What's all this about?
This is an Infiniti concept car that looks wildly futuristic, but that could be a showroom star a lot sooner than you'd think.
How so?
It is the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration and it has a hybrid powertrain that mates a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 to an electric motor to give vital statistics of 550hp, 42.8mpg and 129g/km CO2. While this sort of output isn't exactly mainstream, Infiniti says the engine is a precursor to hybrid cars appearing in its dealerships within two years. And it can also be driven autonomously, thanks to a series of cameras, lasers and sensors, with a touchpad and head-up display for the human behind the wheel to control just how much assistance they want the car to give them.
I'm not sold on cars that drive themselves...
Then don't use the assistance and make the most of that 550hp yourself. Because Infiniti is hinting that while this is a concept for now, the Q80 could make production soon.
Really? That would be good news; it looks superb.
Well, like many concepts, it would in all probability be watered down for any potential production run but we'd agree with you - the Q80 is a show-stopper. It also has a fancy, hi-tech interior with quilted leather and lots of Alcantara.
Let's hope Infiniti makes it a reality, then.
Yes, fingers crossed - a proper halo product like this could be just what Infiniti needs to build the brand's credibility overall.
Matt Robinson - 3 Oct 2014