Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept is bringing its sexy back to Paris

Tue, 23 Sep 2014

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.

Feasting the senses: Infiniti Q80 Inspiration

- Infiniti unveils four-door concept that will lead to future model
- Q80 Inspiration embodies the invigorated Infiniti brand
- Fastback sedan 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 onboard technologies.

At 15:30 local time on October 2 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 millimeters (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," said 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 stylized and personalized ambiance of the highest quality. Carbon fiber, aluminum 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.

About Infiniti
Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.

As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti's Director of Performance.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti in Formula One, visit www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGlobal.

By Noah Joseph