Hype: Infiniti Previews Q50 Eau Rouge Concept Car
The Detroit Auto Show is only 10 days away, so this is typically the time that major media start breaking embargos and some OEMs even break their own embargos! Either way we, the car nuts of the world become the benefactors. Today’s treat comes from Infiniti. They are set to debut the Q50 “Eau Rouge” concept which according to them is heavily inspired by their partnership with the Red Bull Racing F1 team (this could explain the red color?).
The Q50 certainly looks racy and the hood vents have some hoping for a GT-R power plant under the hood but as of yet Infiniti has been quiet about the Eau Rouge’s performance specs and they have only officially released this one picture so far. However, Infiniti has planned on changing that last part with the help of social media. If people post to their facebook or twitter pages with the hashtag #F1Q50 then Infiniti will reveal more and more of the Eau Rouge on the unveil.infiniti.com website.
In the meantime you can see a HD resolution of the first official picture by clicking the thumbnail below. Also if you feel so inclined you can read Infiniti’s vague-ish press release below as well.
Press Release:
◾Q50 Eau Rouge represents design vision for high-performance products
◾Design of Q50 Eau Rouge features dramatic aerodynamic styling influenced by Infiniti’s involvement in Formula One
◾Q50 Eau Rouge features complex carbon composite bodywork
Hong Kong – Infiniti has revealed the first image of the Q50 Eau Rouge concept which will have its world premiere at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 13.
The Q50 Eau Rouge, a high-performance design concept based on Infiniti’s Q50 premium sports sedan, draws inspiration for aerodynamic design from the technical collaboration between Infiniti and four-time Formula One World Champions Infiniti Red Bull Racing.
Major bodywork components have been redesigned with aerodynamics in mind and manufactured carbon fiber. Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider – only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the production Q50. This striking design is inspired by muscularity, refinement, and understated performance intent.
Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge highlights include deep and detailed carbon fiber front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts; carbon fiber roof and door mirror casings; 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels; and a dual-exit exhaust sports system below a large integrated rear spoiler.
The Infiniti design team, led by Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa, was influenced by the aerodynamic styling approach taken by their colleagues at Infiniti Red Bull Racing.
“From our shared passion for performance with Infiniti Red Bull Racing grew a collective desire to produce a vision of what a high-performance Infiniti Q50 could look like,” said Albaisa.
“The design has a number of distinctive Formula One inspired touches. In particular, the sculpted front wing assembly and the rear aerodynamic packaging take their cues from the RB9 race car,” added Albaisa.
Infiniti is also empowering social fans to unveil the all-new Q50 Eau Rouge concept car ahead of the official launch at the Detroit Motor Show on January 13. Starting from today, online advocates can drive the reveal of Infiniti’s latest concept car. By sharing their views and comments through social media channels like Twitter (hashtag #F1Q50), Facebook and Weibo, fans will build the image of the concept in a virtual garage. Each “share” will help build individual Q50 components, and as more fans share, the quicker the car will be “built.” Progress can be viewed on unveil.infiniti.com.
More information about the Q50 Eau Rouge will be revealed during a press conference at the North American International Auto Show at 9:20 a.m. ET on January 14.