Infiniti has revealed an upgraded version of its heftiest offering — the QX80 — for 2023.
The new car has not undergone a ground-up refurbishment, but the manufacturer has added a series of enhancements to freshen up the package.
A major change for UAE customers is the introduction of the MyINFINITI app, which is now standard across all of this year's QX80 models. The manufacturer is offering this as a complimentary service for three years from the date of purchase.
The app gives users access to and an analysis of the vehicle's driving history, as well as a car finder function.
There are an array of remote options that come with this new tech as well, including horn and lights activation, engine starting and door release.
A vehicle health report will also send users alerts about possible malfunctions, maintenance requirements and speed traps. They will also be notified should the car be stolen.
The centre console has been redesigned to allow the fitting of an updated touchscreen with controls that Infiniti says are more user-friendly than before.
Much of the established QX80 package is still in place though.
Power as before comes in the shape of a 5.6-litre V8 engine, capable of producing 400 horsepower and 560Nm of torque.
Active safety technologies include a variety of emergency braking options, pedestrian detection, as well as blind spot and lane departure warnings.
These alerts now come through the steering wheel in what is known as a haptic fashion, which means, essentially, vibrations are felt through your fingertips.
It's still lavish inside, with stitched Nappa leather across seating and parts of the trim, and the 13-speaker Bose audio system fills the cabin with whatever sounds float your boat.
The 2023 QX80 is available in the UAE now, with prices starting at Dh325,000.
Four reasons global stock markets are falling right now
There are many factors worrying investors right now and triggering a rush out of stock markets. Here are four of the biggest:
1. Rising US interest rates
The US Federal Reserve has increased interest rates three times this year in a bid to prevent its buoyant economy from overheating. They now stand at between 2 and 2.25 per cent and markets are pencilling in three more rises next year.
Kim Catechis, manager of the Legg Mason Martin Currie Global Emerging Markets Fund, says US inflation is rising and the Fed will continue to raise rates in 2019. “With inflationary pressures growing, an increasing number of corporates are guiding profitability expectations downwards for 2018 and 2019, citing the negative impact of rising costs.”
At the same time as rates are rising, central bankers in the US and Europe have been ending quantitative easing, bringing the era of cheap money to an end.
2. Stronger dollar
High US rates have driven up the value of the dollar and bond yields, and this is putting pressure on emerging market countries that took advantage of low interest rates to run up trillions in dollar-denominated debt. They have also suffered capital outflows as international investors have switched to the US, driving markets lower. Omar Negyal, portfolio manager of the JP Morgan Global Emerging Markets Income Trust, says this looks like a buying opportunity. “Despite short-term volatility we remain positive about long-term prospects and profitability for emerging markets.”
3. Global trade war
Ritu Vohora, investment director at fund manager M&G, says markets fear that US President Donald Trump’s spat with China will escalate into a full-blown global trade war, with both sides suffering. “The US economy is robust enough to absorb higher input costs now, but this may not be the case as tariffs escalate. However, with a host of factors hitting investor sentiment, this is becoming a stock picker’s market.”
4. Eurozone uncertainty
Europe faces two challenges right now in the shape of Brexit and the new populist government in eurozone member Italy.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, which has offices in Dubai, says the stand-off between between Rome and Brussels threatens to become much more serious. "As with Brexit, neither side appears willing to step back from the edge, threatening more trouble down the line.”
The European economy may also be slowing, Mr Beauchamp warns. “A four-year low in eurozone manufacturing confidence highlights the fact that producers see a bumpy road ahead, with US-EU trade talks remaining a major question-mark for exporters.”
