Infiniti "QX Sport Inspiration" Concept Shows the SUV of Tomorrow

[Gecko]

The latest in Infiniti’s Inspiration series of forward-looking design concepts is a striking SUV.

Called the QX Sport Inspiration, the new concept is set to make its debut this month at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show.

It previews a next-generation SUV from Infiniti, likely the next QX50, though it also previews design themes for all future high-riding models from the brand.

The QX50 is now the oldest SUV in the lineup and long overdue for a redesign. You’ll recall it was originally called an EX35 and arrived for the 2008 model year.

Few details have been released but we can see a multi-LED headlight design, Infiniti’s signature grille and what appears to be an air curtain in the front bumper. The concept also features what Infiniti describes as a “floating” A-pillar. The look is said to have been crafted in line with Infiniti’s new Powerful Elegance design language.

“The QX Sport Inspiration expresses a power and purpose that is uniquely Infiniti,” design boss Alfonso Albaisa said of the concept. “With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models.”

Further details will be released as we approach the April 25 opening day of the Beijing Auto Show. To learn about some of the other vehicles set to appear, head to our dedicated hub.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/...n-concept-heads-to-beijing-hints-at-next-qx50


Personal opinion: We obviously need to see more, and this is just a concept, but the poor QX50 is so overdue for a redesign that it isn't even funny.

 

[meth.ix]

Looks pretty darn nice! Too bad Infiniti confirmed they will be still sticking with their Q and QX alphanumeric naming system

 

[mikeavelli]

yawn.......

 

[Gecko]

If there was any doubt about whether the Infiniti QX Sport Concept is a preview of the nextQX70, the official details presented at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show should erase them. The concept is smaller – a lot smaller – than the last QX70, the second smallest CUV in the company's old four-crossover portfolio. And since Infiniti updated its smallest crossover, the 2016 QX50, there's little else the Beijing show car could preview.

We're basing that statement on dimensions. The QX Sport Concept rides on a 110.2-inch wheelbase, and is 181.1 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 65 inches high. The last QX70, meanwhile, rides on a 113.6-inch wheelbase, and is 191.3 inches long, 75.9 inches wide, and 65 inches high. Ignore the different lengths – the concept's front and rear overhangs are remarkably short and aren't likely to translate to production – but the wheelbase, width, and most importantly the height, present a footprint that's remarkably similar to Infiniti's premium, performance CUV.

Combine that with our assessment of the QX Sport Concept's styling, and it's a virtual certainty that we're looking at the QX70's successor. As we said yesterday, the high beltline, tight greenhouse, long hood, and aggressive headlights are all trademarks of the QX70.

Infiniti didn't say what kind of engine is under this concept car's hood (if there even is one – it might just be an engineless shell), but we're almost certain it's something performance-oriented. That would prove true if and when a new production QX70 is unleashed. Despite being a crossover, the QX70 was always received as a sporty personal luxury vehicle. We're betting the company will opt for the increasingly familiar setup of the new 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive, like what you can get on the Q50 Red Sport 400 and new Q60. With 300- and 400-horsepower versions of this engine available, it could signal a return to a two-tier QX70 lineup.

We're getting ahead of ourselves, of course. The QX Sport is still only a concept, but Infiniti's latest information dump at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show serves as even stronger evidence that the its CUV lineup will grow back to four vehicles sooner rather than later.

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/24/infiniti-qx-sport-concept-qx70-preview/#slide-3868382

 

[mmcartalk]

Personal opinion: We obviously need to see more, and this is just a concept, but the poor QX50 is so overdue for a redesign that it isn't even funny.

Yeah, the old one's been around for awhile, but, except for the drop-rear roofline that severely compromised rear headroom and cargo space, it was, IMO, a very nice vehicle. Well-built, good materials inside and out, trimmed nicely, decent driving characteristics despite a slightly stiff ride...it was better, in some ways, than some newer Infiniti products I've seen. This new one will probably have its work cut out for it replacing the last one.

 

[IS-SV]

Wow, potentially a well-styled Infiniti SUV. Looks promising.

 

[mikeavelli]

I see the same a pillar/side view mirror from the Nsx.

I was hoping for something more along the lines of the cayenne/x5.. This this is much smaller than the current generation.

Really confused on this product planning..

 

[Gecko]

I will be interested to see how this translates into production. I feel like it has potential, but like Mike said, sizing and a few other details are throwing me off.

I wonder if this is going to use a Mercedes engine/platform or will be shared with the Q50? Never sure anymore, really...

 

[mmcartalk]

I was hoping for something more along the lines of the cayenne/x5.. This this is much smaller than the current generation.

Really confused on this product planning..

I'm not sure I quite follow you here, either. The former EX35 (Q50) was considered a compact by SUV standards, so seems to me like its replacement would also be in that general size/price range. A Cayenne or X5 sized SUV would generally be at least one step larger than that.

 

[Carmaker1]

I see the same a pillar/side view mirror from the Nsx.

I was hoping for something more along the lines of the cayenne/x5.. This this is much smaller than the current generation.

Really confused on this product planning..

Having some insight on Nissan product planning, I wouldn't even concern yourself with the QX70 with this concept.

This is still RWD (some have mistakenly claimed FWD), but the next QX50, which I know for fact underwent styling work from about early 2013 to 2014.

The QX50 refresh introduced last September, was designed 3 years earlier and a delayed launch.

A Renault designer led design work on the next generation QX50, which ended no later than mid-2014. This previews it and the production model arrives for MY2018.

I'd say that all of Infiniti's utility vehicles have been designed already, with some due next year, during 2018, and in 2019. The QX60 and QX70 will arrive in 2018. The QX80 is on the tail end of that.

 

[mikeavelli]

Having some insight on Nissan product planning, I wouldn't even concern yourself with the QX70 with this concept.

This is still RWD (some have mistakenly claimed FWD), but the next QX50, which I know for fact underwent styling work from about early 2013 to 2014.

The QX50 refresh introduced last September, was designed 3 years earlier and a delayed launch.

A Renault designer led design work on the next generation QX50, which ended no later than mid-2014. This previews it and the production model arrives for MY2018.

I'd say that all of Infiniti's utility vehicles have been designed already, with some due next year, during 2018, and in 2019. The QX60 and QX70 will arrive in 2018. The QX80 is on the tail end of that.

Gotcha, so this is the QX50....Sales have gotten a healthy bump since the LWB was introduced and they are advertising it again.

 

[Carmaker1]

Gotcha, so this is the QX50....Sales have gotten a healthy bump since the LWB was introduced and they are advertising it again.

Odd how that is even managing to sell well, considering that it is almost a 4-year old design, mostly based on a 11-12 year old design theme.

It was a very nice product in 2007, now just archaic on the inside. Both the EX35 and LX570 introduced multi-camera systems to the marketplace back then.

I am concerned a little that this interior does not directly preview it, but that of the larger QX70, which is still a possibility. The questions that are answered for me by those on the inside, are so vague with timelines in some cases.

 

[hrmnd]

About time Infiniti rolled out some new designs. The current lineup is out dated.

 

[mmcartalk]

About time Infiniti rolled out some new designs. The current lineup is out dated.

Newer, though, doesn't always mean better. Depends on the circumstances......and the design.