New Infiniti QX50 revealed – and the ENGINE’S the star

The new Infiniti QX50 has been revealed, complete with a new platform and world’s first variable compression ratio petrol engine in a production car.

The new Infiniti QX50 SUV is due to get its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show next week, but ahead of that we get our first look at Infiniti’s new crossover – and its very clever new engine.

Built on a new platform which offers front wheel drive and a four-wheel drive option, Infiniti say it offers better packaging for best in class space in the cabin and boot, a 23 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity and a 6 per cent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency.

But even though the new QX50 offers plenty of improvements on the current car, it’s the new variable compression ratio petrol engine which is the really interesting thing.

It’s a 2.0 litre petrol turbo dubbed VC-Turbo which can alter its compression ratio as it works in a range from 8:1 to 14:1, promising both performance and economy.

With up to 268bhp and 280lb/ft of torque, the new engine gets the QX50 to 62mph in 6.3 seconds, but it’s the diesel-like economy it promises which is more impressive.

Infiniti say the FWD QX50 is around 35 per cent more economical thanks to the new engine, with the 4WD versions 30 per cent less juicy.

Other technology on offer includes ProPilot autonomous support technologies.

Full Details will be revealed when the new QX50 is revealed next week in California.