cars news 10: We Hear: Infiniti Working on Variable Compression Ratio Tech

Infiniti will bring out a replacement for its aging QX50 crossover by late next year or early 2018, according to Autocar. The small crossover may receive Infiniti’s revolutionary new V-6 engine with variable compression ratio technology, the report says.

When it arrives in Infiniti’s lineup, the engine should be the first V-6 of its kind in the world. Sources say it’s close to production, and that it should offer “high levels of refinement,” as Autocar put it. Other than these few details, we don’t know much about the upcoming engine.

The Infiniti QX50 currently offers a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 325 hp and nets 17/24 mpg city/highway. It was refreshed with a few updates for 2016, but it hasn’t been completely redone since its debut for the 2008 model year, when it was called the EX. Although we don’t know exactly what to expect from the replacement, the QX Sport Inspiration Concept that debuted at this year’s Beijing auto show may provide some hints as to a future design direction. The concept featured dramatic exterior lines and a free-flowing dashboard, and likely previews the replacement for the QX70.

Infiniti has ventured on a healthy product roll-out spree, entering new segments with the Q30 hatch and QX30 small crossover this year. Meanwhile, the automaker has also updated its Q50 lineup with new engines for 2016. A Q60 Coupe is also coming to market soon, and it should provide a much-needed update to the current Q60, which is almost a decade old.

Source: Autocar