Infiniti Debuts Coupe-Like QX65 Monograph Concept at The Quail
Fans of the original Infiniti FX SUV will immediately notice a close resemblance in profile, as the QX65 features a long hood and fastback rear end.
While the company says this is merely a design concept, we expect to see the production model roll out with styling that closely adheres to this prototype.
Infiniti has officially unveiled the QX65, adding a two-row mid-size crossover to its lineup, an offering that has been missing since the discontinuation of the QX70 after the 2017 model year. The new boldly styled SUV draws its inspiration from the FX, which debuted for the 2003 model year and later changed its name to QX70 after a redesign.
View Photos
INFINITI
A long hood, a steeply raked windshield, and a coupe-like roofline were hallmarks of the FX/QX70's design, and at the time Infiniti used the term "Bionic Cheetah" to describe the SUV's stance. The QX65 gives off similar apex-predator vibes, with muscular haunches and an aggressive front-end design featuring the brand's distinctive wavy grille.
While technically a concept, we suspect the Monograph is a close prototype of what will become the production QX65, as Infiniti has a history of showing nearly-production show cars on stage at The Quail. In 2023, the larger QX80 SUV was previewed by the QX80 Monograph and later sailed through to production with only small tweaks to its design.
View Photos
INFINITI
Nothing has been revealed of the interior, nor has Infiniti said what will power the QX65, but we suspect it is based on the same platform as the three-row QX60. That would mean a turbocharged four-cylinder is the likely powertrain, but like the brand's other SUVs, all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic will probably be standard.
The Monograph rides on cool-looking 22-inch wheels that feature twisted spokes that give them a unique three-dimensional appearance. Other design highlights include a bronze-colored metallic trim strip that runs up and over the greenhouse and a full-width LED light bar for the taillamps that features vertical elements inspired by the tailfins of a jet airplane.
View Photos
INFINITI
The concept is painted in a special color-shifting hue called Twilight. As the sun reflects off the surface from different angles, the color can take on a red, purple, or gold appearance. A gloss-black painted roof is divided from the body by the aforementioned bronze-colored strip.
With the recent announcement that the compact QX50 and QX55 SUVs will no longer be produced, the QX65 will take up the position as Infiniti's smallest offering when it goes on sale, probably as a 2027 model. The QX65 is likely to be roomier and more premium inside than those models, but we also suspect it will cost more to start.
We'll find out more about the production QX65 in the coming months and expect to see the real deal in early 2026. At that time, details about the SUV's interior, pricing, and features will likely be available.
Drew Dorian
Managing Editor, Buyer's Guide
Drew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He's a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a minute ago
- Yahoo
I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Hybrids offer drivers better fuel economy without fully committing to electric. But not every model lives up to the hype. Drive On: Find Out: 'Stay away from any vehicle where it is [in] its first year of production. You are the guinea pig,' said Chris Pyle, auto expert at JustAnswer. 'Also, something to think about. Most hybrids help in the city MPG, not so much in the highway MPG. So if you drive a lot [on] highways and interstates, and expect great results. You will be disappointed.' According to car experts, here are five hybrids that just aren't worth the money. Chrysler Pacifica 'The Pacifica is a popular hybrid; rental fleets almost always include several of them, and they're one of the more affordable minivans. Unfortunately, they're not built to last,' said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at Auto Insurance. 'They may be suitable for a rental fleet because they tend to be reliable for the first couple of years, but after that, they have a history of experiencing various types of problems,' she added. According to Musson, these issues range from electrical problems to complete engine failure. Pyle also pointed out that it's known for its charging issues because it's a plug-in hybrid. Save More: Toyota Sequoia 'The Sequoia is priced so that it competes with some luxury cars; however, it's a Toyota,' Musson said. 'You'd expect that as a hybrid, the fuel economy would be excellent, but it only gets a combined 20 mpg. There's no denying that the Sequoia is strong and tough, but it's overpriced and inefficient.' It has a starting price of over $60,000, limited cargo space and drives as big as it is, according to Car and Driver. While it's comfortable, it's not as practical as other full-size SUVs. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4XE 'The Jeep brand is already struggling and has been for years with concerns related to engine, transmission and wiring,' Pyle said. 'Now, throw in the hybrid stuff on these vehicles. It still has all of the problems as mentioned previously, plus premature battery failure and fires.' According to Lemon Law Experts, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Jeep 4XE vehicles due to fire risks associated with their high-voltage batteries. However, it targets 2020-2024 Jeep Wranglers and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees. One Redditor even posted a video of their 2021 4XE spontaneously combusting in their driveway. Ford F-150 According to Edmunds, the Ford F-150's hybrid powertrain is noisy, particularly when powering the onboard generator. 'The hybrid F-150 has a noisy cabin, which can be annoying if you're trying to listen to something or hold a conversation,' Musson said. 'Turbos, in general, are problematic, but the F-150 Hybrid turbo tends to have even more issues than usual.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Ways Trump Signing the GENIUS Act Could Impact RetireesWarren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Motor 1
an hour ago
- Motor 1
'This Goes Against All of My Irish Bloodline Superstitions:' Woman Parks Her Car in the Hot Sun. Then She Pops Open Her Umbrella
A clever car hack has the internet debating whether convenience trumps superstition. TikTok user Jada ( @jadajz ) posted a 26-second video demonstrating an umbrella-style sun shade that's got viewers both impressed by its effectiveness and fighting with their ingrained belief that opening umbrellas indoors brings bad luck. The Umbrella Solution In her viral TikTok video, which has racked up almost a quarter million views since it was published on Aug. 5, Jada films herself from the passenger seat of her car, showing viewers her ingenious solution to beating the heat. The video captures her unfolding what appears to be a regular umbrella, but is actually a specialized car sun shade designed to look and function like an umbrella. Stay informed with our newsletter every weekday back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . 'No, because watch this,' she begins, as she unfolds the umbrella-style shade. 'So easy, so convenient, so compact. Look at that. Immediately a difference in the heat.' The demonstration shows her wedging the umbrella handle against the entertainment controls below the main dashboard screen, creating an instant sun barrier across the windshield. The Heat-Beating Results Jada is clearly impressed with the product's performance, explaining the immediate benefits she experiences. 'I mean, there is no heat radiating from the front right now,' she says. 'Y'all loved it so much. I had to order another one, and it's just as easy to take down.' From the 15-second mark, she demonstrates the takedown process, showing how compact and convenient the shade is to store. 'It's easy. It's compact. All you got to do is fold it up just like an umbrella, and you can set it on the side of your door and keep it.' Jada loves the hack so much that she has incorporated it into her vacation plans. 'I got another one for Mexico because let me tell you, anything to beat the heat is worth it,' she says. Trending Now 'I'm Being Watched:' Tampa Woman Parks Her Mustang Near a Gas Station. Then She Decides to Stay in the Car Indefinitely 20-Year-Old Woman Tries to Buy a Car That's Been on the Lot For 1 Year. Her Negotiation Skills Stop Salesman in His Tracks The Superstition Factor While Jada focuses on the practical benefits, her comment section reveals a fascinating cultural divide. Many viewers are torn between appreciating the device and worrying about the sinister implications of opening an umbrella inside—even inside a vehicle. User Meghan captured this conflict perfectly, writing, 'This goes against all of my Irish bloodline superstitions but I appreciate the convenience.' The umbrella superstition sparked numerous discussions, with user shmeg commenting, 'Idc what people say I'm not gonna open any kind of umbrella indoors, stay safe tho.' Another viewer, Ashberries, wondered, 'My first thought was does this count as opening umbrella inside lol' User sab shared a similar reaction, 'LMAO my immediate first thought 'I'm not opening an umbrella inside' girllll HAHA.' The Practical vs. Superstitious Debate Not everyone was concerned about the superstitious aspects. User RachelOwensss offered a logical perspective: 'Inside of a car doesn't not equate to 'indoors' lol it's indoors like in a house or building. This is GENIUS' Others focused purely on the practical benefits. User Ali noted: 'That's smart for people who take their lunch in their car,' while peejayy93 from Florida praised the innovation: 'It really does! And I'm one of those who get there super early, so I die a little here in Florida waiting. This is genius, honestly, the old style was so annoying.' Some viewers brought up alternative concerns, with user Marissa pointing out: 'So.. create a blind spot,' though the user doesn't seem to understand that the shade is meant for parked vehicles. The Product Innovation The umbrella-style sun shade addresses common complaints about traditional windshield covers. WhitleyJT expressed enthusiasm for the design, chiming in, 'IMMEDIATE PURCHASE. I'VE refused to buy the ones that recoil in your damn face and hate the bulky accordion ones that take up the whole passenger seat. This is GENIUS. Literally can not wait till it gets here.' Traditional accordion-style sun shades and the spring-loaded circular models have long frustrated many drivers due to their awkward storage requirements and deployment difficulties. The umbrella design, on the other hand, offers a familiar folding mechanism that most people already know how to use. Modern Solutions, Ancient Fears The debate in Jada's comments highlights how modern innovations can clash with long-held cultural beliefs. While some users like Tiffany E. commented, 'I'm too tired during the work day to care about superstitions,' others remain committed to avoiding potential bad luck. The umbrella superstition, which dates back centuries and varies across cultures, typically applies to opening umbrellas indoors in homes or buildings. Whether a car interior qualifies as 'indoors' in the superstitious sense remains a matter of personal interpretation. Jada's video demonstrates that sometimes the most effective solutions come in familiar forms. By designing a sun shade that operates like an umbrella, manufacturers have created a product that's both intuitive and efficient—even if it does challenge some people's boundaries. Motor1 reached out to Jada for comment. We'll update this if she responds. More From Motor1 Car Expert Shares How to Quickly Cool Down Your Vehicle On Hot Summer Day—All it Takes Is 1 Button 'It's What My Ph.D Is In:' Doctor Shares Scientific Trick to Instantly Cool Down Your Hot Car This Summer. Here's What to Do 'Subscription?:' Man Buys New Toyota. Then He Gets a Notification 2 Years Later Saying His 'Session Has Expired' 'Mazda Is the New Secret IYKYK:' North Carolina Man Says Stop Recommending Hondas and Toyotas. Then He Explains Why Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Vittori Partners with Totum 3D and ShapeUp Studios for Titanium Additive Production
PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vittori announced a production partnership with Totum 3D and ShapeUp Studios to design, prototype, and manufacture titanium 3D‑printed components for its three‑phase roadmap: hypercars first, followed by premium eVTOL and electric‑jet programs. The scope covers design‑for‑additive reviews, rapid prototyping, and pilot short‑run builds of 3D‑printed parts. The teams are testing a practical mix of materials—titanium for strength‑to‑weight, stainless and maraging steels for heavy loads, aluminum alloys for light structures, nickel superalloys for hot zones, copper alloy for cooling hardware, and aerospace polymers like PEEK and ULTEM for cabin‑safe components (examples include 316L and 17‑4PH stainless, AlSi10Mg and Scalmalloy aluminum, Inconel 718, and CuCrZr). For larger sections, they pair printed parts with carbon‑fiber panels and honeycomb cores, and any cabin‑facing materials will be qualified to meet aviation flame, smoke, and toxicity standards. 'As others explore aerospace concepts, we're putting titanium parts into production now,' said Carlos Cruz, founder of Vittori. 'Proving hardware on the road first lowers risk and speeds our move to the air. The same printed structures and thermal systems will migrate into our eVTOL and, later, our electric jet.""Vittori's road‑to‑air plan is a strong fit for metal additive,' said Stefano Turconi, Head of Totum 3D. 'Common, lightweight architectures reduce part count and lead time while meeting demanding performance targets.' Industry context: public reports note leaders like Christian von Koenigsegg examining aviation concepts. Vittori's approach focuses on production today with third‑party manufacturing and a clear transfer path from road to air. Vittori's AI-hybrid hypercar, the Vittori Turbio—featuring a V12 targeting about 1,100 horsepower and 3D-printed titanium components—is scheduled for unveiling on October 4 in collaboration with Pininfarina. Further design details will be shared at the live event. This announcement comes as Vittori advances its current fundraising round to accelerate prototype production and support its three-phase roadmap from road to air. About Vittori Vittori engineers and builds hyper‑performance machines for land and sky—hypercars now, eVTOL next, and an electric private jet to follow. About Totum 3D Totum 3D provides high-performance material additive design, prototyping, and short-run production for performance-critical applications, delivering streamlined workflows that connect concept, engineering, and manufacturing into a cohesive process. About ShapeUp Studios Shapeup Studios provides Design solution development with shape research, seeking a balance between aerodynamics, lightweight, and tactile finishes in an innovative product development project. Forward‑Looking Statements This release may include forward‑looking statements. Actual results can differ due to risks including technology, certification, supply chain, financing, and market adoption. This is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities. Contact CEO Carlos Cruz Vittori [email protected] Logo: Photo: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vittori
