Concept will be Infiniti’s flagship with 550 hybrid horsepower

Infiniti has finally taken the wraps off their new flagship “1+1+1+1” super saloon. Its very concept-style lines are news on their own. But, what’s under the hood will also turn more than a couple of heads.

Revealed to media at the Paris Motor Show this week, the Q80 Inspiration is powered by a new “smart, eco-friendly” hybrid powertrain consisting of a 3.0-litre V6 engine and electric motor for a combined output of 550 hp. Electricity is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack.

“The compact V6 engine replaces capacity with a smarter intent, to deliver no compromise performance and efficiency,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy.

“Modern consumers are interested in smart powertrains like this. We believe that with a full 550hp available, this car will appeal to drivers in search of excitement.”

Equally impressive is the estimated fuel consumption of 5.5L/100km. That’s something we can get behind.

While transmission information is absent from Infiniti’s release, the Q80 showcases a 50/50 fore and aft split all-wheel drive system that’s either used on demand or when road conditions call for more grip.

Infiniti says the Q80 will make its way to production, probably toned down a fair bit, sometime in the near future.