Detroit show: Infiniti teases new flagship sedan

INFINITI will uncover a new sedan concept model at next month’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit that will preview the next step in technology, powertrains and design for its new models.

Although very little is revealed in the single teaser image released, a sculpted bonnet can be glimpsed as well as sleek headlights, subtle bumper air intakes and a new-look Infiniti grille that incorporates vertical slats.

Expect the remainder of the new flagship sedan to follow the same design philosophy of smooth lines and curved surfaces revealed in the sole image.

Currently, Infiniti’s passenger car range tops out with the Q70, which dates back to 2013, but Nissan’s luxury division also confirmed a production version of its Q80 Inspiration concept from the 2014 Paris motor show would sit as the sedan flagship.

Whatever the Detroit show car materialises as, it is expected the new model will sport cutting edge driver-aid and autonomous technologies, as well as Infiniti’s ground-breaking variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine that will make its production debut in the QX50 crossover.

According to Infiniti senior vice president of global design Alfonso Albaisa, the new car will blend next-generation technology with elegant design.

“As a new wave of technologies begin to take shape, our Detroit concept car heralds a new generation of Infiniti,” he said.

“A seamless and stunning new design philosophy demonstrating Infiniti artistry in the new age of autonomy and breakthrough drivetrains.

“In Detroit, shown alongside Prototype 9, Infiniti aims to showcase a new elegance, one that strikes harmony and simplicity in a complex world.”

Meanwhile, Infiniti executive design director Karim Habib said the Detroit show car will begin a new era for the brand.

“The new Infiniti concept car will take the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution,” he said.

“A shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains we were able to create an alternative form with flowing gestures, more engaging in character and more enriching in experience.

“With its long cabin, balanced proportions and muscular stance, the concept heralds a new era for Infiniti models.”

With just a month to go in the year, Infiniti Australia’s sales have slid 1.1 per cent to 739 to the end of November.

The brand’s most popular models are the Mercedes-Benz A-Class-based Q30 and QX30 twins with 221 new registrations, followed by the recently-refreshed Q50 with 202 sales.