The Infiniti Q80 concept car has been introduced at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and is said to make into production in three to five years, hinting at future Infiniti design language and smart powertrain technology.

The Q80 Concept detailed

Borrowing some styling cues from the Q30 concept unveiled at the 2013 LA Motor Show, the aggressively proportioned Infiniti Q80 concept car measures 2.1 metres in width, 5 metres in length and 1.34 metres in height.

“The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion.

“Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future.”

Inside, the car is furnished with quilted leather and alcantara, together with leather and metal finishes. The driver and passengers get four individual seats, with rear passengers getting a touch screen. The cabin also features a simplified driver interface and unique head-up display (HUD) which keeps the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information the driver needs.

The Q80 additionally features an autonomous technology system which uses cameras, lasers and sensors, and can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. The system emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway mode. The final decision – whether to accelerate and overtake or whether to brake and fall in behind the car ahead – always rests with the driver.

“As part of our creativity and exploration philosophy, Infiniti considers that autonomous driving is an integral part of a premium car of tomorrow. In our case, we have taken the approach that autonomous driving should empower and enhance the driving experience, not do the driving. Our path of development is not taking us into the area of self-driving vehicles,” said Bancon.

Performance

Power comes from an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol unit and electric motor hybrid with a claimed 410 kWand is capable of returning 5.5-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of about 129 g/km. This engine supposedly offers an insight into the Infiniti engine portfolio due to be unveiled over the next two years.

“Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle, but there is a production intent associated with it,” added Bancon. “The naming of the car indicates that something like the Q80 Inspiration will be in our portfolio of the future. This vehicle will inspire all of our future products.”