Beijing show: Infiniti teases new SUV

INFINITI has released a teaser image of its QX Sport Inspiration concept, ahead of its full reveal at the Beijing motor show later this month, previewing a possible new SUV model for the Japanese premium brand.

The single, semi-concealed image shows a front-on view of the concept, with a new headlight and bumper design that has not been seen on any previous Infiniti SUV models.

A part of the Japanese luxury brand's Powerful Elegance design philosophy, the QX Sport Inspiration looks to have a low, muscular stance with wide wheel arches, a front bumper insert below the headlight, a low air intake on the front bumper, a large grille and headlight design slightly reminiscent of the Q60 Coupe revealed at this year's Detroit motor show.

“With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models,” said Infiniti executive director design Alfonso Albiaisa.

Infiniti is remaining quiet on what exactly the QX Sport Inspiration is previewing, and whether or not it will end up becoming a production vehicle.

The car-maker has a history of revealing concepts that turn into production-ready models with very few styling changes, as evidenced by the Q30 concept shown at the 2013 Frankfurt show, and the Q60 concept, revealed at last year's Detroit show.

Both are slated for arrival in Australia in 2016, and both designs stayed largely true to the concepts that preceded the production versions, suggesting the QX concept could have the same fate.

As a mid-sized SUV, there are a couple of potential models that the QX Sport Inspiration could materialise into.

The only mid-size to large SUV sold in Australia is the QX70, which was released in Australia in 2012 under the FX moniker, but has existed in other markets since 2009.

As a seven-year-old model, a new-generation QX70 cannot be far off, however Infiniti Australia has recently announced that it is entering a period of expansion, including a major product offensive of several new vehicles never before seen in Australia.

One mid-sized SUV not sold Down Under is the QX50, sold overseas since 2008 and old enough to be due for an overhaul.

A new version of the QX50 has the potential to be a volume seller for Infiniti in Australia given the high take-up of mid-size SUVs.

It could also be based on the underpinnings already shared by the Q50 mid-size sedan and the upcoming Q60 coupe.

The release of the QX50 in Australia would follow the new-model strategy, with the Q30 hatch, QX30 crossover, updated Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe all touching down in Australia before the end of 2016.

This is on top of the dealer network expansion, with up to 10 new dealerships being established this year.

More information on the QX Sport Inspiration will have to wait it is fully revealed at the Beijing show, beginning April 25.