Infiniti QX50 Concept release date, specs news: Dynamic SUV with autonomous driving tech all set for global debut in Detroit

Infiniti has unveiled the first images of the QX50 Concept ahead of its global debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) next week. The concept not only previews the brand's next-generation mid-size luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV), it also showcases Infiniti's latest autonomous driving technologies.

The QX50 Concept is based on the QX Sport Inspiration which was unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show last year. However, since then, the concept vehicle has evolved further and is now a step closer to becoming a production model. The QX50 Concept also features Infiniti's current "Powerful Elegance" design language with muscular and dynamic SUV proportions. The modern design extends into the cabin which is equipped with premium materials that highlight the car's elevated levels of modern craftsmanship.

According to the press release, the QX50 Concept will also come with autonomous driving technologies that will be further developed for future production vehicles. The autonomous drive support system is designed to act as a "co-pilot" for drivers. This means that the driver retains control of the vehicle, but the system takes a more proactive approach when it comes to safety. It can take control during tasks like navigating stop-start traffic on the highway and taking note of the position of surrounding vehicles.

Furthermore, the QX50 Concept will exhibit Infiniti's groundbreaking Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine technology. Touted to be the first production-ready variable compression ratio engine, it adapts a compression ratio depending on driving conditions in order to provide optimal levels of performance and efficiency. It ranges from high-performance 8:1 to the extremely efficient 14:1 compression ratios. The QX50 Concept's 2.0-liter VC-Turbo powertrain is targeted to deliver 268 horsepower and 287 pound-feet of torque.

Once released to the market, the QX50 is expected to sit in between the QX40 and QX60 crossovers.

More technical details will be revealed at the NAIAS which will be held in Detroit, Michigan from Jan. 8 to Jan. 22. Infiniti has announced that it will have a press conference to introduce the QX50 Concept on Jan. 9.