Infiniti's Q60 Coupe Concept will soon be followed by a new production model replacing the old G37.
Infiniti is offering a glimpse of its future as it pulls the wraps off the Q60 Concept a week ahead of its official debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
With a blend of sharp creases, muscular wheel arches and sculpted side panels, the Infiniti Q60 Concept is being billed as a “foreshadowing” of the two-door sports coupe that will replace what was original known as the old G37 model. It also signals the look the luxury maker will adopt across its product portfolio
“The Q80 Inspiration was an indication of Infiniti’s future design language,” says Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, referring to the concept for a flagship sedan shown at the Paris Motor Show last autumn. “The Q60 Concept is the next step in the journey.”
Albaisa suggests the latest Infiniti concept incorporates “Formula One-inspired touches” first seen on the Q50 Eau Rouge performance sedan concept. Infiniti is partner with Red Bull Racing in the F1 series.
(Click Here to check out the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept.)
Design chief Albaisa with the Q80 Inspiration Concept.
The overall look is intended to give the Q60 a low, wide, “road-hugging stance,” an appearance enhanced by 21-inch wheels – with their black, jet turbine blades — that fill up the entire wheel arch.
Inside, the sports coupe concept adopts a decidedly more upscale, hand-crafted look with the use of different complementary leathers, Alcantara and carbon fiber accents. “Genuine” sports seats increase rear legroom in a 2+2 layout, says Infiniti.
How much of the Q60 Concept will carry over as a replacement for the current Infiniti coupe remains to be seen. Considering its market niche, the interior will likely be a bit less extravagant, several industry observers suggest, while the wheels will be a bit smaller, the hard creases softened a bit.
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Nonetheless, the basic design theme of the show car should carry over into production when the next Q60 rolls into showrooms in the near future.
It will become a part of a dramatic remake of the Infiniti brand which has long been relegated to the second tier of luxury marques. Infiniti was given significant autonomy from parent Nissan Motor Co. several years ago, moving its headquarters to Hong Kong and adding its own design and engineering operations.
Since then, it has rolled out an array of edgy concepts signaling the broad expansion of the line-up being planned. But how far Infiniti will go is uncertain. John de Nysschen, who headed the brand until last summer, put a premium on performance vehicles, pressing for a new line that would challenge the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
The maker two years ago debuted a 600-horsepower concept based on the Q50 sedan, dubbed the Eau Rouge. But some inside sources have warned that the project may be scrubbed following the departure of de Nysschen, who now heads Cadillac.
That said, Infiniti is still expected to focus on more sporty models, as the Q60 Concept signals, in its bid to become a serious global luxury contender.
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The Infiniti Q60 Concept will make its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show on Tuesday morning, January 13th.