Infiniti has revealed more on the grueling test regime for the new QX50. In total, 600 late-stage prototypes have been tested on roads and tracks all around the world in extreme weather conditions, in locations that included switchback mountain passes, arid deserts, congested urban hubs and highways.
The new VC-Turbo engine was a particular focus during the evaluation process, following the unit’s 20-year development program. Infiniti has worked on the multi-link technology since 1998 to validate reliability, and has tested more than 200 physical engine prototypes. This has included over 30,000 hours on testbeds – equal to 5,000,000km of testing and development – and 3,000,000km of equivalent road testing.
Analysis of Infiniti’s new engine has also included verification at the hands of the Renault Sport Formula 1 team. Infiniti drew on the motorsport team’s expertise in material dynamic motion analysis to validate reliability under extreme conditions.