Will preview new design direction for the marque.
After a report emerged that Infiniti had something cooking for the upcoming Detroit auto show, the Japanese luxury marque saw it fit to whet our appetites with a single shot of its upcoming concept car, which they say will be the first of a new breed of cars coming from the firm.
“As a new wave of technologies begin to take shape, our Detroit concept car heralds a new generation of Infiniti. 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.” - Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President (Design), Infiniti
The full-size luxury saloon market is not one that Infiniti’s had great success in, which is likely why they’ve resisted re-entering that segment since the demise of the Q45 some time ago. However, they have said that they’ve remained open to the idea (least, that was the impression they’ve given on multiple occasions), and given that their ‘hit rate’ at turning concept cars into production models, it’s highly likely that the Detroit concept will preview not only its latest-generation of cars, but also its entry into the highly-competitive full-size limousine segment.
“The new Infiniti concept car will take the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. 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 in a new era for Infiniti models.” - Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, Infiniti
It’s suggested that while it’ll contend with cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS, the full-size Infiniti will pack the sort of dynamism that you’d associate more readily with the Jaguar XJ and the Porsche Panamera. The new Infiniti also promises to bring the same kind of mould-breaking visual flair of the latter two cars too, and if the Q80 Inspiration Concept of 2014 is any indicator, it’s entirely capable of doing so.
With the new concept car slated for debut in Detroit on the 15th of January, stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more updates as they come.
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