[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he 2015 Infiniti QX80 is an excellent combination of power, strength and luxury and it has a new look this year with an entirely remodeled front and rear end. The new design conveys a sense of power and strength, with a bold chrome grille flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights. An Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers is also available.
Features
Key features on the new QX80 include a stiffer frame that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness. But the big SUV has a hefty 8,500-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped), so you can haul just about any boat or trailer; and it seats seven adults comfortably — as many as eight with the available second row 60/40- split-folding bench seat replacing the standard captain’s chairs and center console.
On the inside
The QX80 is loaded with the latest technology, including available Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, Front Pre-Crash Seatbelts and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS). There’s also a standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, an Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, a Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System and available Bose Cabin Surround Sound System with digital 5.1 decoding and 15 speakers, and an available Theater Package with dual seven-inch color monitors.
Under the hood
Nissan’s flagship SUV has advanced engine and transmission designs that deliver a combination of power, efficiency and refinement.
The 5.6-liter 32-valve 400 hp DOHC aluminum- alloy V-8 features Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system. The VVEL system combines hydraulic controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to improve performance and response. The system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non- VVEL designs) by reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low. The DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control. The engine is rated at of torque, while delivering fuel economy of 14 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined for both the 2WD and 4WD models.
All 2014 QX80s come equipped with a standard seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM). The QX80 is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti’s proven All-Mode 4WD system with Auto, 4H and 4L modes.
Pricing
The MSRP on the 2015 Infiniti QX80 is $71,000.
[author image=”http://www.communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Grant-Miller-4-C.jpg” ]Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.[/author]
