PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti's Panamera pounces

Infiniti has raised eyebrows with its Q80 Inspiration concept, but the new head for Australia and Asia, Kiwi Dane Fisher, says the brand will not go out on a limb with segment busting production cars.

An image of the Q80 was released overnight ahead of its debut at the Paris motor show next week.

The large concept appears to echo the uber-hatch proportions of cars like Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 but at over 5050mm long and riding on a 3103mm wheelbase, it's over 40mm longer and rangier (200mm longer wheelbase) than even the Porsche. The Q80 is also wider and (in true concept car tradition) lower, riding on massive 22-inch wheels.

No substantive details of its powertrain are given, however, Infiniti says the concept is a "clear intent to have an entry into the newly defined premium fastback segment".

Recently appointed as Director Asia and Oceania and based at Infiniti's head office in Hong Kong, Fisher teased the Q80 under embargo to Australian media at the local launch of the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol Q50 2.0t yesterday.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, he described the Q80 at "fascinating" but cautioned Infiniti would concentrate on established segments as it seeks to grow sales and brand recognition.

"Segments are there for a reason – they're [defined by] vehicles people want to buy," he told motoring.com.au when asked whether 'segment busting' is a strategy Infiniti should employ.

Fisher contends that sedans and crossovers are where the lion's share of sale still lie in the region but says he believes there is room for sportier cars from Infiniti.

He says, for example, it would be "illogical" to create the amount of hype around the Q50 Eau Rouge concept and not put a version into production. The brand would benefit locally from a "halo" he contends.

Fishers says conservative tastes in markets like China would not hold back the marque.

"We can address [the Chinese market] with specific cars. There's enough critical mass for its own business cases. For example we can build a long-wheelbase Q50," he explained.

Infiniti's release for the Q80 says the vehicle is its vision of "category-breaking, supreme luxurious driving; a top-of-the-line four-seat fastback"...

"After showing Q30 Concept and Q50 Eau Rouge, Infiniti is eager to show the upper range of our portfolio expansion," Infiniti Executive Design Director, Alfonso Albaisa, is quoted as saying.

"In Q80 Inspiration, we wanted to capture that unforgettable feeling when you experience something important, something beautiful, something magnetic for the first time," he stated.

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