What is this vision?
Infiniti has released the first picture of its latest concept car, the Q80 Inspiration, which will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show on 2nd October. It is a large, fastback saloon that will lead to future production model. The company describes its latest offering as showing its intention to have a vehicle in the 'premium fastback segment'.
Looks good, how big is it?
It is long, wide and low - just over five metres long but only 1.35 metres high - with a 3.1-metre wheelbase. The only view we have is of the rear three-quarters, but it is enough to see the deeply sculpted body sides, between 22-inch alloy wheels, and a V-shaped rear window. To keep the shape clean there are no external mirrors and the doors open 'portal style', which is another way of saying that the rear doors hinge at their trailing edge - and there is no centre pillar.
What about inside?
We'll have to wait a bit longer for a look at the interior but the Q80 Inspiration is designed as a strict four-seater with each occupant getting an individual chair. Materials used include leather, aluminium and carbon fibre.
Any interesting tech?
Technological highlights include 'advanced adaptive suspension'. There is also acoustic glass and extra sound deadening. Infiniti hasn't said exactly what is under the bonnet but the Q80 will use a hybrid powertrain.
Anything else?
Infiniti describes the Q80 inspiration as, '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.'
Talking about the new concept Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa, said "In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time."
John Lambert - 24 Sep 2014