MELBOURNE: Infiniti has torn the wrapper from its shiny new Q60 Coupe this week, revealed in concept form ahead of the coming Detroit Auto Show.
The new Q60 will be the first all-new Infiniti to bear the name, replacing the model known until only recently as the G37.
As pundits expected it would, the Q60 Coupe introduces an evolved and more powerful take on the Q50 Sedan’s styling, cementing its place as both a companion model and a standalone lifestyle offering.
The Q60 represents a long-overdue replacement for the current G37/Q60 model, which first appeared internationally in 2006 – although it wasn’t until 2012 that we saw the badge in Austalia.
In crafting a unique look for the Q60, Infiniti has set the coupe apart as a more obvious rival to the new BMW 4 Series and Lexus RC – both trumpeted as new models; no longer mere variants of the 3 Series and IS lines.
As a concept, the Q60 shown here is perched low on big 21-inch alloys that fill out the pumped guards, and we can likely expect the diameter and offset to be softened a little before production.
It appears likely however that the bulk of the Q60’s Eau Rouge concept-inspired design is ready for production, with that wide-open mesh grille, broad ‘intakes’ and mean headlights all pressing the right buttons.
“The Q80 Inspiration was an indication of Infiniti’s future design language,” Infiniti design boss Alfonso Albaisa said. “The Q60 Concept is the next step in the journey.
“The sweeping lines of the Q80 Inspiration gave the Q60 Concept its coupe silhouette and looks while the Formula One-inspired touches from the Q50 Eau Rouge endowed the coupe with its sports personality.”
Technical details are still to come, but we can likely expect the new Q60’s powertrains to run the gamut of Infiniti’s small 155kW petrol turbo to the battle-ready 268kW/546Nm 3.5 petrol-electric hybrid engine.
Outputs could also be dialled up for this model, with the Eau Rouge project potentially leading to a rival for the BMW M4 and Lexus RC F.
