Infiniti makes abundantly clear that the QX80 Monograph concept debuting at the New York Auto Show is the brand’s vision for the exterior of the next-generation of its largest SUV (the one that isn't - currently - sold in the UK). The model’s massive size and chiselled styling would certainly look rather, er, imposing on the road.
At over 5 meters long, the QX80 Monograph concept is only slightly shorter than the 5,179mm U.S.-market Cadillac Escalade. The Infiniti is also over 2 meters wide with the mirrors folded, again similar to the Caddy’s 2044mm width.
The QX80 Monograph accentuates its large size with roughhewn styling that makes it appear sculpted from a single mass of material. In front, Infiniti’s double-arch grille is taller and wider than normal for this vehicle. The resulting large opening with a dark mesh covering makes the SUV appear even more aggressive. The skinny headlights feature individual LED elements that can light up independently. These parts eventually transition into thin strips that flow to the rear-facing cameras. Further down, brushed trim outlines the wing vents behind the front wheels.
At the rear, the designers accent the vehicle’s width yet further by using elements that stretch horizontally. The thin taillights feature individual elements that echo the pieces in the headlights. Wide exhaust outlets incorporate a similar motif into the lower part of the body.
“The QX80 Monograph is an exploration of how we plan to take a step forward in the large SUV segment. This is an important initiative for Infiniti, as the QX80 is popular with buyers in a number of markets — particularly in North America and the Middle East.” Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President of Global Product Strategy, said. He makes no mention of Europe: Infiniti may not yet be taking on Range Rover in the UK, then.
Infiniti’s designers focus on the exterior for the QX80 Monograph and make no mention of the interior or the powertrain, either. The body is eye-catching, though, particularly with the frosted-effect paint that mixes the appearance of a satin and a metallic finish.
Source: Infiniti
Gallery: Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept
INFINITI QX80 MONOGRAPH: NEW DESIGN STUDY BLENDS UPSCALE LUXURY WITH A COMMANDING PRESENCE
- QX80 Monograph is the ultimate expression of futuristic luxury SUV design
- New design study signals INFINITI’s intention to evolve its presence in the large SUV
segment - “Monograph”: a detailed study into a single area of expertise
- Press kit now available online at www.infinitinews.com
NEW YORK — INFINITI has just unveiled the QX80 Monograph, a new design study
exploring upscale luxury and signaling INFINITI’s intention to further develop its standing in
the large SUV segment.
The QX80 Monograph combines luxury with a commanding presence, and demonstrates the
high levels of space and utility for which the QX80 production vehicle is renowned. It
illustrates how the design of INFINITI’s large SUV could evolve in the future. Originating at
INFINITI’s design studio in Atsugi, Japan, and unveiled for the first time in New York, the
QX80 Monograph is the ultimate expression of futuristic luxury SUV design.
“The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design.
QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration
into how we could enhance our future INFINITI offering in the luxury SUV segment.” –
Roland Krueger, President, INFINITI.
The ultimate expression of futuristic luxury SUV design
- Hints at a forward-looking new design for INFINITI’s large SUV
- Applies INFINITI’s latest signature design cues on a new scale
“The QX80 Monograph provides the opportunity to reimagine INFINITI’s signature design
DNA on a totally different scale. We sculpted our body pure, straight and horizontal, the
muscularity both brute and sensual; part Rodin’s Thinker, part Michelangelo. INFINITI
carrozzeria used svelte satin copper skin, set off by an ultra-powerful double arch grille with
abstract structural mesh, distinctive and focused human eye signature headlamp, and iconic
fender vent. Our designers continue to impress by finding new avenues for INFINITI artistry.”
—Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President, Global Design
The QX80 Monograph hints at a forward-looking new design for INFINITI’s flagship large
SUV. The concept applies the brand’s latest design language in a sculptural and artistic way,
incorporating a mix of geometric and organic shapes to combine power with elegance,
creating a commanding and sophisticated presence.
The QX80 Monograph is over five meters long, almost two meters tall (including roof rails),
and more than two meters wide (door mirrors folded). It appears longer thanks to defined
character lines, in particular the strong, straight shoulder line that runs from the grille all the
way to the rear of the car.
The headlamps extend into thin lights that wrap around the front corners of the hood and
run along the wings, for a unique light signature from the front and in profile. The light bars
running along the front fenders end in sculptured rear-view cameras at the leading edge of
the two front doors.
The “face” of the QX80 Monograph appears more powerful and purposeful, with large,
functional fender vents delivering more air to the engine and flanking an aluminum chin
guard. Enhancing the QX80’s SUV credentials is an underbody cover that runs the length of
the floor, protecting the car’s undersides and aiding aerodynamic performance.
A thin strip of aluminum below the grille emphasizes the QX80’s width and incorporates
razor-sharp LED fog lamps at each end for a modern, high-tech appearance. At the rear,
defined horizontal lines highlight this SUV’s wide and powerful aura. The appearance of the
sharper, thinner taillights is mirrored in the wide twin exhausts, which feature a gloss-black
airfoil in between to encourage smoother air flow off the back of the car.
The doors open to reveal an integrated, brushed aluminum sill step to ease ingress and
egress, while vents aft of the front and rear wheels provide a further distinctive metallic
accent to the design. These vents also perform a valuable aerodynamic function, evacuating
turbulent and drag-inducing air from the wheel arches.
The QX80 Monograph’s design details express INFINITI’s approach to high quality, high
precision manufacturing. Notably, the QX80 Monograph’s blacked-out A-pillars sit flush
with the side windows and windscreen, while the pop-out door handles are also flush with
the bodywork. These elements give a cleaner appearance and help to minimize drag and
wind noise.
Unmistakable INFINITI signature design elements are taken from the company’s latest
concept and production vehicles. QX80 Monograph features the latest incarnation of
INFINITI’s hallmark “human-eye” headlamps, raised high up in the front of the car, as well as
slimmer and sharper rear combination lamps. The unique “piano key” design of the headlights
and taillights enables individual LED elements to light up independently, providing an artistic
application of the latest adaptive lighting technology.
The new interpretation of INFINITI’s double-arch grille is taller and wider, giving the QX80
Monograph a powerful new face, while a new grille mesh suggests a highly sculptural and
technical form. The new mesh adds greater visual depth with a series of individual sculptures
that appear linked together in a lattice. The crescent-cut D-pillars have been reshaped, with
sharper and higher trailing edges that enhance the horizontal aspect of the QX80
Monograph’s upper body.
The QX80 Monograph features a “frosted”-effect paint finish, following positive feedback
from recent INFINITI concepts completed with a similar effect. The desaturated color and
satin-like surface suggest an unusual treatment of the metal beneath, providing a textured
contrast to the gloss chrome and brushed aluminum elements elsewhere on this concept.
Straight-spoke, two-tone wheels—24 inches in diameter—are finished in chromium black
with contrasting brushed copper elements. The outer edges of the wheels overlap the tires,
which gives the appearance of a 26-inch wheel with a low-profile tire, further
complementing the scale of the QX80 Monograph.
“Earlier INFINITI show cars have started conversations with our customers, which gives us
the chance to talk about the brand’s future direction. We have listened to our customers to
discover their expectations for a large SUV from INFINITI in 2017 and beyond. The QX80
Monograph illustrates how INFINITI’s ‘powerful elegance’ design language could be used to
develop our luxury SUVs in future.”
—Alfonso Albaisa, Senior Vice President, Global Design
Evolving INFINITI’s presence in the luxury SUV segment
- INFINITI QX80 Monograph: a modern interpretation of luxury SUV design
“The QX80 Monograph is an exploration of how we plan to take a step forward in the large
SUV segment. This is an important initiative for INFINITI, as the QX80 is popular with
buyers in a number of markets—particularly in North America and the Middle East.”—Francois
Bancon, Vice President, Global Product Strategy, INFINITI
The INFINITI QX80 Monograph is a forward-looking interpretation of the QX80’s exterior
design, offering the size, utility and luxury appeal expected of vehicles in this segment.
As the brand’s largest SUV, the QX80 makes an important statement for INFINITI,
combining supreme space and utility with luxury and sophistication. INFINITI’s full-size SUV
meets the uncompromising needs of a target buyer who wants for nothing.
“Monograph”: a focused and detailed study
- QX80 Monograph represents a focused examination of a singular theme—exterior design
in the luxury SUV segment
INFINITI defines a “monograph” as a detailed study into a single area of expertise. In this
context, the INFINITI QX80 Monograph is a detailed examination of how the exterior
design of the QX80 may evolve in the future.
The QX80 Monograph is the first model from INFINITI to bear the “Monograph” moniker.
Monograph studies explore ways INFINITI can develop specific elements of its cars,
crossovers and SUVs.