June 2021 • Jacksonville (First Coast) Car Culture

June 30, 2021June 30, 2021

2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport Delivers Value and Performance

We’ve been fans of the Infiniti brand since the first Q45s and M30s hit dealer showrooms for the 1990 model year. From the beginning, Infiniti meant strong engines, solid styling, quality materials and excellent fit and finish.

Over the years Infiniti’s commitment to quality has produced a long list of excellent automobiles. One of our favorites is the attractive and fun to drive Q60 coupe. At one time Nissan built a 300zx 2+2 model, which added tiny rear seats to the Z car. They worked in a pinch but were lacking. Fast forward to 2003 and Infiniti’s G35 Coupe – the Q60’s predecessor – which essentially replaced the Z car’s 4 passenger variant with much improved rear seats. Infiniti’s coupe also shared much of the then new contemporary 350Z’s mechanicals and even a bit of the overall design.

The 2021 Q60 Red Sport 400 takes the formula to the next level, making it hard for us not to appreciate this good-looking and fun to drive sport coupe.

An Engine that Inspires

Infiniti’s top-trim Red Sport is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, rated at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine features twin water-to-air charge coolers with two water pumps, optical turbo speed sensor and 14.7 psi turbo boost. Every facet of Infiniti’s twin turbo V6 is mechanical perfection, or close to it.

A seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with rev matching sends power to all four wheels. While we aren’t as enamored by the transmission as we are the engine, the gear box does a decent job overall. But it makes us wonder if an updated 8-speed wouldn’t help the brilliant engine shine a little brighter?

How does the Q60S Red Sport 400 drive?

The Q60 features an all-new Dynamic Digital Suspension. The system monitors the coupe’s body roll, pitch and bounce rate making tiny adjustments to assure optimal comfort and balance. Electronically adjustable dampers regulate the dampening force to create a firmer or softer ride.

Infiniti’s rack-based electric power steering is much improved over the years. The one-time feeling of driving by remote control is largely gone. Our Red Sport review vehicle arrived with upgraded sport brakes and rotors, 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers. The braking system worked quite well, even in stop and go traffic. The pedal feel was perfect and the car stopped with authority.

Our time with the Infiniti proved the sport coupe’s value time and again. The powerful V6 reminded us of the favorite cars of our youth, including the mighty Nissan 300ZX twin turbo. It isn’t hard to see the Q60’s family tree on full display. The same attributes that made us fall in love with the turbocharged V6-powered sports car that moved the 1990’s needle is alive and well in the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400.

A Sporty Premium Interior

Infiniti’s driver-oriented cockpit layout adds the coupe’s appeal and comfort. The supportive seats are wrapped in leatherette material on base models, our Red Sport featured semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with power lumbar. Red Sport models also feature heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Additionally, our Red Sport model was nicely appointed with genuine matte black carbon-fiber interior trim and aluminum-accented pedals.

Technology for the Real World

Our Red Sport model featured Infiniti’s dual HD display with an 8-inch upper and 7-inch lower touchscreen. The infotainment features a great-sounding 13-speaker Bose audio system with CD, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a WIFI hotspot.

Available Navigation includes lane guidance and 3D building graphics.

Active safety features include an around view monitor with moving object detection, blind spot warning, backup collision intervention and lane departure warning. Additional features include Intelligent cruise control, distance control assist and high beam assist. The coupe’s haptic steering wheel alerts the driving when leaving a lane unexpectantly.

Pricing

A base model 2021 Infiniti Q60 start at $41,750. As tested, our 2021 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport costs $67,085. The Q60 represents good value in the segment, something that Infiniti has been good for since day one.

June 3, 2021June 3, 2021

BMW’s New Mild-Hybrid 2021 M440i Reminds Us Why We Love BMW Sport Coupes

We’ve had a soft spot for two door BMW coupes since we first stumbled upon a neighbor’s 1988 M3 in middle school. The boxy flared fenders and one short step off the race track look sent our hearts racing and imaginations wandering.

Over the years BMW’s 3 series has evolved, even added a digit and morphed into a 3 and 4 series, all while keeping much of the magic that made us giddy pre-teens. BMW’s latest 4 series offering has a fresh face, one that seems to have polarized much of the automotive world. Whether it’s the fact that it is new or that it just doesn’t work is yet to be seen. To be fair, we’ve taken issue with previous BMW styling statements only to warm up to them over time.

The 2021 BMW M440i is second only to the top tier model M4 in the newly launched second generation 4 series coupe. The new 4 series line up features more power, torque and performance than the previous generation across the board. Our review vehicle, the M440i, may not be the 4 series king, but it is incredibly powerful, features commendable handling and is quite luxurious.

Mild Hybrid, Wild Performance

BMW’s M440i xDrive is powered by a turbocharged inline-6-cylinder engine complemented by a 48-volt “mild-hybrid” system. BMW’s hybrid generator/motor adds to the cars performance by filling in the gaps across the traditional turbocharged powerband. That results in a bit more punch, but also a smoother spirited ride. Power is almost always there when you call for it. The electric motor also works as the engine’s starter.

All in, the system is rated at 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Eleven of those ponies are produced by the mild-hybrid system’s electric motor. That’s not a huge number, but it does make a tangible difference. Gear changes come by way of an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our XDrive-equipped car also features all-wheel-drive.

It wasn’t too many years ago that almost 400 horsepower was considered a wild number. Yes, today’s top trim sport coupes can have 500 plus horses under the hood, but there isn’t much driving fun that can’t be had with the M440i’s capable engine and transmission.

Decades of Development = Benchmark Interior

If you’ve owned a 3 or 4 series BMW in the past 30 plus years you will find the interior of the M440i quite familiar, albeit the product of thoughtful evolution. BMW may not have invented the term “driver-centric interior” but they certainly have created the benchmark. New front power sport seats provide a position of authority for the driver. The center console marks space between front seat passengers, giving the co-pilot a nice piece of real estate as well.

Our M440i features additional soft knee padding on the sides of the console and an M-inspired steering wheel and door sill plates. We call it “M-Lite.” Whatever term you use, the nice little touches add to the overall sporty feel of the coupe.

Rear seat passengers will be pleasantly surprised. Where most BMW coupes would be more aptly described as 2+2 vehicles, the new 4 series has a decent size back seat. Cargo space is also improved over the previous model with 12 cubic feet now available.

Technology that Works

Now in it’s seventh iteration, BMW’s iDrive infotainment is highly functional and intuitive. Granted we’ve literally grown up with the iDrive system, the latest version is the best yet and has the easiest learning curve to date.

The highly-configurable system features an 8.8-inch center touchscreen display and a 5.1-inch color display between the instrument gauges. The “Live Cockpit Professional” option moves up to a 10.25 inch center touchscreen control display and a fully digital 12.3 inch instrument display. Navigation is standard, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety technology features include lane departure warning with steering correction, frontal collision, pedestrian warning with braking function, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision preparation, automatic high beams and speed limit information.

Pricing

BMW’s new 4 series starts at $45,600 for the 430i Coupe, $47,600 for the 430i xDrive Coupe and $58,500 for the M440i xDrive Coupe. Pricing does not include $995 Destination.

Our loaded up M440i retails for $71,870.

June 2, 2021June 3, 2021

Jack of All Trades: 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid

While the word “compromise” can have a negative connotation, it is basically impossible to live without it. Anyone who has had a friend for more than a week realizes relationships are all about give and take.

The same is true with daily driver automobiles. Everyone wants performance. Comfort is also key, so is dependability and affordability. While no one can argue the beauty of perfectly fulfilling a single purpose, living with such a vehicle on a daily basis can wear you out. For example, try moving a bunch of boxes with a Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 or weathering hurricane season on the back of a Ducati Diavel 1260.

Although we’d probably try…we admittedly have car issues.

2021 Sorento HEV Hybrid. Photos courtesy of KIA.

On the other hand, Kia’s 2021 Sorento Hybrid is arguably the perfect “compromise” vehicle and we mean that in the best way possible. A responsive and fuel-thrifty hybrid powertrain, seating for six, plenty of cargo space, tons of tech and it looks great. The incredible warranty takes away the reliability worry. For all intents and purposes, Kia has built a nearly-perfect daily driver for a relative bargain, starting at $33,590.

Upon delivery, we wondered if the Sorento would be the Kia to let us down. We’re getting a reputation for being fanboys of the South Korean manufacturer and in a weird viral way a harsh review might give us a bit of street cred. However, jumping behind the wheel and putting the mid-size SUV through it’s paces only reinforced our pro-Kia status. We’ve been enamored by Kia’s flagship SUV, the Telluride, for a while. Frankly, its kind of hard to beat. It just does things right and for less money. It only took us a day or two before we started calling our review Sorento “the little Telluride.” It’s that good. Mid-size SUV competitors take notice.

Zippy Performance that’s Easy on the Wallet

Fuel economy is typically front and center when discussing a new hybrid vehicle. Yes, exceptions to this rule include the LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918, etc, but all in all, people purchase hybrids to avoid buying lots of gas. The Sorento’s 1.6 liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder and full parallel hybrid system produces 227 horsepower 258 lb-ft of torque. That generous amount of torque is where the strong performance feel comes from.

Stomp on the gas pedal and the Sorento moves with authority thanks to the hybrid system’s almost instantly-available torque. Power runs to the front wheels through a nicely sorted 6-speed automatic transmission. Where many of the segment competitors have resorted to a softer CVT, Kia has forged ahead with a more traditional automatic gearbox.

Take it easy and the EPA-rated fuel economy for the front wheel drive S model is an impressive 35/39/37 MPG (city/highway/combined).

An Interior for Families

Inside, the Sorento is comfortable and offers a premium feel, even in the base configuration. Front-row seats are big, comfy and heated. The second-row captain’s chairs are as comfortable as the front seats, a rarity in the mid-size SUV segment. They recline and can slide forward with ease for easier third-row accessibility. Third row seating is adequate for two adults, perfect for two small children.

Cargo space is 16 cubic feet with all the seats in place, that number jumps to 75.5 cubic feet when the back to rows are folded down.

Benchmark Technology

While the Sorento’s performance and comfort have already won us over, the mid-size SUV’s incredibly long list of standard technology solidifies our zeal. The 8-inch touchscreen display is sharp, easy to read and intuitive. Infotainment features include satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and ireless Android Auto.

Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and 8 USB ports make connecting devices a straightforward process. The abundance of USB outlets allows the whole family to charge smart phones between destinations.

Kia’s “Drive Wise Driver Assist Technology” includes blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, auto emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane keeping and following assist. While many other manufacturers will include one or two of these safety technologies as standard, Kia has decided to open the feature faucet wide. It’s hard to find a need for more safety technology beyond an alert driver and the Sorento Hybrid’s standard features.

Pricing that Agrees with (most) Wallets

Hybrid vehicles have always come with a metaphorical “technology tax.” If the gas-powered option is $30k, expect to pay $10k or more for the hybrid option. Fortunately, Kia has worked to keep even the Sorento Hybrid models within reach for many working families and individuals. Starting at $33,590 plus fees, the Sorento Hybrid is a price leader in the segment, especially considering the premium features.

Move up to the EX trim and the Sorento gains a panoramic sunroof, a power Liftgate, fog lights and a handful of nice cosmetic touches for $36,590 plus fees.