Infinity has unveiled the QX Sport Inspirtiation, an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV Design. The vehicle lays down the markers for future Infinity QX models. The QX Sport Inspiration explores the brand's vision for a next generation mid-size SUV.
Hints at future Infiniti mid-sized premium SUV
Latest interpretation of "Powerful Elegance" Design language
Makes world premiere at 2016 Beijing Auto Show
The QX Sport Inspiration stands out with taut lines, muscular haunches, high visual center of gravity, long bonnet and raked, coupe-like silhouette.
The vehicle is instantly recognizable as an Infiniti. The QX Sport Inspiration features the brand's design hallmarks – including the signature double-arch grille, focused "human eye" headlamps, "crescent-cut" C-pillar and masculine, fluid body sculpting.
"The QX Sport Inspiration is a statement of intent from Infiniti, showcasing a daring design philosophy and a demonstration of our capabilities in the mid-size SUV segment."
Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti.
Infiniti is using the QX sport to expand its portfolio in the mid-size SUV market both in North America and globally.
"The QX Sport Inspiration comes at a time when Infiniti continues to expand its product portfolio globally – into new and popular segments. We design concept cars with true production potential, and the QX Sport Inspiration offers a vision of how Infiniti could bring something exciting and new to the mid-sized SUV segment."
Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy
"The QX Sport Inspiration expresses power and purpose through what we describe as its 'proportional clarity', with an elegance that is uniquely Infiniti. The exterior design will appeal to an artistic sensibility. It has a more flowing, natural aesthetic than that evident in traditional premium SUVs."
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director
The concept promises off-road versatility, aided by its raised, 230 mm (9.1 in) ground clearance, as well as the empowering, in-control on-road driving characteristics and cruising comfort that is expected of any Infiniti.
Infiniti has launched a number of new models recently which adhere closely to the form and philosophy of concept models – notably the Q30, the QX30 and the Q60. All share a suite of signature design cues that help ensure each is immediately recognizable as an Infiniti.
The QX Sport Inspiration evolves these signature design elements, including a new interpretation of Infiniti's hallmark "crescent-cut" C-pillar, where the leading edge of the crescent is raised – echoing that of the acclaimed Q80 Inspiration Concept. Bringing added emphasis to this feature, the curvature of the C-pillars is mirrored in the lines of the rear hatch window.
In profile the bodywork tapers down from the Concept's roof (1,650 mm – 64.9 in – maximum height) toward a rear hatch that has been angled to accentuate the vehicle's "lean-forward," coupe-like silhouette.
At the front, the line from the top of Infiniti's familiar double-arch grille extends through the sharp, high-performance, focused "human-eye" headlamps – another Infiniti signature design theme – around the edge of the hood to form a character line that runs over the wide, flared front wheel arches and along the flanks to the tapered rear.
Three-dimensional "blade-shaped" tail lamps taper inwards to the center of the hatchback panel, echoing the organic forms apparent elsewhere on the exterior.
Stand-out elements blend form and function
"For Infiniti, the definition of 'elegance' can be the most sophisticated solution to a complex engineering or aerodynamic challenge, as well as a statement of striking aesthetics. This drives our instinct to create designs that are both beautiful and useful."
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director
Large vertical "blade-shaped" vents are integrated into the front fender, highlighting the width of the Concept while also admitting cooling air to the front brakes. Another pair of vertical vents, located behind the bold front wheel arches, reference those found on previous Infiniti concepts and also serve an aerodynamic purpose, extracting turbulent, drag-inducing air from the front wheel arches.
The four-seat layout emphasizes the designers' desire to give all passengers their own personal space within the cabin, while a fifth seat in the center of the rear bench is available if needed. Despite the relatively compact footprint of the car and the coupe-like roofline, the floating front and rear seats – suspended to allow more space on the floor of the cabin – and the generous 2,800 mm (110.2 in) wheelbase allow all passengers to travel in comfort.
When the doors are opened it is possible to see how the recessed sill-step is level with the floor of the cabin, emphasizing a sense of openness and referencing the harmonization of interior and exterior design.
A strong, twisting character line flows from the front of the cabin to the rear, tumbling downwards at the B-pillar, inspired by and echoing the organic lines of the exterior.
Echoing the organic, natural contours of the exterior and interior, Infiniti's designers have experimented with different cabin materials, using them to dictate some of the resulting forms. The QX Sport Inspiration features a two-tone black-and-white interior, with black surfaces resembling the appearance of body armor, playing off against the soft and gentle forms of the brighter white surfaces.
"We experimented with a range of tailored and handcrafted materials throughout the interior, and our designers have used these different materials to dictate the form, contours and finish of the cabin. The combination of different types of leathers – both hard and soft to the touch – result in a more organic, natural finish."
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director
Many of the cabin's surfaces are wrapped in robust black saddle leather, which designers used to dictate the structure and shapes of the central control stack, as well as the lower dashboard, armrests, and luggage-space cover.
QX Sport Inspiration Dimensions (approx.)
Overall length
4,600 mm
Overall width
without door-mounted cameras
1,900 mm
Overall height
1,650 mm
Wheelbase
2,800 mm
Ground clearance
230 mm