Q label marks advent of new designs

The Q50 is the first model released under Infiniti's new nomenclature.

Following a new naming system, Infiniti has unveiled its 2014 lineup.

According to the new system, all Infiniti sedans and coupes are prefixed with the letter Q, while its SUVs will be labeled QX. After the letters, a double-digit number is used to indicate the different classes of the cars.

The former G sedan is now called Q50, while the G coupe and convertible is now the Q60. The luxury Q70 has replaced the M sedan at the top of the lineup.

On the SUV side, the range-topping QX is now called the QX80. Sitting below is the QX70, formerly known as the FX, then the QX60, formerly the JX, and finally the EX has been re-christened the QX50.

Infiniti Q50 2.0T world premiere at 2013 Auto Gruangzhou

New designs for Infiniti

The company said that "Q" captures the inspiration within the next generation of Infiniti models as well as emphasizing its performance credentials while calling to mind the legacy of the Q45, Infiniti's first iconic flagship product that rolled off the line some 25 years ago, according to a press release.

The Q50, the first model under the new nomenclature, will be introduced into the Chinese market at the beginning of this year. Production on a long-wheelbase version will also start in China by the end of this year.

Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti's executive designing supervisor, said that the design of their products has been "bold and uniquely charming" because it combines Oriental aesthetic ideals with modern technology.

"Our designs have also integrated Latin-style passion with the subtle emotions into the Eastern culture."

He said that the new Q50, as well as QX60, is the realization of the Infiniti trilogy - Essence, Etheria and Emerge, which are three concept models since 2009.

"Particularly on Q50, you can see many design language and aspects rooted in and evolved from these concept cars," he said. "Infiniti design identity is consistent but we are moving forward to create another level of evolution.

"Q50 starts to bring a lighter and more dynamic language to Infiniti with its flowing yet dense muscularity that inspires a desire to drive."

Like Q50, the next-generation concept model Q30 has a dynamic sense of sculpture but in a new proportion for Infiniti, said Albaisa. The Q30 will be a compact premium entry car.

It shares with Infiniti Q50 key cues of Infiniti's new lightweight design language, but also explores bolder styling freedom.

"Q30 Concept is slender, sleek and seductive," said Albaisa, who played an influential role in recent Infiniti designs including Emerge-e Concept and Q50. "When you see speedy big cats, like cheetahs, they have a slenderness and a lightweight stride. It's almost like they're floating.

"That's the muscularity we were aiming for with Q30 Concept - a fluid turbulence of full bodied sections that are suddenly lightweight, floating and effortless, lines and forms crossing over, almost spiraling through a very slender silhouette."