PREVIEW
The 2014
Infiniti Q60 convertible is a new name for what Infiniti previously
called its G37 convertible. The name change is pretty much just that, as
this year's car isn't really any different from how it was before. This
means it's an appealing upscale sport convertible that offers a nice
blend of performance and luxury, although practicality suffers somewhat
in the process.
If you're
interested in a luxury convertible with a performance edge, the 2014
Infiniti Q60 convertible should be your kind of car. It boasts a
powerful 330-horsepower V6 engine and sharp handling inherited from the
Nissan 370Z on which it's based. Add the Q60's flowing lines and
muscular haunches and an interior wrapped in high-quality materials and
filled with the latest high-tech features, and you have a car that
delivers a very agreeable balance: It has athletic moves on winding
country roads and head-turning style and sophistication around town.
Compared to
the traditional soft tops on other luxury convertibles, the Q60's
retractable hardtop also pays dividends, as it seals out unwanted noise
and nasty weather while adding an extra measure of security. But that's
about where the Q60's practical nature ends. To accommodate the folding
roof, the Q60 gives up a lot of rear seat and cargo space. The trunk is
small to begin with, and even smaller when you push the button that
lowers the top and stacks its three sections neatly beneath the trunk
lid.
Granted, all
convertibles require some level of sacrifice in exchange for the joys
of al fresco motoring. But some ask you to give up less. We would
suggest checking out the new 2014 BMW 4 Series, as it offers comparable
performance and handling while still maintaining a respectably roomy
rear seat. And if a more relaxed top-down cruising experience is more
your thing, the 2014 Audi A5 convertible would be a very good choice,
even with its soft-top design. Still, the 2014 Infiniti Q60 convertible
should satisfy those shoppers desiring a luxury convertible with a
performance edge.
FEATURES
The 2014
Infiniti Q60 Convertible seats four and comes in three trim levels: Q60
("base"), Q60S 6MT and the performance-oriented Q60 IPL (Infiniti
Performance Line).
Standard
equipment for the base Q60 includes a fully powered retractable-hardtop
roof, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, heated
power-folding mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic
climate control, leather upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats,
cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview
camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a
six-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio and an
iPod/USB audio interface.
Most options
are grouped into packages that require you to add the previous package
in order to get the next one on the list. This hierarchical structure
starts with the Premium package, which includes rear parking sensors,
heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory functions, driver
two-way power lumbar, a power-adjustable steering wheel and a 13-speaker
Bose audio system specially designed for use in a convertible. Next up
is a Navigation package that adds a navigation system with voice control
and Bluetooth audio connectivity.
Only after
you've ponied up for both of the above can you get the Sport package,
which includes 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires (available
separately), sport-tuned steering, upgraded brakes, unique bodywork and
sport seats with power-adjustable bolsters and thigh support for the
driver. Last but not least is the Technology package that includes
adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, pre-crash seatbelt
tensioning, automatic wipers and an upgraded climate control system with
an air purifier.
The Q60S 6MT
includes the Premium, Navigation and Sport packages as standard, but
exchanges the automatic transmission for a six-speed manual. The top IPL
trim features similar creature comforts while pushing the performance
envelope with a more powerful engine, a sport exhaust, more aggressive
suspension tuning, quicker steering, larger brakes, aerodynamic
enhancements and unique badging.
INTERIOR
The 2014
Infiniti Q60 convertible's interior is a near-ideal blend of form and
function. The design is stylish without being overly fussy, and the
leather upholstery and optional wood trim give the space an upscale
vibe. Standard climate and audio controls operate intuitively, as does
the available navigation system. The iPod integration and the optional
Bose audio system are among the best we've tried.
Up front,
the standard seats offer good comfort and support. The available sport
seats feature more substantial side bolsters designed to keep your
backside planted during aggressive driving, but they may be a bit of a
tight fit for larger individuals. You're not going to want to put an
adult in either of the rear seats, though they provide a handy spot to
stash large purses and laptop bags.
Having this
extra storage capacity will likely come in handy, as the trunk offers
10.3 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up, which is enough to
squeeze in a couple of golf bags. Lower the retractable hardtop and
you're left with just 1.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which is
substantially less room than you get in most competitors.
UNDER THE HOOD
Powering the
base Q60 and Q60S 6MT models is a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 330 hp
and 270 pound-feet of torque. The base model comes standard with a
seven-speed automatic transmission, while the Q60S 6MT is only offered
with a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all Q60
convertible models.
The EPA's
estimated fuel economy comes in at 20 mpg combined (17 city/25 highway)
with the automatic and 19 mpg combined (16/24) with the manual. In
Autoexpress performance testing, a Q60 convertible with the automatic
went from zero to 60 mph in a quick 6.0 seconds.
The Q60 IPL
convertible uses a modified version of the 3.7-liter V6 that has been
tuned to produce 343 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed
automatic is standard here. Despite the increase in power, though, don't
expect the IPL to be much quicker than the base model. In our testing
of various Q60 coupes, the regular and IPL versions turned in identical
0-60 times.
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