The official off-line ceremony was presided over by Carlos Ghosn, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., and Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Ltd.

The Q50 is the first in the new generation of Infiniti vehicles. The company said it sets fresh benchmarks in the areas of emotive styling, advanced technology and performance.

Premiered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the Q50 is at the heart of Infiniti’s new model line-up. The Q50 will include a hybrid version.

“Thanks to the skill and constant focus on performance improvement, Tochigi has a global reputation for producing top-quality vehicles. Year after year, Tochigi sets the benchmark for manufacturing quality standards,” said Ghosn. “With the Q50, once again the Tochigi team has showcased their skill and expertise and proven the power of Japanese monozukuri.”

De Nysschen added that the Q50 was the opening salvo in Infiniti’s new product portfolio under the “Q” naming structure which was launched in December last year.

Three-time Formula One World Champion, Sebastian Vettel, played an active role in the testing and evaluation program of the Q50 in his capacity of Infiniti’s Director of Performance.

Vettel will assist in shaping the performance dynamics of Infiniti’s future model line-up.

The all-new Infiniti Q50, which will go on sale in the summer, is available with a V6 3.5-liter gas-electric hybrid powertrain and a gas 3.7-liter powertrain.

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The Q50 will be offered with a choice of a 3.7-liter V6 or 3.5-liter Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The base Q50 will start at $36,450 while the hybrid version will start at $43,700.

“From world’s first technologies to unmatched levels of connectivity and personalization, the 2014 Q50 sports sedan is a bold example of Infiniti’s future brand direction,” said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore.

According to Infiniti, two new world’s first production performance technologies make their debuts in the Q50 – Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering technology and Active Lane Control.

The new steering system allows advanced control of the Q50’s steering effort and responsiveness, transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system. Four different steering settings are offered, allowing customization by driver preference or road conditions.

The Active Lane Control uses a camera-based lane marker detection system to further enhance on-center driving capability and improve vehicle stability within the lane.

Suggested M.S.R.P.s for the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid sports sedan are as follow:

Model                                                      MSRP

Q50 Hybrid Premium                         $43,700 USD

Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD              $45,500 USD

Q50 Hybrid Sport                                $46,100 USD

Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD                     $47,900 USD

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The Infiniti Q50 is the first Infiniti Q car to take the Geneva spotlight. An all-new sedan for the premium D segment, the Q50 is on show in Geneva in 3.5 Hybrid form and also, enjoying its world premiere, as the Q50 2.2d.

The 2.2d is powered by a new 2.2-liter diesel engine.

The Infiniti Q50 is the first Infiniti to benefit from the brand’s collaboration agreement with Daimler AG. The 2.2-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has been modified by the Infiniti engineering teams to ensure engine response is in line with Infiniti’s emphasis on performance.

It is the same engine used in certain C and E-class Mercedes.

The engine offers power and torque while retaining a low CO2 output, which positions the Q50 at the centre of the premium saloon market in Europe.

Infiniti’s first four-cylinder diesel engine provides 170 horsepower, 295 pound-feet of torque and low emissions starting from below 115g/km of CO2.

Both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed automatic will be available with the diesel engine and have been tailored to Infiniti’s specific requirements.

Infiniti engineers spent time making sure then diesel engine feels different from its Mercedes version, with faster response in keeping with the sportier drive characteristics Infiniti requires. Although power is essentially the same, the manner in which these maxima are achieved is unique to Infiniti. This has been achieved not just by digital remapping but a considerable amount of re-engineering.

Unique Infiniti engine parts include air inlet, intercooler, low-pressure fuel system and after treatment system, oil pan, engine mounts, and engine control unit (ECU). Visible engine items are in addition unique to Infiniti. The engine block, turbocharger, exhaust and injection system are shared with the Mercedes-Benz version.

The second version of the Q50 for Europe is the Q50 3.5 Direct Response Hybrid.

Infiniti believes its accelerative ability will guarantee it a place in the top echelons of European high performance sports sedans.

With 0-100km/h (60 mph) estimated to be well under 5.5 seconds. it is likely even to outperform its big brother, the Infiniti M35h, which is currently listed in Guinness World Records as the world’s fastest accelerating hybrid car.

The 364 horsepower Q50 3.5 Hybrid shares the same dual-clutch Direct Response Hybrid system and 7-speed automatic transmission as the M35h, but with changes to improve performance, extend its electric-only range and allow for an outstanding cargo capacity for a hybrid in this class.

Infiniti estimates the Q50 hybrid fuel consumption on the combined cycle to be at 6.2 l/100km (45mpg) and CO2 emissions under 145g/km.

The Q50 3.5 Hybrid will be available in both rear and all-wheel drive forms in Europe.

The Q50’s styling with distinctive human eyes-like headlight and “Double Arch” grille is similar to what has been shown in North America.

Infiniti said the Q50’s world-first technologies such as Direct Adaptive Steering, and a digital environment are promising unprecedented levels of customization and distinguish Infiniti’s most European car yet.

Infiniti is showing a taste of the future in the form of the LE Concept. Infiniti’s first 100% electric car, the dramatically-styled LE Concept proclaims “dynamic luxury” far more than “electric vehicle”, something the production version – due in under two years’ time – will maintain. As an Infiniti, driving pleasure and performance will be uppermost.

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The global launch of this G37 successor had been held in Detroit earlier this year.

Being the first vehicle to bear Infiniti’s new nomenclature, Infiniti said the Q50 is also a showcase of the brand’s future design, performance and technology direction.

“The new nomenclature reflects Infiniti’s desire for clarity and cohesiveness, as we embark on ambitious growth plans, including significant expansion of our portfolio,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “The all-new Q50 offers world’s first technologies intended to enhance driving experience, and sets the brand’s course for further advancements in design and performance.”

Two new world’s first production performance technologies make their debuts in the Q50 – Infiniti Direct Adaptive Steering technology and Active Lane Control.

The new steering system allows advanced control of the Q50’s tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver’s intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system.

The Infiniti Q50 is available with a choice of a 328-horsepower 3.7-litre V6 or new Q50 Hybrid featuring Infiniti’s Direct Response Hybrid System with Intelligent Dual Clutch Control.

Both Q50 models are available in rear-wheel or Intelligent All-Wheel Drive.

“Infiniti continues to push the boundaries of design creativity in the premium segment and with the new Q50 we take another great leap in terms of proportion, Infiniti-ness and premium quality,” said Taro Ueda, Vice President, Nissan Design America (NDA). “The new design language comes mainly from the Infiniti Trilogy concept cars. A more dynamic, sporty appearance, an unmistakable character to the front end and an energetic profile are exterior highlights. Inside, hospitality and a seamless connection to information resonate. I am proud to be here in Toronto to present the all-new Q50.

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The hybrid version of the Q50 is expected to be displayed. Marking the start of a new-generation of Infiniti Q models, the Q50 for Europe will also include the first fruit of the co-operation agreement with alliance partner Daimler AG.

Technical details of the Q50 for Europe will be announced at Infiniti’s Geneva press conference to be held also on March 5.

“The Infiniti Q50 is a world-class sports saloon with an engine line-up that will clearly demonstrate its intentions to be a major player within the European premium market,” said Bernard Loire, vice president, Infiniti Africa, Middle East and Europe (AMIE).

The Infiniti Q50 marks a new design direction for the Infiniti range as well as a new naming nomenclature – all of which in future will bear a Q for sedans and coupes or a QX badge for crossovers and SUVs.

The Q50 features the world’s first Direct Adaptive Steering technology.

On top of the Q50, Infiniti’s Geneva show stand will feature the LE Concept, Infiniti’s first 100 percent electric car.

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