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Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept is bringing its sexy back to Paris

A little over a month ago, Infiniti hinted at a new concept car it was apparently lining up for the upcoming Paris Motor Show. Then a few weeks ago it showed us a little more. But now, we're getting our best look yet at the new showcar.
Called the Q80 Inspiration, the concept takes the form of a four-door fastback - something along the lines of the Porsche Panamera or Audi A7, but with Infiniti's signature swoopy lines. Created to serve as "a design and technological highlight to which Infiniti's four worldwide design studios will refer regularly in coming years," the Q80 Inspiration may be more design study than pre-production prototype. But the concept is to be taken, according to the statement below, "as clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment."
Incrementally larger than the Panamera in every dimension but height, the Q80 features a teardrop greenhouse, with four doors opening "portal style" into a four-seat cabin done up in carbon fiber, aluminum and leather. Watch this space for more as Infiniti continues the gradual reveal of its new show car as its debut in Paris approaches apace.

Infiniti QX30 Concept is... a mountain lion that stings?

According to Alfonso Albaisa, Executive Design Director at Infiniti, "The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular." He added, "With its higher stance and edgier design to match its tough capabilities, you can almost visualize how the QX30 Concept floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee." We're not quite sure that it looks like a mountain lion or whether it buzzes and stings, but it's definitely more aggressive than the Q30 Concept that it shares a good deal of underlying structure with, and that seems appropriate. We also think it stands apart as different than the cars it will compete against, like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus NX and Buick Encore, which is a good thing, considering that those models have a solid head-start in the burgeoning premium compact crossover segment in which the QX30 will play. Power in this conceptual crossover comes from a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, and a seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels, but Infiniti is quick to say that the QX30 will boast "a wide range of powertrains," so perhaps a hybrid or diesel could join the fray in some markets. We'll have to wait and see, but Infiniti says the QX30 is "earmarked for production" in 2016. Feel free to read more in the press release below, but not before scrolling through our high-res gallery of live images from Geneva, above. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Stylish and Capable: Infiniti QX30 Concept debuts in Geneva – Infiniti's precursor to a premium compact crossover – Sharp design, rugged looks and command sitting make QX30 Concept the ideal urban explorer – Hints at a full range of powertrains to suit every need Hong Kong/Geneva – Infiniti has revealed the stylish and highly capable QX30 Concept, the design vision that will inspire a new premium compact crossover. Making its debut at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, the QX30 Concept cements Infiniti's ambitions to expand into the global premium compact segment, which is forecast for significant growth with the entry of younger affluent customers. Combining the sleek lines of the coupe with the command sitting and all-wheel drive of a crossover, the QX30 Concept is just as adept at navigating high street as it is exploring weekend getaways.

Infiniti Q30 will debut at Frankfurt Motor Show

The Infiniti Q30 made its debut as a svelte concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, two years later, the luxury hatchback will make a big return to the German show in September to launch in production guise. Before the end of the year, the first Q30s will start showing up for sale in European showrooms to take on rivals like the Audi A3. To tease the launch, Infiniti has released this single image of the Q30 going through final validation testing on the road. Unfortunately, it's still wearing a very effective camouflage pattern – just like some previously spied examples. Still, we can tell that there are definite similarities to the hatchback's stylish QX30 compact crossover sibling, which is also on the way. Both of them have sharply pointed, narrow headlights and steeply raked hatches. We can also just make out the deeply creased swage line that cuts through the front door handles and then dips down in this photo. Infiniti promises more details to come about the Q30 before the Frankfurt launch. At least for European examples, assembly is reportedly earmarked for the Sunderland factory in the UK. Related Video: Infiniti Q30 to debut at Frankfurt IAA 2015 All-new Q30 compact entry to debut 90 days from today to the public Infiniti's first-ever compact car currently going through validation and dynamic tuning in Europe Sales to begin in Europe before end of 2015 HONG KONG – Infiniti will unveil its first-ever compact car at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September this year (September 17 to 27). Two years after the Infiniti Q30 Concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt show, the production version of this segment-spanning compact car will be revealed at the show this year. Infiniti is in the final stages of preparing the launch. Dynamic testing and ultimate validation is currently taking place across the UK and throughout mainland Europe where development of the vehicle has been completed at the company's Engineering Center in Cranfield, UK, since 2014. The Q30 will go on sale in Europe towards the end of 2015 with other markets to follow subsequently. More news on the Infiniti Q30 active compact will be released closer to the Frankfurt show in September. About Infiniti Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States and China.