This year's Detroit Auto Show saw the debut of the Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept, a stunning sedan previewing the automaker's future design direction. Infiniti has confirmed another concept car will make its world debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show next month, but this time it will be fully electric.
Details are scarce as we don't even know the concept's name yet. Infiniti says the concept will "reveal a new form of design language for electrification, infused with Japanese DNA" and preview the automaker's first-ever fully electric SUV. It will also feature a lounge-like interior and a host of driver assists.
No details have been revealed about the powertrain, but Infiniti is planning to electrify nearly every new model after 2021. Every new model will be either all-electric or "e-power" hybrids combining an electric battery with a small gasoline engine that charges the battery rather than provide propulsion. Infiniti's first EV will launch in 2021, which will likely be an SUV previewed by the concept being shown at Detroit.
From the teaser image released by Infiniti, the electric SUV concept takes its cues from the futuristic Q Inspiration and Prototype 10 concepts, adopting a sleek shape, an illuminated grille, and the Q Inspiration's slim headlights. Infiniti says these design elements "will come together to provide the clearest vision yet of the future of Infiniti in an era of electrified design."
"The concept car we will show in Detroit is the beginning of a new era for Infiniti, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand. Electrification and other new technologies have given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy," said Karim Habib, Infiniti's Executive Design Director.
"The industry is at a technological inflection point," said Roland Krueger, Chairman and Global President of Infiniti. "As such, Infiniti has a compelling vision as a luxury challenger brand to bring a full portfolio of beautifully-designed electric vehicles to customers around the world. We will focus on developing the full portfolio of e-power and EVs."