Infiniti’s new Q60 concept is the basis for a new vehicle coming within the next year, Infiniti said today in Detroit. Photo credit: Len Katz

Infiniti’s new Q60 concept is following in the footsteps of the brand’s other recent concepts, acting as the basis for a new vehicle coming within the next year.

The low-slung, athletic-looking 2+2 coupe made its debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

It is following in the footsteps of the Q80 and Q30, which are all in various states of development. The Q60 will replace the old G37, a two-door sports coupe, according to Infiniti officials.

“The Q60 Concept is Infiniti’s most emotional and accessible concept so far,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti vice president, Product Strategy.

Infiniti's Q60 Coupe Concept will soon be followed by a new production model replacing the old G37. Photo credit: Len Katz

“This concept goes beyond a flight-of-fancy design exercise; it is the next proof point in Infiniti’s concept-to-production approach. Come next year, Infiniti will produce a sports coupe with influences from the Q60 Concept.”

One look at the concept reveals that there is no question what it’s designed to do: go fast and handle well. It’s 184.6 inches long, 73.4 inches wide and just 53.9 inches high, or more simply put: long, low and wide.

There are plenty of other styling cues that augment the Q60’s sports-car look, including the aerodynamic tail spoiler and 21-inch matte black and high-gloss black chrome wheels.

On the inside, the Q60 emotes quality. The hand-stitched, leather-wrapped instrument panel, steering wheel and door inserts make that abundantly clear. However, the essence of the car – power and speed – is brought to the fore in the cabin as well with carbon fiber door accents.

The Infiniti Q60 features a customizable digital interior that can be set up for four different drivers.

(Infiniti reveals Q60 concept ahead of NAIAS. For more, Click Here.)

It also features Infiniti’s InTuition system, a fully customizable digital environment, which works with the vehicle’s advanced intelligent keys to recognize the vehicle settings for up to four different drivers, including preferences for driving position, heating and cooling, audio, navigation, telematics.

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There is one noticeable shortcoming with the Q60: what will power it? Infiniti says it is developing a new series of lighter, more efficient and more powerful engines for its brand, including something specifically for the Q60. However, they won’t be ready for two years and the Q60 is slated to hit dealer showrooms next year.

The Q60 features matte black and high-gloss black chrome 21-inch wheels.

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When it does arrive, the Q60 is supposed get a 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging that was first displayed on the Q80 Inspiration during the Paris Motor Show. This new line of engines significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while boosting power and torque.

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.