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Unique Interior
The interior trim finishers are unique to the
Paris concept. The center console is finished with black lacquer while the dashboard area above the
glove box and doors are adorned with KACCHU, the name given to the armor used
by Japan's feudal warlords, or samurai, in the Middle Ages. Small iron plates
were woven through textile to provide not just great strength but also
flexibility and light weight. Because the highly skilled process allowed for a
multitude of colors and patterns, the most elaborate KACCHU designs were a sign
of great power and wealth.
338-hp Engine
Under the bonnet of the IPL G Cabrio Concept
is Infiniti's charismatic 3.7-litre V6 boasting 338 hp, 8 hp more than standard
thanks to a high-flow dual exhaust system. It doesn't just sound great but also
reduces exhaust pressure by 30%, further enhancing engine efficiency. The point
at which peak power is developed has been boosted, from 7000 to 7400 rpm - high
revs which the VQ engine's motor racing-inspired "bed plate" construction
technique can take in its stride.
Maximum torque output is increased -
from 276 lb-ft - but most important the shape of the torque curve has been
refined so performance doesn't feel in any way peaky, maintaining the linear
acceleration so crucial to any Infiniti.
Chassis and Performance
The Cabrio Concept's running
gear has been upgraded, again following the lead set by the IPL G Coupé. Sports
suspension, with 10% stiffer springs and recalibrated dampers, are fitted and
the body sits a little lower.
Top speed of the de-restricted concept car,
which has a seven speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifts, is
more than 168 mph, with 0-60 mph available in under 6 seconds.
Well
Equipped
Nothing
in the IPL philosophy calls for a let-up in the provision of features as
standard. The IPL G Cabrio Concept maintains this Infiniti advantage by being
superbly well equipped with an array of innovative comfort, convenience and
safety technologies - just like the GT Premium model on which it is based and
which has been available as part of the G Line in Infiniti Centres across Europe
for more than a year.
So in league with the high performance looks and
ability are features such as noise-cancelling technology, head restraint-mounted
"personal" speakers, seats with internal heating and cooling and adaptive
climate control. The 13-speaker premium sound system is by Bose while
suggestions on where to visit, stay or eat and drink are sourced from the
Michelin Guides directly into the 30 GB hard disk drive navigation. It's just
one part of the all-encompassing functionality of the Connectiviti+ infotainment
system which the G Cabrio first introduced to the world at the model's launch in
2009.
A decision on launching IPL Infinitis in Europe will be taken later
after reaction to the IPL G Cabrio Concept has been considered.
Infiniti IPL G Cabrio Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications