Infiniti boss Roland Krueger has confirmed that the Infiniti QX50 SUV, due next year, will be the first model to feature the brand's innovative variable compression turbo engine.

"We have to look at technology for customers and this engine offers performance of a V6 with fuel economy of a four-cylinder diesel," he said at the Detroit Motor Show.

In the UK, Infiniti has often been at a disadvantage with many of its models being petrol-powered in a diesel-focused market. However, the arrival of the VC-T 2.0-litre petrol engine should help alleviate that. "That's exactly the positioning we're looking for," said Krueger.

The QX50, which will be unveiled in concept form later today, is due to go on sale by next year in the US. It is confirmed for Europe including the UK but an on-sale date has not yet been decided. 

The VC-T unit was unveiled at last September's Paris Motor Show. 

Infiniti engineers have previously said that the unit develops around 270bhp and 288lb ft of torque while being around 27% more economical than equivalent petrol engines.

Also read: Infiniti launches 'revolutionary' variable compression petrol engine