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Author: Olly

  • Preview: 2022 Infiniti QX55 crossover brings coupe-like styling, CVT for $47,525

    Infiniti on November took the covers off the QX55, a coupe-like crossover SUV due in showrooms in spring as a 2022 model.

    On Tuesday, Infiniti announced the stylish crossover will cost $47,525, including a mandatory $1,025 destination charge. That’s $7,000 more than the standard QX50 crossover SUV upon which it’s based.

    The QX55 targets vehicles like the Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4. Only one powertrain is on offer, a 2.0-liter turbo-4 good for 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    The engine features Nissan’s variable-compression technology designed to save fuel. It does so by altering the compression ratio between 8:1 (typical for high performance engines) and 14:1 (used by many manufacturers for high efficiency), depending on the driving style.

    The QX55’s styling up front is an almost exact match to the QX50, though things have been made bolder with a full-chrome grille and more aggressive designs for the side intakes. The real styling action is at the rear where a sloping roof leads down into a wide rump flanked by wraparound taillights. The taillights sport Infiniti’s new “piano key” graphic formed by 45 individual LEDs in each light cluster. The design was first shown on September’s QX60 Monograph concept.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    The interior design is also a match to the QX50, though naturally the QX55 has less storage due to its sloped roof. With the rear seats folded, you’re looking at 54.1 cubic feet versus 60 in the QX50.

    Buyers will be able to choose from Luxe, Essential and Sensory grades, with even the base Luxe grade coming with plenty of standard equipment. The list includes 20-inch wheels, aluminum dash accents, active noise cancellation, twin touchscreen displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple electronic driver-assist features. Just some of these assist features include blind spot warning and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. Nissan’s ProPilot system that can control a vehicle in a single lane is an available feature.

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    2022 Infiniti QX55

    Infiniti was a pioneer of the coupe-like crossover when it launched the original FX back in 2003, but surprisingly the automaker never expanded the concept to other segments. The key question is whether a new coupe-like crossover will propel Infiniti out of its recent slump and generate some hype. Infiniti’s lineup is now down to just six models, and the automaker’s future looks to be hinged on a range of models based on Nissan platforms. Time will tell if it’s a winning strategy.

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  • NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3: 992 TRACK WARRIOR IS HERE

    After much anticipation, the new Porsche 911 GT3 is here with a 4.0-litre flat-six, 503bhp and 347lb ft of torque.

    First up, some headlines. As mentioned, it retains a 4.0-litre flat-six engine as seen in the previous car but gets 503bhp and 347lb ft of torque. Opted with a PDK auto gearbox (a six-speed manual is also available!), it’ll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and go onto 198mph. The manual “makes do” with a 3.9 second 0-62mph sprint time but will go a touch quicker at 199mph.

    Those in the know will notice those performance figures are identical to the 911 GT3 Cup car, that’s because they’re directly linked. Other similarities to the Cup car include the bodyshell and almost replica suspension setup, according to 911 and 718 boss Frank Walliser. In fact, the front suspension has come directly form the 911 RSR endurance race car. Rear-wheel steering is also available.

    New Porsche 911 GT3

    Porsche has focused on trying to keep the weight down by employing the use of carbon fibre wherever possible, which includes in the front bonnet and rear wing. Despite the brake diamater being larger than on the previous generation car, Porsche says it weighs 17% less. The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 weighs 1418kg with a manual gearbox and 1435kg with the PDK. A sports exhaust will drop another 10kg if optioned.

    It’s worth noting now that the new Porsche 911 GT3 lapped the Nurburgring in under 7 minutes, 6:59 to be precise. A lot of that is down to some aerodynamic trickery. There are vents in the front bonnet, bespoke ducting above the engine compartment, a front splitter and a rear wing 20% bigger than its predecessor. In total, in comparison to the 991.2 generation, the 992 GT3 has 160% more downforce in sports mode and 50% more in normal.

    New Porsche 911 GT3

    What’s the new Porsche 911 GT3 like inside?

    Much the same as any 992 911 iteration. Similar options can be ticked for your preference, with more Alcantara in use. You can opt for a Clubsport package, which is a no cost option, that includes a roll-cage, six-point harness for the driver only, a fire extinguisher and a battery disconnect switch.

    New Porsche 911 GT3

    The rev counter also differs, adding a new set of dials that rev to 10,000rpm and includes a special track mode that keeps tabs on key performance data.

    How much is the new 992 911 GT3?

    Prices start from £123,100, with orders open now and deliveries starting in May 2021.

    New Porsche 911 GT3
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  • MCLAREN MCL35M F1 RACER REVEALED FOR 2021

    McLaren became the first F1 team to unveil its 2021 F1 race car with the Mercedes-AMG powered McLaren MCL35M.

    The car will be driven by a new driver pairing in Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris for 2021, with Daniel and Lando getting their first taste of the McLaren MCL35M during a testing session at Silverstone on February 16.

    Visually, the McLaren MCL35M looks almost entirely the same as the 2020 car, thanks to a ruling by the FIA that forced teams to use modified versions of their 2020 chassis ahead of the introduction of new cars in 2022.

    Underneath, though, there’s a pretty big change. McLaren announced that it would stop using the Renault power unit and instead switch pack to using Mercedes-AMG engines.

    McLaren MCL35M

    McLaren Team Principal, Andreas Seidl, said: “The entire team has worked hard over the short winter, together with our colleagues from Mercedes-AMG, to produce the MCL35M and provide a strong car for our drivers to race this year.

    “This has been no small challenge, and I want to thank every member of our team, whether at the MTC or working remotely, for the massive effort they’ve put in. Lando and Daniel will, I know, do their very best to represent the team out on track.”

    McLaren MCL35M

    The F1 2021 pre-season testing will take place at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12-14, with the start of the F1 season coming on March 28 at Bahrain.

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