Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand equivalent to Lexus, have unveiled a first image of their new Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback concept car. The concept is centred around the philosophy, “supreme luxurious driving” and provides seating for four within a sleek five-metre long body with four doors.
Not only does the concept provide a glimpse at future Infiniti cars, it also provides a look at their high performance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain and additional technology.
Serving as Infiniti’s answer to Porsche’s popular Panamera and Aston Martin’s Rapide, the Q80 Inspiration has designs on the growing fastback market. The unveiling of the concept in Paris is yet another indication Infiniti want to expand their popularity in Europe, having already gained acceptance as a brand and successful sales in America. Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa, said,
“After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion. In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time.”
Other styling details of note are the lack of wing mirrors which appears to be something of a trend amongst automotive designers, following Volkswagen’s successful lead with their fully type-approved XL1 hybrid. Tesla’s Model X concept also featured a wing mirrorless design and many others appear to be attracted by the potential high speed aerodynamic benefits. The teardrop shaped “passenger greenhouse” is entered in via portal style doors which allow the cabin to be on full display while passengers enter or exit. Naturally, no luxury concept car worth its salt would be complete without lashings of carbon fibre, aluminium and leather throughout the interior design.
Details about the powertrain are non-existant, aside from it being a hybrid electric, while mechanicals and other features will be revealed at launch. However, highlighting Infiniti’s premium design on the Q80 Inspiration are advanced adaptive suspension and acoustic glass which provides sound deadening all round making for a quiet and refined interior.
Infiniti will introduce the Q80 Inspiration at 15:30 on October 2nd, in Hall 5 of the Parc des Expositions de Versailles in Paris to the media.
Source; Infiniti
