Infiniti has released a second image of a new concept car that the Japanese brand says will inform its future design language. Called ‘Q Inspiration’ the new concept is in the form of a large luxury car, although Infiniti is keen to avoid the design stereotypes associated with the luxury saloon segment.
With Infiniti keen to establish a new aesthetic to woo buyers while remaining distinct from premium rivals, the next generation concept eschews the brand’s familiar design elements like the hourglass grille and kinked pillars in favour of a smoother, more minimalist aesthetic. The shape is closer to that of luxury hatchbacks like the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7, also sharing full width rear lighting and pronounced rear haunches with those cars.
Infiniti has neglected to mention many details regarding powertrains, but Karim Habib, Infiniti’s Executive Design Director explains: “The Q Inspiration features a shorter hood and elongated body”, pointing towards compact drivetrains and an almost certain inclusion of electrification of some type in the concept.
Regardless of the Q Inspiration’s relevance to a specific production model, the body’s heavily sculpted sides are a fresh re-interpretation of Infiniti’s current surfacing style. Focusing on round shapes and muscular rear haunches, these elements will eventually find their way into future production models. The previously released front image shows a simplified grille shape and lots of enclosed space, further supporting the electrified powertrain theory.
It’s hoped that the Q Inspiration will be an important step in helping Infiniti find its feet outside of the US. This design revamp, as well as exciting new tech like the variable compression engine due in this year’s new Q50 SUV might well help catapult Infiniti more forcefully into the premium arena.
This article originally appeared at evo.co.uk
