VIDEO REPORT: Sporting 2+2 Infiniti Concept foreshadows third-generation coupe due in 2016
01/11/2015
Infiniti
Yesterday saw the arrival of a stunning new sports coupe concept from Infiniti on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the two-door Q60 Concept.
"This I can tell you is about 90 percent," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "Many of the things - the front view, the very strong shoulder, the sculpted artistry of the body - this is very close to the production."
Infiniti continues to broaden its lineup to cover the spectrum from smaller premium vehicles, namely the Q30, to full-size cars such as the Q70L.
The Q60 Concept reflects Infiniti's intention to strengthen its offerings in the mid-size segment. Come next year, Infiniti will produce a sports coupe with influences from the Q60 Concept.
"A car like this needs to look like you want to drive it and will respond to you. So, the rearview: We intentionally tapered all of the forms toward the middle to 20 feet behind the car. And then the rear fenders stick out like a cat's rear legs, so really a sense that it is going to pounce," said Albaisa. "We want to celebrate the person who drives it. They are very ambitious. They want to constantly improve. So, also we want the Infiniti to be a better you. Just simply, this kind of car looks rare - looks designed for you. It is a better you."
This is a sports car with a powerful road presence designed to fuse with top-notch performance.
"There is a little bit of naughtiness, a little bit of, I would not say evil, but nefariousness in this car," said Michael Bartsch, vice president, Infiniti Americas. "We are going to have some high-performance engines in this car. And you just need to look inside it and you know that this is being designed for a driver."
In North America, sales for Infiniti are growing. The brand has made particular strides in Canada and Mexico.
"Every manufacturer - all of the great brands - have a legacy vehicle. This is our legacy car. The car you see over my shoulder here, the new Q60, is the continuation of that legacy," said Bartsch. "And, it is really important because it is going to be a brand halo and going to make a really strong statement about what Infiniti is, and where Infiniti is going to go in the future."