- Infiniti unveils four-door concept that will lead to future model
- Q80 Inspiration embodies the invigorated Infiniti brand
- Fastback saloon showcases autonomy and powertrain technologies
Hong Kong/Paris – The Paris Auto Show is fast approaching and companies are jockeying for position in the eye of a media storm.
Infiniti presents Q80 Inspiration: Infiniti’s vision of category-breaking, supreme luxurious driving; a top-of-the-line four-seat fastback that rises above the crowd. It’s an audacious and elegant step forward for Infiniti as a global player; designed to shake up the status quo in the premium large four-door club; a no-compromise ambassador of driver-centric powertrain and on-board technologies.
At 15:30 on October 2nd in Hall 5 of the Parc des Expositions de Versailles in Paris, Infiniti will introduce the progressive Q80 Inspiration to the media and provide a glimpse into its high-performance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain implementation as well as additional technologies.
In profile, Infiniti Q80 Inspiration extends to 5052 millimetres (198.9 inches) with a long wheelbase of 3103 mm (122.2 in) framed by custom 22-inch five-dual-spoke lightweight alloys. It strikes an imposing stance with its width of 2027 mm (79.8 in) and height of 1350 mm (53.1 in).
“After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion,” says Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa. “In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time.”
The Q80 Inspiration’s expansive, edgy, sensual interpretation of the Infiniti brand really makes a statement. There are no side-door mirrors to break up the aesthetics of the unmistakable profile, the full roof length of the teardrop passenger greenhouse is accentuated by lightweight acoustic glass, and its doors open portal style which allows the stunning cabin to be fully on display while driver and passengers step in and out with ease.
A concept as impactful as Q80 Inspiration is set to push boundaries in more ways than through the beauty of its attention-grabbing skin. The cabin is able to bring together the four occupants in a highly stylised and personalised ambiance of the highest quality. Carbon-fibre, aluminium, and leather surround those inside in spacious “1 + 1 + 1 + 1” seating.
Earmarked for an advanced adaptive suspension, the light and rigid chassis combines with the acoustic glass all around and additional sound deadening to promise a driving and ride experience among the very best.
A design and technological highlight to which Infiniti’s four worldwide design studios will refer regularly in coming years, the Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback is to be taken as clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment.
THE Q80 INSPIRATION: A BRAVE STATEMENT OF INTENT
- Aggressively-proportioned Q80 Inspiration marks Infiniti’s first foray into the premium saloon category
- Autonomous driving technology, human-centric interiors and bold design highlights Infiniti’s creative approach to the segment
- Smart, eco-friendly hybrid powertrain hints at future engine and powertrain expansion
02/10/2014 – Hong Kong – Infiniti’s first foray into the upper echelons of the premium saloon category comes in the alluring shape of the Q80 Inspiration – a bold concept that hints at future Infiniti design language and smart powertrain technology.
From the convention-breaking proportions and arresting body styling, the full-size Infiniti Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback marks a brave and innovative conceptual charge into a challenging sector.
“The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium saloon category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion.
“Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such,integral to our future.”
Striking exterior, simplistic, stylish interior
The immense presence, stunning design and bold execution of the Q80 Inspiration represents more than a flight of fancy by Infiniti’s talented design team. Full-size in width (2010mm/79.1 inches) and length (5060mm/199.2 inches), yet with a stance of 1340mm/52.8 inches at its highest point, the Q80 is luxurious sedan-like in dimension with fastback contouring.
Innovations continue inside, where driver and passengers are ushered into four individual seats via wide opening portal-style doors. A simplified driver interface and unique head-up display (HUD) keep the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information drivers need, concurrent with Q80 Inspiration’s human-centric ethos.
The front passenger also has an HUD for display of external information via a smartphone connected to the vehicle’s telematics system. Each rear passenger has a touch screen positioned in the rear of the front seat rest to tap into their on-board entertainment package.
Concentration is focused on exquisitely detailed interior, featuring romance in the shape of quilted leather seats and exquisite Alcantara, leather and metal finishes, all luxuriously bathed in light from the sculptural panoramic glass roof.
“From a design perspective, the Q80 Inspiration is the epitome of provocation, a car that breaks the mould of traditional premium saloon dimension and body form,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.
“It delivers feminine elegance and muscular menace in equal measure and strikes big in terms of styling, craftsmanship, choice of materials and attention to detail.”
Attention has also been paid to creating a welcoming, uncluttered environment for driver and passengers alike. Smart technology, simplified and functional.
“There is a tendency with modern design that every time you add interior features and technology you add complexity,” added Albaisa. “The idea with Q80 Inspiration was to re-define and simplify how we interact with people in the car. Of course the Q80 Inspiration has the key features which are premium, smart and engaging, but simplicity was our main objective.”
Performance, power and efficiency
The Q80 Inspiration boasts phenomenal performance with 550hp at its disposal, delivered by an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and hybrid electric powertrain.
The new engine offers a precursor to a family of engines that will be introduced to the Infiniti portfolio within the next two years.
Capable of returning fuel efficiency in the region of 5.5L/100km (42.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of about 129g/km, it offers an audacious blend of extreme performance with the social responsibility demanded by modern customers.
Coupled to the innovative hybrid powertrain, a smart drivetrain reinforces the sporty appeal with the ability to switch from rear wheel drive to all wheel drive on demand, or as conditions dictate.
Autonomous driving explored
Infiniti’s Q80 Inspiration also previews the company’s philosophy on autonomous technology – namely that it should enhance the driver and not restrict them. This driver-centric approach, integral to Infiniti’s vision for the premium sector, is exemplified in on-demand systems.
Using cameras, lasers and sensors, the ingenious technology can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.
Ongoing dialogue between the driver and the autonomous driving technology system, via a clever HUD display projected on the windscreen, enables the driver to utilize the driving assistance at his/her own discretion.
The system emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway mode. The final decision – whether to accelerate and overtake or whether to brake and fall in behind the car ahead – always rests with the driver.
With the HUD, the driver is in command of what is projected onto the windscreen via an Infiniti InTouch™-style touchpad in the elegant centre console.
“As part of our creativity and exploration philosophy, Infiniti considers that autonomous driving is an integral part of a premium car of tomorrow. In our case, we have taken the approach that autonomous driving should empower and enhance the driving experience, not do the driving. Our path of development is not taking us into the area of self-driving vehicles,” said Bancon.
Concept is a pre-cursor to production
The Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle but the way it is named indicates a production intent, suggesting a future design language, ingenious technologies and ultimately Infiniti’s ambition to launch into a new segment – and to make an impact.
“The fact that we are entering this category, a challenging category from a business perspective, and to do so in such a brave fashion demonstrates Infiniti’s confidence,” said Bancon. “The body type, the proportions, the smart hybrid powertrain, autonomous technology – it’s a highly innovative approach.
“This is the highest portfolio entry for Infiniti and our vision is to compete with a unique approach. This car is not the traditional premium saloon. It breaks new ground in areas of body sculpturing and passenger hospitality. And, we will introduce a powertrain which affords power responsibly. It’s the perfect balance between performance and agility.”
Q80 Inspiration is following a path previously trodden by the Infiniti Q30. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, Infiniti revealed a concept car, the Q30 Concept, with a clear intent of entering the premium compact segment. The result is that the Q30 premium compact goes into production next year.
“Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle, but there is a production intent associated with it,” added Bancon. “The naming of the car indicates that something like the Q80 Inspiration will be in our portfolio of the future. This vehicle will inspire all of our future products.”