Infiniti has unveiled Prototype 9, a concept car designed on the lines of a 1940's race car. This EV which is a blend of the golden era racer with Infiniti's design lines would however never get to production, nor is it showcasing the future direction of products from the Infiniti stable. This is only a concept to demonstrate the company's design ethos.
Unlike its European rivals, Infiniti has no real storied racing heritage or legacy of engineering greatness, and yet this faux racer is a light-hearted take at vintage racers. The Prototype 9 comes with a 30-kwh battery that is teamed with an electric motor that produces an equivalent of 148 HP, and the motor is powerful enough to power the rear-wheel-driven Prototype 9 from 0-100 kmph in just 5.5 seconds with a top speed of about 170 kmph. Though these are not record breaking performance figures, this still is faster than Tesla's Model 3. Performance is no doubt helped by its low-weight of just 890 kg, despite its vintage chassis.
The single seater retro-racer comes with interiors that are designed with the best materials and has been tailored to echo the retro-design theme. There is black leather with nice contrasting red stitching, and with Japanese flags sewed into the seat - again showcasing that faux-heritage.
Almost everything on the vehicle is old-school to keep with the retro theme of the concept - For the suspension Infiniti has chosen transverse leaf springs at both ends, the steering isn't power assisted, and the brakes aren't boosted, though discs are found at all four corners.
The Prototype 9 will make its public debut this week at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
