While Infiniti didn’t say it specifically in its release, all evidence points to the use of the same ferocious 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 found in the highly acclaimed Nissan GT-R series in the reheated Q50 Eau Rouge Concept that went on display at the Geneva Motor Show.
We first saw the study at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January, but in Switzerland, Infiniti popped up the hood revealing the V6 powerplant, rated in this application at 568PS (560hp) and 600Nm (592 lb-ft), which if applied on a production model as rumored, takes the compact luxury sedan segment to a whole new performance level.
Infiniti’s stab on the BMW M3 saloon, pairs the twin-turbo V6 to a full-time, all-wheel drive system with 50/50 front-to-rear torque split and a 7-speed transmission, for an estimated 0-60mph (96km/h) acceleration time of less than four seconds, and a top speed close to 180mph (290km/h).
“Building on the extremely positive feedback on the Q50 Eau Rouge at its recent Detroit Auto Show launch, we decided to further whet the appetite of performance sports saloon fans by engineering this powerful heart into our blood-red beast,” said Infiniti boss, Johan de Nysschen.
“A car with such pronounced styling treatments demands the very best in terms of high-performance powertrains, which is why we installed this V6 twin-turbocharged, 7-speed combination as an example of what a potential powertrain for the Q50 Eau Rouge may look and sound like,” he added.
Infiniti says the car has not been confirmed for production, but leaves the door open stating that it “underlines the company’s determination to create engaging performance cars for a premium segment”.
By John Halas
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