- INFINITI's precursor to a high-performance sports coupe
- Unique proposition of striking styling and high-output powertrain in a premium package
- Previews new family of powerful and efficient engines
Hong Kong/Detroit – INFINITI has set out to captivate the imagination and exhilaration of sports coupe fans with the stunning Q60 Concept. Premiered at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the two-door concept hints at INFINITI's next sports coupe.
The show-stopping Q60 Concept is an original and bold reinterpretation of an elegant lifestyle 2+2 coupe. Its unique combination of eye-catching contours, heart-pumping power and high-quality premium finishes gives premium customers a fresh and expressive style icon to which they can aspire.
"The Q60 Concept is INFINITI's most emotional and accessible concept so far," said Francois Bancon, INFINITI Vice President, Product Strategy.
"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."
The two-door fastback is concept vehicle for which INFINITI has a firm and clear intent for production. Similarly, the Q30 Concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show about 15 months ago, is also planned to go into production this year. The breathtaking Q80 Inspiration was premiered at the Paris Motor Show in September.
INFINITI continues to broaden its lineup to cover the spectrum from smaller premium vehicles, namely the Q30, to full-size cars such as the Q70L. The seductive Q60 Concept reflects INFINITI's intention to strengthen its offerings in the mid-size segment and to cement its credentials as a premium brand driven by performance.
Progressive design, inside and out
INFINITI designers set out to create a sports car with a powerful road presence to match its top-notch performance. And the result is immediately obvious from the precise lines, sharp edges, striking dips in the body sides – all of which come together to give the Q60 Concept a formidable stance on the road.
Hunkering down at 4,690 mm (184.6 inches) long, 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) wide and 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) high, the two-door concept is as sporty in motion as it is at rest, with coupe-style exterior lines that stoke desire and aspiration.
The character lines running the length of the car from the double arch grille to the aerodynamic tail spoiler gives the vehicle its assertive look from front to rear. On the sides, the shoulder dips in with such a striking depth that it amplifies the visual excitement of the cabin.
The designers also emphasized the wheels to give the Q60 Concept an athletic profile. Donning arresting spokes in matte blacks and high-gloss black chromes, the deep 21-inch wheels fill up the wheel arches and give the concept its domineering stance.
The same refinement on the outside extends into the smallest detail on the inside, evoking a premium atmosphere with three-dimensional textures and meticulous craftsmanship.
Stitched by hand, the leather-wrapped instrument panel, steering wheel and door inserts all bear testament to bespoke finesse. Carbon fiber in the door accents also echoes the performance of the car. High-quality driver-oriented controls intuitively build driver confidence.
The seats have also been designed to complement the car's character. An array of leathers was used to bring out the best comfort, from premium saddle leather to thick cushion quilting. Even oft-ignored rear passengers get stylish bucket seats, adding to the premium environment in the car.
Audacious performance
The Q60 Concept is expected to deliver exceptional performance befitting a true-blue sports car from the next-generation 3.0-litre V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging.
This all-new engine was first previewed in the Q80 Inspiration during the Paris Motor Show and will be part of a new family of lighter, smaller, more efficient and more powerful engines.
Slated to be introduced within the next two years, this new line of engines significantly reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while boosting power and torque for a more thrilling drive.
The Q60 Concept also showcases a host of ingenious technologies to not only enrich the driving experience but also provide an intuitive level of driving assistance where required. This is in line with INFINITI's philosophy that technology should enhance the driver, not restrict them.
For example, the enhanced INFINITI Direct Adaptive Steering™ system allows independent control of the car's tire angle and steering inputs, transmitting the driver's intentions to the wheels faster than a mechanical system.
This increases the direct driving performance feel by quickly and intelligently communicating road surface feedback to the driver. Developed after more than 10 years of research, the system was a world's first when it premiered on the Q50.
Apart from augmenting the driving experience, the Q60 Concept puts the spotlight back on the desires and needs of the driver and passengers through human-centric systems that provide a higher degree of available personalization.
This is made possible with the new INFINITI 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.
"The Q60 Concept is INFINITI's vision for a sports coupe," said Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director. "Design, performance and premium quality – these are what makes a sports coupe stand above the crowd. And these are what you'll find on the definitive Q60 Concept."
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