Infiniti Q80 Inspiration concept shuns seating tradition

Concepts are ten a penny in the build up to the Paris Motor Show, but Infiniti’s Q80 Inspiration stands above the crowd – if only because it looks outlandish and has an even more outlandish seating arrangement.

Rather than have two front seats and two or three seats in the back, Infiniti says the Q80 is a ‘1+1+1+1’. Everyone sits in a line behind the driver, which means plenty of space to yourself but will bring a whole new meaning to backseat driving.

The Infiniti Q80 measures 5,052mm in length, 2,027mm in width, 1,350mm in height and has a wheelbase of 3,103mm. Hefty 22-inch five-dual-spoke alloys fill the arches with little effort.

Expect a hybrid system to power the wheels. The concept is, in fact, said to ‘provide a glimpse into its high-performance and efficient hybrid-electric powertrain’. Exactly how fast and how frugal is currently unknown.

There are no door mirrors to clutter up the design, nor is there a bog-standard roof. Instead a lengthy piece of glass runs the entire roof, while the doors open ‘portal style’. We’re assuming that means the doors slide away from each other, as the intention is to make getting in and out easy and show off the interior to onlookers.

Advanced adaptive suspension, acoustic glass to provide maximum sound-proofing and an interior comprised leather, carbon fibre and aluminium are likely to help make each journey comfortable and quiet.

Infiniti executive design director Alfonso Albaisa commented: “After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion. In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time.”

Infiniti says we should take the Q80 Inspiration fastback as ‘clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment’. In other words, you may be able to buy one in the future – just expect it to looks slightly more tame.

Expect more details once the Paris Motor Show kicks off in early October.