Infiniti QX Inspiration Concept Broke Down In Detroit, Got Covered By The Tarp Of Shame

Infiniti unveiled the QX Inspiration concept at the North American International Auto Show yesterday, but its debut didn’t exactly go as planned.

In typical auto show fashion, Infiniti executives planned to say a few words about the model before it was driven on stage in front of the world’s press. That didn’t happen as the concept broke down in the hallway.

This created a number of problems for the company as it left Executive Design Director, Karim Habib, in the awkward position of introducing a vehicle that wasn’t there. With a bit of smirk, Habib ended up saying “Ladies and gentlemen, the Infiniti QX Inspiration. You can’t see it, but it is here.”

The awkwardness continued as Habib’s speech continually referred the no-show and he ended saying the company is “incredibly proud” of a vehicle that broke down.

This is as far the Infiniti QX Inspiration made it at #NAIAS. pic.twitter.com/DfyZeoxNLv

— Edmunds (@edmunds) January 14, 2019

If that wasn’t bad enough, the stranded QX Inspiration become a bit of an attraction as photographers were eager to catch a glimpse of the failure. Infiniti eventually covered the crossover in what we’re calling the tarp of shame.

There’s no word on what caused the issue, but it has to be an embarrassing moment for the automaker. However, the company eventually sorted out the issue and put the concept on display.

As we reported yesterday, the QX Inspiration is a mid-sized crossover that serves as a “precursor to the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle.” The concept also previews how Infiniti’s design language will translated for use on electric vehicles.

While the company didn’t mention performance specifications, the production model will ride on an all-new platform. The company also said it will launch a range of “high-performance electrified vehicles” which are engaging to drive and have a “confidence” inspiring range.