Infiniti Q50 To Get Mercedes-Benz 2.0T in 2016

[wemay]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car...inder-for-2016/

As we've expected for some time, Infiniti will finally add a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Q50 sport sedan's engine roster for 2016. Currently available with just two powertrains, an aging 3.7-liter V6 and a hybrid setup using the same six but with a clutched electric motor embedded in the transmission, the Q50 since its introduction has been without a fuel-efficient turbo four like that found in competitors from the BMW 3 Series to the Cadillac ATS and Audi A4.

More than merely checking a box, Infiniti's move to install a turbo four—sourced from Mercedes-Benz, no less—shows that the company takes seriously the less-than-glowing reviews we and other outlets have given the Q50 since it replaced the better-to-drive G37. In addition to adding the 2.0-liter turbo four, Infiniti also has announced other yet-to-be-specified improvements to the 2016 Q50 lineup as a whole. We wouldn't be shocked if those upgrades included a better electronically assisted steering setup, not to mention the twin-turbocharged V6 slated for the upcoming Q60 coupe. Full details on the new turbo four—and the Q50's other changes—will be released later this year.

From: Car and Driver

 

[JHZR2]

I find it hard to believe that Nissan can't make a decent 2.0T type engine.

I also find this Q model nomenclature scheme stupid and confusing.

Oh well.

 

[EdwardC]

I agree with both. Nissan's made quite a few turbo engines before, I don't see why they wouldn't be able to make their own.

I hadn't kept up with Infiniti's nomenclature, but I checked their site a few weeks ago, everything starts with a Q now??

 

[wemay]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I find it hard to believe that Nissan can't make a decent 2.0T type engine.


You and me both. Especially since Renault (Renault-Nissan Alliance) makes decent 4-cylinder engines.

 

[DoubleWasp]

Nissan has no experience making a refined turbo 4. They know it will get a death sentence from the mag guys if it isn't smooth as silk. They've already seen other turbo 4 luxury cars get trashed on for this very reason.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: wemay
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I find it hard to believe that Nissan can't make a decent 2.0T type engine.


You and me both. Especially since Renault (Renault-Nissan Alliance) makes decent 4-cylinder engines.


We have had a few people on here lose their Nissan engines. And isn't the turbo, DI 4 cylinder in the Juke known for timing chain issues?

 

[Andrew1972]

Small potatoes brand in the US selling 100kish vehicles overall for 2014. They are smart to outsource whatever they can stick into cars and buy time to develop something across platform.

 

[Leo99]

I'd rather have the V6.

 

[wemay]

I have always been a fan of the VQ sixes. I find it ironic how all the magazines laud that platform one year (and every year of its production) but at the hint of its replacement, call it outdated.

 

[chrisri]

MB is using a Renault Kangoo for its badge engineered Citan van. Maybe in the future will see more of component / chassis sharing between them.

 

[dareo]

Wow, they made the FJ20DET and SR20DET decades ago and have to get someone elses turbo engine today? Nissan died in my mind around the time Ghosn took over and made them "profitable" (Cheap).

 

[nthach]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2


I also find this Q model nomenclature scheme stupid and confusing.



Infiniti has struggled in comparison to say, Lexus or even Acura. Even though the public quickly knew early Acuras were basically JDM Hondas with left-hand drive and didn't compete directly with Mercedes/Audi/BMW/Jaguar. Lexus did most things right from the start(even though their print marketing did mention Toyota) but Infiniti botched their marketing campaign.

 

[artificialist]

Seems like Nissan can't make a good GDI turbo engine.
The VR38DETT is not GDI and it is durable. There were at least 15 other non-GDI turbo engines that Nissan made and were durable.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: wemay
I have always been a fan of the VQ sixes. I find it ironic how all the magazines laud that platform one year (and every year of its production) but at the hint of its replacement, call it outdated.

Exactly. They went from calling the 3.7 L the best thing since sliced bread to it being outdated, antiquated, and whatever other terms they came up with, all within a couple years.

 

[wemay]

Originally Posted By: Garak
Originally Posted By: wemay
I have always been a fan of the VQ sixes. I find it ironic how all the magazines laud that platform one year (and every year of its production) but at the hint of its replacement, call it outdated.

Exactly. They went from calling the 3.7 L the best thing since sliced bread to it being outdated, antiquated, and whatever other terms they came up with, all within a couple years.


I even think it made Wards top 10 for many years. Just silly! Although they were leases, i miss the M37 and the EX35 before that. Never an issue, great engine sound, 330 and 295hp, decent mpg for what they were and reliable.
Another term i laugh at is when i read, "now 25% more rigid due chassis tweaks." ...every year!

 

[3for3]

I remember the days when you could tell someone you drove a "Q" and they knew you were talking about the cool Q45. Now, if you say you drive a "Q" no one would know what the heck you drove exactly. A "Q" could be a half dozen different Infiniti vehicles now: Q40, Q50 Q60, Q70, big sedan, medium sedan, coupe, convertible, Hybrid, SUV...what a mess.
"I drive a new Infiniti, lets just leave it at that, I don't have time to explain which one" is what it would boil down to.

 

[Anthony]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Seems like Nissan can't make a good GDI turbo engine.
The VR38DETT is not GDI and it is durable. There were at least 15 other non-GDI turbo engines that Nissan made and were durable.


Nissan has an Awesome GDI in their lineup. The VK56VD 5.6 liter V8 that powers the QX80 SUV, formerly the QX56, as well as the Q70 Sedan formerly known as the M56.

Nissan can make their own 4 cylinder, but they have a partnership with Mercedes. These Mercedes engines will be built in a Nissan Tennessee plant so Nissan definitely has their hands in this engine.

 

[Andrew1972]

Originally Posted By: Anthony
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Seems like Nissan can't make a good GDI turbo engine.
The VR38DETT is not GDI and it is durable. There were at least 15 other non-GDI turbo engines that Nissan made and were durable.


Nissan has an Awesome GDI in their lineup. The VK56VD 5.6 liter V8 that powers the QX80 SUV, formerly the QX56, as well as the Q70 Sedan formerly known as the M56.

Nissan can make their own 4 cylinder, but they have a partnership with Mercedes. These Mercedes engines will be built in a Nissan Tennessee plant so Nissan definitely has their hands in this engine.


Fuel pig vk56 according to owner I know. I think that is Infiniti issue they did not realize brute power is out and efficiency with punch is in currently.

 

[Anthony]

Originally Posted By: madRiver
Originally Posted By: Anthony
Originally Posted By: artificialist
Seems like Nissan can't make a good GDI turbo engine.
The VR38DETT is not GDI and it is durable. There were at least 15 other non-GDI turbo engines that Nissan made and were durable.


Nissan has an Awesome GDI in their lineup. The VK56VD 5.6 liter V8 that powers the QX80 SUV, formerly the QX56, as well as the Q70 Sedan formerly known as the M56.

Nissan can make their own 4 cylinder, but they have a partnership with Mercedes. These Mercedes engines will be built in a Nissan Tennessee plant so Nissan definitely has their hands in this engine.


Fuel pig vk56 according to owner I know. I think that is Infiniti issue they did not realize brute power is out and efficiency with punch is in currently.


The VK56 in the QX80 SUV is rated 20 mpg hwy. Not the segment leader, but not bad either for 400HP, and 413 ft lbs of torque. I LOVE my VK56. It does just as well or better than the Lexus LX570 with Toyota's 5.7.

 

[Xeno]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I find it hard to believe that Nissan can't make a decent 2.0T type engine.

I also find this Q model nomenclature scheme stupid and confusing.

Oh well.


I agree on the Q name change. But Nissan is more than capable of building a refined 4 pot engine, they just figured this deal was more economically efficient, meaning:

opportunity cost of building new 2.0L T > outsource engine from Mercedes.