TECHNOLOGY THAT ENABLES
There's a very natural coalescence of technology and hospitality in Japan, and this is something very appropriate for INFINITI. We want the technology in our cars to create an experience that seamlessly enables and enhances the drive, while also making life comfortable and natural. That's what inspires us, and we worked with those principles when designing QX Inspiration.
- Karim Habib, Executive Design Director, INFINITI
- QX Inspiration's cabin fuses technology with a warm, minimalist design and typical Japanese hospitality, creating a seamlessly enabling, instinctive experience
- Pillar-to-pillar widescreen displays information to driver and front passenger – a signature feature destined for future INFINITI models
The QX Inspiration concept uses technologies to create a welcoming environment – one that assists drivers and connects occupants. INFINITI's designers were influenced by the entirely natural coalescence of technology, hospitality and warm minimalism that is unique to Japan. They focused on developing a car which seamlessly and intuitively 'enables' occupants, both through the application of its technologies and by creating a comfortable, relaxing and natural atmosphere.
“For the interior we followed the principle of ‘omotenashi’, or Japanese hospitality. It’s a concept that we discussed a great deal during development. Technology is a window into broader horizons, and we want that window to be inviting, welcoming, enticing – staying true to our Japanese roots.”
- Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President for Global Design, Nissan Motor Co.
Following the principle of ‘omotenashi’, the notion of Japanese hospitality, the interior draws occupants in from the moment the doors open. Illuminations in the base of the coach doors cast a subtle light over the ground, echoing the same thin line pattern found throughout the car, rolling out an inviting ‘carpet’ of light. The front seats rotate 30 degrees outwards, making for easier ingress and egress.
Where the electric vehicle architecture is a macro-enabler for the overall structure and design, the pillar-to-pillar widescreen serves as a micro-enabler for the minimalist interior. A signature theme that will eventually be reflected in future INFINITI vehicles, the widescreen system has facilitated a dramatic reduction in the number of buttons in the interior and a clearer dashboard-wide display of information for driver and front passenger. The customizable screens enable the front passenger to see and control a range of functions, from infotainment to cabin lighting, as well as heating and ventilation.
The proliferation of displays – including in the center of the 'widescreen' rectangular steering wheel – gives the driver easy access to important information. There are digital displays linked to the rear-facing door-mounted cameras, as well as to navigation and traffic systems and vehicle diagnostics.
The center console transitions subtly from Bianco Carrara marble into a display surface at the base of the dashboard, creating a harmonic contrast between function and material form.
INFINITI has harnessed its autonomous drive technologies to further enhance the lounge-like atmosphere of the cabin. The steering wheel, pedals and driver displays maintain the all-important connection to driving – a feature which will remain common to all INFINITI vehicles for the foreseeable future. Yet, hinting at the full range of autonomous drive technologies that may one day be available, the steering wheel collapses into the dashboard and the pedals retract into the floor, releasing even more space should the driver wish to hand control over to the vehicle.
By contrast, the rear of the cabin is devoid of all technology, save for the QX Inspiration's lighting, a deliberate move by INFINITI's designers to create a relaxing, screen-free space where occupants can sit back and watch the world go by.