Infiniti Q80 Inspiration fully unveiled – first photos

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Infiniti has fully unveiled the Q80 Inspiration, ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut. The low sling four-door concept is Infiniti’s first foray into the upper echelons of the premium sedan category. A bold concept that hints at future Infiniti design language and powertrain technology, the Q80 concept is set to preview an upcoming top-of-the-range new car from the Japanese premium player.

Measuring 5,052mm in length, the high-performance hybrid sedan sits on a 3,103mm wheelbase, framed by custom 22-inch five-dual-spoke lightweight alloy wheels. It strikes an imposing stance with its 2,027mm width and 1,350mm height.

The Q80 Inspiration’s expansive, edgy, sensual interpretation of the Infiniti brand mark a brave and innovative conceptual charge into a challenging sector. There are no side-door mirrors to break up the aesthetics of the profile, the full roof length of the teardrop passenger greenhouse is accentuated by lightweight acoustic glass, and its doors open portal style which allows the stunning cabin to be fully on display while driver and passengers step in and out with ease.

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“The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion.

“Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future.”

Inside, the cabin is able to bring together the four occupants in a highly stylized and personalized ambiance. Carbon-fiber, aluminum, and leather surround those inside in spacious “1 + 1 + 1 + 1” seating.  A simplified driver interface and unique head-up display (HUD) keep the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information drivers need, concurrent with the brand’s human-centric ethos.

The front passenger also has an HUD for display of external information via a smartphone connected to the vehicle’s telematics system. Each rear passenger has a touch screen positioned in the rear of the front seat rest to tap into their on-board entertainment package.

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Concentration is focused on exquisitely detailed interior, featuring romance in the shape of quilted leather seats and exquisite Alcantara, leather and metal finishes, all luxuriously bathed in light from the sculptural panoramic glass roof.

“From a design perspective, the Q80 Inspiration is the epitome of provocation, a car that breaks the mold of traditional premium sedan dimension and body form,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.

“It delivers feminine elegance and muscular menace in equal measure and strikes big in terms of styling, craftsmanship, choice of materials and attention to detail.”

At the heart of the Q80 Inspiration is a hybrid powertrain consisting of a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 and electric motors, for a combined output of 410kW (550hp) and 750Nm. Driving all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission, the super saloon launches from zero to 100km/h in sub 4 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

The new engine offers a precursor to a family of engines that will be introduced to the Infiniti portfolio within the next two years. Capable of returning fuel efficiency in the region of just 5.5L/100km, the new powerplant aims to blend extreme performance with segment leading economy.

Coupled to the innovative hybrid powertrain, a smart drivetrain reinforces the sporty appeal with the ability to switch from rear wheel drive to all wheel drive on demand, or as conditions dictate.

Earmarked for an advanced adaptive suspension, the light and rigid chassis combines with the acoustic glass all around and additional sound deadening to promise a driving and ride experience among the very best.

The Infiniti Q80 Inspiration will premiere at the Paris Motor Show this month, alongside the new Q30 premium hatchback.

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