What Makes Infiniti the Best Luxury Brand

The guts of a vehicle can make all of the difference. No matter how exciting a car may appear, if it doesn’t deliver, it’s often considered a failure – the classic “Iron Duke” Camaro was weighed down by a horsepower-deficient four-cylinder engine, and more recently, Honda’s attempt at recapturing the fun of the CRX in the new CR-Z fell short due to an engine that was lackluster. At INFINITI, the goal is not only to provide a luxury car, but also provide one that is enjoyable and entertaining to drive. The best way to do that? Create an engine that is worthy of being named to Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list. more The Award-Winning Engine Introduced into the Q50 sports sedan and Q60 sports coupe models, the VR-Series 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine has been named one of the top ten engines for 2017. Two versions of the engine are offered, a base configuration producing 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or high-performance version turning out 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. In either configuration, it was noted that the VR-series engine produced smooth, immediate response under acceleration as well as available power throughout the rev range of the engine. Lightweight aluminum construction and low mechanical friction doesn’t just provide increased performance, but also helps to curb noise, vibration, and overall harshness. The immediate response is also aided by a new direct-injection gasoline fueling system that was developed specifically for this engine. The VR also drew some notice for being an improvement over the previous high-performance Q50 engine, a 3.7-liter V6, by not only being more powerful but also being more fuel efficient. From the 3.7-liter to the VR, the Q50 has seen a 6.7% improvement in fuel economy. Editorial director Dave Zoia was beaming about the V6, saying “Silky smooth, quiet when you want it to be and capable of delivering some pretty respectable fuel economy numbers. We're thinking the new VR engine just might be a dynasty in the making.” What is Ward’s 10 Best Engines? Every year, Ward’s AutoWorld magazine tests a wide variety of vehicles and engines and lists their 10 favorites. While some magazines center on the vehicle as a whole, Ward’s breaks down certain components and compares them – after all, you can have a bad engine in a good car, or a good engine in a car that is undesirable. Over a two-month testing period, the editors of the magazine evaluate engines against a number of objective and subjective criteria, things such as noise, vibration, and harshness levels, technical relevance, power and torque output, and other basic comparative numbers. There are no instrumented tests done. This year, the field included the ten winners from the previous year, the VR-series twin-turbo, and over 40 new or significantly-improved engines. To make this short list, the engine must be available in regular-production vehicles on sale in the U.S. market, and must be available in at least one vehicle with a base price of no more than $60,000 in 2015, increasing by $200 every year. This prevents limited-edition engines and supercars from dominating the production-minded, widespread engines. Ward’s seems to really like the Q50 – this honor for the engine comes close on the heels of Ward’s naming the vehicle as one of its “10 Best User Experiences” for the year. Here at Sawgrass INFINITI we like the Q50 as well, and see it as a driving force for the merging of luxury and sport into the future. Don’t take our word, or Ward’s – stop by our showroom at 5801 Madison Avenue in beautiful Pompano Beach, and take one of our VR-powered engines out for a test drive to see for yourself.

Are you in the market for a new crossover SUV? There is no shortage of options available to you, and many makes and models offer appealing features and bold styles. However, only one model won the award from the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) for being the best SUV/crossover. This star car was the Infiniti QX30. To understand what an honor this is, you must learn about the prestige that belongs to the GAAMA. While the word "Atlanta" might make you think that the GAAMA only matters in the South, that isn't true. In fact, an Australian website even mentioned the honor the QX30 received at the recent Atlanta International Auto Show. There were more than 400 cars at the show, each of them under the careful scrutiny of automotive experts. The QX30 proved to be the true champion of its class. more What makes the QX30 so special? An Opulent Interior From the moment you open the door of the QX30, you'll be struck by its elegant interior design. Gorgeous asymmetric lines mesmerize the eye, and top-notch materials invite you to climb in and relax. The seats are supple Napa leather, and the dash also boasts this same luxurious material. Other surfaces feature a material called Dinamica, which mimics the look and feel of suede. Infiniti tested this material with hundreds of people to make sure it is pleasing to the touch. Four different interior color schemes are available, ranging from daring black to welcoming white. Ergonomically designed seats enhance the driving experience. A Dashing Exterior Infiniti is known for its sporty exterior designs, and the QX30 is no exception. It is big enough for your whole family and your cargo, but it still manages to call sports cars and racing to mind. The aerodynamic design, complete with exclusive 19-inch sport wheels, will leave everyone in your neighborhood jealous even before you start telling them about this crossover's other impressive features. A Sporty Performance Of course, looks alone aren't enough for a vehicle to earn an award from the GAAMA. The QX30 has a 2.0-liter turbo engine that comes with more than 200 horsepower. That, combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a drive mode selector, will make the QX30's drivers feel like they truly rule the road. Other performance-pumping features include sport suspension, nimble handling, and intelligent power steering that is more sensitive at lower speeds and less sensitive at higher speeds. Another notable aspect of the QX30's performance is its available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The AWD delivers half of the power to the rear wheels only when driving conditions require it. Otherwise, the control remains in the front wheels. This increases the vehicle's fuel efficiency while still delivering the control you need on slippery surfaces. Sophisticated Technology As you would expect from Infiniti, the QX30 comes loaded with a bushel of tech features, foremost of which is the Infiniti InTouch system, which allows you to look at emails, text messages, and your calendar — all from the vehicle's touchscreen. You can also use voice controls or the Infiniti Controller. InTouch also comes with navigation so you'll never get lost when you head out for your annual family vacation. A Bose audio system will keep you entertained even on those days when you head to Miami and have to deal with traffic that never seems to end. The QX30's technology makes the driving experience safer and smarter. Twelve sensors around the car can let you know if that parking space you're eyeing is big enough for your four-wheeled baby. The QX30 can even parallel park itself. Do you have trouble remembering to turn your high-beams off when there is oncoming traffic? The QX30 will take care of that for you. The above features are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the QX30's unbeatable technology offerings. Spoiled for Choice There are three different QX30s from which you can choose: QX30. No one would ever call an Infiniti "basic," but the regular QX30 is as basic as this luxury vehicle comes. QX30 S. The S version has a lower stance and a more aggressive fascia on both the front and back. It looks even sportier than the standard QX30. QX30 AWD. This version has Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It sits a little higher than its counterparts and is better equipped for rural roads. The QX30 will hit dealerships later this year. When you test drive it at Sawgrass Infiniti, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

The Infiniti QX30 towers above the competition. As a premium, active crossover, the QX30 is uncompromising with superior refinement inside and out, progressive styling, and the latest technologies you simply won't find anywhere else -- but how does it stack up? We've pitted the QX30 against other leading vehicles to prove to you why Infiniti offers the best. more Infiniti QX30 vs. Lexus NX 200t Both the QX30 and NX 200t are the first of their kind, combining innovative technology, powerful engines, and progressive design in one pleasing urban package. While the Lexus NX 200t boasts a radical exterior, its interior is quite subdued. By contrast, the Infiniti QX30 boasts a bold look inside and out, offering head-turning features such as sport exclusive wheels, muscular proportions, and an overall design that refuses to conform. Both models offer similar engines resulting in 285 lb.-ft. of torque, but the QX30 gets the advantage thanks to intuitive traction, a fuel-efficient drive mode selector, a dual clutch transmission, and a continuous rush that can unleash torque at a much broader rev range. While the price of the QX30 hasn't been set yet, there's been talk on the Australian market of having a sub-$30,000 price tag, which translates to even less in the U.S. market. The 2015 Lexus NX 200t came with a starting price of $40,450. This means that if you wait for the new QX30, you can pay less and get more. Infiniti QX30 vs. BMW X1 Another model the QX30 will undoubtedly be pitted against is the BMW X1. The X1 is the quintessential Sports Activity Vehicle in that it offers best-in-class performance, ample headroom, and an impressive amount of cargo space for its size. With that being said, the QX30 has yet to debut, but it could end up stealing all of BMW's recognitions. The BMW X1 might offer more cargo room, but with a price tag of $34,800, you'll be paying for it. The Infiniti QX30 offers state-of-the-art seat ergonomics that give your spine maximum support and reduce muscle pressure, minimizing driver fatigue. You can also refine your QX30 to reflect your personal tastes. Choose from interior finishes in gallery white leather, café teak, black leather, and natural beige, all with premium stitching and finishes. The X1 lacks this kind of personal touch and comfort. Infiniti QX30 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a mix of hatchback and small crossover that failed to deliver. The 2015 GLA was among the most disappointing luxury vehicles, garnering a below-average rating from most reviewers. These reviewers called out the GLA's deafening wind and road noise, overly firm ride quality, slow transmission response times, and limited cargo capacity, which made the GLA-Class compact crossover review a disappointing dud. By contrast, anticipation for the 2017 Infiniti QX30 has been high. Reviews have consistently touted the QX30 as being a cut above the rest, and being a similar blend of hatchback and small crossover like the GLA, that's saying something. In terms of style, however, the QX30 is radically different from the GLA -- in a good way. A faux skid plate sits below the grille, while the vehicle's front is at once sultry and aggressive, making a clear statement. When the model debuted at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, the media went into a frenzy over Infiniti's new crossover darling, which is a sure sign of things to come. QX30 Specs The best way to compare these models for yourself is with a few test drives once the QX30 comes out. For now, at least, you can view the specs on paper and make an informed decision. The QX30 boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. While it might offer less horsepower than some of its rivals, the QX30 uses that power more efficiently thanks to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that pre-selects gears before shifting. This is an innovative technology you won't find anywhere else, and it's something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The QX30 also gives you plenty of convenience features, including two USB ports, Bluetooth streaming audio, and hands-free calling. Infiniti InTouch allows you to navigate unfamiliar streets, connect to your smartphone, and listen to playlists, all at the touch of a button. The Intouch system event adjusts to your preferences, giving you a more pleasant driving experience. Don't just take our word for it. Compare the QX30 against today's top-rated luxury crossovers, and see for yourself why Infiniti's latest model stands out