Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept Lands In Detroit Boasting Near-Future Tech


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.


Aesthetically, 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.


"The Q Inspiration interior is reduced to a minimalist expression of wellbeing and comfort, and strives to create a warm and uncompromisingly modern atmosphere, like one so often finds in Tokyo residential architecture. The purpose being to enable users in a new era of connectivity, while simultaneously enriching the driving experience with materials of the best quality, crafted by the hands of the artist," stated Infiniti design exec, Karim Habib.


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.

Carscoops

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more