2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe - testdrivenow.com Quick Takes

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe Offers Unique Exterior and Interior Treatments, 348-Horsepower V6 and Tuned Suspension

The Infiniti Performance Line™ was introduced in 2010 as a way to push the premium performance envelope for Infiniti buyers seeking a higher level of exclusivity and driving exhilaration. Four years later, there are two models in the IPL portfolio, both renamed for 2014 – the Q60 IPL Coupe and the Q60 IPL Convertible. Both models bring together styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, and ride comfort with confident handling.

Built on an Unmatched Foundation – The Infiniti Q60 Coupe
The 2014 Q60 IPL Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti Q60 Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The Q60 IPL Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and round chrome exhaust tips. Each part is shaped to accent the Q60 Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling. Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires, the Q60 IPL Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude. The 2014 Q60 IPL Coupe is offered in just two exterior colors: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

The Q60 IPL Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red. All Q60 IPL Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk-Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

The 12-way power driver and 8-way front passenger seats feature 2-way adjustable head restraints and a unique rear-seat access system (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are standard with the 7-speed automatic transmission. Other standard features include Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and power sliding glass panel moonroof.

The Q60 IPL Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning, and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The Q60 IPL Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity.

The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes. The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note. The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a non-IPL Q60 Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.

As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the Q60 IPL Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

Equally inspiring is the Q60 IPL Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort. The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while minimizing uncomfortable vibrations. Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the Q60 Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%. Shock tuning has also been adjusted.

The Q60 IPL Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes (14-inch front, 13.8-inch rear) with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Technological and convenience features include standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Remote Keyless Entry system, a power tilt/telescoping steering column with increased travel, illuminated glove compartment and automatic temperature control.

Also standard is SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and an 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”® by Bose® with a 3-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers.

The Q60 IPL Coupe’s standard Infiniti Navigation System features NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information, NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide and touch screen.

Every 2014 Q60 IPL Coupe offers a long list of standard safety and security features, including an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, driver and front-passenger knee bolsters, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).

The 2014 Q60 IPL Coupe is available in two fully equipped models: Q60 IPL Coupe and Q60 IPL Coupe 6MT. Along with its close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with short shifter lever, the Q60 IPL Coupe 6MT replaces the foot-operated parking brake with a hand-pull parking brake. There are no options.