DETROIT – The INFINITI QX Inspiration Concept today was awarded “Best Concept Vehicle” and “Best Interior” at the 2019 North American International Auto Show by the prominent collection of automotive designers known as EyesOn Design. The concept also received the “Innovative Use of Color, Graphics or Materials” award. The QX Inspiration concept combines an electrified all-wheel drive powertrain with SUV body and introduces a new INFINITI form language for the electrified era.
The annual EyesOn Design Awards, given in seven categories, are selected by more than 30 active and retired design heads of automotive manufacturers and transportation design chairs from top art schools. The awards are considered the validation of great automobile design from the industry’s leaders.
“The QX Inspiration is the future of INFINITI and showcases the evolution of how Japanese DNA manifests in our design language in the age of electrification for our premium brand. I am so proud of our design teams in our centers around the world. They work so hard, often in obscurity, on these beautiful designs, and this recognition means so much to them. It is extremely gratifying and I could not be more proud,” said Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president of global design at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
The all-wheel drive QX Inspiration concept signals a new era for INFINITI design enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains. The new concept sets a direct precedent for the company’s first fully-electric production car, illustrating how new architectures and technologies are influencing modern INFINITI design. It also draws on the Japanese spatial concept of ‘Ma’, demonstrating how open spaces between lines create tension and builds anticipation.
This Japanese DNA continues into the cabin. The interior of the QX Inspiration concept is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. The development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, lounge-like interiors influenced by ‘omotenashi’, the Japanese approach to hospitality. Providing a seamlessly enabling and instinctive experience, the cabin incorporates technologies to create a welcoming environment, while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them.
“The QX Inspiration is the manifestation of our electric ambition and is the culmination of three decades of design and technological leadership. It has been literally thirty years in the making. I’m so proud of the design team that found a way to fuse mid-century modern design with Japanese minimalism. Recognition among peers in the industry is the highest form of praise. We are both humbled and grateful.”
– Karim Habib, executive design director, INFINITI Motor Co., Ltd.
The INFINITI QX Inspiration concept will be on public display at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, which runs Jan. 14th through Jan. 27th at Detroit’s Cobo Hall.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of luxury automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, North America, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. INFINITI will electrify its entire lineup from 2021 onward. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its industry-leading client services, ranking #1 in customer satisfaction with Dealer Service among Luxury Brands by J.D. Power and being a most trusted luxury brand according to AMCI, as well as its world’s first driver assistance technologies and daring designs. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
Find more information about INFINITI, its industry leading technologies and the all-new 2019 QX50 midsize luxury crossover at www.infinitiusa.com. You can also follow INFINITI USA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
Source: INFINITI