Collision Intervention, and Forward Emergency Braking. These tech features really made the new Fuga more aware of its surroundings regardless of any direction it's on.

The new Fuga starts at 4,104,000 up to 6,874,869 Japanese Yen.

Available colors: Premium Brown, Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant Silver, Crystal White Pearl, Dark Blue, Garnet Black, Super Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Gran Turismo 6: Chaparral 2X vs. Infiniti Concept

Two new Vision GT cars have arrived in the latest GT6 update. One represents the future of Inspired Performance while the other revives a legendary marque that Gran Turismo fans truly remembered for its bizarre aerodynamics. The Infiniti Concept VGT and the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X VGT are now here and here's your chance to try out these two new machines only on GT6.



Let's talk about the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X first and this Vision GT could be our new favorite because for the first time, this concept racer features a unique powertrain that no racecar in the history has ever done before. Don't be surprised but this racecar's powered by laser pulse shock waves generated by an advanced propulsion system made by Chevrolet. That's right. This car's laser power...and it's diabolical indeed. The laser pulse shock wave generates an equivalent of 905HP of power and because it weighs 405kg, its power-to-weight ratio is on its explosive levels. Yes. Calculate that and that power-to-weight ratio is an exploding 2011 horsepower-per-tonne. WOW! No such car can get that kind of ratio! Not even the Bugatti Veyron!

Apart from its unique powertrain, it comes with a very unique cockpit where the driver has to lie down like a flying squirrel to operate it. That driving position looks awkward but when it's already in motion, this driving position for a future racing machine is worth thrilling. It's like you're on a free-fall from the sky, except you're going horizontally.

The bodywork is made up by its "layup schedule" which lets the whole structure to act alongside with its suspension and its super-ridged propulsion structure ensures optimal thrust parabola to the laser pulse cone. With the combination of the multi-vane adjustability and the lower Thrust Vectoring panel, the Chaparral 2X provides a greater downforce that fits on any track.

It's the hallmark of Jim Hall's legacy of motorsport innovation that was carried from his past creations such as the 2D and the 2J.



Now, let's talk about the Infiniti Concept VGT. You see, a group of a well-talented and creative men behind the project have been gathered at the Infiniti Design Beijing studio to design this one-of-a-kind Infiniti machine that carries out the luxury marque's Inspired Performance tagline. With its beautiful silhouette and its monstrous performance, this one-of-a-kind Infiniti dream machine liberates every driver to experience the full freedom of driving on the open world. The folks from Beijing worked really hard to bring this fantasy machine into virtual reality at their own hands and they did. Needless to say, this car is surprisingly Asian because this GT machine is packed with the "motorsport passion of Asia".

This car is rear-wheel drive and it's powered by a 4.5L V8 engine, which is the kind of engine Nissan no longer makes, and it's connected with an electric motor and a battery. Which means that the Infiniti Concept VGT is a hybrid sportscar with the combined power output of 535HP while mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Because it weighs 1680kg, the power-to-weight ratio is over 335 horsepower-per-tonne. That's more than what the TVR T350C gets. Not only that, its weight distribution is well-balanced enough to have this car do drifting on the corners just for fun.

With me being one of the many GT6 players who acquired both of these machines via Seasonal Events, I think it's time for me to compare these two and to do that, I went to Suzuka Circuit with the 2014 update in it, Yep. The revised one with the same layout as before.




First up is the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo. Because of its balanced weight distribution, this car feels so well-balanced on its mobility and it's very stable as well, although a little too much might cause some oversteer, suffering its lap time record until you can counter it. Still, this is a lot fun to drive than any other European VGT concepts I tried over a few months. There's no need to fighting over to get it through the bends and it feels so...easy to drive even for a rookie.



Now, for the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X. The sound of the laser generating is like fireworks on New Year's Day or some popcorn popping when you get the hammer down but despite its popping-like sound from the laser, it's probably hard to handle when going too fast, giving it a tendency to understeer. Even this car is a concept machine, its mobility and stability are on the same level as a NASCAR, so if you're a rookie, this racing machine is not recommended but if you're a highly skilled driver, it's just fine. The trick is not to overdo it aggressively when cornering because this is highly difficult to corner when going too fast.

After driving these two, here are the results:

Infiniti Concept VGT - 2:09.378
Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X - 1:39.758



Yes. This Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X is almost half a minute quicker than the Infiniti Concept VGT but it doesn't matter. Those records didn't matter to these anyway but what matters most is that these machines truly demonstrate the future of driving in different but exciting ways. The Infiniti Concept VGT ventures to the future of the brand's Inspired Performance tagline while the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X puts a new twist to the legendary motorsport marque with three unique features; its powertrain, its driving position, and its aerodynamics.

Hope you'll look forward to driving both of these new VGT machines only on GT6!