Yahoo Autos Infiniti QS Inspiration Concept Previews Future Q50 and Q70 Sedans
One of many in a line of Inspiration concepts, this latest Infiniti is a take on future sedans in their traditional form.
The QS Inspiration will feature all-wheel drive and can accommodate hybrid and electric powertrains.
Expect this styling language to preview the next-gen Q50 and Q70 sedans.
Nissan and Infiniti have dropped radical suicide-doored concepts at the last several auto shows, all of which have previewed a more handsome design language and some, like this silvery, square-jawed beauty, a business commitment to sedans. The latest in Infiniti's Inspiration concept series is the QS debuting next week at the auto show in Shanghai, China, a futuristic city where a hybrid sports sedan would feel right at home.
The previous QX Inspiration, which made its debut in January, was undoubtedly a take on a future compact crossover. The Q Inspiration from two Januarys ago was a fastback flagship sedan. The latest QS Inspiration may inspire a next-gen Q70 or Q50. Before the reveal, we can't surmise the concept's exact size from these two initial photos, although it's certainly a taller machine. Infiniti references the car's "raised driving position"-evident by the thick-slabbed doors and high shoulder line-without a lifted ground clearance. Nissan took that route in January with the IMs concept, a fastback sedan with Subaru pretensions.
Infiniti is placing bets on the traditional three-box sedan design with the trunk, cabin, and hood each defined in its own space. Despite a low floor accommodating large batteries and an open interior that's likely part cockpit, part lounge area, this Infiniti still wants to look like the sedans we know and love.
Need more of a clue they're serious? Infiniti said its sedans have been the "backbone" of its lineup since its launch in 1989. Abandon car (as Ford and others are doing)? No, thank you.
While the specs are deliberately fuzzy, the QS will accommodate the company's forthcoming e-POWER hybrid and full-electric powertrains with all-wheel drive. Nissan's burly 5.6-liter V-8 could snuggle up inside, too, or Infiniti's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 that makes the Q60 Red Sport so damn quick. Those are cheaper (and altogether satisfying) choices bound to resonate further with Infiniti customers in the near term. That's not to say Infiniti can't sell a hybrid, but so far, aside from the QX60 hybrid in a small number of states, it hasn't proven that case.
The style of future Infiniti EVs, however, is guaranteed. Solid grilles with a chromed outline, vertical air intakes integrated with slim headlights and chiseled fenders, simple creases, and an abundance of white space and minimalism are where this American-inspired luxury brand is headed. We can't say anything about the interior other than that it doesn't have the company's current two-screen layout on the dash and doesn't appear to be relentlessly parts-sharing with Nissan. If Infiniti can guarantee those two aspects to production, it will make its future cars-sedans and all-much more attractive.
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