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Carsales Staff16 Jan 2018
NEWS

DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti previews new Q70

Slinky four-door concept presents Infiniti's new sedan design plus variable-compression tech

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.

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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.

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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”.

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“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.”

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