Infiniti have confirmed a further developed Project Back S prototype will debut at the Paris Motor Show next week, increasing the likelihood of a production version in the company's planed push to electrify its line-up.
The prototype follows on from the first Project Black S 'design study' revealed in 2017. But since then Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One team have continued development of the two-door coupe which is set to feature a range F1-inspired technologies.
Infiniti say the Project Black S prototype fuses the same high-performance, dual-hybrid technology seen in Formula One with Nissan's renowned VR30 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine.
Project Black S utilises an ‘energy recovery system’ (ERS) with three motor generator units (MGU) to increase output of the 298kW V6.
Infiniti Project Black 'design study'. Photo / Infiniti
With the use of a MGU-K (kinetic) unit to recover energy from braking and two MGU-H (heat) units harvesting heat energy from each turbocharger, the system is said to increase output to 420kW. The power to weight ratio is estimated to be 235W/kg, and the coupe can accelerate from 0-100km/h 'below four seconds'.
The Biggest gain from the three MGU systems will come in the form of torque, but Infiniti are in no hurry to release that figure ahead of the show.
The prototype is based on the Q60 red S sports coupe, but the cars body and aerodynamics have been fine tuned even further with help from engineers at the Renault Sport Formula One Team.
The wing has a similar profile to the Renault Sport Formula One Team’s ‘Monza’ wing, which provides a relatively low level of downforce.
Infiniti Project Black 'design study'. Photo / Infiniti
Digital modelling technology allowed for subtle changes to the shape and proportions of the wing, which now offers a compromise between maximum straight-line stability and high-traction under cornering.
Infiniti plan to electrify it's entire line-up by 2021 and Global President Ronald Krueger says Project Black S represents a a "significant milestone on its road to electrification."
“A collaborative venture between INFINITI and the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S prototype is a test-bed for new ideas and technologies, demonstrating how our Alliance partnerships could make our ambitious visions a reality,” said Kruger.
Infiniti Project Black 'design study'. Photo / Infiniti
“’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.
“Building on the strength and success of the electric vehicle expertise of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, Infiniti is showing the Project Black S, a high-performance prototype with F1 technology resulting from collaboration within the Alliance."
“The Project Black S represents the very top end of electrification in the Alliance portfolio, and is another example of Infiniti's entrepreneurial spirit on its journey to electrification from 2021 onward."
