Mixed powertrain, 500 hp, mixed feelings
The Q60 Black S coupé Infiniti will bring to the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is a “road-going embodiment” of a technical partnership the Japanese car manufacturer has established with the Renault F1 team.
Based on the Red Sport 400, the Q60 Black S is using a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine (packing 400 hp) boosted by an F1-inspired KERS system; this one-off powertrain is developing 500 hp.
In the F1 car, the KERS gathers energy from the braking and the exhaust gas heat and re-uses it to power the engine’s turbo compressor and the crankshaft. Infiniti wants to replicate the scheme in the road-going Q60 hybrid, but implementing it would probably be discouragingly expensive.
The performance figures have not been disclosed yet, but we can rely on what we already know about the Q60 to form an idea on what the Black S can do. The hybrid Q60 will launch to 60 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, thanks to “instant, lag-free acceleration,” courtesy of the all-wheel-drive system and, of course, the electric motor that delivers torque instantly.
The Q60’s high-performance hybrid version stands out from the rest not only because of the unique powertrain engineering but also because of the way it looks. The aggressive body styling (signed by Infiniti’s European design director Matt Weaver) is meant to enhance aerodynamics. The front and rear bumpers now generate more downforce, while the air vents cut into the bonnet — they really do work. The wheels… well, the 21-inch wheels are here to complete this wonderfully looking package.
via Autocar