After releasing a first batch of images with their
new QX50 Concept back in December, Infiniti also let us know that visually,
this car was meant to be an evolution of their 2016 QX Sport Inspiration
concept.
The muscular lines and heavily profiled surfaces
give the QX50 Concept a powerful presence, extending its so-called "visual
length", while the wide and equally-muscular stance accentuates its
dynamic pedigree. The automaker even states that from a side view, the hood is
shaped like the "rise of a snake's head".
Infiniti released quite a lot of information
regarding the concept's interior, which is supposed to demonstrate the
company's new direction regarding how they view premium materials and
craftsmanship.
Instead of high-gloss woods or soft-touch plastics
(which are generally considered good things), the interior of the QX50 Concept
boasts a more modern application of wood, leather and stitching, where each
material is treated and applied in a way that just screams "handmade".
Infiniti wrapped the QX50 Concept's cabin in a
variety of different leathers, from genuine, to semi-aniline and even synthetic
nubuck - for a larger variety of textures and visual depth. You've got the
brown leather on the upper layer of the cabin, working in contrast with the
white leather on the lower dashboard, door trim and seats. It's all brought
together by a line of navy blue synthetic nubuck, which is also found on the
center console.
As for the high-gloss wood that most automakers
prefer to work with, the QX50 Concept is trimmed in real, open-pore ash -
treated to retain its natural (and sometimes irregular) characteristics in both
texture as well as appearance. The Japanese automaker says that you'd even feel
the grain of the ash if you were to run your hand over it.
In terms of on-board tech, the QX50 Concept's
Graphic User Interface is there to showcase how new technologies could be
incorporated into future Infiniti cabins. First there's the wide touchscreen
HMI (human-machine interface) positioned in the center of the dashboard. This
displays not just navigation and infotainment features, but also the current
status of other technologies present in the vehicle, such as how well the
VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine operates at any given moment.
Speaking of which, we already explained what this
new 2.0-liter power unit is about back when Infiniti first talked about this
concept, however, to recap, we're dealing with a possible 27% improvement in
fuel efficiency compared to V6-powered petrol engines. Infiniti has yet to
confirm which of their new models will benefit from the new VC-Turbo unit
first, but a future mid-sized crossover could very well be first in line -
though nothing is official as of yet.
Finally, Infiniti is also
previewing their new autonomous drive support technologies, based on a system
that will act more like a co-pilot, helping the driver navigate stop-start
traffic and keeping track of his or her surroundings. Just like with the
VC-Turbo unit, the QX50's autonomous drive support system will eventually make
its way into future production models.
