NEWS
PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Prelude to Q80 production
Infiniti confirms large luxury sedan will enter production, based on Q80 Inspiration show carA car to rival Porsche's Panamera and Benz's CLS will join the global Infiniti range within a few years – and it's expected to be heavily based on the Q80 Inspiration concept car making its debut in Paris this week.
The local boss of Infiniti has effectively ruled out such a car for Australia, but a production Q80 would be just the hero car/flagship the brand needs in other, larger markets. Even the very name of the concept car hints that it would preview a production vehicle.
"Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle, but there is a production intent associated with it," said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. "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."
"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. 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."
The production model will likely bring to market the show car's autonomous driving technology and the hybrid drivetrain system, in light of Renault Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn's commitment to the former and the European Union's legislation for dramatically reduced automotive emissions.
"The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium saloon category," said Bancon, as quoted in the press release issued by Infiniti overnight. "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."
The show car is over five metres long (5.06m) and two metres wide (2.01m), but measures just 1.34m in height. These proportions place the Q80 precisely on track to rival Porsche's Panamera, the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – although the Infiniti concept sits lower than any of those. Expect the production version to sit a little closer to the competition in ride height...
Power for the concept is by means of a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 in a hybrid drivetrain configuration. Developing 410kW in this application, the engine previews a new architecture to be rolled out to Infiniti's production models in coming years. Fuel consumption for the hybrid concept is as low as 5.5L/100km and CO2 emissions amount to 129g/km.
A button on the left spoke of the steering wheel activates cameras, lasers and sensors for the purpose of autonomous driving. According to Infiniti the system doesn't seek to override the driver, instead offering suggestions by means of audible prompts and keeping the driver informed through the medium of the car's head-up display.
"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.
Features of the Q80 Inspiration touted by Infiniti include the head-up display (with a secondary display for the front-seat passenger), touch screen-based rear-seat entertainment systems, quilted leather seats with Alcantara accenting and leather/metal decorative combinations.
"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."
"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."
All the latest news and video from the motoring.com.au team at the Paris motor show
Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Contact
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Download the carsales app
