Debuts in Detroit this week

Following a series of previews, Infiniti has fully revealed the Q60 concept set to premiere this week in Detroit.

Serving as a "precursor to a high-performance sports coupe", the sleek and elegant two-door fastback draws its styling cues from the Q80 Inspiration concept such as the low roofline and high-tech LED headlamps while the lower front fenders, intakes and exhaust pipes are derived from the Q50 Eau Rouge. The vehicle is 4690mm long, 1865mm wide and 1370mm tall and according to Infiniti its angular exterior is reminiscent of a Formula 1 car.

On the inside it gets premium materials including a leather-wrapped black & white instrument panel and door inserts together with a double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel. A variety of leathers such as were used to cover the seats which have bolsters for added side support. Even the rear passengers get bucket seats as a way to enhance the "holistic premium environment" of the concept.

Its heart and soul is a newly developed V6 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine benefiting from direct injection which delivers "exceptional performance" and is sourced from the aforementioned Q80 Inspiration concept. Infiniti says it is part of a new range of smaller, lighter and more efficient engines which will arrive on production models within the next two years.

The Infiniti Q60 concept will be showcased at this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Its heart and soul is a newly developed V6 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine benefiting from direct injection which delivers "exceptional performance" and is sourced from the aforementioned Q80 Inspiration concept.

The Q60 Concept previews Infiniti's upcoming coupe based on the Q50 that targets the BMW 4-Series, Audi A5, Lexus RC, Cadillac ATS Coupe and the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

On eve of the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, Infiniti released fresh details together with new photos and a video of the coupe that will lead to a production version within the next 18 months.

"The Q60 Concept is Infiniti's vision for a sports coupe," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "Design, performance and premium quality – these are what makes a sports coupe stand above the crowd. And these are what you'll find on the definitive Q60 Concept."

The 2+2 seater model hunkers down at 4,690 mm (184.6 inches) long, 1,865 mm (73.4 inches) wide and 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) tall, with its sculpted styling inspired from the Q80 Inspiration concept shown in Paris last October.

Inside, the Q60 borrows the dashboard of the production Q50 sedan embellishing it with more stylish materials and trims.

Infiniti is also using the study to preview a next generation 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging that is slated to be introduced within the next two years. It's the same powertrain found on the Q80 Inspiration Concept sans the hybrid electric system.

Another feature mentioned by the automaker is the Infiniti InTuition system, which it describes as a "fully customizable digital environment, which works with the vehicle's advanced Intelligent Keys to recognize the vehicle settings for up to four different drivers, including preferences for driving position, heating and cooling, audio, navigation, telematics".

Infiniti is also using the study to preview a next generation 3.0-liter V6 engine with direct injection and twin-turbocharging that is slated to be introduced within the next two years.

January, 11, 2015: Infiniti Q60 reveal from Detroit, MI.

Infiniti's VP for the Americas assured the audience of writers Sunday that their Q60 Concept will be produced for real next year. As if you were worried.

The Q60 Concept would fit neatly in Infiniti's showrooms as is, at least from an exterior standpoint. It looks exactly like what you thought a coupe that replaces the current Q60 (the artist formerly known as the G Coupe), as well as fitting in with the current lineup from the brand. Oh yes, there's plenty of quilted stitching going on inside to remind that you're in a modern Infiniti – if not exactly a new Maybach.

That's not a slight against it. As is, it would even be more modestly styled that the new Lexus RC. And I like the side vent behind the front tires better than the boomerang BMW has been giving its cars lately. The front may be a bit large on the concept, though that's surely getting toned down for production. I've fallen hard for the light-up Infiniti badge, though (I'm not saying that's a good thing).

Of note, however, is the new turbocharged, direct-injected V6 that will debut in the Q60. It's the first of its kind for Infiniti and leads a whole new engine family that will eventually make its way through the whole lineup. That engine, however, should definitely keep it in the hunt among things like the BMW 435i and Audi S5 coupes, if not RC F or M4 territory.

Still, expect the new Q60 to pick up right where the old one leaves off. Who was asking for more?