NEWS
Infiniti testing hothouse sedan
Q50 Eau Rouge prototype receives a work-out from Red Bull F1 driver Sebastian VettelInfiniti's Director of Performance – perhaps better known as Red Bull F1 racer Sebastian Vettel – has taken a Q50 Eau Rouge prototype for a quick spin around the Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK.
It's the first (publicised) step in taking the Q50 Eau Rouge from show car concept to production reality. Vettel's involvement in the test has yielded "invaluable feedback" that will be incorporated in the next stage of the car's development program, Infiniti claims. For that next stage the Q50 Eau Rouge will undergo component testing, packaging and (engineering) viability.
Aerodynamics will be refined and the engineering team working on the Q50 Eau Rouge project will also try different configurations for the suspension system. The car's lowered ride height (between 15 and 20mm) is already said to have resulted in enhanced under-body airflow. While they're working on the underpinnings, the engineering team will look at a computer control system for the car's suspension.
"Taking the decision to build and develop a prototype of the Q50 Eau Rouge concept following the positive response we received in Detroit and Geneva, was a logical next step for us in our evaluation process," said Johan de Nysschen, Infiniti President.
"Having a four-time world champion like Sebastian Vettel take an active part in the testing program around the prototype ensures that we will meet the level of performance criteria we desire for an Infiniti high-performance sport sedan."
The Q50 Eau Rouge – described in the recent past by de Nysschen as an M5 rival – is powered by the GT-R's 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that is expected to develop 424kW and 600Nm, eclipsing the larger, V8-engined BMW for output.
Infiniti rolled out the concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at the start of this year. Subsequently the car made its European debut in Geneva, where the show car's GT-R drivetrain was revealed. Infiniti is yet to decide whether the Q50 Eau Rouge will make it into production, but it has passed the first milestone – moving on from design study to prototype.
And frankly, for a company that's looking to shake up its image, an executive express like the Q50 Eau Rouge couldn't hurt.
Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Related articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Contact
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Download the carsales app
