One-off Infiniti Q30 sculpture at London Art Fair

Infiniti has unveiled a Q30 with a difference the opening of the 2016 London Art Fair at the Islington Business Centre.

 Located just outside the show's entrance is a special Q30, to which 48,000 copper tacks have been painstakingly adhered, covering half of the hatchback's entire bodywork.

Created with the help of contemporary artist Rachel Ducker, the sculpture is made more dynamic with the addition of one of the human like steel wire figures for which she is renowned, leaning out of the side window. The female figure is topped with long two-tone coloured hair, which is flowing outwards as if it were blowing in the wind.

From one side the Q30 appears untouched while the other side is completely covered in the copper tacks. From a distance the car seems to be covered in a layer of long copper coloured hair but to the touch the sharp heads of the tacks can be felt, just like a bed of nails. 

These tacks were specifically chosen due to the ability of the copper colour to radiate a variety of different shades depending on the light conditions and angle of viewing; similar to the Liquid Copper Q30 launch colour.

Each tack took approximately 10 seconds to adhere to the body of the Q30, which means that that aspect of the sculpture took around 8000 minutes (or 133 hours) to create.

Rachel Ducker, a self-confessed car nut, spends most of her time living either in Oxford or Marrakech these days, but made a special appearance at the show to not only reveal the Q30 but to also meet with the Infiniti Car designer Simon Cox to discuss the thinking behind the project. 

Rachel stated: "My work is all about energy and movement and to put my figures alongside such a well-designed car as the Q30, gave me the opportunity to combine both of my passions. Art is all about what people see as they look at the display, whatever it may be. I do not believe in giving a descriptive list of what it is supposed to mean or what it means to me. Everyone sees things differently depending on the mood of the individual or how the light portrays the image at that particular time." 

Simon Cox, Infiniti design director based in Paddington London, had a similar background to Rachel, studying sculpture and jewellery design, before moving onto cars. Simon was both excited and intrigued to see how the car looked. "It is amazing to see how the copper tacks provide a dramatic effect to how the light reflects across the bonnet and down the shoulder lines. It creates a striking flow as you move around the car. I really like Rachel's work and how she portrays movement to bring her models to life."

The one-off Q30 sculpture will be on display outside the entrance to the 2016 London Art Fair in Islington until Sunday 24 January.

Infiniti Q60 coupe debuts in Detroit

The Infiniti Q60 sports coupe has made its world premiere at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

Lower and wider than its predecessors, the Q60 features dynamic enhancements including an all-new lightweight 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine, new adaptive steering and digital suspension system.

The high performance engine from the new ‘VR’ powertrain family is born out of the brand’s extensive in-house experience of six-cylinder powertrains. The new ‘VR30’ engine develops 400hp with one of the best power-to-efficiency ratios in the premium sports coupe class, says Infiniti. The powertrain is mated to a rear-biased intelligent All Wheel Drive (AWD) system that offers enhanced stability and road holding in low grip conditions.

A rear wheel drive version is also available, powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre gasoline engine, turbo-charged to produce 208hp.

The Q60 features Infiniti’s new Dynamic Digital Suspension, which has been designed to offer best-in-class handling responses and agility, and enhanced ride comfort – thanks, in part, to a dedicated new set of dampers.

In addition, Infiniti says that its second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering offers high levels of steering feel and feedback, while the Drive Mode Selector gives drivers the option to personalise and tailor the steering’s precise levels of response and feel to suit their own preferences. 

“The Infiniti Q60 conveys a powerful elegance through its daring design, and has the performance credentials to match – thanks to next-generation ride and handling technologies and up to 400 horsepower. The Q60 will affirm Infiniti’s leadership in the premium sports coupe class.” said Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti.

The Q60 sports coupe will go on sale in selected markets in the second half of 2016.

Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Works Renault team return to F1 as Infiniti-Red Bull split

Renault has confirmed a return to Formula 1 with its own team for the 2016 season, as Nissan, Infiniti and Red Bull Racing have reached mutual agreement to end their partnership a year early.

12-time Constructor's Champion Renault, with nearly 40 years in the sport, is an iconic brand in Formula 1. Work continues on finalising the terms to the acquisition of the Lotus F1 team in the 'shortest timeframe possible'. The Lotus F1 Team stood out as the ideal option for Renault having worked together for 15 years. As a full team, Renault will says it will take maximum benefit from its victories, adding 'the payback as an engine supplier proved to be limited'.

Renault has had uninterrupted involvement in Formula 1 for almost 40 years and has taken part in more than 600 grand prix, claiming 168 race wins, 12 Constructors' titles and 11 Drivers' crowns.

"Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave. After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016. The final details supplied by F1's main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win, even if it will take some time," said Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO, Renault.

Meanwhile, Nissan, Infiniti and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team have reached mutual agreements to discontinue the partnership between the two automotive brands and the F1 team at the end of December this year, one year earlier than originally stipulated.

Infiniti and Red Bull Racing started their commercial partnership in 2011 before Infiniti became the title sponsor of the team in 2013.

Drive an actual F1 car with Infiniti

Infiniti has launched an 'Ultimate Test Drive' competition offering the chance to drive a real Formula One car.

The campaign provides one lucky motorist from the UK the chance to get behind the wheel of an Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 car with instruction from team driver Daniil Kvyat.

Customers who visit any Infiniti centre and complete a test drive will be entered into a prize draw. From there, 25 finalists will be selected to go head to head at Rockingham Motor Speedway where they will be assessed on all aspects of their driving ability and car control by a panel of judges - including Infiniti Red Bull Racing Test & Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi.

One UK winner will be selected to join winners from Russia and the Middle East for the ultimate prize. Starting with driver training on the Infiniti Red Bull Racing simulator at the team's factory in Milton Keynes, they will then be flown to Dubai to test drive a real, fully race specification Formula One car with personal guidance from Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniil Kvyat. After the driving experience of a lifetime, they will travel to Abu Dhabi to experience a VIP hospitality weekend for two at the Grand Prix, courtesy of Infiniti.

Commenting on the event, Carl Bayliss, Country Manager, Infiniti UK, said: "Never before has Infiniti offered a prize of this calibre and we are delighted to be able to reward potential and existing customers with an opportunity like this. Our partnership with Infiniti Red Bull Racing has helped us to emphasise the performance part of our DNA, so offering one winner the chance to experience the ultimate test drive is a real testament to our own Inspired Performance."

The 'Ultimate Drive' campaign is currently operating at all UK Infiniti centres and will close on 16th August.

Production-ready Infiniti Q30 revealed

Production-ready Infiniti Q30 revealed

The Infiniti Q30 has been revealed in its final production form ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The all-new Q30 is a compact 5-door hatchback developed, says Infiniti, for customers seeking urban individuality.

The public premiere of the car comes exactly two years after its precursor, the Q30 Concept, was introduced at the 2013 Frankfurt show and the distinctive design of that concept has been tweaked only slightly for production. 

"Design is a key pillar of the Infiniti brand - and the new Q30 Active Compact perfectly embodies this approach," said Infiniti President Roland Krueger. "The Q30 Active Compact delivers the distinctive design, the driving dynamics and the individuality that our customers expect of an Infiniti vehicle. With our first ever entry in the compact car segment, we continue the product offensive and provide additional options for our discerning customers."

The Q30 underwent final testing and development in Europe. It will be built in Sunderland in the UK which will then become the fourth country on three continents to build Infiniti vehicles.

Press days for the Frankfurt Motor Show are on September 15-16 and the doors open to the public from September 17-27.