Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Infiniti Killing QX70, The One You Know As The FX




It was Infiniti鈥檚 most interesting SUV, and now it鈥檚 gone. The QX70鈥攖he renamed FX鈥攈as been axed from the lineup, effective immediately. It was first reported by Automotive News and since confirmed by Car and Driver that there will not be a 2018 QX70. The model may return someday, but if so, it will be in a much different format. When it originally made its debut back in the 2003 model year as the FX, the sporty crossover SUV鈥攚hich Infiniti nicknamed the Bionic Cheetah鈥攚as one of the original performance-themed fastback-coupe utility vehicles. Recently, however, others鈥攃hiefly BMW and Mercedes-Benz鈥攈ave copied and improved on the idea it championed, and the QX70 lately has been seeming old, as we mentioned in our most recent review. The Automotive News report also noted that the QX70 could potentially make a return to luxury automaker鈥檚 lineup but in a much different form. The QX70 stands out with its sporty looks and gets much of its performance credibility from its rear-drive-based powertrain, but the future version could be derived from the Nissan Murano, which has a front-wheel-drive platform. Infiniti would neither confirm nor deny this part of the report. The moves are all part of the brand鈥檚 overall shuffling of its entire SUV lineup. First up is a new QX50, then a revamped QX80, which was previewed by the QX80 Monograph concept. Last year, Infiniti also showed the QX Sport Inspiration concept, shown below, which was billed as the 鈥渘ext-generation mid-size premium SUV.鈥?That could potentially preview the aesthetics of the future QX70 but is too small to be its exact replacement. Expect more updates in the coming auto-show season.





But if beautiful handling isn鈥檛 enough, and you have the money, you can upgrade with three-mode adaptive shocks, a torque-vectoring system to tighten the cornering lines, with an electronically locking rear axle differential that evens the power on the road. And adding the Sport Chrono package makes it still sharper. The standard 19-inch wheels carry wide tires, 235/55 front and 255/50 rear, but you can size up to 21, or down to lightweight 18-inch wheels at no cost. We like that latter idea, believing that 18-inch wheels are big enough for a compact crossover, especially considering they weigh less, which quickens the suspension response. The Macan Turbo brings scalding acceleration, effortless grip, and impeccable balance, while popping off a lot wastegate noise and a deep-throated exhaust note. It鈥檚 impossible to get it flustered. Paddle down and crank out of a corner, and it shuffles torque to the outside wheel after a moment of mild understeer. The brakes are massive 14.2-inch rotors with six-piston calipers, same as the GTS and a half-inch larger in diameter than the other models.





That air suspension with adaptive shocks isn鈥檛 just for lowering the car to make loading heavy things easier; it also raises the ground clearance from 7.5 to 9.08 inches. So it鈥檚 pretty much necessary if you take the Macan off road, where, almost amazingly, it鈥檚 comfortable. All Macans have an off-road mode that reprograms shifting patterns and torque distribution at speeds up to 50 mph. And with 7.8 inches of ground clearance and hill-descent control, the Macan S will follow a Land Rover Range Rover Evoque into and back out of the nearest bog. The air suspension also lowers the car by 0.59 inches for better aerodynamics and fuel mileage at freeway speeds. The Porsche Macan really has no peers. You don鈥檛 have to go beyond the entry-level Macan, with its torquey 2.0-liter turbo four, quick 7-speed twin-clutch, and all-wheel drive. Add great looks, beautiful handling, and offroad ability. The other models with their bigger V6 engines do have a peer: the bigger Porsche Cayenne.





All the payments and pricing posted on this website are subject to bank or loan approval, availability, and are subject to change at any time without any notice. Pictures are for demonstration purposes only, many of the specials on this website are for the entry level car, please contact one Omega Auto Group's auto brokers for details. Please call Omega Auto Group to get an exact quote and the details for each and all specific offers, as well as vehicle availability. Must qualify for all factory incentives as many of the listed specials include factory incentives which affect the payment. The payments do not include tax, title or registration fees. Omega Auto Group's negotiated price and availability is subject to change at any time without any notice. Omega Auto Group will do everything in their power to maintain accurate information but we are not liable for any mistakes, typos, errors or pricing fluctuations due to external factors. Omega Auto Group is a licensed and bonded auto brokerage company based in Thousand Oaks, California, walking distance of the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall. We broker new and used vehicles. We serve all cities and states.





Having been out of the mid-size coupe game for several years, Audi is back with a vengeance! With the arrival of the high-zoot S5 this past fall and the smaller engined A5 this spring, there is now another choice for those in the market for the sporty GT style of vehicle. The main competitors would be the Mercedes CLK, which is due for an update soon, as well as the new BMW 3 series coupe. And now for the really nerdy tech part (you can skip over this if you prefer): The S5 is powered by a 4.2 L V-8 generating 354 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels and the transmission is available in 6-speed manual or automatic. Upon seeing this car for the first time I was impressed by its striking looks - pictures do not do it justice. The S5 is one of those cars when viewed from any angle has presence and flow of design. The interior is up to the task as well, meeting Audi鈥檚 recent standards for design and build quality. The leather sport seats are a delight to both the eye and the touch in high quality Napa leather. All the lust factor options are available, such as Audi鈥檚 MMI controlled navigation screen and an audiophile grade Bang & Olufsen 14 speaker, 505 watt sound system. And does this sexy coupe drive as good as it looks? With plenty of smoothly delivered power on tap throughout the rev range and a better steering feel than recent Audis, you will be pleased. And now for the negatives: This car drinks gas! If you want to be a miser at the fuel pump, look elsewhere. 50,500. Audi has stiff competition in this niche, and because of that fact we feel they would have drawn even more interest with pricing a bit lower. Only time will tell if it will be a sales success for the four rings.

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