2015 Infiniti QX80 redesigned, has better ride, more technology

Infiniti QX80 redesigned, has better ride, more technology
Infiniti QX80 redesigned, has better ride, more technology
Infiniti QX80 has a bold chrome grille flanked by xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated fog lights.

The 2015 Infiniti QX80 looks more powerful than last year’s model thanks to a redesign that also gave the big SUV a stiffer frame for a better ride and a broad array of new technology.

The new QX80 does have an excellent combination of power and luxury, and the new front and rear end design adds an element of strength to the equation. A bold chrome grille is flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights.

The QX80 has a stiffer frame that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise and vibration, and it has a hefty 8,500-pound towing capacity — when properly equipped so you can haul just about any trailer or boat. It seats seven adults and as many as eight with the available second row 60/40-split-folding bench seat replacing the standard captain’s chairs and center console.

The QX80 is loaded with the latest technology, including available Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, Front Pre-Crash Seat belts and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

There also is a standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, a Bose 13- speaker Premium Audio System and available Bose Cabin Surround Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers, and an available Theater Package with dual seven-inch color monitors.

Nissan’s flagship SUV has advanced engine and transmission designs that deliver a combination of power, efficiency and refinement. The 5.6-liter 32-valve 400 hp DOHC aluminum- alloy V-8 features Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system. The VVEL system combines hydraulic controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to improve performance and response. The system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control. The engine delivering fuel economy of 14/20 mpg combined for both the 2WD and 4WD models.

All 2014 QX80s come equipped with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). It is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti’s All-Mode 4WD system with Auto, 4H and 4L modes.

The MSRP on the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is $71,000.

[author image=”http://www.samaonline.org/Ron.jpg” ]Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.[/author]

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