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of shapes. The Beijing unit is
cited for being more daring as
car ownership becomes more
widespread throughout China,
while the San Diego studio
capture's California's carefree
lifestyle and Mexican infuences
as Infniti expands south of the
border.
The Atsugi facility near Tokyo
oversees the process and works
closely with advanced engineering
to ensure emerging technologies
are refected and integrated into
new designs.
INFINITI 2.0-16
The next-generation of Infniti
cars and crossovers take their
cues from recent concept models
for the Q30, Q60 and QX30, as
well as the Q80 design study. The
concepts feature bolder exterior
styling, with fuid lines, sloped
windshields, elongated headlights,
sculpted fanks and coupe-like
profles.
The 2016/2017 rollout started with
the just launched QX50 crossover.
Styling changes are minimal, but
the new model adds value and
much-needed rear-seat room.
The production version of the
compact Q30 was revealed at the
2015 Frankfurt auto show and is
due to hit the streets in Europe later
this year, followed by a mid-2016
launch in the U.S. A by-product of
Renault-Nissan's partnership with
Mercedes, the sporty Q30 shares a
front-drive platform with a variety
of compact Mercedes models,
including the tiny A-Class.
No major changes were made to
the 2016 QX70 crossover, while
the QX80 adds new "signature
edition" packages. Production of
the Q40 sedan and Q60 coupe and
convertible has been discontinued.
The Q50 sedan will get a turbo-
charged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Other upgrades will be announced
in December.
The QX30 crossover is planned
for a mid-2016 launch. The rest of
the updated lineup, including the
Q60 and QX60, will be revealed
throughout 2016.