Infiniti’s Q80 Concept is Japan’s Porsche Panamera

At the Q80 Inspiration Concept’s world premiere at the 2014Paris Auto Show, Infiniti confirmed its intentions to put a similar car into production within the next few years.

“The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President. “Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle, but there is a production intent associated with it. The naming of the car indicates that something like the Q80 Inspiration will be in our portfolio of the future.”

Bacon also mentioned that the Q80’s sculptural styling, which was largely the work of the brand’s design center in London, will inspire all of Infiniti’s future products.

The Q80 Inspiration is an imposing, four-seater, fastback model with a length of 5,060mm (199.2 inches), a width of 2,010mm (79.1 inches) but a height of only 1,340mm (52.8 inches).

Portal-style doors open to show a pillarless side profile and a nicely crafted interior for four passengers.

The study introduces a new hybrid powertrain consisting of a downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor producing a combined 550hp. According to Infiniti, “the new engine offers a precursor to a family of engines that will be introduced to the Infiniti portfolio within the next two years” to which we’ll add, possibly the next Nissan GT-R as well.

Infiniti is pretty bullish about its concept model and the production car it will inspire down the road.

“The fact that we are entering this category, a challenging category from a business perspective, and to do so in such a brave fashion demonstrates Infiniti’s confidence,” said Bancon. “The body type, the proportions, the smart hybrid powertrain, autonomous technology – it’s a highly innovative approach.

“This is the highest portfolio entry for Infiniti and our vision is to compete with a unique approach,” he said. “This car is not the traditional premium sedan. It breaks new ground in areas of body sculpturing and passenger hospitality. And, we will introduce a powertrain which affords power responsibly. It’s the perfect balance between performance and agility.”