Remember the sinister-looking Infiniti Q60 Project Black S from last year? Well, it appears that the automaker will be displaying a prototype of the performance hybrid sedan at the Paris Motor Show next week, and the numbers are quite tantalising.
The updated Project Black S is meant to showcase the transfer of technology from Formula One – specifically the dual-hybrid electric powertrain – to a road car. The Paris-bound model employs a VR30 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo engine with F1-style ‘energy recovery system’ (ERS) for a total system output of 571 PS. This enables a century sprint time of under four seconds! On its own, the engine produces 405 PS.
It employs three motor generator units (MGU) – a single MGU-K (‘K’ stands for ‘kinetic’) unit harvests kinetic energy from braking, and the engine’s twin electric turbochargers are fitted with two MGU-H (‘H’ for ‘heat’) units to harvest heat energy from exhaust gases. This enables the powertrain to generate electrical power under both braking and acceleration.
The powertrain and aerodynamics of the Black S were developed together with the Renault Sport Formula One Team. Design-wise, it features the ‘Monza’ wing with similar aero profile as Renault Sport’s F1 car, and the unit is made out of carbon-fibre. Through digital modelling technology, the shape and proportions of the wing have been fine-tuned to give maximum straight-line stability and high-traction under cornering.
Moving to the sides, the wheel arch extensions hide the increased track width and larger 21-inch alloy wheels, while the side skirts are deeper and more elaborate. The rear is characterised by a large rear wing and a massive diffuser, joined by enormous twin titanium centre-exit exhausts.
Infiniti’s chairman and global president, Roland Krueger said that “the Project Black S represents the very top end of electrification in the [Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi] Alliance portfolio, and is another example of Infiniti’s entrepreneurial spirit on its journey to electrification from 2021 onward.”
“Project Black S utilises high power and smart energy management from advanced powertrains, a thrilling dynamic capability on road and track, and a performance-oriented aesthetic. It’s a test-bed for new ideas and technologies, demonstrating how our Alliance partnerships could make our visions a reality,” he added.
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Wow! Absolutely stunning. Well done Infinity, this beast looks way better than the Sisi Civic TR, RCF and even Mercedes S63 AMG.. keep it up Nissan.
Nissan clever company. They were losing money but they knew when to merge with a partner and form a conglomerate
Clever people running the company.
but will it run rings around godzilla..?
I’ve seen the regular Q60 in real life and it’s absolutely gorgeous. This looks very promising, let’s hope it’s doesn’t have the same fate as the Eau Rouge though.