Infiniti has unveiled the Q Inspiration Concept at
NAIAS 2018, a car that reflects the automaker's new design language, while also
featuring a VC-Turbo variable compression ratio engine and autonomous drive
tech.
The concept boasts classical sedan
forms, though with coupe-like proportions and an elongated silhouette. Out in
front, it has a large double-arch grille, sharp louvres along the sides of the
hood, and blade-like vents flanking the wheel arches.
Other notable exterior design features would be the
sharp LED strip headlamps, pillar-less rear-hinged doors and the single rear
light strip. Inside, it's all very concise and minimalist, with a human-centric
cabin that's said to reduce the "noise" of the interior, helping the
driver focus entirely on the road ahead. Each passenger gets a touch screen
(HMI - Human Machine Interface), as the system can also monitor the occupants'
biometrics.
Speaking of high-quality materials, the Q
Inspiration cabin's inside door pockets are lined with a 'Nishijin-ori'
material, which includes golden washi paper shreds woven with silk threads.
Aside from the luxury factor, this material also acts as a high tech sensor,
allowing passengers to switch on and adjust the pocket lighting.
Underneath the hood, the Q Inspiration's VC-Turbo
powertrain continually adjusts its compression ratio in order to optimize fuel
efficiency. According to the Japanese automaker, this engine will offer a new
approach to power delivery in the mid-size sedan segment, challenging the
notion that only hybrid or diesel engines can deliver a high torque figure or
good fuel economy.
As for safety, the Q Inspiration previews the next
stage of development for Infiniti's ProPILOT autonomous drive system, which
still aims at ultimately allowing drivers to retain control over their vehicle,
acting as a co-pilot of sorts. However, when the driver is ready to kick back
and relax, the system will provide end-to-end autonomous capability, with
multi-lane highway driving and intersection auto-navigation functionalities.
