The pioneering VC-Turbo engine and intelligent driving technology from Infiniti are turning heads at Auto Shanghai. With a strong showing in new automotive technology, and the "Power and Artistry" of the design of the QX50 Concept, auto fans see a clear direction for how Infiniti means to "Empower the Drive".

"Tech", said the automaker, including engine innovation and intelligent technology, is at the core of its sustained growth in China.

At the forefront of this strategy is the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, also known as the Infiniti VC-Turbo, which modulates its compression ratio to optimize performance. This engine is the first in the industry to be able to make decisions on its own to balance performance and efficiency. It can even adjust the height of the piston stroke and change the compression of the engine seamlessly. This innovative engine is the best of both worlds: the torque of diesel with the performance of gasoline, all while producing lower emissions.

According to Infiniti, the VCTurbo is a self-described "new benchmark" - cranking out 200 kilowatts of maximum power and 390 Newton meters of peak torque, allowing it to compete with a six-cylinder gasoline engine and outperform the same in terms of energy efficiency. VC-Turbo technology joins the VQ engine, the V6 named one of Ward's Best Engines almost since its creation.

Alongside new powertrain technology on the stand, the QX50 Concept also made its Asia debut at this year's Auto Shanghai. The Infiniti concept SUV was the undisputed star of the stand, giving fans not just a glimpse of the future of automotive design language, but also how bold, new technologies are coming together with Infiniti vehicles' stand-apart looks and lines.

When it comes to the Infiniti QX50 Concept, Infiniti Chairman and Global President Roland Krueger decided to let its design do all the talking. One glance at the QX50 Concept and it's obvious that Infiniti believes the art of design is about breathing life into their work.

The QX50 Concept is a masterpiece, with a double-arch grill that conveys presence, human-eye headlights that give an intense look and feel, masculine lines, and a sharp and straight character line running from the QX50 Concept's clamshell hood to the full length of its shoulders.

"Our brand has a strong heritage in design leadership," said Krueger. "Our daring design language is a unique visual expression of powerful elegance that differentiates every Infiniti and shapes our brand," Krueger said. "This new SUV concept has it all-the combination of expressive and daring design, outstanding performance, and state-of-the-art technology."

According to Lu Yi, president of Dongfeng Infiniti, Infiniti is also bringing Direct Active Steering - the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration aeronautics technology - into mass automobile production. Vehicles with this technology can be found on the Chinese market today, including the Q50 and Q60 models.

Another highlight of the show was Infiniti ProPilot technology. "ProPilot serves as a 'co-pilot', keeping the driver in the equation," Krueger said. "The technology will empower the driver to have a choice of autonomous driving when the driver wants it and when the driver needs it."

Infiniti Safety Shield is another example of Infiniti's views on the future. This all-encompassing, intelligent approach monitors conditions, helps to avoid accidents and protects occupants when a collision is unavoidable. This pioneering approach is important because comprehensive, layered safety technologies have yet to be adopted as mandatory standards, and, as Infiniti points out, the best way to prevent injury or death is to prevent an accident from happening. This, they explain, is why so much of Infiniti's research and development goes into collision prevention and mitigation.

"Our vision is to be a forward-looking and daring challenger brand, " Krueger said.

"Our design language communicates a sense of powerful elegance, ready to perform, with an unmistakable Infiniti signature. Our technologies bring empowering performance, enabling drivers to see further, react faster and drive better," he said. "It is all about empowering our customers on their journey through their experience with us."

Through this promise to empower the driver, the young luxury car brand is hoping to provide its customers with an exclusive driving experience via its products, technologies, services and passion for driving.

"This new brand direction will also be implemented in China from now on and will be consistent with Infiniti's global brand positioning," Krueger said.

With its visionary design language and revolutionary technology behind the wheel, Infiniti is determined to establish a significant presence in the global market after its record sales last year.

Globally, Infiniti also broke its own sales record last year, selling more than 230,000 vehicles. During the first quarter of this year, its sales exceeded 67,000 units, a more than 18 percent rise year-on-year.

Infiniti's localization strategy is also succeeding: two immensely popular domestically-produced models - the Q50L and QX50 - contributed 60 percent of sales in China.

"Recently, we've set records in every single region where we sell Infiniti vehicles, including China. And it shows that Infiniti is gaining momentum," Krueger said.

The key to Infiniti's success is its aggressive approach. Last year, Infiniti debuted the all-new QX30 in China, the brand's first entry into the premium compact segment. This year, the automaker brought the all-new Q60 sports coupe to China on April 7.

Lei Xin, executive vice-president of Dongfeng Infiniti, said 2017 will be a key year for Infiniti in China, when it will face more challenges and seize new opportunities by enhancing its branding, products and services.

"We will further map out our intended blueprint in China and introduce more models that suit Chinese consumers," Lei said.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/19/2017 page14)