An Emotional Coupe with Edges Amidst Softness

"Infiniti" is gradually becoming a topic of conversation in Japan as well. The emblem of the new "Skyline" shines on the front grille, and it has now also been applied to the "Fuga." Of course, both are sold under the Infiniti brand in North America. The Skyline is the "Q50" and the Fuga is the "Q70."

And at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the "Q60 Concept" was announced. In Japanese terms, this would be the model that becomes the Skyline Coupe. While retaining the image of the Q50, a refined coupe design was proposed.

A sketch emphasizing the flowing fastback

Alfonso Albaisa, who led the design

The design was led by Alfonso Albaisa, Executive Design Director at Infiniti Motor Company. He has been in charge of future design, meaning concept cars, since April of the year before last. Albaisa has over 25 years of experience as a designer. His career began when he joined the Nissan design team in San Diego in 1988.

Indeed, the day before, he had proudly addressed the media invited to the unveiling, and he also served as the presenter on stage this time.

The design rendering clearly shows the lines that the designer wanted to emphasize.

What was impressive were his words, "This has become the most emotional Infiniti to date." While they have always had an impression of skillfully using curves, this design appears more organic and emotionally rich than ever before.

The design follows the lineage of the concept cars "Q30" and "Q80 Inspiration." The former was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show the year before last, and the latter at the Paris Auto Salon last year. Both received high acclaim as car designs.

What they have in common is a complex, undulating surface composition. Edgy elements are incorporated within the softness, creating a sense of contrast. It presents different expressions depending on how light hits it, which is a new characteristic. This is perfectly suited for the Q60 Concept, a model designed with personal coupe use in mind.

Infiniti Q60 Concept ｜ Infiniti Q60 Concept

Skyline Transforms Emotionally as an Infiniti (2)

Infiniti Continues to Awaken

The dimensions of the Q60 Concept are 4,690mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,370mm in height. These figures clearly indicate a wide and low stance. It is a 2+2 seating configuration for four people, creating a classic coupe silhouette. The wheels are custom-designed 21-inch units. High gloss black chrome accents enhance the wheels.

The engine is a next-generation, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 with a twin-turbocharger. This unit was introduced in the Q80 Inspiration. Despite its lightweight and compact design, it is expected to deliver high power efficiently. However, it will likely be about two years before it becomes a reality, so its installation is anticipated after the Q60 goes on sale.

In addition to the engine, numerous new technologies are incorporated, including Direct Adaptive Steering (steer-by-wire). Naturally, there are no compromises in terms of premium car features. After all, it will be sold under the Infiniti brand.

Considering this, perhaps the Skyline's position in Japan could be elevated. While the familiar name "Skyline" might carry a somewhat common image, it is clearly positioned as a higher-tier model overseas. Conversely, the Skyline might be a great value in Japan. This is because you can tell an American asking about your beloved car, "It's an Infiniti!"

The Infiniti brand is currently in a phase of awakening. This year, factories in Japan, North America, and China will be joined by one in the UK, and another in Mexico two years later. From this perspective, the Q60 Concept is an important model. And as evidenced by the release of the "RC" by rival Lexus, two-door coupes are crucial factors in driving brand image.