Infiniti to Fight Mercedes S-Class With Plug-in Hybrid Flagship
Infiniti has begun development on its Mercedes S-Class fighting flagship which is based on the Q80 Inspiration Concept.
The car will be a plug-in hybrid, with the Japanese brand benchmarking it next to the Mercedes S500 plug-in hybrid and the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. The Q80 Inspiration Concept featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 mated to an electric powerplant which created 550 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque combined.
SEE ALSO: Infiniti Q80 Inspiration Concept Boasts 550 HP Hybrid Powertrain
The engine that debuted in the concept is the first in a lineup of aluminum-based engines that is coming from Infiniti over the next two years. The concept’s dimensions were sightly wider and shorter than the current S-Class.
It is likely we will see the production version of the Q80 at a major auto show in 2016, while the car may launch as a 2017 model year vehicle.
[Source: Auto News Europe]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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This is intriguing. I really, REALLY like Infiniti's design language -- MUCH more than Lexus or Acura. I can't wait to see what their interpretation off a flagship-caliber sedan is.