After some recent peeks, Infiniti finally debuts its Q Inspiration Concept at the North American International Auto Show. Get used to this bold appearance because the brand promises that this striking sedan previews the company's future generation of vehicles. 

While beauty is subjective, the Q Inspiration Concept is inarguably fascinating to look at. In front, the sedan features a bizarre take on the company's current double-arch grille by incorporating an array of tightly packed louvers into the center of it. Wide intakes in the lower fascia and tall ones ahead of the wheels lend a sporty aesthetic. Aggressive slashes create the shape of the headlights, and there are similar cuts on the hood.

The styling becomes sleeker further back. A flowing roof with thin pillars flows back to a fastback-like rear. The rounded tail with integrated exhausts is nicely understated, and the strip of taillights running across the vehicle's width picks up cues from the sharp-edged headlights.

Inside, Infiniti adopts a minimalist layout. Occupants sit in broad chairs with white leather upholstery, and each passenger has a tablet for their entertainment. A floating center console looks sculptural and features a mix of black and white leather with a coral orange accent. Up front, a digital display extends the entire length of the dashboard. Underneath it, the company installs a vast expanse of wood that wraps around to the doors. Passengers can individually adjust their section of cabin lighting by sliding a finger along of strip of golden washi paper and silk threads on the lower part of each door.

The Q Inspiration Concept would use Infiniti's VC-Turbo four-cylinder that's capable of changing its compression on the fly. The company claims that the mill has the output of a gas-fueled V6 but the efficiency of a diesel four-cylinder.

The powerplant is also compact, which is a major contributor to the sedan's styling. Because the engine doesn't take up much room, the designers can craft the vehicle's short hood and push forward the A-pillars. This gives the Q Inspiration Concept the exterior footprint of a midsize sedan but the interior room of a larger car.

While the Q Inspiration points to future Infinitis, the company is clear that this specific model isn't for production.

Source: Infiniti
Live Photos: Patrick Hoey / Motor1.com

Gallery: Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept

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INFINITI Q Inspiration Concept: power beyond convention

  • INFINITI reveals new form language for an era of advanced powertrains
  • Minimalist and human-centric interior design
  • Concept suggests future applications for world's first production-ready VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine
  • New ProPILOT technologies liberate the driver from mundane and stressful drives

DETROIT – Previewing a new generation of INFINITI vehicles, the Q Inspiration Concept proposes how an innovative VC-Turbo powertrain, next-level autonomous drive technologies, and a unique human-centric interior could enrich the experience of drivers in the mid-size sedan segment. The Q Inspiration Concept is meant to demonstrate future technologies and will not be available for sale.

Representing the next step in INFINITI design, the exterior of the Q Inspiration Concept features clear and concise lines with dynamic and confident proportions. It is the first manifestation of INFINITI's new form language for an era of advanced powertrains. The concept eschews classical sedan forms with its coupe-like appearance and elongated silhouette, presenting INFINITI's design vision for vehicles in this segment.

The cabin follows a minimalist approach, with a concise and clean interior design enveloping the driver and passengers in a serene and comfortable environment. The intelligently packaged four-cylinder VC-Turbo has liberated INFINITI's designers from the constraints of powertrain architecture to realize a spacious interior. Modern technology and craftsmanship merge inside the cabin, presented in a way that enables, rather than distracts, the driver.

Powered by INFINITI's revolutionary VC-Turbo technology – the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine – the Q Inspiration boasts a powertrain combining turbocharged gasoline power with the torque and efficiency of a hybrid or diesel engine. VC-Turbo continually transforms, adjusting its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency, resulting in the smart application of power for greater driver control. As a mid-size sedan concept, the Q Inspiration previews other near-future applications for INFINITI's variable compression ratio VC-Turbo engine technology.

New ProPILOT functionality liberates the driver from mundane and stressful driving situations. Realizing the next stage in vehicle autonomy for INFINITI, ProPILOT enables drivers to delegate more stressful driving tasks to the car, and enjoy an enhanced ability to respond to hazards. With the system acting as a co-pilot, the driver always retains ultimate control.

"The premium sedan segment has become rather conservative. The INFINITI Q Inspiration previews something that could appeal to a younger audience, who seek modern design and new technologies to inspire and empower them."
Christian Meunier, INFINITI Global Division Vice President

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