Shanghai show: Infiniti uncovers Qs Inspiration concept
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 11th Apr 2019
INFINITI has revealed its Qs Inspiration concept ahead of next week’s Shanghai motor show, with the all-electric model previewing an emissions-free production sedan that could be the replacement for the Q50.
Dubbed “a sports sedan concept for the electrified era”, the Qs Inspiration looks like a design evolution of the Q Inspiration concept that debuted at last year’s Detroit motor show.
Sporting a gapless front grille, sleek headlights, large wheels, a sloping roofline and barely-there side-view mirrors, the Qs Inspiration is still clearly not yet road ready, however it is built on an all-new flexible architecture to accommodate “high-performance powertrains”, according to Infiniti.
Though exact powertrain details are yet to be revealed, the production version of the Qs Inspiration could take on theePorsche Taycan and Audi e-tron GT when it lands, with the former packing 440kW and the latter equipped with 434kW of power.
However, Infiniti is saying the powertrain will be mounted low for improved handling, and the Qs Inspiration will sport an electric all-wheel drivetrain.
Infiniti chairman Christian Meunier said the brand will take advantage of the shift to electric mobility.
“For 30 years, Infiniti has built a reputation for introducing new technology that delights and gives confidence to drivers,” he said.
“The age of electrification presents us with an opportunity to renew our credentials as an innovate challenger brand, ready to move quickly and decisively in this growing and exciting area of the market.”
The Qs Inspiration concept also follows on from the high-riding QX Inspiration revealed earlier this year at the Detroit motor show, and follows Infiniti’s plan to have half of all its vehicles to feature electrified powertrains by 2025.
Infiniti Australia sales have, for the first quarter of the year, improved, increasing 55.8 per cent to 162 units compared to the same period last year.
The Japanese luxury brand’s best-seller is the Q60 coupe (46 sales), followed closely by the QX70, QX80 and Q50 on 36, 34 and 31 sales respectively.
