Called a “statement of intent” that demonstrates the automaker’s capabilities in the midsize SUV segment, the Infiniti QX Sport Concept debuted at the Beijing Auto Show. Sleek and sophisticated, this enticing one-off offers a glimpse of the brand’s vision of a crossover inspired by its “Powerful Elegance” form language which is complemented by a driver-centric/passenger-minded interior. Like many other automakers, Infiniti is scrambling to grab its share of this burgeoning segment and Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy, used the reveal to note: “We design concept cars with true production potential.” In this case, Infiniti’s new one off could well inspire a fair bit of what we’re likely to see in the new QX70.
The exterior of the Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept expresses power and purpose through what Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa calls “proportional clarity,” a quality he says endows the vehicle with “a more flowing, natural aesthetic than that evident in traditional premium SUVs.” Spanning 181.1 inches with a 110.2-inch wheelbase and 9.1 inches of ground clearance, its muscular flair is reinforced by a wide stance, short overhangs and a coupe-like profile set off by Infiniti signature design cues and Sport Inspiration-specific features that embrace both form and function.
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Cosmic Chrome panoramic roof
Up front, the QX Sport Inspiration Concept’s prominent double-arch grille is flanked by “human-eye” LED headlamps and vertical outboard blade-style vents that feed cooling air to the brakes while a similar slot aft of the vehicle’s boldly flared wheel arches extracts and smooths turbulent air as it exits. Accentuating its profile, the QX Sport Inspiration has slim floating A-pillars that serve as anchor points for side-mounted rearview cameras. It boasts bold body contouring, functional recessed side steps above the lower sill area rendered in gloss black and a new interpretation of Infiniti’s “crescent-cut” C-pillar on a sweeping roofline. The shape is also reprised on the rear window. The panoramic glass roof incorporates Cosmic Chrome gradation that blends into the subtle decklid spoiler while the aft section of the show car punctuated by its own blade-style 3D-look taillamps and a functional lower diffuser that incorporates dual exhaust outlets. Infiniti made no mention of what powertrain, if any, actually was fitted to this one-off.
A look inside is a look ahead
Introducing themes that lay the foundation for future Infiniti models, the QX Sport Inspiration’s cabin echoes the organic character of its exterior while focusing on creating a stylish and spacious realm that caters to all. Although the colors are largely confined to black and white with a touch of tan accenting, Albaisa said Infiniti used a wide range of leather types to establish the form and feel of specific areas. The driver’s needs dominate the forward section of this well-finished passenger compartment, highlighted by a large digital instrument display, multifunction steering wheel with shifter paddles, a drive-mode controller on the console and a high-mount central touchscreen. Mini-monitors positioned in each A-pillar show what the outside cameras see. This adventurous Infiniti teams its pedestal-mounted shell-type front buckets with a split rear bench that’s also raised and intended to handle two in comfort or three in a pinch.
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It will be interesting to see how soon and how much of the bold thinking evidenced in the Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept eventually ends up in the showroom.
More Concept Vehicles…
The Audi e-tron Quattro Concept previews the upcoming Q6 crossover
Mazda Koeru Concept offers a look at a new compact crossover model
Porsche Mission E Concept: a 600-hp EV on the fast track to production
