We've first saw Infiniti->ke36's IPL models back in 2011 when the company wanted to offer a more aggressive look and some extra power for its coupe and convertible models. The only problem is that the IPL line is nothing like a real high-performance sports car offered by BMW->ke178 or Audi->ke14, like M or the RS line, but it can easily compete to models like BMW's M Sport package or Audi's S models.

Just like with the coupe->ke1262 version, the Q60->ke1262 IPL Convertible is distinguished by redesigned front and rear fascias, black elements here and there, specially designed wheels and, of course, some "IPL" badges. Under the hood, the V-6 engine is tricked to deliver an extra 18 horsepower over the base 2014 Infiniti Q60.

For the 2014 model year, the Q60 IPL Convertible is priced from $62,000.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible.

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 343
  • Torque: 273
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

When compared to the base Q60 Convertible, the IPL version adds a redesigned front fascia with fog lights, a redesigned rear bumper, sculpted side sills and chrome exhaust tips.

Customers can choose between only two exterior colors: Moonlight White and Malbec Black.

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

112.2 inches

Overall length

185.3 inches

Overall width

72.9 inches

Overall height

55.1 inches

Front track width

60.8 inches

Rear track width

62.6 inches

Coefficient of Drag (Cd)

0.31


2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible - Standard Exterior Features

- IPL aerodynamics (front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler)

- High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights

- Auto on/off headlights

- Body-color dual power folding, heated remote-controlled outside mirrors with 2-position memory

- 3-piece automatically retracting power hardtop

- IPL exterior badging

Interior

Just like with the exterior, the interior is also offered in two different colors Stone and an IPL-exclusive Monaco Red. Updates over the base Q60 models include red-stitched, leather-appointed, climate-controlled front sport seats with embroidered IPL logos; red-stitched steering wheel; Silk Obi aluminum trim; IPL embroidered front floor mats; and aluminum trimmed pedals and footrest.

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible - Interior Dimensions

Front

Rear

Headroom (top up)

39.4 Inches

34.5 Inches

Shoulder room

53.7 Inches

45.8 Inches

Hip room

53.4 Inches

41.7 Inches

Legroom

43.9 Inches

27.2 Inches


2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Convertible - Standard Interior Features

- Leather-appointed seats with IPL logo (front)

- Climate controlled front seats w/cooling function (deletes seatback map pocket)

- 8-way power driver's seat with manual adjustable lumbar support

- Driver's seat power lumbar support (2-way)

- 8-way power passenger's seat

- Maple accents

- Aluminum pedals and foot rest

- Rear window defroster with indicator light and timer

- Illuminated entry system with time delay fade-out

- Driver's seat and steering wheel memory (2 position)

- Driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirror position synchronization

- Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and steering column

Drivetrain

Under its hood, the Q60 IPL Convertible makes use of the same 3.7-liter, V-6 engine as the base Q60, but with recalibrated air-fuel mixture and ignition timing. As a result of this recalibration, the Q60 IPL delivers a total of 343 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 273 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 6 pound-feet.

The engine is mated to an seven-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift Drive Sport (DS) mode with magnesium paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).

2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine Type

VQ37VHR DOHC 24-valve

Orientation

Vertical

Cylinders / configuration

V6

Block / head composition

Aluminum / aluminum

Displacement (liters / cc)

3.7 liters / 3696cc

Horsepower

343 @ 7,400 rpm

Torque

273 @5,200 rpm

Bore x stroke (mm)

95.5 x 86.0

Compression ratio (:1)

11.0

Maximum engine speed

7,500 rpm

Induction system

Sequential multi-point fuel injection

Valvetrain

4 valves per cylinder

Mounts (sides/rear)

2 liquid-filled / 1 liquid-filled

Required fuel

Premium unleaded

Emissions system

Closed loop feedback system with 3-way catalysts

Emission certification level

50 State, LEV2

Exhaust

IPL-tuned high-flow dual exhaust, H-pipe design with dual round chrome finishers


Suspensions and Brakes

The 2014 Q60 IPL Convertible rides on 19-inch IPL split seven-spoke, graphite-finish wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires. The model also received a few tricks to improve handling and ride comfort, including 14-percent higher front spring rate and 4-percent higher rear spring rate, stiffer front and rear stabilizer bars, and retuned shocks.

Prices

The 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL is priced at $62,000. For the money you will get a fully equipped model, with no available options.

Competitors

Audi S5 Convertible

Infiniti has a lot of work to do until its models will become as successful as Audi's models. Of course the S5 Convertible is no exception to this rule, thanks to its great look, powerful engine and its $60,400 price tag.

The S5 Convertible is offered with a 3.0-liter TFSI V-6 engine that delivers a total of 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The model goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

BMW 4 Series Convertible M-Sport Package

We are still waiting to see the official details on the BMW 4 Series Convertible, but for sure it will look nearly identical to the coupe version. And the M-Sport Package will be no exception.

It will add a more aggressive exterior look, an update interior and a few more horses under the hood. On the most powerful version -- the 435i -- the M Sport package adds another 34 horsepower and 37 pound-feet to the 3.0-liter engine.

Conclusion

Of course the Q60 IPL Convertible can't be consider a top-line, high-performance sport convertible, but it is a nice addition to Infiniti's lineup and a nice way to attract more buyers to the brand. In the future, we hope to see a true high-performance IPL lineup to rival the AMG, M and RS lines from Mercedes, BMW and Audi, respectively.