The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept is a wee bit smaller than the QX70 it's expected to replace.
Officially, it’s just a concept car, but one doesn’t have to work hard to imagine that the new Infiniti Inspiration QX Sport Concept is little more than a thinly disguised version of the next-generation QX70.
True, there are a few of the classic concept details, like the undersized mirrors and oversized tires. But the grille features the latest Infiniti touches, as do the LED headlamps and vertical air scoops. So, too, the “floating” roof, supported by blacked-out B and C-pillars.
“The QX Sport Inspiration is a statement of intent from Infiniti, showcasing a daring design philosophy and a demonstration of our capabilities in the mid-size SUV segment, said Infiniti President Roland Krueger.
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Making its debut at this week’s Beijing Auto Show, the Inspiration QX is actually a bit smaller than the current QX70. At 181.1 inches, nose-to-tail, it’s 10.2 inches shorter, while its 110.3-inch wheelbase loses 3.3 inches compared to the 2016 production SUV. The show car is also 1.1 inches narrower, at 74.8 inches, while both models are 65 inches tall.
The Inspiration Concept retains the traditionally sporty styling of the Infiniti QX70.
Nonetheless, the shorter overhangs and modified platform suggest that interior space would be uncompromised, and that’s what matters to most buyers of three-row utes like the current Infiniti QX70.
The Inspiration concept adopts what Infiniti calls its “Powerful Elegance” form language, and adds a few new brand signature details, such as air exhausts behind the front wheel. Similar to the BMW “air curtain” system, this helps reduce aerodynamic turbulence. The show car also features a rear diffuser and rectangular exhaust ports.
“The QX Sport Inspiration expresses power and purpose through what we describe as its ‘proportional clarity’, with an elegance that is uniquely Infiniti,” proclaimed design chief Alfonso Albaisa. “The exterior design will appeal to an artistic sensibility. It has a more flowing, natural aesthetic than that evident in traditional premium SUVs.”
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The interior adopts a more driver-oriented cockpit than the current QX70, the center console angling towards the motorist who also gets a sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel. In keeping with current industry trends, the Inspiration QX Sport Concept gets a digital gauge cluster, as well as a tablet-style display running the latest update of Infiniti’s infotainment system.
The QX Sport Inspiration Concept adopts a more driver-oriented cockpit layout.
As for the powertrain, Infiniti is keeping mum. Despite its size, the QX70 has traditional been positioned as one of the more sporty SUVs in its segment, and the design says Infiniti isn’t moving away from that with the QX Sport Inspiration Concept.
That suggests the maker’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 will be on tap, pairing with a seven-speed gearbox and available all-wheel-drive. As with the Q50, Infiniti may opt to offer both a base, 300-horsepower version, as well as a 400-hp Red Sport 400 model. Also borrowing from the Q50, a hybrid package may be on tap.
Expect to see a production version of the next-generation Infiniti QX70 make its debut early this coming autumn, perhaps at the Paris Motor Show or in Los Angeles come November.
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