author: Derrick Smith

BEIJING – INFINITI Motor Company today announced it is developing an all-new electrified vehicle platform influenced by the Q Inspiration concept car, which debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January. INFINITI announced that it will produce an electrified vehicle on this platform, one of five new vehicles to be build in China over the next five years.

INFINITI Chairman and Global President Roland Krueger made the announcement today at a special Auto China preview event at the INFINITI Brand Experience Center in Beijing.

"INFINITI is developing a new platform for electrified vehicles inspired by the Q Inspiration concept car, which shows the new design language for the age of autonomy and electrification. We very much had China in mind when designing the Q Inspiration, which shows a very sporty, performance-oriented electric concept, with a much bigger interior space," said Krueger.

Infiniti's stylish new electric vehicle is another example of a established automaker giving Tesla some serious competition. German automaker Porsche announced earlier this year that it is building the Mission E electric sedan, a vehicle that might lure away potential Model S buyers.

Representing the next step in INFINITI design, the exterior of the Q Inspiration features striking lines with dynamic and confident proportions. It is the first manifestation of INFINITI's new form language for an era of advanced powertrains. The concept eschews classical sedan forms with its coupe-like appearance and elongated silhouette, presenting INFINITI's design vision for vehicles in this segment.



"The Q Inspiration concept car takes the traditional sedan architecture to its next stage of evolution. A shift towards smarter, more compact and less intrusive powertrains; we were able to create an alternative form with flowing gestures, more engaging in character and more enriching in experience. With its long cabin, balanced proportions and muscular stance, the concept heralds in a new era for INFINITI models." said Karim Habib, INFINITI Executive Design Director.



The Q Inspiration's sparse cabin follows a minimalist approach, with a concise and clean interior design enveloping the driver and passengers in a comfortable environment. The vehicle's modern interior and panoramic glass roof is designed to make passengers feel relaxed during their trip.

Utilizing an advanced electric powertrain freed INFINITI's designers from the constraints of traditional powertrain architecture to realize a spacious interior with the vehicle's batteries mounted in the floor.



By announcing its new electric model, INFINITI is also confirming the company's commitment to electrification, which it has been late to deliver on. For Chinese car-buyers, this translates into vehicles with increased performance and fuel economy with reduced emissions.