twin_snails

iTrader: (2)

What do you guys think of the new Q80 Concept? I think it looks amazing so far and will be a much needed shot in the arm for the brand. I'm glad to see them slowly fleshing out the model lineup so they're better positioned to compete with other brands.



Here's the details from the cars.com kicking tires blog:

Looks like: Infiniti's take on the Porsche Panamera

Defining characteristics: Svelte hatchback profile, enormous wheels

Ridiculous features: No side mirrors, teardrop roof glass

Chance of being mass-produced: All but certain

Weeks ahead of October's Paris Motor Show, Infiniti revealed more details and one full image of a four-door coupe concept that previews a future flagship. It's the second time we've heard of the Q80 Inspiration, coming weeks after Nissan's luxury brand released a teaser image earlier this month. The latest image shows a sedan-meets-hatchback amalgamation with cab-rearward styling, a hybrid drivetrain and enormous wheels.

Related: Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept Previews Fastback Flagship

Absent side mirrors or door handles — substantial ones, at least — the Q80 Inspiration's lines run hollow along the sides but widen into a larger rear end with some interesting taillight visuals. Rear-hinged doors open at the B-pillars, and 22-inch wheels fill the fenders. The glass roof extends down the rear into a sort of teardrop window, and the profile magnifies Infiniti's forward C-pillar kick, which we've seen in subtler form on the Q30 concept and Q50 production cars.

How much of this will make it to production? We'll see; it is called an "inspiration" after all. Infiniti restricted interior details to one mention about a "highly stylized and personalized ambiance" with plenty of carbon fiber, aluminum and leather. Without more images, it's hard to tell if the Q80 Inspiration is a long way off from production or, like last year's Q30, relatively close.

At 198.9 inches long, the Q80 Inspiration concept measures closer to traditional, regular-wheelbase luxury flagships (BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS) than four-door coupes (Porsche Panamera, Audi A7, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class). But Infiniti's concept is wider (79.8 inches) and shorter in terms of height (53.1 inches) than the whole group.

We'll see how those dimensions pan out to a production car, given that Infiniti says the Q80 Inspiration "will lead to a future model." We forecast it will have the name ... Q80. (That took lengthy deliberations. We're calling it a day.) Given the brand's latest nomenclature, the name means it will slot above the Q70, formerly the M37/M56. It could signal Infiniti's first large flagship sedan since the erstwhile Q45, which left the market nearly a decade ago.

Infiniti will introduce full details on the Q80 Inspiration on Oct. 2 during media days at the Paris Motor Show, so stay tuned.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

When there's something more than a drawing it'll be easier to tell. Hooefully they do go through with it as a Q45 successor. That was an awesome car and should have been marketed better so that it would move units. I still keep my eyes open for a mint condition 2nd gen Q45.

I think the Q80 will be a solid performer loaded with cutting edge tech. Hopefully the luxury will be up to par.

inbeforenomanualnocareithastoomamygadgetsitsnotaBM Witneedsadrop

twin_snails

iTrader: (2)

I guess we'll find out more on October 2nd. I never drove the 2nd gen Q45, but it was an awesome car from all accounts I've heard. Yes, this needs to be built. I like the direction they're going with it.

Bahahahaha! Invariably someone would say those things on the last line.

Jethro

iTrader: (3)

Looks interesting, I'll reserve judgement until further details are revealed. I hope it will do well for Infiniti.

Black Betty

iTrader: (60)

The Infiniti Q80 Is Neat But Won't Look Anything Like The Actual Car

twin_snails

iTrader: (2)

So far, I am really digging the Q80 concept. I think there are good things in store for the lineup with the new design language hopefully trickling down to the other models.

eljoker

I see alot of the Infiniti Essesnce concept.....I like!

Wonder if this will ride on the FM platform or if rumors are true that they are switching to the new GLOBAL MB platform?

warped ideas

Wow, a competitor for the BMW 6 series. I'm digging it.

Redfire32

iTrader: (12)

It's sweet. Even if only some of the aspects of this inspiration make it to the line it still stands to be a sexy car. Who knows we could all be on myQ80.com website years from now. How much time does it usually take between concept, inspiration car and actual cars on the lot for sale guys?

mj_39

iTrader: (4)

kenjnc24

hmmm.. I am liking the front end but that V in the rear glass just doesnt look quite right

austinnpark

which cars is its competitors? looks pretty good. I wonder what this will be priced at

xxkevo

I wonder what the price will be too.. I better start saving for it!

NickyP

I don't know about you, but my guess is that I would have had to start saving about 10-20 years before I was born for a car like that.