Concept lays blueprint for M, AMG challenger
Johan de Nysschen knows Infiniti is a challenger brand. While the marque is now 25 years old, the Japanese luxury automaker is still in its infancy. Like he did at Audi, Johan is committed to turning the tides in Infiniti’s favour.
Enter the first salvo in being a serious contender – the Q50 Eau Rouge.
From a distance, the concept doesn’t look like much beyond a normal Q50 with some fancy red paint. But, as you get closer, the details begin to make sense. Bodywork behind the front wheel and preceding the rear wheel is meant to calm the air to make the Eau Rouge as slippery as possible. The car is 10mm wider on each side to make room for a wider track. In fact, every body panel on the car, save the front doors, is different than the Q50 sedan.
If Infiniti decided to bring the Eau Rouge to dealer lots, de Nysschen expects a power figure of about 500 hp, probably from a blown V8. Until then, the pictures below will have to satiate your craving for now.
Detroit / Hong Kong – Infiniti has revealed the Q50 Eau Rouge, a design vision of a high-performance variant of the Infiniti Q50 premium sports sedan, which draws inspiration from Formula One.
The muscular concept vehicle, which premiered at the North American International Auto Show, is a seductive glimpse of Infiniti’s design prowess in sports orientated vehicles, offered to gauge public and media reaction.
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge features bespoke carbon fibre bodywork, Formula One-inspired aerodynamics, a premium cockpit and a powerfully hunkered stance.
“Performance is a key ingredient of Infiniti vehicles such as the Q50 sports sedan. Our involvement in Formula One provides inspiration and excellence to our designers and engineers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited. “Q50 Eau Rouge hints at a design language that we could extend to potential future performance models. If Infiniti decided to build a limited series of this vehicle, it would likely feature a power output of more than 500hp.”
Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge highlights include deep and detailed carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts; carbon fibre roof and door mirror casings; 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler.
Q50 Eau Rouge’s wheel arches are 20mm wider than standard and a unique combination of layers along with a tinted clear coat has been applied to add depth to the red paint color.
The concept’s interior features matching carbon fibre door and center console panes, and a high-grip sports steering wheel with Formula One-style paddle-shifters.
