The Address Magazine Nov-Dec 2013 #92: The Winter Issue

From top — The Q50 Hybrid sports a powerful 3.5-litre V6 paired to a smart
lithium-ion battery; both front seats are ergonomically shaped to hug both driver
and passenger while cornering.
Opposite page — Access to all key controls is designed so that the driver does
not need to change driving posture; Kacchu aluminum and genuine maple wood
trim add a touch of elegance to the interior
← In fact, rumours abound that for relatively straight roads,
the car can quite capably drive itself without much input.
In case you are worried that this might take all driving sensation
away from the driver, the system was developed with
input from three-time F1 champ Sebastian Vettel (who is used
to his share of technical wizardry in his cutting edge race car)
to ensure the best combination of safety, comfort and driver
engagement. Speaking of comfort, the car comes standard
with plush leather heated seats, sat-nav, a power moon roof,
LED headlights, a 14-speaker Bose stereo system and of course
that satisfying vacuum-sealing thump of a luxury sedan door
closing. Its revised intake and exhaust system, in addition to
further isolation and insulation measures, reinforces the laying
down of the Q50’s gauntlet to challenge other continentals.
But what truly makes this car at one with the world is
its concern for its well-being, and at the same time, its understanding
of the human condition – namely the need for
speed. The Infiniti Q50 Hybrid’s swooping looks are not just
for show – the sheetmetal body is aerodynamically sculpted
to register a minute 0.26 coefficient of drag, which means it
will cut through turbulent air quicker, while using significantly
less fuel. Under the bonnet, it sports a 3.5-litre V6
and a lithium-ion battery boasts a max efficiency EPA fuel
economy of 36mpg, as compared with the standard car’s
30mpg. While hybrid engines are hardly a breakthrough,
this one merges a 296-horsepower V6 to a 67-horsepower
electric motor, generating a net total of 354 horsepower, or
amazingly, 26 horsepower more than the standard Q50. Despite
its environmental credentials, this green monster will
get you from 0–100km/h in less than 5.5 seconds.
Pair its whiz-bang technical wizardry with a surprisingly
reasonable price tag, and you will find that this is a car that
will eat up tarmac while leaving the leaves on the trees, and
is guaranteed to get you home in style, wherever your home
might be.
76 TA | nov/dec 2013