The 2015 Infiniti Q70's 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 engines are equipped with the VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) system.
The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine's throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.
The Q70 3.7 model's 3.7-liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 is rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm. The engine also features rigid ladder frame construction, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system.
The Q70 5.6 model's 5.6-liter VVEL, 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (compared to a non-direct injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offered more precise injection control.
All 2015 Infiniti Q70 models come standard with Infiniti's refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are also included in the Sport Package.
Estimated fuel economy is rated at 18 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 and 17 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway for the Q70 3.7 AWD.
The Q70 5.6 is rated at 16 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway, while the Q70 5.6 AWD achieves fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
A unique feature of the 2015 Q70 is Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.
The system also adjusts Active Trace Control and Eco Pedal settings (available with Technology Package). In addition to the standard mode (suitable for normal driving conditions), the fuel-efficient Eco mode utilizes green or amber indicator on the instrument panel to provide feedback on driving efficiency. The Eco Pedal system also provides feedback directly through the accelerator pedal, giving a slight pushback if driving inefficiently. The Sport mode increases throttle sensitivity and changes transmission shift patterns for sportier driving.
The Q70 utilizes Infiniti's advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle, resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance. Laser welding is performed at critical locations to help enhance lateral bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and suspension mounting point stiffness (versus the previous design).
The Q70 suspension features an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been designed to provide a quiet, comfortable ride. The Sport Package's sport-tuned suspension includes double-piston shock absorbers that provide a high damping force at low frequency vibrations for a flat ride and low damping force at high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.
The Infiniti Q70's large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to enhance performance. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 245/50R18 all-season performance tires are offered on all models. Unique split 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive 245/40R20 low-profile tires are available with the Sport Package (summer performance for RWD, all-season for AWD). In addition, the Performance Tire & Wheel Package offers split 5-spoke 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with 245/40R20 all-season performance tires.
Every 2015 Q70 utilizes standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Sport Package includes larger 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors with 4-piston front/2-piston rear opposed calipers.
The steering system is an electronically controlled vehicle-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion design. Every Q70 includes Infiniti's advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). VDC automatically adjusts brake pressure and engine torque during certain situations where the vehicle is near its handling limit, helping the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. An advanced Active Trace Control system, included with the Technology Package, helps enhance the transition from braking into and then accelerating out of corners. The system utilizes the Q70's VDC system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes so that load is increased on the front wheels. The system also modulates engine torque.
The Active Trace Control system also applies selective braking to help create increased steering response in S-turns and other steering operations. When Sport mode is engaged (on the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector), the level of braking applied by this feature is reduced.
For drivers seeking the enhanced performance of all-wheel drive, the Q70 3.7 AWD and Q70 5.6 AWD models feature Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.