Infiniti introduced its Q50 Eau Rouge Concept complete with a 560-horsepower GT-R engine at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. But according to an Autoblog report, the car went through quite a few iterations before it became the version likely bound for production.
Kyle Bazemore, Infiniti's senior communications manager, told Autoblog, "Our engineering and product planning teams looked at other solutions, such as versions of our V6 engines, and we even looked at developing a high-power sports diesel, then we narrowed it down according to size, weight, packaging, flexibility and how the powertrain package could be 'Infinitized' for the Q50 experience."
When the Q50 Eau Rouge Concept was showcased at this year's Detroit Auto Show, it didn't yet have an engine. Infiniti surprised by putting in Nissan's GT-R 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 in time for the Geneva Motor Show, the New York Daily News reported.
With all-wheel drive and 560 horsepower, the concept is basically a four-door edition of Nissan's GT-R sports coupe, according to the Daily News.
Even though it seems ready, the vehicle "is just that, a concept for now," Bazemore said.
The Q50 Eau Rouge is listed as a "future vehicle" on the Infiniti website, which notes that the vehicle was inspired by the carmaker's partnership with the Formula One world championship-winning team Infiniti Red Bull Racing.
Even though Infiniti head Johan de Nysschen has reportedly "insisted" the car go into production, officials haven't outlined any launch dates for the Q50 Eau Rouge. But at least it has a perfect engine fit.
"After everything was considered, the GT-R engine--as a basis with modifications to make it appropriate for an Infiniti--was the clear solution for the Eau Rouge concept car," Bazemore told Autoblog. "And ultimately, completely, amazingly fantastical."
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