Paris show: Infiniti outs Q80 concept

INFINTI has unveiled its Q80 Inspiration concept ahead of its Paris motor show debut, revealing the Japanese car-maker’s intentions to take on German fastback rivals.

The Japanese luxury brand said in a statement that the Q80 Inspiration will lead to a future model that will fight high-end competitors, which could include the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Audi A7 and BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupe.

“The Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback is to be taken as clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment,” the statement read.

With coupe lines, a sleek glasshouse, set-back cabin and extended bonnet the four-door sedan is 5052mm long, with a 3103mm wheelbase, a wide stance of 2027mm and is 1350mm high.

There are no wing mirrors to disturb the sharp-edged character line, a large cooling vent is cut into the front guard and a lightweight acoustic glass roof tapers toward the rear where wraparound tail-lights sit above an integrated quad exhaust.

The concept sits on 22-inch five-spoke lightweight alloys with Bridgestone Potenza rubber.

With doors open and the rear appearing to be suicide-style the cabin with its carbon-fibre, leather and aluminium materials is on full display. There’s seating for four in what Infiniti is calling a “1+1+1+1” format.

The high-performance Q80 Inspiration has a hybrid-electric powertrain, a lightweight, rigid chassis and is tipped to get adaptive suspension.

Infiniti executive design director Alfonso Albaisa said the Q80 reveals the future of the company’s flagship vehicles.

“After showing the Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion,” he said.

“In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time.”It’s understood that a production model of the Q80 will not arrive before 2017 or 2018.

Infiniti’s current Australian line-up consists of the Q50 sedan, Q60 coupe and convertible, ranging topping Q70 saloon and QX70 SUV. The Q30 hatch is due in 2016 with the QX30 crossover.