UPDATE 16/01/2018 12:30pm: Infiniti global executives have made it clear the Q Inspiration concept is a clear pointer to the style and engineering philosophy of the next generation Q70 large luxury sedan due in 2019.
One very important change to expect is a swap from the current Q70's rear-wheel drive set-up to a hybrid-powered all-wheel drive system.
“It’s all-wheel drive,” Infiniti global sales and marketing boss Christian Meunier told motoring.com.au when discussing the features of the Q Inspiration.
Considering the concept has a flat floor, that is bound to mean a compact variable-compression turbo-petrol engine up front and electric power for the rear wheels.
Meanwhile, Nissan group vice-president for global design Alfonso Albaisa discussed the Q Inspiration in the context of Q70.
“Our message here is Q70 is the top of our line and it can be a romantic, powerful, artistic car.
“Sedans are not dead. If that’s dead I want to be dead like that.”
Infiniti has lifted the lid on its striking Q Inspiration Concept, a sleek mid-size sedan that heralds the design direction of its future four-doors including the next-generation Q50.
Cocooning a futuristic, minimalist interior with four individual seats, digital controls and ProPILOT autonomous functions, the shapely coupe-like exterior is punctuated by a stylish back-swept rear-end.
Described as a new form language for an era of advanced powertrains, the Q Inspiration not only presents the design theme of the next Q50 and Q70 sedans, but “suggests future applications for” Infiniti’s new variable-compression four-cylinder turbo-petrol VC-Turbo engine.
“Previewing a new generation of INFINITI vehicles, the Q Inspiration Concept proposes how an innovative VC-Turbo powertrain, next-level autonomous drive technologies, and a unique human-centric interior could enrich the experience of drivers in the mid-size sedan segment,” said premium vehicle brand.
Further details are scarce, Infiniti saying only that the VC-Turbo powertrain delivers the torque and efficiency of a hybrid or diesel engine, by “adjusting its compression ratio to optimise power and fuel efficiency, resulting in the smart application of power for greater driver control”.
“The premium sedan segment has become rather conservative,” said Infinitu Global Design vice-president Christian Meunier.
“The INFINITI Q Inspiration previews something that could appeal to a younger audience, who seek modern design and new technologies to inspire and empower them.”