While BMW is busy showing off its organic LEDs on a sexy M4 in Vegas, Infiniti is slowly and silently encroaching on its territory. For years, the 3/4 Series Coupe was considered the benchmark for fun driving in the compact premium car segment. It's the car you think of when somebody says "cool BMW".
Even though most buyers who want a "look at me" car are migrating towards the Sports Activity Coupe segment, Infiniti wants a good car to rival the 4 Series and the new Mercedes C-Class, which is going to be revealed this year.
That car will be called the Q60 and ahead of the Detroit Auto Show debut next week, Infiniti has revealed a pre-production preview concept. In short, it's every bit the looker that the old G37 Coupe wasn't.
The Q60 concept draws heavy inspiration from the Eau Rouge concept, leading us to believe the rumors of the hot Q50's demise are true. A large grille dominates the front end design. Infiniti has previously said its new grille designs are actually inspired by the reflection of a suspension bridge in water. All we know is it's sexy!
There are a couple of BMW hints here and there, but these are not copycat elements. For example, the lower intakes have air breathers, like most BMWs, while the front fenders boast large gills, identical to the ones on the Vision Future Luxury Concept, only much bigger. Even the famous Hofmeister kink now has a Japanese version.
The first interior photos show a sea of white and black leather. Infiniti has also decided to keep the twin screen dash, which we're not fans of, and added carbon fiber and brushed aluminum throughout. A bird-eye view system has been installed, but even a lowly Nissan Juke has one these days, so we're not impressed.
Like we said in one of our previous reports, the Q60 will likely reach production in 2016 and will be powered by the same engines as the Q50 it will be based on, meaning a choice between a V6, a hybrid V6 and two Merc engines, the 2.1-liter diesel and 2.0-liter petrol shared with the C-Class.
That car will be called the Q60 and ahead of the Detroit Auto Show debut next week, Infiniti has revealed a pre-production preview concept. In short, it's every bit the looker that the old G37 Coupe wasn't.
The Q60 concept draws heavy inspiration from the Eau Rouge concept, leading us to believe the rumors of the hot Q50's demise are true. A large grille dominates the front end design. Infiniti has previously said its new grille designs are actually inspired by the reflection of a suspension bridge in water. All we know is it's sexy!
There are a couple of BMW hints here and there, but these are not copycat elements. For example, the lower intakes have air breathers, like most BMWs, while the front fenders boast large gills, identical to the ones on the Vision Future Luxury Concept, only much bigger. Even the famous Hofmeister kink now has a Japanese version.
The first interior photos show a sea of white and black leather. Infiniti has also decided to keep the twin screen dash, which we're not fans of, and added carbon fiber and brushed aluminum throughout. A bird-eye view system has been installed, but even a lowly Nissan Juke has one these days, so we're not impressed.
Like we said in one of our previous reports, the Q60 will likely reach production in 2016 and will be powered by the same engines as the Q50 it will be based on, meaning a choice between a V6, a hybrid V6 and two Merc engines, the 2.1-liter diesel and 2.0-liter petrol shared with the C-Class.