While this year’s Detroit Motor Show largely resembled a truck apocalypse, luckily for us car enthusiasts, we had Infiniti come to the rescue with its stunning Q Inspiration Concept.

Touted as a crystal ball-gaze into the Japanese brand’s next design direction, the Q Inspiration is tipped to morph into a Q50 sedan replacement. But could Infiniti’s concept translate well into a production version?

Let’s ponder some illustrative conjecture.

Imposing Looks

One of the most impressive aspects of the Q Inspiration concept was the staunch, yet minimalist design. We’d expect this to carry over for production, albeit slightly toned down, making for a vast visual improvement over the current Q50.

Front end styling is dominated by a big, Mercedes-AMG GT R-like imposing grille, slim inner-finned LED headlamps and a curvaceous hood. Gazing from the side reveals a diagonal fender crease, Tesla Model S-esque DLO (daylight opening area) and accompanying chrome work.

Towards the back, muscular rear haunches help ground the car in an aggressive way giving an appearance that the car is about to leap out at you. (Don’t worry it won’t – it’s not a Mustang).

Variable Compression Power

Arguably, one of the most intriguing developments of late, is Infiniti’s VC-T (variable compression turbocharged) technology. With a varied compression ratio from 8.0:1 to 14.0:1, the 268-hp, 2.0-litre mill can speedily change from high boost, low compression to low boost, high compression for the best of both worlds in terms of power and efficiency.

The current 3.0-litre Twin Turbo from the Red Sport 400 may carry over. If so, this unit will largely stay the same with minor improvements.

Whether Infiniti decides to move to the QX50’s new platform remains to be seen. Such a move would likely rule out rear wheel drive, with power put to all four wheels via a new XTRONIC CVT.

The Old Guard:

The Q50 goes up against BMW’s 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, Genesis G70, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Volvo S60.

If looks are anything to go by, this design study would have the lot licked when it comes to sheer visual appeal. In terms of sales, the old guard of Germany’s finest won’t make things easy, with their established cache of customers who value pedigree over flamboyance.

What do you think of this illustrated translation from concept to production? Share you views in the comments below.

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes