INFINITI Motor Company supported a groundbreaking expedition in the Gobi Desert, employing NASA imaging technology and a fleet of its versatile SUVs, that will forever change modern paleontology.
Organized by The Explorers Club Hong Kong Chapter (ECHK) and led by the Mongolian Institute of Paleontology and Geology (IPG), the expedition revisited the route of famed American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews (considered the inspiration for Indiana Jones) 100 years after he discovered dinosaur eggs at the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi. Andrews was the first explorer to use motorized vehicles, making his expedition much more efficient.
The Roy Chapman Andrews Centennial Expedition employed advanced mapping and imaging technology through the use of satellites and drones to pinpoint likely fossil locations across enormous swaths of land. The 35-person multidisciplinary team found possible evidence of three new dinosaur species, more than 250 new fossil locations, five entirely new areas previously not known to contain fossils, and hundreds of fossilized bones, including those of mammals, which were not previously known to have existed in the area.
Paleontologists were able to analyze an enormous amount of data collected from satellite and drone imagery to pinpoint high probability locations for fossilization, based on geological and sedimentary markers. The team could then travel quickly to the sites in a fleet of INFINITI SUVs to prospect for fossils. The combination of satellite and drone imaging, together with a team of paleontologists—all working together—has never be done before.
"INFINITI has a 30-year history of technological firsts, pushing boundaries and empowering people to find their next frontier," said Trevor Hale, INFINITI General Manager INFINITI Global Communications and member of The Explorers Club. "INFINITI shares the same values as The Explorers Club, constantly pushing ourselves to explore new possibilities through technology to empower our customers on the road and in life. INFINITI is honored to have supported this historic expedition through mobility and new technologies, and is very gratified to collaborate with the ECHK and IPG."
INFINITI employed the breadth of its SUV range to transport expedition members and equipment efficiently and comfortably to remote locations in the Gobi desert, including the full size 4WD QX80, the large, three-row QX60 and the all new mid- size premium QX50 which is currently being introduced in markets around the world. The entire lineup includes features which made the expedition luxurious as well as safe, thanks to the latest in premium comfort and technology, including Active Noise Cancellation to reduce driver fatigue during the long stretches between dig sites, NASA-inspired ergonomic seating and the Around Vehicle Monitor, a 360-degree overhead view to help avoid rocks, ruts and encounters with the local Mongolian wildlife.
The QX50 is a beautifully designed SUV with the world's first variable compression ratio engine (VC-Turbo) which provides an ideal combination of power and fuel efficiency – in dinosaur terms, the power of a Tyrannosaurus Rex combined the efficiency and agility of a velociraptor. The QX50 features the latest semi- autonomous drive technology and has been introduced in the US and China and will be available in international markets this year and next.
The QX60 is a spacious seven-seat SUV with enhanced driving dynamics and passenger comfort. It is powered by a 3.5L v6 engine with multiple driving modes, at home in the desert or dropping the family off at the museum of natural history.
The new QX80 is engineered to deliver passengers and supplies to the most remote areas of the Gobi wrapped in comfort and luxury. Powered by a 5.6L V8 engine, the QX80 has four driving modes, providing secure traction at all times, shifting torque to wheels.
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