All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2026 INFINITI QX60

INFINITI has officially unveiled the refreshed 2026 QX60, and while the silhouette remains familiar, the luxury three-row SUV gets a substantial makeover beneath the surface. With a design evolution influenced by the bold styling cues of the flagship QX80, enhanced technologies, and improved premium features, the 2026 QX60 positions itself to compete head-on in the upscale SUV segment. Now available at U.S. dealerships, the QX60 starts at $51,200 (plus a $1,350 destination fee), marking a $1,000 price increase over last year’s model.

Design That Speaks Volumes

A key highlight of the 2026 QX60 is its new Artistry in Motion design theme, which brings a heightened sense of mass and visual sophistication. A reimagined front fascia features a redesigned grille inspired by bamboo forest patterns, flanked by piano-key-style daytime running lights. A striking illuminated INFINITI emblem adds a premium nighttime presence, especially in the range-topping AUTOGRAPH trim.

INFINITI also applied design tweaks to the profile and rear, giving the SUV a more horizontal stance. Subtle changes like a revised lower door finisher, new wheel designs, and a more streamlined rear bumper contribute to a lower, wider, and more premium look. A standout addition is the INFINITI Light Path—a welcome lighting sequence that projects wing-like shapes onto the ground as part of a unique signature greeting.

Buyers will have a wide palette of 10 exterior colors to choose from, including the new Deep Emerald, a rich green inspired by nature, and various two-tone combinations exclusive to higher trims.

A Trim for Every Taste – Including the First-Ever SPORT

The 2026 QX60 lineup continues with familiar trims—PURE, LUXE, and AUTOGRAPH—while introducing a SPORT grade for the first time. The SPORT trim starts at $61,700 and brings added aggression to the QX60’s DNA, with a sharpened mesh grille, gloss black accents, 20-inch dark alloy wheels, and a unique “S” badge. Inside, the SPORT differentiates itself with Dusk Blue and black TailorFit® upholstery, open-pore black ash wood, and second-row captain’s chairs with heating.

The range-topping AUTOGRAPH trim, starting at $66,150, brings flagship-level luxury with semi-aniline leather seats that feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Additional features include a digital rearview mirror, a 10.8-inch head-up display, illuminated sill plates, and an exclusive 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system.

A Cabin Crafted for Comfort and Simplicity

Inside, the 2026 QX60 strikes a balance between Japanese minimalism and technological indulgence. Inspired by the concept of Shibui—the elegance of simplicity—the cabin integrates premium materials with user-friendly interfaces. Updates for 2026 include new Stone Gray upholstery, updated dashboard trim, and expanded TailorFit® seating on PURE and LUXE grades, made from 65% recycled material that feels softer than conventional leatherette.

All QX60 models now come standard with dual 12.3-inch displays—one for the digital gauge cluster, another for the center infotainment unit, which now includes Google built-in. This brings native Google Maps, Assistant, and access to Google Play apps, allowing drivers to ask, “Hey Google, navigate to the nearest gas station,” or even adjust climate settings hands-free.

Tech-savvy families will appreciate the segment-first Klipsch® audio system, with 16 speakers on LUXE and SPORT trims, and 20 speakers with Individual Audio on AUTOGRAPH. The latter allows the driver to hear navigation or phone calls without interrupting rear-seat passengers listening to music—a subtle but meaningful innovation.

Intuitive Technology Meets Real-World Convenience

Beyond infotainment, the QX60 is packed with intelligent driver aids. The latest ProPILOT Assist 2.1 semi-autonomous system (available on AUTOGRAPH) enables hands-off driving on compatible highways. Meanwhile, the new 3D Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Invisible Hood View makes maneuvering through tight urban spots much less nerve-wracking. The camera-based system can even “see” beneath the hood to help navigate narrow drive-thru lanes or avoid curbs.

Other safety features remain robust across all trims, including Forward Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning with Intervention, and Lane Departure Prevention.

Performance and Efficiency: The VC-Turbo Returns

Under the hood, all trims are powered by INFINITI’s groundbreaking 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. This engine, notable for its ability to change its compression ratio on the fly, offers a rare combination of strong low-end torque and fuel efficiency.

Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the QX60 delivers smooth, confident performance. Updated tuning for 2026 improves sound quality and responsiveness, especially during spirited or hilly driving. Front-wheel-drive variants achieve an estimated 24 mpg combined, while AWD models return a slightly lower 24 mpg combined, thanks to their added traction and capability.

When properly equipped, the QX60 can tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it one of the best in its class for trailering. The AUTOGRAPH trim includes a factory tow hitch, 7-pin connector, and trailer sway control for added stability.

Source: INFINITI

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2026 INFINITI QX60
News

Buick Updates GL8 Land Business Class Minivan with Premium Features at a Budget Price

Buick is doubling down on its dominance in China’s minivan segment with the introduction of the updated GL8 Land Business Class, an entry-level offering that undercuts expectations with a host of premium features. Priced from ¥229,900 (approximately $32,073), the latest GL8 proves that “budget” doesn’t have to mean barebones.

A New Look in Line with Buick’s Modern Identity

At first glance, the refreshed GL8 stands out with its adoption of Buick’s new Pure design language, signaling a move toward a more refined and streamlined visual identity. The front fascia has been completely redesigned, sporting slender LED headlights and a wide grille that gives the minivan a contemporary edge. Complementing the modern look are 17-inch aluminum wheels, a sunroof, rear privacy glass, and a power sliding door, all of which enhance its family-friendly and business-oriented appeal.

High-Tech Interior with a Luxury Touch

Inside, Buick has delivered a surprisingly upscale environment for a minivan in this price bracket. The dashboard now boasts dual 12.3-inch displays, serving as the digital gauge cluster and infotainment center, respectively. A new steering wheel and revamped center stack further elevate the cabin’s aesthetic, while the gear shifter’s relocation to the steering column helps open up the center console for a cleaner layout.

Passenger comfort has also taken a front seat—especially in the second row, where VIP-style captain’s chairs now feature flip-up armrests, reclining backrests, and even an “anti-sickness damper” aimed at reducing motion sickness on long rides. Additional enhancements include larger side-curtain airbags that now span the full window length, a quieter cabin courtesy of double-layer acoustic glass, and upgraded sound-dampening materials.

The tech-forward interior also includes improved voice recognition, remote climate control via smartphone, and power-adjustable front seats. An eight-speaker audio system and rear-seat climate controls round out the standard kit.

Practical and Powerful

While comfort and luxury are central to the GL8 Land Business Class, utility hasn’t been ignored. The minivan offers a versatile cargo capacity ranging from 18.4 to 58.3 cubic feet (521 to 1,650 liters), ensuring practicality for both family outings and business travel.

Under the bonett, power is delivered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 233 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the GL8 is capable of accelerating from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) in a modest 9.2 seconds—not blistering by any means, but more than adequate for its segment.

Perhaps the most significant mechanical upgrade is hidden beneath the chassis. Buick has replaced the outgoing torsion beam rear suspension with a new four-link independent rear suspension, a move that promises to dramatically improve ride quality and driving comfort—a welcome change for both passengers and drivers alike.

Source: Buick

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Buick Updates GL8 Land Business Class Minivan with Premium Features at a Budget Price
EV

Škoda Elroq RS Matt Grey Limited Edition

Škoda Auto has pulled the wraps off a striking new version of its all-electric SUV, the Elroq RS, now available in an exclusive Matt Grey finish. Limited to just 800 units, this special edition not only previews the brand’s future design direction but also marks a bold step into the world of premium matte paint finishes.

A New Expression of “Modern Solid”

The Elroq RS limited edition debuts Škoda’s Modern Solid design language in its most expressive form yet. The new Matt Grey body color immediately catches the eye, enhanced by glossy black details on the door handles, side mirrors, and rear roof spoiler. It’s a bold, dynamic look that amplifies the RS model’s already athletic proportions and electric performance credentials.

“We’ve been toying with the idea of matte paint for a while,” says Veronika Straškrabová, project manager for the Elroq model family. “We’re pleased that the first car painted like this from Škoda Auto’s Czech production plants is the Elroq RS in Matt Grey. Only 800 units will be produced in this limited series.”

The paint project was overseen by Maria Kertzscher, a color and trim specialist at Škoda, who emphasizes the complexity behind getting a matte finish just right. “Not every color works with a matte finish. We started with Graphite Grey, which is already visually striking, and retains its vibrancy even with the matte layer applied,” she explains. “The goal was to make the car look sporty, standout—even a bit aggressive. And we succeeded.”

Performance That Backs the Looks

The Elroq RS doesn’t just look the part—it delivers serious performance too. Powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, it produces a robust 250 kW (340 hp) and can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. Despite these thrilling numbers, it retains the hallmark practicality expected of an RS-badged Škoda: usable range, comfort, and everyday functionality.

Official figures cite combined power consumption at 16.2 kWh/100 km with zero local CO₂ emissions, making it not only fast but also environmentally friendly.

The Craft of Going Matte

Behind the sleek exterior is a careful process of experimentation and quality control. Matching the matte paint across materials—especially between metal body panels and plastic components like bumpers—requires precision. “Colour matching is essential for delivering premium quality,” says Kertzscher. “It’s not just about how the color looks, but how consistent it appears across every part of the vehicle.”

Once considered a niche trend, matte finishes have steadily gained mainstream appeal—not just in automotive, but across design industries. Smartphones, fashion accessories, and now cars are embracing the understated sophistication of matte surfaces.

“I think matte finishes will become more common,” says Kertzscher. “And I hope the Elroq RS won’t be the last Škoda to wear one.”

A Collector’s Electric SUV

Škoda has yet to announce precise delivery dates, but the expectation is that these 800 matte-clad Elroq RS models will be claimed quickly—especially given the growing demand for unique, high-performance EVs with design distinction.

If the Matt Grey Elroq RS is a preview of what’s to come from Škoda’s electric future, then it’s a future that looks bold, fast, and anything but dull.

Source: Škoda

Gallery:

Škoda Elroq RS Matt Grey Limited Edition