PARIS MOTOR SHOW: New Infiniti Q80 teased

Two weeks ago Infiniti released the first teaser image of what was widely expected to become a new flagship for the Japanese luxury brand.

Now it has confirmed the concept does indeed foreshadow "an audacious top-of-the-line model" to be called the Q80, and released a second teaser image showing its sleek side profile.

Presenting a striking similarity to the head-turning 2009 Essence concept (also pictured here), Infiniti describes the long, low-slung 'Q80 Inspiration' concept as an "ingeniously aggressive four-passenger fastback" that will "demonstrate to the premium world just how Infiniti aims to play its part".

Quite clearly, the Q80 will therefore be a direct rival to large luxury grand tourers like the Porsche Panamera, Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Maserati Quattroporte.

Its Q80 badge confirms its position above the mid-size Q50 sedan and Q60 coupe/convertible and the large Q70 sedan, and alongside its hulking SUV flagship -- the Lexus LX570-rivalling, Nissan Patrol-based Q80, which is unlikely to be sold here.

It remains to be seen whether the four-seat Q80 features four doors like its chief competitors, or two like the Essence concept, but it's certain that Infiniti hopes to upset the apple cart at the top of the large sports luxury segment.

"Its very dimensions place the Q80 Inspiration clearly at the peak of the Infiniti range," said Nissan's audacious premium brand.

"A flashpoint for the company's intuitive human-centric style and onboard technological ambition, the Q80 Inspiration long-legged fastback proves that Infiniti intends to drive in and disturb the status quo."

Infiniti has plans to overhaul its existing line-up and expand its range by up to five models, and the range-topping circa-500kW super-sedan is expected to hit showrooms by 2017 or 2018.

The hottest vehicle Infiniti has shown so far is the Q50-based 418kW Eau Rouge sports sedan, which we've driven in prototype form and continues to be developed for production.

Before the Q80 concept makes its world debut at the Paris motor show on October 2, Infiniti Australia will release the Q50 2.0I sedan, powered by a turbo-petrol engine, on September 26.

The facelifted Q70 is not due here until the second half of next year, and could be available with a new Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.

But Infiniti's next all-new model, the small Q30 hatch, won't arrive in Australia until late 2015 or early 2016.