The QX60 is Infiniti’s base three row crossover which has been first announced back in 2011. The car is sharing its platform with the Nissan Pathfinder which received a large update a few months ago. This update never came for the Infiniti which made many of us thing that they have bigger plans for the car. It seems that the upcoming 2018 Infiniti QX60 might be a totally redesigned model.
It should get Infiniti’s new design scheme, new engines, a much stiffer platform as well as a lot of improvements inside the cabin. Even though the car has not been confirmed, a concept is expected next year with the release for the production car being expected at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2017.
The details
As we previously mentioned, it seems that the upcoming QX60 might be based on an entirely new platform. Some rumors suggested that instead of using the same front wheel drive D platform, they might go for the same chassis that underpins the Q50.
This would mean that the next QX60 would be moved to a rear wheel drive chassis which would make quite a bit of sense. The modified FM platform of the Q50 would easily fit the size of the QX60 while giving it superior performance.
2018 Infiniti QX60
However, the new platform would likely mean that the QX60 will get slightly larger than before as well as a bit more aggressive. All of these would make it a perfect competitor for cars like the new Audi Q7 or even the future Lexus GX which should make use of the same type of chassis.
The price is unknown at this point but some suggested it may get more expensive. It should allow Infiniti to offer more equipment and better engines on the base models.
2018 Infiniti QX60 Design
Because the 2018 Infiniti QX60 is expected to get the rear wheel drive design, it means that it will likely look radically different. For starters, the new platform likely means a slightly longer front end.
2018 Infiniti QX60
Some people also suggested that it will get slightly wider but it will be just as long and tall as before. These small changes will make the new QX60 seem like a more nicely balanced car than before. The actual interior space is expected to be roughly the same as before.
The car will still continue to offer up to seven seats. However, a six seats version is also a real possibility now when there are competitors offering such features. In terms of design we do expect an evolution of what is currently available on the Q50.
2018 Infiniti QX60
This means a less vertical dashboard that will be a lot more similar to that of a regular sedan. This should make it nicer to drive as well as more comfortable during long drives.
Under the hood
The current model is being powered by a 3.5 liter naturally aspirated V6. This is neither the most powerful or efficient engine out there.
In order to compete with cars developing in excess of 500 horsepower, the new 2018 Infiniti QX60 should receive an all new engine. This is very likely going to be their new 3 liter twin-turbo V6 which debuted on the Q50.
2018 Infiniti QX60
This engine can currently make either 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque or 399 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Even though it is not that well known, it is actually a downsized VR38DETT which is the engine from the Nissan GTR.
In the QX60 we would likely see both versions mated to a seven speed automatic. Rear wheel drive will be standard on all versions of the car. An all wheel drive system, similar to that of the Q50, should be offered as an option across the range as well.
2018 Infiniti QX60 Video
